Things to do at birka

There’s plenty to see and do at Birka! Visit the reconstructed Viking village, enjoy a meal at our Viking tavern Restaurant Särimner, explore the museum, and much more.
Don’t miss our events taking place throughout the 2026 season.

VIKING SCHOOL AT BIRKA

At our new Viking School, children can experience what life as a Viking might have been like. There are several stations to try: a Rune School, grinding flour and baking bread, and a rotating activity station that varies from day to day such as blacksmithing, woodcraft, textile crafts, or archery.

The viking village

Here, you can stroll around the Viking houses in our Viking village, which is built exactly as the houses in the Viking Age. You can also visit our skilled craftsmen that are using the same techniques and tools that Birkas residents did once upon a time.

Guided tours

The best way to bring the Viking age to life is to join a guided tour around the island. Our knowledgeable guides will show you around the archaeological area and give you a clear picture of the place where the city of Birka once stood.

Restaurant Särimner

Welcome to a Viking pub/restaurant on the shores of Lake Mälaren! We use locally produced ingredients as often as we can, and always Swedish homegrown when the possibility presents itself.

Museum & shop

You can almost touch history in our Viking museum. In our exhibition you can see ancient wooden objects from the archaeological excavations and exciting maps as well as a lost rune stone that was recently found.

Café Eldrimner

Café Eldrimner is perfect if you’d like a coffee break on a covered outdoor terrace—or an ice cream to enjoy during the guided tour. We serve pastries and refreshments, ice cream, and light lunches. Open daily 22 June–9 August 2026.

The Monument of Ansgar

Ansgar was a missionary who lived in the 9th century. He is often called the Apostle of the North, as he is credited with bringing Christianity to Scandinavia. At Birka, you can see the famous monument, commemorating his arrival in Sweden.

Guest harbor & swimming area

Of course, you can also reach Birka by your own boat and you’re very welcome to stay a while and enjoy the island. During the summer season, fresh water, waste disposal, showers and toilets are available. There’s also a child-friendly swimming spot for a dip in Lake Mälaren.

Glamping on Birka – Stay the Night

During summer (June–September), you can stay overnight on Birka in one of our beautiful glamping tents. You’ll sleep comfortably in proper hotel-standard beds. Accommodation, dinner, breakfast, museum admission and a guided tour are included. Book via stromma.com.

Read more at Stromma.com

The Ansgar's Chapell

Ansgar’s Chapel was built around 1930 in memory of the missionary Ansgar. Today, it serves as a summer chapel, open for individual visits, group services, weddings, and baptisms during the season. It’s a peaceful place and a chance to experience another side of Birka’s history.