Viking History Small Group Tour From Stockholm: Half Day Including Sigtuna

Exploring the Viking roots of Sweden, this half-day tour from Stockholm delves into the fascinating history of the Vendel Swedes. Visitors will discover the charming medieval town of Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest city, and uncover the remnants of the ancient parliament and burial sites that shed light on this pivotal period in Scandinavian history. With a knowledgeable guide providing insights, the tour offers a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and political influences that shaped the region long before the Vikings rose to prominence. The opportunity to witness these historical treasures firsthand may prove enlightening for those eager to explore Sweden’s Viking legacy.

Key Points

• This half-day small group tour from Stockholm explores the history of the Vendel Swedes, the predecessors to the Vikings.
• The tour includes visits to ancient graves, rune stones, and the Viking parliament in the well-preserved medieval town of Sigtuna.
• Sigtuna is the oldest city in Sweden, dating back to the 11th century, and features the remains of the first Christian church in the country.
• Runriket, a collection of over 150 runestones, is the largest concentration of runestones in the world and can be visited on the tour.
• The tour provides a personalized experience with hotel/port pickup and drop-off, a live guide, and a small group size.

Tour Overview

This half-day history tour from Stockholm allows visitors to learn about the Vendel Swedes, the predecessors to the Vikings, and their significant impact on Scandinavian history.

During the tour, you’ll visit ancient graves, rune stones, and the Viking parliament, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The tour also includes a visit to Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest city, founded in AD 970.

With a small group size, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience as you explore these historic sites.

The tour includes hotel/port pickup and drop-off, as well as a live guide to share their expertise throughout the journey.

Inclusions

The tour includes a small group setting, providing a personalized experience for visitors. Hotel/port pickup and drop-off within 4km of Stockholm central station are also provided, along with personal service, all taxes and surcharges, a driver/vehicle, and a live guide. Cruise harbor pickup is available from Frihamnen, Värtahamnen, and Stadsgården.

Inclusions
Small group tour	Personal service
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off	All taxes and surcharges
Driver/vehicle	Live guide
Cruise harbor pickup	–

The tour offers a comprehensive package to ensure a seamless and enjoyable exploration of Viking history from Stockholm.

Exclusions

The tour doesn’t include lunch or gratuities as part of the package. While the tour provides a rundown of Viking history and exploration of ancient sites, guests are responsible for their own meals and any tips for the driver or guide.

The exclusions for this tour are:

1. Lunch
2. Gratuities
3. Additional expenses not specified in the inclusions
4. Personal items or souvenirs

Meeting Points and Pickup

Pickup is available from central hotels, ports, and accommodations within 3km of Stockholm central station. If staying in the Old Town, guests may need to walk to another location for pickup.

Pickup times are typically scheduled for 09:00 or 09:30, though they can be flexible depending on various factors.

For cruise passengers, specific instructions will be provided for each of the cruise piers at Stadsgården, Frihamnen, and Värtahamnen.

The tour operator ensures a personalized experience by keeping group sizes small. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and children must be accompanied by an adult, with child seats available.

The tour may be canceled due to poor weather, in which case an alternative date or a full refund will be offered.

Sigtuna: Sweden’s Oldest City

Founded in AD 970, Sigtuna is Sweden’s oldest city and an integral part of the Viking history tour from Stockholm. Visitors can explore the ancient graves, rune stones, and Viking parliament that provide a glimpse into the Vendel Swedes’ impact on Scandinavian history.

The highlights of Sigtuna include:

1. The well-preserved medieval town center with its charming narrow streets and historic buildings.

2. The remains of the first Christian church in Sweden, the Mariakyrkan, dating back to the 11th century.

3. The Runriket, a collection of over 150 runestones, the largest concentration of rune stones in the world.

4. The Stora Torget, the main square that served as the Viking parliament in the 10th century.

Vendel Swedes and Their Impact

Prior to the Vikings, the Vendel Swedes played a pivotal role in shaping Scandinavian history. They were the predecessors to the Vikings and their influence can be seen throughout the region, particularly in the ancient graves, rune stones, and Viking parliament found in Sigtuna.

The Vendel Swedes flourished from the 6th to 8th centuries, establishing trade networks and developing a distinct cultural identity. Their social and political structures laid the groundwork for the Viking Age that would soon follow.

On this tour, guests have the opportunity to explore these remnants of the Vendel period and gain insight into this important chapter of Scandinavian history before the rise of the Vikings.

Visiting Ancient Graves and Runes

On the tour, visitors can explore ancient graves and rune stones that provide a glimpse into the Vendel Swedes’ cultural heritage and traditions. These remnants of the past offer valuable insights into the social and religious practices of this influential Scandinavian people who paved the way for the Viking Age.

The tour highlights several key sites, including:

1. Gamla Uppsala, home to impressive burial mounds and the remains of a Viking-era temple.

2. Jarlabanke’s bridge, a well-preserved rune stone that showcases the power and wealth of a local chieftain.

3. Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town, where visitors can discover runic inscriptions and the foundations of ancient churches.

4. The Håga mounds, a complex of burial sites dating back to the 6th century AD.

Tour Cancellation and Refund Policy

The tour company recognizes that plans can change, so they offer a flexible cancellation policy. Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, an alternative date or a full refund is offered.

Cancellation Policy	Details
Advance Notice	24 hours
Refund	Full
Weather Cancellation	Alternative date or full refund offered
Minimum Passengers	3 required, tour may be canceled if minimum not met
Confirmation	Provided at time of booking

The tour give you a personalized experience, but a minimum of 3 passengers is required. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, ensuring a smooth experience.

Recap

This half-day tour from Stockholm provides a unique opportunity to explore the ancient Vendel Swedes, the predecessors to the Vikings.

Visitors will discover the charming medieval town of Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest city, and learn about the rich Viking history of the region through ancient graves, rune stones, and the Viking parliament.

With a small group size and a live guide, this tour offers a personalized and insightful experience.