Rune Stones in Gamla Stan
– Norse History Etched in Stockholm’s Heart

The runestone (Uppland Runic Inscription 53) on Prästgatan in Gamla Stan, Stockholm. Photo: Albertyanks Albert Jankowski (Public Domain)

💡 Summary
Unearth the mysteries of Gamla Stan's ancient secret: the Rune Stone. Discover its intriguing history, rich symbolism, and the fascinating tales it tells about Viking culture. Journey through time and decode the messages engraved by the Vikings themselves.

Ancient rune stone hidden in Gamla Stan’s heart

In the heart of Gamla Stan in Stockholm, among pastel façades and medieval alleyways, an 11th-century Viking rune stone is embedded in a house wall on Prästgatan. Easily missed at first glance, this ancient inscription predates Stockholm itself — a fragment of the Viking Age preserved within the Old Town’s urban fabric.

🗿 Rune Stone at a Glance

Location: Prästgatan 28, Gamla Stan
Date: 11th century (Viking Age)
Type: Memorial rune stone
Material: Granite
Inscription: Commemorates a son named by Torsten and Frögunn

A Glimpse into the Past

Gamla Stan, or the “Old Town,” is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. It teems with stories from the past, and among its many landmarks is a unique relic from the Viking Age. This rune stone, etched with ancient symbols and inscriptions, tells tales of a time when Vikings roamed the Nordic lands.

The Rune Stone of Prästgatan 28

The rune stone on Prästgatan 28 is a quiet gem that many visitors walk past without noticing. Partially visible above eye level, it seamlessly integrates into the wall of a building—an intriguing reminder of the area’s layered history. The stone’s dimensions are 0.95 meters by 0.55 meters. Despite its damage, a significant portion of its inscription remains readable.

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    Decoding the Rune Stone

The runes on this stone are in Old Norse, the language of the Viking Age. Although parts of the text have been lost to time, scholars believe it commemorates a son, raised by Torsten and Frögunn.

The inscription reads:
ᚦᚬᚱ[..]ᛅᛁᚾ ᛫ ᛅᚢᚴ ᛫ ᚠᚱᛅᚤᚴᚢᚾ ᛫ ᚦᛅᚢ[…] ᛫ ᛋᛏᛅᛁᚾ ᛫ ᛁᚠᛏᛁᛦ […] ᛋᚢᚾ ᛋᛁᚾ
In Swedish:
Torsten och Frögunn de (lät resa) stenen efter …, sin son.
In English:
Torsten and Frögunn had the stone erected in memory of their son.

Historians believe that someone carved the stone’s inscription in the 11th century, a time when people commonly used rune stones to commemorate the deceased or mark significant events. People often placed these stones in public spaces, creating a connection between the living community and their ancestors.

The stone was likely relocated during medieval construction, when older materials were often reused in building walls. Its survival is therefore accidental — a Viking memorial embedded within a later medieval city, quietly bridging nearly a thousand years of history in a single façade.

The old runestone on Prästgatan in Gamla Stan, Stockholm. Photo: Albertyanks Albert Jankowski (Public Domain)

Photo from 1915. The runestone was used as building material a long time ago, and the stone is already mentioned in the 1600s. Image: Swedish National Heritage Board (No restrictions)

The book Bautil from 1750 already describes this runestone in Gamla Stan. Image: Johan Göransson (CC0)

The runestone in Gamla Stan is easy to find – if you know it's there! Photo: Ainali (CC BY-SA 3.0)

❓ Rune Stone in Gamla Stan FAQ

How old is the rune stone? It dates to the 11th century during the Viking Age.
Where is it located? It is embedded in a wall at Prästgatan 28 in Gamla Stan.
Can you visit it for free? Yes — it is visible from the street year-round.
What does the inscription say? It commemorates a son, erected by Torsten and Frögunn.

Exploring Gamla Stan

After marveling at the rune stone, continue your journey through Gamla Stan. The district is filled with attractions like the Royal Palace, Stockholm Cathedral, and the Nobel Prize Museum. Each corner of this historic quarter tells a story, offering a vivid tapestry of Sweden’s past and present.

Tips for Visitors

Best Time to Visit: While Gamla Stan is charming year-round, visiting in the early morning or late afternoon can offer a quieter experience.
Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided walking tour to learn more about the history of Gamla Stan and its hidden treasures.
Photography: Capture the rune stone and surrounding medieval architecture in soft, natural light for stunning travel photos.

Conclusion

The rune stone of Gamla Stan is more than just an artifact; it’s a tangible link to Stockholm’s rich Viking heritage. So, on your next visit to Stockholm, take a moment to uncover this ancient secret tucked away in the heart of the city.