Many Viking Age rune stones can be found standing in the downtown area of Uppsala, Sweden.
The recent sensational discoveries of Viking ship graves in Norway have captured global headlines, highlighting the rich history of the Viking Age in Scandinavia. Yet, just across the border in Sweden, there’s a treasure trove of Norse history already visible and accessible, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of Northern Europe.
Sweden, renowned for its wealth of Viking rune stones and rock carvings, boasts the world’s largest collection of these historic artifacts.
These standing stones, dating back to between the 9th and 11th centuries, serve as memorials, inscribed with runes commemorating those long passed. Scholars have attempted to translate the inscriptions, with varying degrees of success.
Viking Rune Stones Of Uppsala, Sweden
While many of these stones are found in rural locations, challenging to reach without a car, the historic city of Uppsala is home to some remarkable rune stones. These are easily accessible and set against the backdrop of a city rich in history and culture.
Somewhat surprisingly for such notable historic monuments, many of the Uppsala rune stones are on public display in the middle of the city for everyone to enjoy.
The grounds of Uppsala Cathedral host several Viking Age rune stones.
Travelers visiting Stockholm can hop on a train and be in the heart of Uppsala in under 40 minutes. A ten-minute walk from the central station brings you to the imposing Uppsala Cathedral on the other side of the river.
Scandinavia’s tallest church building, Uppsala Cathedral is open daily and well worth a look inside. Known as the national shrine of the Church of Sweden, the cathedral has welcomed visitors for hundreds of years and is free to visit.
After visiting the interior, head to the rear of the cathedral to see some of Uppsala's finest rune stones. A few more can be found a short walk to the west in the pleasant gardens of the University Park.
More information on the rune stones and other Viking Age artifacts can be discovered at the University’s museum Gustavianum, which is set to reopen after renovations in the summer of 2024. To create your own walking tour, check the Swedish Rune Map, which contains photographs and descriptions (albeit in Swedish) of all known rune stones.
From Norse Mythology To Christianity
Along with the details found within Norwegian stave churches, rune stones provide some of the best evidence we have of the slow transition from belief in the old Norse Gods to the ‘new’ Christian faith.
The Uppsala rune stones were erected when Sweden was in the process of converting to Christianity.
The rune stones of Uppsala were erected relatively late, during the country’s conversion to Christianity in the 11th century.
Many of the stones bear the Christian cross and include references to God. However, references to Norse Gods like Thor on some stones suggest that not everyone in Uppsala was ready to totally abandon the old ways.
Viking History At Old Uppsala
Although the famous burial mounds were built by the predecessors of the Vikings, the site of Old Uppsala was an important place during the Viking Age and is a must-see for travelers in Uppsala.
According to the Old Uppsala Museum, Swedes believed they were descended from the fertility god Freyr, a belief that added to their power.
Royal Mounds dating from before the Viking Age in Old Uppsala, Sweden.
In the 11th century, a German church historian claimed people gathered in Old Uppsala every nine years to make sacrifices.
The stories about the site, which claimed it to be the most important Pagan temple in the region, inspired the sacrificial temple depicted in the popular TV series, Vikings.
Once Sweden had converted to Christianity, Old Uppsala remained a site of religious importance. A stone church was built here, likely replacing a wooden one.
Several runic inscriptions are visible in the church walls, so a visit here is the ideal way to round off a day of Viking Age exploration in Uppsala.
