Where's the town? This is a question that many people ask when they come to Björkö. The answer is that practically nothing remains above ground of the Birka that existed in the Viking era.

But with a guided tour of the archaeological site and a visit to the museum you can learn more about the town and the people who inhabited this area. The museum is located on Ångholmen, just off of Björkö island, and embedded in a lush green landscape. So don't miss the Birka Museum. It's a must when you visit the island and this World Heritage Site.

The Birka Exhibition

The museum's permanent exhibition features miniature models, archaeological finds and reconstructions. Based on a series of excavations, the models depict the town at the time that it was home to some 700 people. One model gives you a little snapshot of what an early spring day in the 9th century might have been like. While builders hammer away at houses and boats, fishermen are out on the ice. Peek into the houses and find out what the local population is up to. Another model offers a glimpse of the harbour. Ships and boats of various sizes and shapes are dropping anchor or setting off. St. Ansgar, a Benedictine monk who is coming to spread the Word, stands expectantly in one of the boats.

Research in progress!

The exhibition 'Research in progress!' wishes to present and add to new research on the knowledge regarding the World Heritage of Birka and Hovgården previously found in Viking Age society and the early cities.

Above all, the exhibition emphasises archaeology as a science, what it can - and what it cannot - tell us. Hopefully there will be an encounter between the archaeologist and us others who wish to understand and learn.

We have a mutual curiosity, to through a keyhole take a peek at a time that once was.

The exhibition has been constructed in collaboration with researchers, active in the issues that concern Birka and Hovgården. But also together with the site's school of world heritage. Students and staff, together with designers, have made miniature constructions from the interpretations and information which current research narrates.

The film in the auditorium acts as an introduction to the exhibition. All research begins with questions, and in the film we meet some of the children from the school along with researchers who conducted the studies of the site.

To find out more, see also Contact below.

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Send a message to the Birka museum

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Contact