The Swedish Royal Family Through History: A Tour of Sweden’s Royal Landmarks
Explore the most important Swedish royal sites as we trace the history of the Swedish royal family!
Sigtuna is located 40km northwest of Stockholm on the banks of Lake Malaren. Founded around 980, its main drag Storagatan is Sweden’s oldest main street. Around the year 1000, Olof Skotkonung ordered the minting of Sweden’s first coins. Sigtuna also has a stone church ruins dating from the 11th century and a dozen runestones dotted around town.
Latitude: 59.3 degrees north
Population: 9,500
Sigtuna coat-of-arms
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Sigtuna
In Sigtuna you’ll find several rune-stones from Viking times. These runstones have been kept in their original spot. You can find them by using our map or the self-guided walk (click the button on the right).
At Sigtuna Museum you can learn about the history of this town from the time of the Vikings through to today. Most interesting is an exhibition on how the Sigtuna Foundation became a quarantine hospital for 600 Holocaust survivors in 1945.
The museum covers the towns fascinating history ranging from exhibitions on the Vikings to contemporary stories of refugees settling in Sweden. There’s a section on how the Sigtuna Foundation became a quarantine hospital for 600 Holocaust survivors in 1945.
Mariakyrkan is the only one of Sigtuna’s medieval churches to not be destroyed by fire, and now it is possible to visit the church. The church is still functioning as a church.
Built in the 13th century by Dominican monks, St. Mary’s Church is one of Sweden’s finest examples of Brick Gothic architecture. It remains the only medieval church in Sigtuna that is still largely intact. Visitors can admire its beautiful interior and learn about the town’s importance as an early religious centre. The church continues to host services and cultural events throughout the year.
Sigtuna’s Old Town is Sweden’s oldest surviving town, founded around 980 AD. Walking along Stora Gatan, the country’s oldest main street, feels like stepping into a living museum, with colourful wooden buildings, cobbled lanes and centuries of history around every corner. Visitors can browse independent boutiques, cafés and galleries while exploring a town layout that has remained largely unchanged for over a thousand years. The lakeside setting on Lake Mälaren adds to its charm.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Located on the shores of Lake Mälaren, Skokloster Castle is one of Europe’s finest Baroque castles. Visitors can tour grand halls, historic collections and beautifully preserved interiors dating from the 17th century. The castle grounds also offer pleasant walks and lakeside scenery. It makes an excellent day trip from Sigtuna.
Rosersberg Palace is one of Sweden’s royal palaces and lies only a short distance from Sigtuna. The palace features elegant interiors, formal gardens and walking trails through historic grounds. Visitors can learn about Swedish royal history while enjoying peaceful surroundings. Its proximity makes it one of the most popular excursions in the area.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Sigtuna
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Sigtuna
Sigtuna was founded around 980 AD and is widely regarded as Sweden’s oldest town. Established during the Viking Age, it quickly became an important royal, political and commercial centre. Sweden’s first coins were minted here, reflecting its role in the early development of the Swedish kingdom. The town also served as an important centre for Christianity during the transition from Norse paganism.
During the 11th and 12th centuries, Sigtuna flourished as one of the most significant settlements in Scandinavia. Numerous churches, monasteries and religious institutions were built, several of which survive today as ruins. The town’s strategic location on Lake Mälaren allowed it to control important trade routes connecting inland Sweden with the Baltic Sea.
Although Stockholm eventually replaced Sigtuna as Sweden’s primary political and commercial centre, the town preserved much of its historic character. Today, it remains one of Scandinavia’s most important medieval heritage destinations and a remarkable window into Sweden’s earliest urban history.
Modern Sigtuna combines historical charm with a relaxed small-town atmosphere. Despite being located less than an hour from Stockholm, it feels far removed from the pace of the capital. Residents enjoy a high quality of life centred around Lake Mälaren, cultural heritage and outdoor recreation.
Tourism plays an important role in the local economy, with visitors arriving throughout the year to explore the town’s Viking and medieval attractions. Boutique hotels, cafés, restaurants and cultural events help maintain a vibrant visitor scene while preserving the town’s unique character.
Sigtuna is also known for its educational institutions, conference facilities and proximity to Stockholm Arlanda Airport. This combination of heritage, accessibility and natural beauty makes it one of Sweden’s most attractive small towns.
Fly: The nearest airport is Stockholm Arlanda Airport, located approximately 15 minutes from Sigtuna by car or bus.
Drive: Sigtuna is located between the E18 and E4 highways.
Train: There is no train station in Sigtuna; the closest one is in Marsta about 7km east of Sigtuna. Sigtuna is reached from Marsta station by buses 570 or 575.
Ferry: Stromma has a tourist ferry line between Stockholm and Sigtuna.
Sigtuna is compact and best explored on foot. Most attractions are located within easy walking distance of one another. Bicycles are useful for exploring the lakeside and surrounding countryside, while buses connect nearby towns and transport hubs. Rental cars provide flexibility for visiting castles and attractions around Lake Mälaren.
Cafes & Bakeries
Sigtunastiftelsens Gasthem is the Sigtuna Foundation’s hotel and restaurant. Here you can also find occasional concerts and live music.
Click here to view rates & book
Tant Brun Kaffestuga is a 17th century café set around a pretty courtyard. Here you can find homebaked pastries and apple pie.
Quick Bites
Restaurants
Sigtuna Stads Hotell has lakeside views and classic Swedish food.
High End & Unique Eats
Hostels & Camping
STF Vrandrarhem is the budget hostel in town run by the Swedish Tourist Association.
B&Bs & Guesthouses
Chains & Mid-Range
Hotell Kristina is the mid-range hotel in town.
High End & Unique Properties
Sigtunastiftelsen Hotell & Konferens was founded as a private Christian cultural foundation in 1915 and became one of the driving forces in the resettlement of Sigtuna in the early 20th century. Their main building is inspired by a Tuscan monastery.
Sigtuna Stadshotell is branded as Sweden’s smallest 5 star hotel.
Venngarn Palace is a 17th century palace that has turned into a hotel.
Explore the most important Swedish royal sites as we trace the history of the Swedish royal family!