Sweden Guide
Around Stockholm
Birka
Further into Lake Mälaren lies the island of Björkö, known for its rich flora and good swimming beaches. Its real draw, though, are the remnants of Sweden's oldest town, BIRKA, founded in around 750 AD, and now listed by Unesco as a World Heritage site. A Viking trading centre at its height during the tenth century, a few obvious remains lie scattered about, including the fragments of houses and a vast cemetery. Major excavations were carried out between 1990 and 1995 and a museum, Birka the Viking Town (May to mid-Sept daily 10am–5pm; 50kr), now displays rare artefacts recovered during the excavations as well as scale models of the harbour and craftsmen's quarters. You can get there from Stadshusbron in Stockholm on a Strömma boat (departures May to mid Sept daily 9.30am, return trip from Birka at 3pm; July & Aug daily at 1.15pm, return at 6.45pm); tickets can be bought on board or booked by calling 
08/587 140 00 and cost 255kr return, which includes admission to the museum.