Viking History, Fika & Countryside 9h Tour to Sigtuna & Uppsala

Explore Scandinavia’s fierce Viking past on the Viking History, Fika & Countryside 9h Tour to Sigtuna & Uppsala from Stockholm. Priced at $279.66 per person, this full-day experience offers a comprehensive look into Viking culture through visits to key sites like Broby, Sigtuna, and Uppsala. The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, making it a convenient way to venture outside the city and into the Swedish countryside. With group sizes capped at 19, it balances intimacy and expert guidance, ideal for history enthusiasts eager to see Viking graves, runestones, and ancient assembly sites. While the tour offers a wealth of knowledge and stunning scenery, it may feel a bit structured for visitors craving a more relaxed or story-driven experience.

This tour is perfect for those interested in Viking legends, archaeology, and Scandinavian culture. It’s well-suited for travelers comfortable with walking and standing at sites, as the guide leads you through history-rich locations. The inclusion of a traditional fika upgrade adds a cozy cultural touch, and the scenic drive through the Swedish countryside provides a peaceful backdrop to learning. However, the tour primarily focuses on historical sites and archaeological insights, so it might be less ideal for young children or those seeking a casual sightseeing day.

Key Points

• Full-day Viking history tour from Stockholm lasting about 9 hours
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with transportation via air-conditioned vehicle
• Visit notable Viking sites like Broby graveyard, Jarlabanke causeway, Arkils tingstad, and Sigtuna
• Explore Uppsala’s Old Town, burial mounds, cathedral, and castle for a well-rounded Viking and medieval experience
• Expert local guides bring Viking legends and history to life, often with engaging stories
• Option to add fika (Swedish coffee break) or enjoy free time in Sigtuna for a personalized experience

Viking Sites in the Swedish Countryside

The tour starts with a visit to Broby, an important Viking graveyard where the skeleton of Estrid, a Viking woman possibly traveled to Jerusalem, is the highlight. Here, your guide explains burial customs, Viking law, and Old Norse language, giving a vivid sense of Viking life. The site features Viking runestones with messages that reveal family stories, offering a tangible connection to the past.

Next, the Jarlabanke Runestones stop features a reconstructed Viking causeway bridge, built by a powerful Viking leader. Standing on this approx. 150-meter bridge, visitors can visualize Viking social hierarchy and the importance of such infrastructure for trade and conquest. The guide discusses Viking power structures, making this stop both scenic and informative.

Visiting one of Scandinavia’s Best Preserved Assembly Sites

The Arkils tingstad provides insight into Viking law and governance at one of the most well-preserved thing sites in the world. The site’s structure helps visitors imagine Viking assemblies where disputes were settled and laws discussed. The guide explains Viking exploration, shipbuilding, and social customs, connecting past traditions with modern Scandinavian culture.

Exploring Sigtuna’s Old Town and Historic Charm

The tour includes a 60-minute walking tour of Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town. Its wooden buildings and quaint streets evoke Viking-era Scandinavia. Visitors have free time to explore or enjoy an optional fika, a Swedish coffee break, in a cozy setting. This scenic town offers a peaceful contrast to the more archaeological sites, allowing a taste of local life and history.

Uppsala’s Burial Mounds and Medieval Landmarks

A highlight of the tour is Gamla Uppsala, home to Sweden’s largest burial mounds—about 10 meters high and over 50 meters wide. This early royal center predates the modern Swedish kingdom and emphasizes Viking and pre-Christian heritage. The guide explains the significance of these ancient mounds and their role in Viking and early Swedish society.

The visit continues in Uppsala’s Old Town, where the Uppsala Domkyrka stands as a testament to medieval architecture. The guide provides historical context about the University of Uppsala, founded in 1477, and walks through historic buildings from the 17th to 19th centuries. You have the option to explore the cathedral interior independently.

Uppsala Castle and Scenic City Views

A brief stop at Uppsala Castle offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the region’s history, including its fascinating and sometimes bloody past. The guide shares stories from the castle’s history, adding depth to the scenic photo opportunity from the highest point in Uppsala.

Practicalities and Group Experience

The tour operates with a professional local Viking expert guide, enhancing every site visit with engaging stories about Viking legends, burial customs, and societal structures. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and group size is limited to 19, ensuring a comfortable and personalized atmosphere. Pickup from any Stockholm hotel within 3 km of Stockholm Central Station is provided, simplifying logistics.

While the tour covers many sites, it is important to note that lunch is not included, though it can be added as an upgrade. The tour duration includes transfer times, which depend on traffic, and drop-offs happen after the 9-hour experience. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as walking at sites like Sigtuna and Gamla Uppsala is involved.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The focus on Viking history with authentic archaeological sites makes this tour especially appealing to history buffs. The guides’ expertise shines at each stop, with many reviews praising their knowledge, storytelling, and ability to answer questions. The scenic drive between sites is frequently highlighted as a highlight, adding a peaceful dimension to the busy day.

The inclusion of fika as an optional upgrade provides a cozy Swedish cultural experience, and the small group setting offers more personal attention than larger tours. The tour’s pacing is generally praised as well, with stops spaced out well enough to avoid feeling rushed.

Limitations and Considerations

Some reviews note that the tour emphasizes Christian-era sites more than pre-Christian Viking traditions, which might be disappointing for those seeking purely pagan Viking history. A few mention that the guide’s style can feel more like a lesson than storytelling, which may not suit all learning preferences. The minimum group size of three means cancellations can occur if the requirement isn’t met, so booking in advance is recommended.

This experience is primarily designed for those comfortable with walking and standing at outdoor sites, and it’s less suited for very young children or travelers seeking a relaxed, casual day without a structured schedule.

Final Thoughts on the Viking History, Fika & Countryside Tour

This tour offers a comprehensive, well-organized journey into Viking history, combining archaeological sites, scenic drives, and cultural insights. The expert guides bring Viking legends to life, making it an engaging experience for those passionate about Scandinavian history.

The price point reflects access to remarkable Viking sites, knowledgeable guides, and included transportation, making it good value for history enthusiasts. The option to include fika adds a cozy touch, and the small-group format ensures personalized interaction. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want an immersive Viking experience beyond Stockholm’s city limits, especially if they enjoy archaeological sites and scenic Swedish landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?
The tour involves walking at multiple historical sites and standing outdoors, so it may be less suitable for very young children. It is best suited for older kids and adults interested in history and archaeology.

Can I add lunch or fika during the tour?
Yes, fika can be added as an upgrade, allowing for a traditional Swedish coffee break in Sigtuna. Lunch is not included but can also be purchased separately or added as an option.

What is included in the tour price?
The professional local Viking expert guide, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off within 3 km of Stockholm Central Station, and visits to key Viking sites are included. Fika is optional.

What are the main sites visited during the tour?
Stops include Broby graveyard, Jarlabanke causeway, Arkils tingstad, the church ruins in Sigtuna, Gamla Uppsala, Uppsala Domkyrka, and Uppsala castle.

How long is the drive between sites?
The scenic drive between locations takes approximately an hour, providing a comfortable window to enjoy the Swedish countryside.

What are the cancellation policies?
Booking is flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations after that are not refunded, and the tour may be canceled if the minimum of 3 participants is not met.

This 9-hour Viking history tour from Stockholm offers a rich journey through Sweden’s Viking past, combined with scenic countryside views and cultural insights, making it a rewarding experience for those eager to learn about Scandinavia’s legendary warriors and their legacy.