Birka Viking City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the island of Björkö in Lake Mälaren, about 30 km west of Stockholm.
During the visitor season, Birka can be reached by boat from several departure points around Lake Mälaren. For most international visitors, the easiest and most convenient option is a day trip by boat from central Stockholm.
Below you’ll find all travel options and practical information to help you plan your visit.
Travel with Stromma for a comfortable full-day excursion to Birka. This is the most convenient option for many visitors. The package includes return boat transport, museum admission and a guided tour on site.
Depending on your departure point, the boat journey takes between 15 minutes and 2 hours.
Boats depart from central Stockholm (Klara Mälarstrand, by City Hall) and stop at Nya Kungshatt, Jungfrusund & Vårby on the way out to Birka.
There are also departures from:
The departure point is near by the City Hall in Central Stockholm.
Address: Klara Mälarstrand 2, 111 52 Stockholm
Located near the allotment gardens and Viking playground. A short walk from the bus stop or approximately 10 minutes from Vårby gård metro station.
Located at Jungfrusund Marina. Behind Restaurant Jungfrusund’s mini golf course, you’ll find a pier with a small bridge leading to an outer dock – this is where the Birka boat stops.
Located near Adelsö Church. The road down to the pier is closed to car traffic; allow approximately 7 minutes’ walk from the parking area.
For a more flexible option, Särimner Boat Taxi offers transport to Birka from several locations, including Lindby Pier, Sandviken, Södertälje and Rastaholm.
Booking & information:
Contact Jens at +46 (0)70 226 65 34
*Minimum 3 paying passengers per trip.
Please note: Prices cover transport only. Museum entrance and guided tours are paid separately on arrival.
You can also travel to Birka with other shipping companies from towns around Lake Mälaren. Booking and timetables are available directly through each operator:
Rederi Mälarstaden – departures from Västerås, Sundbyholm, Strängnäs, Sigtuna, Kungsängen and Kallhäll
Museiföreningen Ångfartyget Ejdern – departures from Södertälje.
Visiting Birka by private boat is a popular option during the summer The guest harbour offers 40 berths. During the season, the following facilities are available: fresh water, waste disposal, toilets and showers.
Guests staying in the harbour receive a 20% discount on museum entrance and the guided tour of the archaeological site upon presentation of their harbour receipt.
Harbour fees are paid at Restaurant Särimner during opening hours.
If you arrive outside opening hours, payment is made when the restaurant opens.
During the low season (November–April), the museum and restaurant are closed and there is no regular boat service to the island.
However, Birka can still be visited by private boat, and the guest harbour remains accessible. Visitors explore the island independently during this period.
