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Uppland Runestone Field

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Uppland is the region with the highest concentration of runestones in the world, boasting over 1,300 cataloged monuments from the Viking Age. These stones were primarily erected during the 11th century as memorials to deceased relatives, but they also served to document property claims, the construction of bridges, and the conversion to Christianity. The inscriptions are mostly written in the Younger Futhark runes and are frequently embellished with intricate serpent or dragon motifs typical of the period's artistic styles. The areas surrounding Uppsala and Sigtuna are especially prominent, featuring works by renowned rune carvers such as Öpir and Fot. Runestones provide invaluable insights into the social hierarchy, genealogy, and religious transitions of Scandinavian society, functioning as a vast open-air museum of Norse history located along ancient trade routes and burial sites.

Location: Sweden
Nearby: Märsta (29 km)

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	10	15	18	17	12	6	2	-2
Rain mm	47	40	40	38	56	76	70	75	53	66	62	55

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Uppland Runestone Field is a freely accessible open-air monument. You can walk across the field anytime and see the Viking Age runestones.

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Typical hours

As an outdoor site, it is accessible 24/7. The best time to visit is in daylight, especially early morning or late afternoon.

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Photography

Photography is allowed without restriction across the entire site. Use a tripod for detailed shots of the rune carvings in flat light.

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Time needed

A walk across the field takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you study each stone closely, allow an hour.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Uppsala to see the cathedral and Gamla Uppsala. The Viking Ship Museum in Stockholm is also not far.

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Getting there

The runestone field is in Uppland province near Uppsala. Best reached by car or bicycle. Local buses stop nearby.

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Insider tip

Bring a magnifying glass to see the fine rune carvings. Visit in early autumn when the low sun makes the stones stand out.

Geography

Coordinates

59.88000, 17.75000

Facts

Uppland contains nearly half of all known runestones in Sweden.
The majority of these stones were carved between 1000 and 1100 AD.
The master carver Öpir is credited with over 50 stones in the Uppland region alone.
Inscriptions often mention Viking voyages to England, Byzantium, or the Baltic.
The artistic design of the stones has been crucial for dating Viking-age art styles.
Some runestones were repurposed during the Middle Ages as building material for churches.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Uppsala7 km · WExplore →

Gamla Uppsala7 km · WExplore →

Skokloster Ruins20 km · SExplore →

Skokloster Castle22 km · SWExplore →

Märsta29 km · SExplore →

Sigtuna29 km · SExplore →

Rosersberg Palace38 km · SExplore →

Upplands Väsby41 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Uppland Runestone Field (1)

Skölsta📍 landmark

Skölsta is a location in Uppland, known for its Viking Age runestone.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why are there so many runestones in Uppland?

Uppland was the center of the late Viking Age in Sweden during the 11th century.

How many stones can be found in the region?

There are over 1,300 registered runestones in Uppland, more than anywhere else.

What is usually inscribed on the stones?

Often memorials to deceased relatives and information about their travels.

Are the stones accessible for free?

Yes, they are mostly standing in the landscape or near churches and are free to see.

Which place in Uppland has the most stones?

Sigtuna and the area around Uppsala have an especially high concentration.

Uppland Runestone Field: where is it located?

Uppland Runestone Field is located in Sweden.

Uppland Runestone Field: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Uppland Runestone Field: why is it worth visiting?

Uppland is the region with the highest concentration of runestones in the world, boasting over 1,300 cataloged monuments from the Viking Age.

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