How do I get to the Valsgärde grave field?

Valsgärde is approximately 3 km from Old Uppsala. Visitors can reach it by car or arrange transport through Sweden History Tours with prior notice.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, the 1-hour guided tour is family-friendly and offers an engaging glimpse into Viking culture suitable for a wide age range.

Are the artifacts still on site?

Most artifacts were excavated in the 1930s and are housed in museums; the tour focuses on the burial mounds and landscape.

Is there wheelchair access?

The grave field terrain is uneven and may not be fully accessible for wheelchairs; please contact Sweden History Tours for specific accommodations.

Can I take photographs during the tour?

Photography of the outdoor site is permitted, but restrictions may apply to certain artifacts or areas—confirm details with your guide.

What language is the tour conducted in?

Tours are conducted in English, led by experienced local guides familiar with Viking history.

Viking Ship Burials at Valsgärde with Sweden History Tours | Guided Tour | History Tour

Just a few kilometers from Old Uppsala, the Valsgärde grave field offers a rare window into Sweden’s Viking past, where history is etched into the earth itself. Sweden History Tours invites visitors to step beyond the standard museum experience and into the open-air setting of ancient burial mounds that hold the secrets of pre-Viking and Viking-era ship burials. This one-hour guided walk reveals how massive Viking ships were carefully dragged from nearby lakes and laid in prepared pits before being covered by earth, creating monumental graves that survived for more than a millennium.

The landscape at Valsgärde is unassuming but powerful. Rolling grass-covered mounds punctuate an otherwise flat farmland area, each mound marking the resting place of warriors and chieftains buried with weaponry, jewelry, and artifacts recovered during meticulous excavations in the 1930s. Accompanied by an expert guide from Sweden History Tours, visitors gain deep insight into the customs, social hierarchy, and maritime craftsmanship of the Viking Age, bringing context to the iron and wood treasures on display elsewhere.

The site is integral to the cultural heritage of the Uppsala region, linking to the legendary political and religious center of Old Uppsala just a short drive away. It stands out as an accessible historical adventure that combines outdoor walking with archaeology and storytelling. Sweden History Tours makes this profoundly educational experience approachable for all ages, tailoring the tour to immerse guests in vivid historical narratives without requiring strenuous activity.

By preserving and interpreting Valsgärde’s burial grounds, Sweden History Tours plays a vital role in connecting visitors with Sweden’s northern frontier legacy. For travelers who are drawn to history imbued with the spirit of exploration, this guided visit sidesteps crowds and offers a grounded, tangible link to Viking life amid the quiet Swedish countryside.

About Sweden History Tours

Sweden History Tours is a guided tour operator based in Stockholm that specializes in historical and cultural walking tours across Stockholm, Uppsala and surrounding regions. The company offers an extensive range of public and private experiences — from short one‑hour city walks to full‑day excursions to the Stockholm archipelago, Åland Island, Birka and ancient burial sites. Popular themes include Viking and Vendel era archaeology, medieval history, naval and naval‑isle walks, dark folklore and ghost walks, church and cathedral guided tours, and food and fika experiences featuring local producers.

Guides are authorized and deliver focused, research‑based commentary at sites such as Old Town (Gamla Stan), Uppsala Cathedral, Vasa Museum connections, Vallentuna church, Täby church and multiple rune stone and grave mound locations. Sweden History Tours runs small group public departures and customizable private tours, with options for hotel pick‑up, transported tours and combined museum visits.

The operator emphasizes factual storytelling, archaeological context and conservation‑aware visits to heritage sites. Tours are available in Swedish and English where noted, with some seasonal specialty walks for Christmas, Halloween and other cultural events. Booking options include short themed walks, full‑day historic itineraries and tailored corporate or family programs. Sweden History Tours is positioned as a specialist in Swedish history interpretation, offering reliable logistics, local knowledge and a broad catalogue of experiences for visitors seeking depth, authenticity and local food connections.

The operator accommodates accessibility needs where possible and provides clear pre‑tour information on meeting points, durations and recommended clothing for seasonal weather and safety guidelines.