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The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 9,500 / 59.3 degrees north
Sigtuna, Sweden
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.
Fun Facts About Sigtuna
Latitude: 59.3 degrees north
Population: 9,500
Sigtuna coat-of-arms
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Sigtuna
Uniquely Sigtuna
Here are some things that you must do and try in Sigtuna
Runestones
Runestone Walk
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).
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Sigtuna
Museum
Sigtuna Museum
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.
Historic Site
Mariakyrkan
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.
Ruins
St. Olaf Church
Next to Mariakyrkan are the ruins of the 12th century St. Olof Church. You can also see the ruins of St. Per and St. Lars churches close by.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Road-Trips
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Sigtuna
Self-Guided Walks
Sigtuna on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Sigtuna
History of Sigtuna
Sigtuna was founded on the shore of Lake Malaren over 1,000 years ago. It took its name from the ancient royal seat, and it’s believed either King Eric the Victorious or King Olog Skotkonung founded the town. Sigtuna was the royal and commercial centre of Sweden for 250 years. The town replaced the Viking town of Birka as the most important trade centre, and competed with the pagan Uppsala for religious supremacy.
During a brief period at the end of the 10th century and the beginning of the 11th century, Sweden’s first coins were minted here. In 1187 Sigtuna was attacked and pillaged by raiders from across the Baltic Sea. Normal life continued after, but Sigtuna started to lose its importance during the 13th century. This was for two reasons – first, Stockholm was emerging as a capital and centre of trade. Second, post-glacial rebound was making it more difficult for ships to navigate into Sigtuna.
Sigtuna Today
In the late 19th century, Sigtuna only had a population of around 600 people and was one of the smallest towns in Sweden. Most of the current population growth is related to Stockholm Arlanda Airport, which is only 10km from Sigtuna. Throughout the 20th century there was a huge nationalist project to revitalise the town. Many of the wooden buildings are from the 20th century but are built to look older.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: Sigtuna is located close to Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
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.
Getting Around
You can easily walk around Sigtuna.
Shops
Places to Eat
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
Reasonable Restaurants
Sigtuna Stads Hotell has lakeside views and classic Swedish food.
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
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.
All Posts About Sigtuna
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