Another thing Sweden is known for, other than Ikea and Volvo, is the viking era. Did you know that many Viking expeditions started in Sweden? Many of them set sail from Sweden and traveled east to trade.If you want to experience life in Viking Villages in Sweden, or learn about their history, then we have top 5 places for you to visit! These places do enactment of viking life.
You will get to know the viking culture and how they lived and played games. Give your family or a friend the gift or experiences or learning something new.
Top 5 Viking Villages in Sweden
- Birka Viking Village
- Storholmen Living Village
- Foteviken Open Air Museum
- The Rök Runestone
- Stornäset Viking House
Since we wrote this text we have found other initiatives and re-enactment sites
- In the municipality of Ale close to Gothenburg the locals have built a farmstead where they re-enact viking life with outdoor markets, fitness the viking way ( fighting) and information about the lifestyle. Drive along the E 45 and make historic and cultural stops to get to know more about the Swedish history.
Birka Viking Village
Birka is an UNESCO declared World Heritage site. It is also considered to be in the top 3 best Viking sites in Sweden. There are guided tours for the archaeological sites of burial grounds, wood huts and old runes. There is also a museum showing the life of Vikings and a beach to enjoy in the summer. Birka is also the first central or capital city in Sweden and it was one of the most important trading posts in Europe.
Storholmen Living Village
Storholmen Living Village is a non-profit open air museum. There are reconstructed houses, old games and crafts, and in character costumed staff. It is like a Viking Disneyland, where you can learn different skills from different characters. For example, the blacksmith will teach you how to craft weapons etc. Here you will also learn about the secrets to the ancient Viking runes.
Foteviken Open Air Museum
This Viking village located in the south of Sweden is quite different from other villages. Instead of recreating an established village, you get to witness a village in the process of being founded at Foteviken. This means you will get to experience how a establishing community functions through law, punishment, crafts, skills, open market, and trade.
The Rök Runestone
The Rök Runestone is not a village, but it is one of the most famous runestones in the world. It has the longest known stone inscription and is believed to be inscribed by Vikings. It is also considered to be the earliest evidence of written Swedish literature. Unlike many other inscriptions, the Rök runstone is easily read. However, it has riddles on the front and back, and the meaning has been debated by experts.
Historical markets, reenacting Iron Age, Viking and Medivial meeting places and markets
All around Sweden, museums and historical associations arrange for historic market and meeting places. Here they show-case different historical periods. There are groups on social media channels that give tips and information on historic venues and events.
Other Swedish Heritage stories and tips
In the beautiful southern Swedish coastline of Blekinge you can find several traces of viking life such as runestones and graveyards. Eva Oscarsson from GoNatureTrip had a private tour guided by Iwona Slojka from Cross Baltica. 
There are many outdoor games that you can trace back to the viking era such as throw Varpa.
If you are interested in Swedish industrial heritage there are many places to go. Perhaps you are looking for your Swedish roots and are investigating your Swedish ancestry . If you prefer an active bike holiday why not find a route full of Swedish local history experiences.
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