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While my family and I were in Stockholm on vacation this August, we took the opportunity to visit Sigtuna—Sweden’s oldest town—and take in the beauty of this gem. Sigtuna is also very close to the capital; for us it took about 40 minutes by car!

A walk Through History

Before we dive in, it’s worth noting that Birka was actually Sweden’s very first town—a booming trading center during the Viking Age. Today, Birka is an active archaeological UNESCO World Heritage site, but it is no longer an active town. By contrast, Sigtuna is still very much alive, making it Sweden’s oldest surviving town.

It was founded around 980 AD by the Swedish king Erik the Victorious along the shores of Lake Mälaren. The birth of Sigtuna marked the transition from the Viking Era to the Middle Ages. In fact, you can still find runestones and church ruins scattered all around the town today.

Strolling Down Stora Gatan

Moreover, the town boasts a stunning, picturesque and well-preserved main street called Stora Gatan. It was a pleasure walking down this street, admiring the charming details and enjoying the warm weather. Furthermore, it’s considered Sweden’s oldest surviving main street. Stora Gatan leads directly to the main square—Stora Torget—where you can find Sweden’s smallest town hall, built in 1744. The building is really delightful, and you can even take a look inside (at least a part of it), when staff are present. It’s lovely that couples can still get married there today! Inside, the atmosphere is antique, historic, and fascinating.

Did You Know?

As the first town in Sweden to repurpose a retro telephone box into a public book swap kiosk, Sigtuna offers visitors the opportunity to take a book or leave one for others.

Swedish Fika in a 17th-Century Café

At Laurentii Gränd, you can find a lovely hideaway: Tant Bruns Kaffestuga—a historic 17th-century café housed inside one of the oldest wooden buildings in town. Personally, it was the highlight of our visit. 🙂 I love trying out cute new cafes, and this one was no exception!

There is both a beautiful inner courtyard for the warmer months and a charming, cozy interior for when it’s cold and frosty outside. I enjoyed every minute of my time in this café—it felt almost like stepping back in time. 😉

Everything is baked in-house—they have their own bakery right in front of the café— including fresh bread and traditional Swedish pastries such as cinnamon buns. There are also gluten-free options available, though not all of them are made on-site. I enjoyed sitting on one of the benches, taking in the cozy atmosphere, reading my book in peace while enjoying a delicious cardamom bun accompanied by green tea! 🙂

The Sigtuna Boardwalk

Aside from walking through the town center, there is a lovely promenade you can take along the shore of Lake Mälaren. In fact, Sigtuna’s popular waterfront is called the Strandpromenad (or the Sigtuna Boardwalk) and is situated right next to Sigtuna’s Stadspark. It’s a beautiful walk, especially if you enjoy being near the water!

Final Thoughts on Sigtuna

Overall, Sigtuna is well worth visiting. With its unique charm, natural beauty, and rich history, it truly is a must-see destination. If you’re planning a trip to Stockholm or Sweden, I highly recommend adding Sigtuna to your itinerary!

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