Best attractions and places to see around Sigtuna include a rich array of historical, cultural, and natural sites. Sigtuna, Sweden's oldest town, is situated on the shores of Lake Mälaren, offering a picturesque setting. The area features well-preserved medieval architecture and significant historical landmarks. Visitors can explore a variety of outdoor activities and cultural institutions within this region.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
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Highlight • Religious Site
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Highlight • Castle
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The Mariakyrkan in Sigtuna was built in the 13th century by the Dominicans and is one of the oldest brick churches in the region around Lake Mälaren. Unlike the medieval churches of Sigtuna, which today only exist as ruins, it has remained in use over the centuries and continues to serve as a parish church. With its red brick, simple medieval interior, and its immediate proximity to the old church ruins, it is one of the most significant historical buildings in the city.
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Sigtuna was founded around the year 980 and is considered the oldest still existing city in Sweden. The historic center with its traditional wooden houses, the small pedestrian street Stora gatan and the town hall at Stora torget still convey the character of an old Swedish small town today. Runestones, medieval church ruins and its location directly on Lake Mälaren make Sigtuna a particularly charming destination for a walk between Swedish history and idyllic coastal scenery.
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The Sigtuna Town Hall (Sigtuna rådhus) is located on the central square Stora torget and is one of the city's most famous historical buildings. The small wooden town hall was built in 1744 and is particularly striking for its compact design and distinctive clock tower. Together with the surrounding wooden houses, it shapes the historical center of Sigtuna and is a particularly beautiful photo opportunity on a walk through Sweden's oldest city.
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Magnificent castle with a child-friendly garden. Worth a visit.
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Here you can see Sweden's smallest town hall (at Stora torget) and a museum dedicated to the history of Sigtuna.
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Sigtuna is considered to be Sweden's oldest town. It is said to have been founded around the year 970. But that is not why tourists come here. Today's Sigtuna attracts visitors with its idyllic town center, wooden houses, souvenir shops, restaurants and many cafés. Most of the shops and cafés are located in the pedestrian zone along the small main street, Stora gatan. The town also has Sweden's smallest town hall (on Stora torget) and a museum dedicated to the history of Sigtuna.
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The monks of the Dominican Order received land in Sigtuna in 1237 and built St. Mary's Church (probably around 1240). The convent prospered and became an educational centre until it lost importance in the late Middle Ages. It was dissolved in 1527 during the Reformation. Unlike other old churches in Sigtuna (St. Per, St. Olof, St. Lars and St. Nikolai), of which only ruins remain, the monastery church was preserved while the monastery buildings were demolished. The church became the parish.
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Here you will find the Lunsentorpet, there are 8 beds (but you should bring your own sleeping bag), a stove, a table with several chairs and many other useful things. It is definitely a good place to rest for a night!
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Sigtuna, as Sweden's oldest town, offers a wealth of historical sites. You can visit the Sigtuna Town Hall, reputedly Sweden's smallest. Explore the impressive 13th-century St. Mary's Church (Mariakyrkan), the oldest building in Sigtuna still in use. Don't miss the ruins of medieval stone churches like St. Peter's, St. Lawrence's, and St. Olof's, which provide a glimpse into the town's early Christian history.
Sigtuna is globally significant for its abundance of runestones. You can find around 30 significant runestones within the town itself, and approximately 170 across the wider municipality. Many of these are Christian in origin, despite their Viking Age association, and are easily accessible as you explore the town.
Yes, the area around Sigtuna is home to several impressive castles perfect for a day trip. These include the magnificent 17th-century Baroque Skokloster Castle, Rosersberg Palace (one of Sweden's royal palaces), the beautifully restored Wenngarn Castle, and the fairytale-like Skånelaholm Castle. Steninge Castle also offers beautiful gardens open to the public.
Sigtuna's lakeside setting on Lake Mälaren provides numerous outdoor opportunities. You can go swimming at beaches like Munkholmsbadet, Steningebadet, and Sjudargårdsbadet, or enjoy kayaking and boat tours in summer. The area also features a variety of hiking trails, nature reserves, and cycling facilities. For specific routes, you can explore options like those found in the Hiking around Sigtuna guide.
Yes, Sigtuna offers a range of hiking trails. The famous 110-kilometer Ingegerd Trail is a pilgrimage route, while shorter options include the 7.5-kilometer Steninge Valley Trail and the 3.5-kilometer Wenngarnsstigen Trail. Nature reserves like Hällsboskogen and Rävsta also provide forests with walking and jogging tracks. You can find more details and routes in the Hiking around Sigtuna guide.
For scenic views and nature close to town, visit Klockbacken, a hilly park in central Sigtuna offering panoramic vistas and walking paths. The municipality also boasts 10 nature reserves, such as Askarehage for birdlife and Fysingen, known as one of Stockholm County's most beautiful bird lakes. Munkholmen is a small reserve right within the town.
Many attractions in Sigtuna are family-friendly. The town itself, Sigtuna, with its pedestrian street Stora Gatan, charming shops, and cafes, is pleasant for families. Historical sites like Sigtuna Town Hall and St. Mary's Church are accessible. Outdoor activities like swimming at Lake Mälaren beaches or exploring the Lunsentorpet Cabin, which has facilities and fire sites, are also great for families.
Sigtuna offers charm year-round. The summer months are ideal for enjoying Lake Mälaren activities like swimming, kayaking, and boat tours, as well as exploring hiking trails. Spring and autumn provide pleasant weather for walking and visiting historical sites, with beautiful foliage in the fall. Even in winter, the town's medieval charm and cozy cafes offer a unique experience.
For a traditional Swedish 'fika,' head to Tant Brun Kaffestuga. Believed to be housed in Sigtuna's oldest wooden building (17th century), this beloved café offers homemade bread and delicious cinnamon buns, providing an authentic and historic setting for your coffee break.
Yes, Sigtuna offers various cycling opportunities. The Sigtuna Bike Arena provides well-developed paths through the Hällsboskogen forest for different skill levels. Additionally, there are numerous road cycling routes around the region. You can find detailed routes and guides in the MTB Trails around Sigtuna guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Sigtuna guide.
Beyond its historical landmarks, Sigtuna offers cultural depth. The Sigtuna Museum provides a comprehensive overview of the town's thousand-year history through exhibitions of medieval artifacts, runic inscriptions, and coins. The Sigtuna Foundation, established in 1917, is also a notable cultural institution that has attracted renowned writers and academics.


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