Runriket Skånela Norrsunda
Discover ancient Viking runestones and burial fields, a touching tribute to history carved by skilled warriors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for viewing stones
Runriket Skånela Norrsunda
Best Time
Best for viewing stones
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient Viking runestones and burial fields, a touching tribute to history carved by skilled warriors.
"Exciting piece of history - Ulf B (a viking warrior who'd fought 3 times in the UK; and rune carver) carved the stones for his brother in arm / best friend / good guy married into his family Ulf S. They're a touching tribute that remains 1000 years later."
🎯 Don't Miss the Second Stone
Seek out the second runestone by the water for a complete and moving experience.
🗺️ Understand the History
Learn about Ulf of Borresta and the Skålhamra clan for a richer appreciation of the site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Risbyle Runestones
Near Lake Vallentunasjön
Two ancient runestones (U 160 & U 161) with intricate carvings and a touching tribute from a Viking warrior.
Ulf of Borresta's Legacy
Runestone U 161
See the Eastern cross on U 161, showcasing Byzantine influence and Täby Municipality's coat of arms.
Viking Burial Field
Adjacent to runestones
Discover a large burial field, offering a glimpse into Viking Age funerary practices and community life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Uncover Viking History
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Don't Miss the Second Stone
Seek out the second runestone by the water for a complete and moving experience.
🗺️ Understand the History
Learn about Ulf of Borresta and the Skålhamra clan for a richer appreciation of the site.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around a historical site, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
📸 Capture the Details
The intricate carvings on the runestones are fascinating; bring your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Don't Miss the Second Stone
Seek out the second runestone by the water for a complete and moving experience.
🗺️ Understand the History
Learn about Ulf of Borresta and the Skålhamra clan for a richer appreciation of the site.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around a historical site, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
📸 Capture the Details
The intricate carvings on the runestones are fascinating; bring your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Runriket Skånela Norrsunda as an exciting piece of history, highlighting the touching tributes carved into the ancient runestones. The site offers a tangible connection to the Viking Age and the skilled craftsmanship of carvers like Ulf of Borresta. It's a valuable stop for appreciating Sweden's rich historical heritage.
"Exciting piece of history - Ulf B (a viking warrior who'd fought 3 times in the UK; and rune carver) carved the stones for his brother in arm / best friend / good guy married into his family Ulf S. They're a touching tribute that remains 1000 years later. Don't miss the second stone by the water."
Susanne Vejdemo
"Upplands Väsby, Vallentuna and Täby have the most viking ruins of any other communities in Sweden! A very cool place to stop and appreciate the age of the amazing home we call Sweden."
Gregory Maxham
"The Risbyle Runestones are two runestones found near the western shore of Lake Vallentunasjön in Uppland, Sweden, dating from the Viking Age.
The Risbyle Runestones, listed in the Rundata catalog as U 160 and U 161, were engraved in Old Norse with the Younger Futhark in the early 11th century by the Viking Ulf of Borresta (Báristaðir) who had partaken three times in the danegeld in England and raised the runestone U 336 in the same region. They were raised in memory of Ulf of Borresta's kinsman-by-marriage Ulf in Skolhamarr (Skålhammar).
One of the runestones, U 161, has the Eastern cross which shows the influence of Byzantine culture on Sweden at this time through the Varangians who returned after having served the Emperor in Constantinople (see also the Greece Runestones and the Italy Runestones). The cross is today the coat-of-arms of Täby Municipality. Both runestones are in the style Pr1, and they have a pronounced Ringerike character.
The Skålhamra clan who asked Ulf of Borresta to make the runestones also had another couple of runestones made at Arkils tingstad across the lake, in addition to the runestone U 100 at a path in the forest."
Andrei Gorin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Runriket Skånela Norrsunda is located near Lake Vallentunasjön. While specific public transport details are scarce, it's best accessed by car. If using public transport, consider routes to Vallentuna or Täby and then a taxi or a longer walk.
Parking information is not widely available, but it's advisable to check local signage upon arrival or research parking options in the Vallentuna or Täby areas if driving.
Public transport options directly to the site are limited. It's recommended to check local bus and train schedules for Vallentuna or Täby and be prepared for a walk or taxi.
From towns like Vallentuna or Täby, driving is the most convenient. If relying on public transport, plan your journey to the closest accessible point and then factor in walking time.
Information on guided tours is not readily available. Exploring independently allows for personal discovery, but researching the history beforehand is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Runriket Skånela Norrsunda is an outdoor historical site, and typically, there is no admission fee. Enjoy exploring the runestones and burial field freely.
As an outdoor historical monument, the site is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit when there is ample natural light to see the carvings.
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Risbyle Runestones and the associated burial field. It's a public historical site.
While the site is outdoors and generally accessible, visiting during daylight hours is highly recommended for the best viewing experience of the runestones.
Respect the historical nature of the site. Avoid touching the runestones excessively and do not disturb the burial field.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the two impressive Risbyle Runestones (U 160 and U 161), one featuring an Eastern cross, and a significant Viking Age burial field.
A visit typically takes about 1-2 hours, allowing time to admire the runestones, explore the burial field, and appreciate the historical context.
Facilities are limited at the immediate site. It's advisable to use restrooms and grab refreshments in Vallentuna or Täby before or after your visit.
The runestones are significant historical artifacts from the Viking Age, carved by Ulf of Borresta, commemorating kinsmen and showcasing cultural influences.
It's best to admire the runestones without touching them to preserve their ancient inscriptions for future generations.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged to capture the fascinating runestones and historical landscape.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the carvings on the runestones.
Specific drone regulations may apply in the area. It's always best to check local aviation rules before flying a drone.
You can capture detailed shots of the runic inscriptions, the unique Eastern cross on U 161, and panoramic views of the burial field.
A good camera with a macro lens can help capture the intricate details of the runes. A wide-angle lens is useful for landscape shots of the burial field.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no specific child-focused amenities, the open space around the runestones allows for exploration. It's a great chance to teach kids about ancient cultures and the importance of preserving historical sites. Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited, and make it an educational adventure into Sweden's Viking heritage.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the Ringerike style and the Byzantine influences on U 161's Eastern cross. Researching the Skålhamra clan and Ulf's travels to England will enrich your understanding of the broader Viking Age context. The adjacent burial field also offers insights into Viking funerary practices.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Viking Legacy of Uppland
One of the most compelling aspects of these runestones is the personal stories they tell. The stones were commissioned by the Skålhamra clan and carved by the renowned Viking Ulf of Borresta. Ulf himself was a seasoned warrior, having participated in three danegelds in England. His work here is not just historical record-keeping but also a deeply personal tribute to his kinsman-by-marriage, Ulf in Skolhamarr. This personal touch makes the stones resonate across the centuries, offering a glimpse into Viking relationships and societal structures.
The influence of external cultures is also evident. Runestone U 161 features an Eastern cross, a design that points to the extensive trade and travel networks of the Vikings, particularly their service to the Byzantine Emperor in Constantinople. This cross is so significant that it has become the coat-of-arms for Täby Municipality today. The style of the stones, with their pronounced Ringerike character, further places them within a specific artistic and historical period, making Runriket Skånela Norrsunda a vital site for understanding Viking Age art and culture.
Decoding the Runestones: U 160 & U 161
Runestone U 161 is particularly noteworthy for its depiction of an Eastern cross. This motif is a strong indicator of the cultural exchanges that occurred through Viking voyages, especially their involvement with the Byzantine Empire. The presence of such imagery on a runestone in Sweden demonstrates the far-reaching influence of Constantinople and the Varangian Guard. The cross itself has become a symbol of the region, adopted as the municipal coat of arms for Täby Municipality, underscoring its historical and cultural significance.
Both runestones are classified in the Pr1 style, exhibiting a distinct Ringerike character. This artistic style is characterized by its dynamic, often animal-intertwined, motifs and is a hallmark of Viking Age art from this period. Studying these stylistic elements helps archaeologists and historians date the stones and understand the artistic trends of the time. The Skålhamra clan, who commissioned these stones, also had other runestones created in the vicinity, further solidifying the area's importance as a Viking Age center.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit