In the mid-7th century, a settlement and trading post was established on Björkö in Lake Mälaren and named Birka, which is also known as Sweden’s first city. It is believed that it was the Svea King who took the initiative to establish the town as part of his desire to control trade in northern Scandinavia, both politically and economically.
The Svea King himself lived a few kilometers away, at a place called Hovgården on Adelsö. In those days, it was the king’s job to keep order in the city and protect it from being plundered.
The Vikings’ best trading post
Merchants and craftsmen came to Birka with goods from all over Europe and other parts of the world. We know this because archaeological excavations have hidden Arabian silver, Eastern European pearls, beautiful glass beakers, ceramics and exclusive fabrics. These imports were exchanged for the exclusive goods available here, such as iron, hides, horns and furs. The city’s working-class neighborhoods were home to many different kinds of craftsmen, such as comb makers, bronze casters, bead makers, weavers and others. They lived in simple houses lined up along the docks.
Plan one day for Birka
To get to Birka, you can take a ferry from the city of Stockholm, which departs from the dock at Stadshuskajen and takes about an hour to reach the island. The ferries operate regularly during the warmer months, typically from April to October. Once on the island, you can explore the well-preserved archaeological site, which includes the Viking Age settlement, burial mounds, and the ruins of the ancient town.
Expect to visit the Birka Museum to learn more about the history of the area and Viking life, and take a guided tour to fully understand the significance of the site. You’ll also see reconstructed Viking houses and have the chance to wander through the peaceful surroundings, with views of Lake Mälaren. A day at Birka offers a fascinating glimpse into Sweden’s Viking past and a chance to immerse yourself in the history and natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Birka is abandoned – an era comes to an end
After two hundred years, the town’s inhabitants began to abandon Birka to move elsewhere. Some may have moved to Sigtuna, which became Sweden’s next thriving urban center after Birka. No one knows exactly why Birka was abandoned, but accepted theories are based on political decisions but also land uplift may have caused Birka to lose its strategic and easily accessible location.