Sigtuna

Automatic translation

all the Scandinavian charm

Välkommen till Sigtuna!

Located on the north shore of Lake Mälaren 40 km from Stockholm, Sigtuna has everything a postcard setting. Close to Arlanda Airport, this charming little town of tens of thousands of inhabitants offers a picturesque getaway to visitors wishing to step back in time. Here, no skyscrapers or large museums but a small marina, a maze of cobbled streets lined with traditional wooden houses, a rich heritage of ancestral monuments to discover in a bucolic and relaxed atmosphere. For lovers of history and Viking civilization, Sigtuna has many curiosities: the city is home to the largest concentration of runestones in the country! Sigtuna is a popular destination for escaping the urban tumult of the capital, getting off the beaten track and getting as close as possible to nature and Swedish folklore...

A must-see excursion from Stockholm!

A real journey back in time awaits you in Sigtuna and it is worth giving a short day to this exotic getaway outside the capital during your stay. The city is located only forty kilometers north of Stockholm and there are several options to reach it easily by road from the capital or by crossing Lake Mälaren. Nestled in the vast maritime labyrinth of Stockholm, Lake Mälaren is the third largest lake in the country.

To reach Sigtuna:

• By train (SL network), the journey takes around 1 hour from T-Centralen. Take pendeltåg 42 or 42X direction Märsta then from the terminus take bus 575 or 570 to Sigtuna busstation.
• By bus (allow 1 hour 45 minutes) with line 579 from Stockholm Cityterminalen to Arlanda terminal 4 buss, then another bus line 579 bus from Arlanda Sky City Terminal 5 to Sigtuna busstation
• By taxi, the journey takes 40 minutes and costs between 650 and 800 SEK
• By boat, cruise from Stockholm in summer from SEK 295 round trip per person. (2h30 journey then 4 hours on site)

If you don't have your own boat, nothing could be easier than getting on the M / S Evert Taube from Strömma Kanalbolaget for an “Excursion to Sigtuna - The Cradle of Sweden”. You cross the magnificent Lake Mälaren and discover wild landscapes along the water. Take advantage of this cruise to contemplate the verdant and picturesque shores while sipping tea and enjoying a snack or a “fika” on board. The entrance ticket to the Sigtuna Museum Art is included with the boat ticket!

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The timeless charm of Sweden's oldest town

Founded in 980 by King Erik the Victorious, Sigtuna was the first capital of Sweden and the first city to mint money. Renowned for being the oldest city in the Kingdom of Sweden, it was also one of the most important pagan cities in Scandinavia before becoming a bishopric in 1060. The ruins of the first churches built during the evangelization of the country have passed through the ages to reach us as proof that Sigtuna was the very first Christian city in Sweden. Sigtuna quickly became the main trading center of the Baltic Sea.

Over the centuries, however, the city lost its grip in favor of Uppsala, Visby or Stockholm. Ravaged by several devastating fires, the original village has not survived: it is completely rebuilt identically and allows visitors to discover a Swedish town of the time. A timeless charm that literally plunges us into history!

Many vestiges still testify to its rich past. The ruins of several medieval churches surrounded by runestones stand on the heights of the city. The local museum exhibits a rich collection of ancient objects and illustrates the development of the village over time.

In an idyllic natural environment, Sigtuna is today a stopover of choice for lovers of Scandinavian history and culture, attracted by the atmosphere of yesteryear and the emblematic very photogenic architecture! During the end of the year celebrations, the city becomes a magical place, animated by the stalls of the Christmas markets. The perfect opportunity to bring back local handicrafts and savor traditional delicacies.

What to do and see in Sigtuna?

Stroll in Stora Gatan Street

The main Stora Gatan artery is a must-see! You will succumb to the charm of the small wooden houses in pastel colors dating from the 18th century. These former craftsmen's stalls are now transformed into cafes, restaurants and independent Swedish ready-to-wear, decoration, design and crafts shops.

Discover the Rådhuset, the town hall

This small house dating from 1734 remains to this day the smallest town hall in Sweden.

Discover religious heritage and spectacular ruins

Explore the ruins of the first churches built during the evangelization of Sweden.

Dating back to the thirteenth century, was Mariakyrkan ¹ building in the country built in brick. The interior is worth a detour: observe the 16th century tomb, 12th century baptismal fonts, 14th century frescoes.

The ruins of the Sankt Per, Sankt Lars, Sankt Olof churches date from the 10th and 12th centuries.

Sigtuna Museum - Sigtuna Museum Art

To deepen your knowledge of history, push the door of the Sigtuna Museum for its beautiful collection of runestones, coins, pottery from the Viking era, everyday tools and utensils...

Unravel the mysteries of the runic alphabet

To follow the route in the footsteps of the Vikings and unravel the mysteries of the runestones scattered throughout the city (12 in the city center and more than 150 in the surrounding area), ask at the museum or at the Tourist Office located on Stora Gatan (easily spotted by his dragon) a “futhark”, that is to say a copy of the runic alphabet in order to best decipher this legendary writing. You can also get the map of remarkable sites (in French) to make your own circuit and not miss anything of the city!

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Stroll along the shores of Lake Mälaren

How pleasant it is to stroll along the shores of Lake Mälaren with your gaze turned towards the horizon. For this, a footpath has been laid out, punctuated by small ports and pontoons and bordered by superb traditional houses. A true sanctuary of seabirds, you can observe the many species that have taken up residence there, such as barnacle geese, herons and cormorants.

Explore (free) the gardens of Steninge Slott Castle

The gardens of this 17th century castle constitute a superb stroll with the silhouette of this baroque palace as a backdrop. The castle cannot be visited but its splendid gardens are really worth a visit.

Visit the Swedish Versailles "Skoklosters Slott" near Sigtuna

A true jewel of 17th century Swedish Baroque architecture, this castle is one of the most famous in the country. This masterpiece was imagined by Carl Gustaf Wrangel, a German mercenary turned Marshal of Sweden and eager to show the world his power.

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