Enjoy a day trip with Sweden Private Tours, departing from Stockholm to Sigtuna – the oldest town in Sweden. This day tour is perfect for those interested in learning about Viking history and medieval architecture or just enjoying stunning lakeside views in a picturesque town. During your time in Sigtuna, you’ll visit medieval churches, interactive museums, and a Viking boat ride on Lake Mälaren!

Below, you’ll find a sample Sigtuna itinerary to inspire your visit — but every tour is fully customizable to make it unique and perfect for you.

Sigtuna Day Tour Itinerary

Your friendly, English-speaking private guide and driver will meet you in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle at your accommodation. Settle in for a relaxing 45-minute drive through the scenic Swedish countryside. As you leave Stockholm behind, your guide will run you through the day ahead,  tell you about Sweden’s Viking and medieval history, and point out significant landmarks along the way.

Arrive in Sigtuna

Your private tour of Sigtuna will begin with a leisurely walk through the ancient town, founded in the late 10th century by King Erik the Victorious. The town is laid out along Stora Gatan, Sweden’s oldest street, and you’ll walk past the traditional wooden buildings, charming shops, and colorful gardens. Pause along the Lake Mälaren waterfront, where Vikings once moored their ships. Your guide will offer a brief historical overview and a look at how the town has transitioned from a royal capital to a peaceful retreat.

Explore St. Mary’s Church (Mariakyrkan)

Your private driver guide will escort you to the beautiful brick church known as St. Mary’s. This ancient church was built by Dominican monks in the 1230s and is one of the oldest buildings in continual use in Sweden. Its architecture blends Romanesque and Gothic styles with graceful archways, ancient frescoes, and peaceful gardens, making it a must-visit in Sigtuna.

You will head inside the church, where your guide will highlight the original medieval baptismal fonts and stained glass, the importance of Christianity’s spread in Viking-age Sweden, and the role of monastic communities in Sigtuna’s development.

Rune Stones and Church Ruins Walking Tour

Your private guide will show you some of the most significant rune stones in Sigtuna. Rune stones are big rocks with writing carved into them, and the rune stones in Sigtuna date back to the Viking Age. They were usually made to honor someone who passed away, making each stone unique. The stones often mentioned the person they honored and where they died, like a famous battle. It’s an authentic glimpse into Viking life and a fascinating way to spend time in this old town.

You’ll also explore haunting and picturesque ruins of medieval churches, including:

St. Olaf’s Church Ruins: Atmospheric stonework with rich Norse-Christian associations

St. Lawrence’s Church: Romanesque ruins right near the town center

St. Peter’s Church: One of the oldest sites with dramatic Gothic arches

This part of the tour really helps you visualize what life would have been like hundreds and thousands of years ago. It’s also an excellent opportunity to take unique photos with your travel group.

Traditional Swedish Lunch

After a busy morning, it’s time to enjoy a hearty, seasonal meal at an authentic Swedish restaurant or cafe. Our tour planners and guides will work with you to understand the type of food you want and choose an appropriate location for you. You will have a variety of choices, such as a historic coffee house and lakeside restaurants where you can enjoy modern Swedish cuisine, such as:

• Swedish meatballs with lingonberry and creamy mashed potatoes
• Gravlax (cured salmon) with mustard sauce and crispbread
• Vegetarian dishes with seasonal mushrooms, beets, or root vegetables
• Pair with local cider, juice, or craft beer, and finish with a cinnamon bun or berry tart.

Sigtuna Museum & Sweden’s Smallest Town Hall

After lunch, visit the Sigtuna Museum, a compact but rich collection of Viking artifacts, medieval coins, town models as it developed, and rotating exhibits. It offers context to the town’s founding, royal history, and how life evolved from pagan to Christian times.

Next, a short stroll brings you to Sigtuna Rådhus, Sweden’s smallest town hall, built in 1744. Step inside to look at preserved interiors and learn about local governance and daily life centuries ago.

Private Viking Boat Ride on Lake Mälaren

Embark on a unique journey across Lake Mälaren aboard a traditional-style Viking longboat replica. Manned by local boatmen, this ride offers a serene way to see Sigtuna from the water—just as Viking chieftains and merchants once did over a thousand years ago. Glide past reed-fringed shores, tiny islands, and charming lakeside cottages while your guide tells fascinating stories of Viking raids.

This boat tour is the perfect way to connect with Sweden’s Viking Past, as you travel along the same waters where Vikings once sailed themselves. Your guide will tell you how the lake connected the town to Uppsala and Birka and how the Vikings used the lake to explore, trade, and even raid.

Venngarn Castle

Just a 10-minute drive away lies Wenngarn Slott, a grand estate with 1,000 years of history. The current baroque palace was built in the 1600s and has been recently restored. Highlights of the ancient castle include:

Baroque Grand Hall: Step into a striking ceremonial space featuring high ceilings, dramatic frescoes, and a sense of noble grandeur without the pretense. Your guide will share stories of the banquets, political intrigues, and royal visits that once filled this room.

Chapel of Wenngarn: A unique blend of ornate and rustic design, this historic chapel is known for its golden altarpiece, detailed woodwork, and vibrant ceiling paintings.

Restored Interiors & Historical Exhibits: Wander through a selection of thoughtfully restored rooms with period furniture and curated exhibits that explore the life of the nobility, the estate’s later years as a rehabilitation center, and its modern-day revival.

Gardens & Parkland: Enjoy a peaceful stroll through manicured gardens and leafy lanes while enjoying stunning views from the castle grounds.

Return Drive to Stockholm

It’s time to board your luxury executive vehicle and relax on the return drive to Stockholm.

You’ll be dropped off at your original pick-up location or another preferred spot in central Stockholm.