The Birka archaeological site is located on Bj�rk� Island in Lake M�lar and was occupied in the 9th and 10th centuries. Hovg�rden is situated on the neighbouring island of Adels�. Together, they make up an archaeological complex which illustrates the elaborate trading networks of Viking-Age Europe and their influence on the subsequent history of Scandinavia. Birka was also important as the site of the first Christian congregation in Sweden, founded in 831 by St Ansgar.
The Hovgarden part of this WHS comprises of a few rune stones, burial mounds and the remains of a palace (only part of a wall is still visible). They lie in the center of Hovgarden town. It’s a nice stroll through the fields, and information is posted along the way. From on top of the hill where the palace stood, there are good views on the surrounding lake and to Bj�rk� (for Birka).
The walk ends at the medieval Adels� Church, a lovely small romanesque construction. Inside there are runic stones too, but unfortunately I couldn’t get in as a wedding service was going on. So after about an hour I ended my visit and took the ferry back.�
With the decline of Birka, a Royal estate was established on the neighbouring island of Adelso. There are documentary references to associations between this area and the 11th century king Hakon. In the 13th century a royal palace was built in brick and became a favoured location for meetings of the Royal Council. It was here that the momentous Council meeting was held in 1279 at which the Swedish feudal system was given shape.
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Birka�on Bj�rk��in the�lake�was the�hub of the�rich�M�lardalen�in the Viking Age.�The shopping center�was built in the�700?s and�became�an important international port�for visitors�from near and far.�On�Adels�,�on the other�side of the bay,�lies�Hovgarden�where the king�lived.�Birka�World Heritage Siteand�Hovgarden�contains�unusually�large number of remains�of Viking Age.Since�the late 1800s, archaeologists have�examined the�ancient remains�ofBirka and�Hovgarden.�The rich�finds from�excavations�tell of�a society�with a strong�hierarchy and�large differences�between�both class�and gender.�They had�extensive trade�contacts�with the outside world�and�it shows in�the finds.The land has�been cultivated�since�long before�Birka�s�heyday�and�is�still�aliving landscape�with grazing�animals,�lush green�meadows�and large�burial ground.�Across�the water,�on Adels�,�was�a�royal estate�-�Hovgarden.�There lived�the king�when he�arrived at the scene�with�his�entourage.�Birka andHovgarden�owned by the state�and managed by�National Heritage Board.�Itwas included on�UNESCO�s World Heritage�List in 1993.
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