Plizio Visual Lab
Sigtuna
Sigtuna was founded in 970 AD by King Erik the Victorious and holds the title of Sweden's first true city. Its main street, Stora Gatan, still follows its original path from a thousand years ago, making it the oldest shopping street in the country. Positioned on the shores of Lake Mälaren, Sigtuna was once the religious and political heart of the Swedish kingdom before Stockholm rose to prominence. The town is a treasure trove of Viking and medieval history, boasting over 150 rune stones, the highest concentration in the world. Visitors can explore the atmospheric ruins of 12th-century stone churches like St. Olof and St. Per, while St. Mary’s Church from the 13th century is the oldest building in the city still in use. Sigtuna’s town center is a welcoming display of colorful wooden houses, boutique shops, and traditional Swedish cafés. Its location is handy for travelers, being only 15 minutes from Arlanda Airport and 45 minutes from Stockholm. A walk along the Lake Mälaren promenade is a highlight, especially during the bright summer months. The best time to visit is during the summer for boat tours or in December when it hosts one of Sweden's most traditional Christmas markets. Don't miss the 18th-century Town Hall, the smallest in Sweden, located in the main square.
- Location: Sweden
- Top sights: Sankt Pers kyrka · Tant Bruns Kaffestuga · S:t Lars ruin
- Nearby: Märsta (7 km)
- Population: ~9.074 (2019)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -3 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 15 | 19 | 17 | 13 | 7 | 2 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 46 | 40 | 39 | 38 | 57 | 85 | 81 | 78 | 55 | 65 | 60 | 53 |
Geography
Facts
- Sweden's oldest city, founded in 970 AD
- Highest concentration of rune stones in the world
- Stora Gatan is Sweden's oldest shopping street
- Impressive 12th-century stone church ruins
- Home to the smallest town hall in Sweden
- Beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Mälaren
- Only 15 minutes away from Arlanda Airport
- Former religious and political center of Sweden
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sigtuna (5)
Tant Bruns Kaffestuga📍 landmark
A traditional café in Sigtuna's medieval town center.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is Sigtuna the oldest town?
Where can I find the runestones?
Is it near Arlanda Airport?
What is Stora Gatan?
Are there church ruins?
Sigtuna: where is it located?
Sigtuna: what is there to see?
Sigtuna: when is the best time to visit?
Sigtuna: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
