Arkils Tingstad

Experience and explore real Viking Age history at the side of 1000 years old runestunes, as well as on the sites where history once happened 1000 years ago. This tour explore the fascinating and ruthless Viking Age trough 6 carefully selected historical sights while learning about their culture and lifestyle from expert tour guides and a award-winning tour company. Get a good view of Viking historical sites and an overview of Viking history in Sweden and its effects on modern Scandinavian culture. This 8-hour tour starts from Stockholm with comfortable hotel pickup. Visit the most important Viking sites close to Stockholm, including Sigtuna and Old Uppsala, with transportation included from central Stockholm. During this tour, you will visit several Viking sites along the way such as Broby bro - one of Sweden’s most famous burial grounds. Learn about and visit some mighty Viking burials sites, both a pagan one and an early Christan one from the transition period between Christianity and old Norse religion. Learn about Estrid, a mighty Viking woman. See Jarlabanki's bridge, a partly reconstructed Viking bridge and explore the strange runic inscription here. Stop at the Arkil Assembly site - a Viking Parliament. Learn about Viking laws, the construction of kin groups, and the use of that as a base in Viking society. Hear how the disputes could be settled in Sweden's history. Explore Sigtuna, the oldest town in Sweden on a guided walking tour. Visit the beautiful wooden town of Sigtuna, known as a place for Swedes to go on weekend vacations and well-known as the oldest city in Sweden. Walk among several different medieval church ruins and the cosy small alleys. Visit the king's grave mounds at Old Uppsala dating back 1500 years in time. This is one of Sweden's most important historical sites. Explore the former medieval Cathedral at the site as well and walk around the 11-meter high grave mounds. The guide will tell you all about its rich and long history. At Uppsala city we explore the city's history as well as the biggest church in all the Nordic countries: The Uppsala Cathedral before heading back to Stockholm.

You will see the best of "runriket", a famous trail of Viking sites, see some original medieval churches and be taken on a journey through time as we visit some of the most significant Viking sites in the region while learning about the most influential people of their time and who helped shape the Swedish future and the transition from paganism to christianity. If possible you will be picked up at your hotel or by a nearby location. For you who are staying outside the center, pickup will be at Radisson Waterfront hotel close to the Central Railway station. We keep our tour groups small, with a maximum of 17 guests, to ensure a personalized experience. Our Tour begins in Stockholm and continues with stopes at some significant Viking sites and Vallentuna church. We continue to our popular stop at Granby fram where we will enjoy a traditional Swedish “fika” which concludes of homemade pastries and coffee. We continue to the charming town of Sigtuna, which was founded in the late viking era. Here, we'll explore the ruins of Saint Olaf church, the Norwegian Viking warrior, who later converted to christianity and finally became an Saint. You will have some private time to enjoy a lunch, shopping, wander through the town's picturesque streets or just relax. Next, stop is Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala) with all its famous burial mounds, which date back to the first centuries AD until the end of the Viking era. Gamla Uppsala was also the spiritual center of the Vikings in all of Scandinavia and there they gather together for Midwinter blot festivals. From legends it is said that the pagan temple was burned down in 1087, a church was built on top of it, which became the main cathedral for the country and the seat of the country's first archbishop. Last stop will be the university town of Uppsala, we will visit the main cathedral in Sweden today. As we are leaving you will enjoy a brief guided tour through the university areas. The journey back to Stockholm takes about one hour, then you can openly ask about just anything or just relax and enjoy the tour back. Throughout the tour, our guide will engage you in discussions about Viking history, culture, and society. You'll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and share your own insights and perspectives. As an experienced Viking tour guide with over 10 years of experience and many positive reviews, I am confident in the quality of my tours. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Swedish history. Book your tour today and experience the magic of Sweden's Viking heritage!

Embark on a captivating journey through Sweden's rich Viking history with our knowledgeable and experienced guides, a full-day tour that unravels the tales of centuries past in the Stockholm region. Immerse yourself in the Viking story at ancient sights like Jarlabankes Bridge adorned with runestones. Discover the serene beauty of Lake Vallentuna, home to historical sites, and delve into Viking governance at the historic Arkils Tingstad assembly site. Savor a traditional Swedish fika at Hökeriet and shop for Viking-themed souvenirs at Granby Farm. Step into the heart of Sigtuna, Sweden's oldest town, wandering its cobblestone streets, enjoying lakeside views, and delving into its rich heritage, including a look at the town hall and church ruins. Continue to Uppsala, where history and academia entwine, exploring landmarks like the Uppsala Cathedral and the Royal Mounds of Gamla Uppsala. Tour stops Jarlabankes Bridge: An ancient Viking-age bridge named after chieftain Jarlabanke, dating back to the 11th century, adorned with runestones that tell the story of his power and family. Lake Vallentuna: Explore the picturesque Lake Vallentuna, a natural and historical treasure, offering outdoor activities like ice skating in winter and hiking in summer, with traces of centuries-old human habitation. Arkils Tingstad: Delve into the Viking era at Arkils Tingstad, an assembly site where communities resolved disputes, made decisions, and enacted laws, shedding light on early Scandinavian governance. Vallentuna Church: Visit the 12th-century Vallentuna Church, an architectural gem blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, and learn about the end of the Viking age and Sweden's Christianization. Hökeriet: Experience a traditional Swedish "fika" at Hökeriet, a charming provision shop located at Granby Farm, offering regional handcrafts and Viking-themed souvenirs. Granby and the Granby Stone: Explore the Granby Stone, an ancient runestone with a detailed Viking text, and step into the best-preserved Viking house foundations at Granby, where you'll learn about Viking daily life. Sigtuna - the Oldest Town in Sweden: Journey to Sigtuna, Sweden's oldest town, founded in AD 980, and stroll through cobblestone streets, visit St. Mary's Church, and explore lakeside views and the Sigtuna Museum. Uppsala: Discover Uppsala's historic and academic legacy as you pass by the magnificent Uppsala Cathedral, botanical gardens, historic university buildings, and Uppsala Castle. Old Uppsala: Uncover the Royal Mounds of Gamla Uppsala, three prominent burial mounds dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, traditionally linked to legendary Swedish kings, showcasing historical and cultural significance.

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in central Stockholm, and then escape the hustle and bustle of city life as you head into the peaceful countryside. Stop at the famous burial ground of Broby bro (Jarlabanke Runestones) in the historic Uppland. Learn about Viking burial rites and hear stories of pagan and Christian traditions. Learn about the mighty Viking woman known as Estrid and see some of the famous runestones. Continue to the Jarlabanke Bridge at the entrance to the causeway. Marvel at more of the raised runestones typical of the Vikings and learn how they built their roads and bridges. Hear the story of the Viking chief, Jarlabanke and his clan. Next, visit the remains of a Viking parliament at Arkils tingstad and learn how Viking society was organized.

Embark on a voyage of discovery that transports you to the time of the Vikings. This guided tour lets you walk in the footsteps of these legendary seafarers, starting with the historical Jarlabanke Bridge and the social hub of Arkils Tingstad. Enjoy a traditional Swedish 'fika' in the ancient Vallentuna Church, then explore Sigtuna, Sweden's oldest town brimming with Viking archaeological sites. Venture into the spiritual heart of Viking society at the Church of Old Uppsala and witness the cultural transition at the majestic Uppsala Cathedral. This isn't just a tour; it's your chance to be the hero, bringing history alive as you dive deep into the Viking era. Join us now to uncover the rich tapestry of Sweden's past!