The Sea Routes to Birka and Sigtuna: The Maritime Cultural Landscape of East Middle Sweden as Reflected in the Place-Name Evidence

A sophisticated Viking-age maritime cultural landscape, integral to the functioning of ports Birka and Sigtuna, has been revealed through place-name evidence. This study demonstrates that the region's maritime infrastructure, including landing sites, naval defenses, portages, navigation marks, and beacons, played a crucial role in long-distance trade during the 8th to 13th centuries. By applying Westerdahl’s concept of maritime cultural landscape and analyzing toponyms along key routes like Södertäljeleden, the Stockholm Archipelago, and Lake Mälaren, researchers provide unprecedented insights into the navigational sophistication of this era. The findings underscore the importance of understanding these maritime hinterlands to fully grasp the historical significance of Birka and Sigtuna.

Kalmring, S. (2026). The Sea Routes to Birka and Sigtuna: The Maritime Cultural Landscape of East Middle Sweden as Reflected in the Place-Name Evidence. Journal of Maritime Archaeology, 21(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11457-026-09536-z