Sweden's Oldest Town

When people visit Sweden's capital, Stockholm, they often don't realize just how close they are to what is known as the oldest town in Sweden. It is, unfortunately, often a missed opportunity for tourists who go all the way up to Sweden but miss this delightful little city full of History that is just a 40-minutes drive away from Stockholm.

Sigtuna was founded all the way back in the year 980 as a political centre, preceding what today is the country's biggest city and capital, Stockholm. In fact, it was Sweden's first capital city. Nowadays it is considered the oldest swedish town that is still in existence and it can be visited by tourists who will be able to enjoy the picturesque surroundings and the town's Historical importance.

What now is a beautiful but sleepy town in Sweden, used to be one of the most important cities in the whole country. For around 250 years, Sigtuna was an important commercial centre and during some time in the 10th and 11th centuries, Sweden's first coins were minted there by Oluf Eriksson Skötkuning, the son of King Erik the Victorious (who some believe to have founded the town). Based on archeological findings, it is estimated that some millions of coins were minted there during his reign.

Archaeological findings have revealed that the skeletons found in Sigtuna's cemeteries and burial grounds were people from all kinds of far-away countries. There were people deriving from England, Estonia, Russia, Ukraine, the Balkans and even Sardinia, Sicily and Malta. Such findings reveal that, back then, Sigtuna must have been a cosmopolitan place with a diverse mixture of people from different cultures.

Nowadays, what visitors can see from the ancient past of the city are the ruins of several churches, like St Olofs Church, St Lawrence's Church and St Peters Church, as well as several ancient runic stones exhibited around the city. Right next to St Olofs Church is the beautiful Mariakyrkan (Church of St Mary) which is not to be missed either.

Apart from that, visitors of Sigtuna are walking on Historical sites without even realizing it. Since the city plan is still practically intact, when people walk on the main street (Stora Gatan) they are stepping on the exact same place where the original main street of the town was built.

The main street (Stora Gatan) of Sigtuna

Walking down the main street, you will also come across Sigtunas Rådhus - the City Hall. It is commonly known as the one of the smallest City Halls in Sweden and even in Europe. It is open for visitors from the 1st of July until the 31st of August every year and there is free entrance, so it is a great opportunity to learn about its History if you are visiting during the high season.

If you want to find out even more about the History of the city, head to Sigtuna's Museum where you will be able to learn about how the city evolved all the way from the Stone Age, throughout the Viking Age and until today. You can find all the practical information about it here if you would like to plan your visit.

Apart from that, visitors can see another part of the museum that often goes unnoticed: Borgmästargården - the charming house where Sigtunas last Mayor lived. It is open for visitors but make sure to check here how to do it because booking ahead is required.

Another interesting house waiting to be discovered is Lundströmska gården, which works as a Museum showing how the Lundström family used to live and run their shop there during the 1900s. Check here how you can book your visit ahead.

Another nice thing to do while in Sigtuna is to visit Drakegården, a beautiful garden from the 18th century that visitors can find on the main street. There, tourists can visit the Contact Center and a Tourist Information Office, which can answer questions about the city and guide people on what the available activities are.

As you finally make your way out of the main street, make sure to look for a cute green Phone Box Library. It is usually full of donated books and the people passing by are welcome to take as many as they want, as well as to donate books if they so wish.

Before you leave this enchanting little town, head to the marina where you will be able to get great views of Lake Mälaren.