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Badelunda Burial Site

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Badelunda Burial Site (Sweden)

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The archaeological area of Badelunda near Västerås is home to Anundshög, Sweden's largest burial mound and one of Northern Europe's most significant prehistoric sites. The monumental mound measures 64 meters in diameter and stands approximately 9 meters high, likely dating from between 500 and 900 AD. In addition to the large mound, the site features several impressive ship settings, large stones arranged in the shape of a ship's hull, serving as graves or ritual sites. One of these ship settings is over 50 meters long and is among the best-preserved of its kind. Another highlight is the 11th-century Anundshög runestone, which bears an inscription about a man named Folkvid who built a bridge and raised the stone. For centuries, this area was a vital political and religious hub where the 'Thing' (the local assembly) was held. Excavations in the surrounding Badelunda area have also uncovered exceptionally rich gold finds in female graves, indicating the high social status and wealth of the local elite.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-4-406111618171362-3
Rain mm484139406786948354726254

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Badelunda Burial Site is an open-air archaeological area that can be visited freely throughout the year. Visitors can walk among the ancient burial mounds and read informational signs about Iron Age rituals.
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Typical hours
As an outdoor site, it is accessible at all times without any restricted hours. However, the best time to visit is during daylight hours to fully appreciate the landscape.
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Photography
Photography is always allowed on the site; there are no restrictions. For the best shots, visit during golden hour for dramatic shadows on the mounds.
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Time needed
A typical visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes to walk around the main mounds. Allow extra time if you wish to read all the informational signs.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with other nearby Iron Age sites such as the Anundshög burial mound or the Gamla Uppsala area. The region is rich in prehistoric monuments.
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Getting there
The site is located near the town of Västerås and is accessible by car via road 56. There is a small parking area directly at the site; public transport is limited.
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Insider tip
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Bring a pair of binoculars to spot distant burial mounds from the main path.

Geography

Coordinates
59.60000, 16.58000

Facts

  • Anundshög is Sweden's largest burial mound, standing 9 meters tall.
  • The diameter of the monumental mound is exactly 64 meters.
  • Five large stone ship settings are located in the immediate vicinity.
  • The runestone at the site dates back to the middle of the 11th century.
  • The largest stone ship setting on the site is 53 meters long.
  • Located on the Eriksgata path, it was a key site for royal inaugurations.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

ABB Västerås CampusABB Västerås Campus2 km · NWExplore →
AnundshögAnundshög5 km · NEExplore →
Strömsholm PalaceStrömsholm Palace19 km · SWExplore →
HallstahammarHallstahammar20 km · WExplore →
EskilstunaEskilstuna26 km · SExplore →
MälarenMälaren26 km · SEExplore →
EnköpingEnköping28 km · EExplore →
KöpingKöping35 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Badelunda Burial Site (10)

Viksängskyrkan

Church building in Västerås Municipality, Sweden.

Kokpunkten

Water park in Västerås with slides and pools.

🕒 Mo-Fr 11:00-21:00; Sa-Su 10:00-22:00♿

Amundsgrund

Nature reserve in Västmanland, Sweden.

Trixteatern

Theatre in Västerås with changing performances.

Östra Holmen

Island in Västmanland County, Sweden.

Harbour

Harbour area in Västerås with promenade and boats.

Elba

Island in Västerås Municipality, Sweden.

Västerås Konstmuseum🏛 museum

Art museum in Västerås with temporary exhibitions.

Västerås Wake Park

Water park for wakeboarding in Västerås.

Vasaparken🌳 park

Park in Sweden, located in Västerås.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the main attraction in Badelunda?
Anundshög, Sweden's largest burial mound, standing 9 meters high.
What are the stone ships?
Stone alignments in the shape of ships used as graves or cult sites.
How old is the site?
The graves mostly date from the Iron Age and the Viking Age.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, the site is an open-air museum and is free to visit.
Are there runestones there?
Yes, there is a very famous runestone right by Anundshög.
Badelunda Burial Site: where is it located?
Badelunda Burial Site is located in Sweden.
Badelunda Burial Site: what is there to see?
Highlights include Viksängskyrkan, Kokpunkten, Amundsgrund.
Badelunda Burial Site: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Badelunda Burial Site: why is it worth visiting?
The archaeological area of Badelunda near Västerås is home to Anundshög, Sweden's largest burial mound and one of Northern Europe's most significant prehistoric sites.
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