The settlement Birka, at the island Björkö was hugely important in the Viking Period, around 750 AD. It was a key site in the Viking trading network, the nearby island Adelsö was the royal residence (Hovgården). The amount of artefacts excavated since the 19th century, the density of population is striking and following the excavations, both islands are UNESCO world heritage since 1993. The area had massive influence on this part of Europe.
The settlement Birka, at the island Björkö was hugely important in the Viking Period, around 750 AD. It was a key site in the Viking trading network, the nearby island Adelsö was the royal residence (Hovgården). The amount of artefacts excavated since the 19th century, the density of population is striking and following the excavations, both islands are UNESCO world heritage since 1993. The area had massive influence on this part of Europe.
The University of Gotland, which currently continues research at Birka and Hovgården, also co-ordinates the reconstruction project of the Vikingastaden, the Viking city at Björkö. Over half a dozen buildings are under construction as a serious expansion to the indoor exhibition and the outdoor archaeological sites on the island. In Summer time, there are living history residents on the island and probably will stay in the houses when those are ready and furnished. There are as well organised activities. Reaching the island means sailing by ferry.
