Birka, on the island of Björkö, was the hub of the wealthy area around Lake Mälaren during the Viking era. It was established as a trading post in the 8th century and became an important international port for visitors from near and far. Hovgården, once the royal residence, is just across the bay on the island of Adelsö. This World Heritage Site, Birka and Hovgården, harbours many remains of the people of the Viking era.

Foto: RAÄ

Archaeologists have been investigating the remains left on Birka and Hovgården since the end of the 19th century. The wealth of findings from excavations speaks of a strongly hierarchical society with major differences between classes and sexes. Extensive trade contacts with the surrounding world are also evident here.

Contacts outside of Scandinavia

Birka was part of a global commercial network. Arabic silver and Russian pearls were traded for iron or skins. The plentiful archaeological findings tell a story of a society with a distinct hierarchy and inequalities between both the classes and sexes. Merchants, artisans and farmers were all part of Birka's population, which was ruled by the King's representative when the King was absent.

The soil was cultivated long before prosperous times at Birka, and the cultural landscape is still alive with grazing livestock, green meadows and large grave-fields. The royal residence, called Hovgården, was across the bay on the island of Adelsö. This is where the king lived when he came here with his attendants. Birka and Hovgården are owned by the Swedish government and managed by the Swedish National Heritage Board (Riksantikvarieämbetet). It was included in UNESCOs World Heritage List in 1993.

As of 1 April 2008, the Swedish National Heritage Board no longer arranges any public activities at this World Heritage Site. For information about hosts of the activities conducted within the World Heritage Site area, see "Contact" below.

See also:
Contact
Birka and Hovgården - one of fourteen Swedish world heritages.