What is the accessibility like on this tour with M/S Mälar Victoria (departure from Stockholm)?
The boat is fully accessible to persons in wheelchair. The gangway is wide so you can easily get on and off the boat. Onboard, there is an accessible toilet and open spaces. Steps upstairs to reach the outer area on top deck.
What is the accessibility like on this tour with M/S Nya Hjelmare Kanal (departure from Södertälje, Härjarö & Mariefred)?
Not wheelchair accessible. Steps on board.
What is the accessibility like on Birka?
Birka is partially accessible. There are graveled surfaces and roads in the museum area and flat walking paths on the island. You can visit the museum, shop, Viking Quarter, and restaurant. Accessible toilet is available at Birka. Please note that the guided tour includes steep slopes and natural terrain, which can make it difficult to fully participate.
Can I bring my dog to Birka?
Yes, dogs are welcome on board. However, not in the restaurant area. Please note that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times on the island.
Can I bring a stroller with me?
Yes, dogs are welcome on board. However, not in the restaurant area. Please note that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times on the island.
Birka is an open-air museum with natural surroundings, but you can visit the museum, shop, Viking Quarter, and restaurant with a stroller. Elsewhere, there is limited accessibility.
Is there a restroom on board the boat?
Yes. Available on main deck, one is accessible.
Can I sit outdoors? Are there outdoor seats on board the boat?
Yes, there are seats outside on the upper deck.
Is it possible to always meet Vikings at Birka?
Guides and other staff are always dressed in Viking clothes. For three weeks in July, there is the program item "Vikings at Birka". Then our reconstructed Viking quarter is populated with dressed-up Viking enthusiasts. Here you can read more about "Vikings at Birka".
How long time do I have to explore Birka?
You are on the island for 3-3.5 hours and you choose in what order, and which places you want to experience at Birka. The guide on board the boat informs you about the times that apply to the day's guided tours at Birka.
The guided tour at Birka takes about 45-60 minutes. The museum takes between 20-60 minutes to explore. You'll visit the museum and the reconstructed Viking Quarter whenever you want. In the reconstructed Viking Quarter, there are reconstructed houses, Viking boats, goats, chickens, and cultivated herbs. Here you can read more about what you can do at Birka.
If you have extra time to spare, you can walk to Ansgar's Chapel which is always open during the season and is a 20-minute walk from the museum.
Can I go for a swim at Birka?
Yes, there is a beach and cliffs to swim from.
Where can I eat or have a coffee?
The boat from Stockholm offers coffee and light food. The boat that goes from Härjarö, Mariefred, Södertälje and Hovgården offers cafeteria. Birka has Restaurant Särimner, which serves a Viking-inspired menu. On the lunch menu, there is always at least one meat, fish, and a vegetarian dish. The children's menu with meatballs and pancakes is always available.
Indoors in the restaurant, there are 80 seats and about the same on the outdoor terrace. No pre-booking is needed except for groups of over 20 people. Café Eldrimner is open during the high season and serves coffee, ice cream, and good pirogues.
Here you can read more about Restaurant Särimner and Café Eldrimner.
Can I buy a boat ticket without a guide and museum?
No, we only sell packages that include a round trip boat trip, guided tour of the ancient monument area, and entrance ticket to the museum. We highly recommend joining the guided tour, with these skills you can make better use of the visit to the reconstructed Viking Quarters and museum!
Do you come in your own boat? Then you can buy a guided tour and entrance ticket to the museum separately.
Where does the guided tour start at Birka and what do you get to see?
The guided tour always starts in front of the museum and takes place outdoors. It takes you through a burial ground with classic Viking Age burial mounds, Birkas ancient castle, and ends near or next to the Ansgar cross.
Near the guided trail, you can see the Black Earth (the old city surface), the famous warrior woman's grave, and the site of Birka's garrison.
The guided tour takes about 45-60 minutes and is a walk of about 1-1.5 kilometers.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, you are allowed to bring your own food to Birka. There are several cozy areas to have a picnic on the island, and outside the museum, there are tables and benches under the roof.
At the guest harbor and next to the museum there are barbecues to borrow, bring your own charcoal. Please note that there is a fire ban in other parts of the island. Do not leave garbage or leftover food in nature.
Onboard the boat from Stockholm, you can eat a packed lunch on the sun deck (upper deck) but not inside the boat.
Can I see the Ansgar Cross on the guided tour?
Yes, the guided tour ends next to the Ansgar Cross or at a nearby distance. If you want to walk away to Ansgars Chapel (the church built in the 30s) you can walk there on your own, it takes about 15-25 minutes. If you cross the meadows, it will take less time. Remember to have plenty of time to get back to the boat.
How do I find my way at Birka?
There are free maps at the museum to pick up.
Where can I read more about Birka Viking Town?
You can read more about Birka Vikingastaden on the website.
