Runriket in Sweden
Welcome to the heart of Sweden’s rune-covered landscape – Runriket in Vallentuna. Located just a short drive north of Stockholm, this historical area surrounding Lake Vallentuna offers a unique chance to discover many rune stones over 1000 years old.
This region is full of cultural heritage, stunning nature and a mystical atmosphere. The “Runriket” project connects significant historical sites with modern storytelling tools to bring history to life.
What is Runriket?
The “Realm of Runes” includes nine historical locations around the Vallentuna area. Each site holds its own story. Below are brief descriptions of all nine stations – including placeholders for your own photos.
1. Jarlabanke’s Bridge
An impressive causeway built by the Viking chieftain Jarlabanke, who proudly claimed he alone owned the land. The bridge originally had two rune stones on either end that reflect his influence and status. Today only two of those rune stones remain. Next to Jarlabanke’s bridge are several informative signs, giving insights about Runriket, the culture, Jarlabanke’s clan and more. If you intend to visit with your “baby vikings”, make sure to check out the playground that is adjacent.
Runestone U 164 – Inscription ” Jarlabanki had these stones raised in memory of himself while alive, and made this bridge for his spirit, and (he) alone owned all of Tábýr. May God help his spirit.”
Runestone U 165- Inscription: “Jarlabanki had these stones raised in memory of himself while alive and made this bridge for his spirit … owned all of Tábýr.”
2. Täby Church
There are two fragments of a Rune stone built into the wall of the church. It is believed that it’s original place is not anywhere near the church, but that it had been split and brought to the church for construction. Tbe inscription mentions Holmi, who apparently died in Lombardy.
Runestone 133 – Fragment 1 – Inscription “Guðlaug had the stones raised in memory of Holmi, her son, and in memory of herself. He died in Lombardy.”
Runestone 133 – Fragment 2 – Inscription “Guðlaug had the stones raised in memory of Holmi, her son, and in memory of herself. He died in Lombardy.”
3. Broby bro
At Broby bro are several runestones. The pictures below feature Runestone U 150 and U 151.
Runestone U 150: Inscription: “Jarlabanki and Fastvé had the stones raised in memory of Sveinn, their son.”
Runestone U 151 – inscription: “Þorbjôrn and Ingiþóra had this stone raised in memory of Ígull, their father; and Erinvé in memory of her husbandman and in memory of …”
4. Fällbro
At Fällbro you can find three stoneslabs with rune carvings and one runestone. Two of the carvings are close to each other, marking the border between two properties. A runestone dedicated to Jarlabanke also mentions a bridge. The third runecarving is located next to the road to Fällbro farm.
Uppland Runic Inscription Fv1946;258 – Inscription: “Ónæmr and Ótryggr and Balli have raised the landmark in memory of their father Rauðkárr and the ship(?) … Véseti carved, ship(?) …”
Runestone U 145 – Inscription: “Þorkell and Fullugi had this rock-slab cut and the bridge made in memory of Steinn, their father. Óleifr cut.”
Runestone U 142 – Inscription: “Ingifastr had the stone raised and the bridge made in memory of Jarlabanki, his father, Jórunnr’s son. And Ketiley had (it raised/made) in memory of her husbandman. Œpir carved.”
Stonecarving U 146- Inscription: “Ingibjǫrg had the rock-slab cut and the bridge made in memory of Holmsteinn, her husbandman and in memory of Þorsteinn, her son. Þorsteinn’s, her son’s.”
5. Risbyle
Two prominent runestones are located here, one close to the parking lot and one close to the lake shore, framed by scenic natural surroundings.
Runestone U160 – Inscription: “Ulfketill and Gýi and Uni/Unni, they had this stone raised in memory of Ulfr, their good father. He lived in Skolhamarr. May God and God’s mother help his spirit and soul; grant him light and paradise.”
Runestone U161 – inscription: “Ulfr of Báristaðir cut (the stone) in memory of Ulfr in Skolhamarr, his good kinsman-by-marriage. Ulfkell had (it) cut.”
6. Gällsta
At Gällsta you can find at least two runestones close to the road.
Runestone U229 – Inscription: “Halfdan and Tobbi/Tubbi had the stone raised in memory of Oddi, their father, Þorbjǫrn’s son. Œpir carved the runes.”
Runestone U232 – Inscription: “Tosti and Sigfúss and Sigmarr had the stone raised in memory of Tobbi/Tubbi, their father.”
7. Gullbron
There are several runestones scattered around the place. Some are more accessible by car, others less. Below is a picture of U236, the only runestone we visited on our tour.
Runestone U236 – Inscription: “Ulfr’s heirs í Lindey have raised these stones and made the bridge in memory of their father and brother. Véseti cut.”
8. Vallentuna Church
At Vallentuna Church, you can find 2 rune stones in the grave yard. One is only a fragment, but the other one is big and has inscriptions on both sides. Also keep an eye out on one of the church corners, there is a runic inscription as well!
Runestone U221 – Inscription: “Gunnfastr(?) … in memory of Sigfastr(?) …”
Runestone U212 – inscription Side A: “A Jarlabanki had this stone raised in memory of himself while alive. He alone owned all of Tábýr. May God help his spirit.”
Runestone U212 – inscription Side B: “Jarlabanki had this stone raised in memory of himself while alive, and made this Assembly-place, and alone owned all of this Hundred.”
Runecarving U219 – Inscription: “Andorr/Arnþórr shaped this fair stone …”
9. Arkils Tingstad
The remains of a Viking assembly site where judgments and decisions were made. The size of each side of the square stone setting is roughly 10 meters. Two runestones are located here as well, with a deep connection to the place.
Runestone U226 – Inscription: “(They) raised the stones and worked(?) the staff also, the mighty one, as marks of honour. Gyríðr also cherished her husband: he will therefore be commemorated in weeping. Gunnarr cut the stone.”
Runestone U225 – Inscription: “Ulfkell(?) and Arnkell and Gýi, they made the Assembly-place here … No landmarks will be more (great), than (the ones) the sons of Ulfr made in (his) memory; able lads in memory of their father.”
Ancient meeting and court ground.