Birka and Hovgården

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Birka and Hovgården from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• Geophysical investigation of a plateau at Kugghamn

  Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey at the Viking Age settlement of Birka-Korshamn, Björkö, Sweden, revealed two previously unregistered burial mounds beneath a plateau, linking them to larger burial fields at the site. The 500 MHz antenna detected subsurface archaeological features, including structures associated with an identified wharf, though house structures remained less distinct despite clear indications of activity. This non-invasive method complements existing data from LiDAR, aerial photographs, and excavations, offering new insights into the settlement's stratigraphy and geology. The findings highlight the potential of GPR for uncovering hidden archaeological elements in complex Viking Age landscapes.

  Hedberg, E., Isaksson, S., Kalmring, S., Lidén, K., & Viberg, A. (2026). Geophysical investigation of a plateau at Kugghamn. Fornvännen, 121(2), 111–123. https://doi.org/10.66449/fornvn.v121i2.64013

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• 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

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• Böcker i Birka

  Archaeological evidence from the Viking Age town of Birka reveals significant Christian influence through intricate book designs and related artifacts. The study identifies parallels between the 'Birka crucifix'—adorned with silver grains—and illustrations from a 9th-century work by Hrabanus Maurus, suggesting direct modeling. Additionally, miniature shields, cross pendants, and other objects, possibly crafted with identical tools, point to shared Christian iconography. Written sources by Rimbert and Adam of Bremen further support the presence of books linked to missionary activity. The research highlights both the technical sophistication and symbolic significance of these finds, offering new insights into Viking Age Christianity.

  Trotzig, G. (2025). Böcker i Birka. Fornvännen, 2025(3), 169–182. https://doi.org/10.62077/iiuamh.eca0q4

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• Open Access: Presence in affective heritagescapes: connecting theory to practice

  Affective dimensions of heritage landscapes can be effectively identified and integrated into practical management strategies through the concept of 'presence,' which combines embodied, observational, and collaborative approaches. This study demonstrates that certain areas within UNESCO World Heritage Site Birka in Sweden have been underutilized for their emotional and affective potential, despite their significance in Viking Age history. By engaging with site managers, re-enactors, and tour guides through focus groups and interviews, the research translates theoretical discussions on emotion and affect into actionable insights. The findings suggest that a collaborative study grounded in embodied encounters offers a robust framework to bridge the gap between academic theory and heritage management practices.

  Burlingame, K. (2023). Open Access: Presence in affective heritagescapes: connecting theory to practice. Affect and Emotion in Tourism, 83–103. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003292241-7

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• Sweden's First Restoration of an Ancient Monument - the burial ground Hemlanden on Birka

  Sweden's first restoration of an ancient monument, the burial ground Hemlanden on Birka, reveals a significant shift in how cultural heritage is preserved and presented. This project not only restored the site but also provided valuable data, marking a departure from earlier debates about the care of cultural heritage. The research highlights the importance of balancing protection with public accessibility, setting a precedent for future conservation efforts. By integrating land management practices with archaeological insights, this restoration offers a model for preserving and interpreting ancient sites in a way that informs both scholars and the general public.

  Schönbeck, M. (2023). Sweden’s First Restoration of an Ancient Monument - the burial ground Hemlanden on Birka. Internet Archaeology, (62). https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.62.4

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• Not a camp but a garrison

  Archaeological evidence suggests that the Viking-era city of Birka, Sweden, housed a garrison distinct from known military camps. Unlike temporary encampments outside Scandinavia, Birka's garrison reflects a more permanent and localized martial organization. This study compares structural and material remains to highlight similarities and differences between home-based garrisons and foreign military operations, offering new insights into Viking Age military logistics and regional dynamics.

  Hedenstierna-Jonson, C. (2023). Not a camp but a garrison. Viking Camps, 274–293. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003347682-16

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• First High‐resolution GPR and Magnetic Archaeological Prospection at the Viking Age Settlement of Birka in Sweden

  Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and magnetic gradiometer surveys at Birka, a UNESCO-listed Viking Age settlement in Sweden, revealed intricate structural details of the proto-urban site. The non-invasive geophysical methods mapped houses, property boundaries, pathways, and buried town ramparts from multiple construction phases, including a gate. This pioneering 2006 study demonstrated the effectiveness of high-resolution GPR and magnetometry for archaeological prospection in Scandinavian contexts, combining state-of-the-art data processing with GIS-based interpretation to uncover new insights about Birka-Hovgården's layout and development.

  Trinks, I., Neubauer, W., & Hinterleitner, A. (2014). First High‐resolution GPR and Magnetic Archaeological Prospection at the Viking Age Settlement of Birka in Sweden. Archaeological Prospection, 21(3), 185–199. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/arp.1481

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