Anundshög
Västmanlands län
Anundshög is the largest burial mound in Sweden, located near Västerås in Västmanland County. The mound measures approximately 8 to 9 meters in height and 60 to 64 meters in diameter, dating back to the Migration Period around 210-540 CE. It forms part of a larger ancient monument area that includes twelve burial mounds, ten circular stone settings, five ship settings, fourteen standing stones, and a notable runestone commemorating 'Heden, Anund's brother.' The site is believed to have served as a ting (assembly) place during the Middle Ages and is associated with local legends of kings and giants buried beneath. Archaeological research has revealed a row of large postholes near the mound, indicating its significance as a ceremonial or power center. Visitors can explore the area year-round, with guided tours offered in summer by trained archaeologists. The site’s combination of burial monuments, runestones, and ship settings makes it a unique window into Nordic Iron Age and Viking Age culture and society.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during the summer months when guided tours and family activities led by professional archaeologists are available. The site is accessible year-round for self-guided exploration. It is recommended to check the official website for event schedules and to arrive early to secure parking. No ticket purchase is necessary as access to the area is free, but guided tours may require advance booking. Facilities include parking, toilets, and a café near the visitor center.
Interesting facts
- •Anundshög is Sweden's largest burial mound, with a diameter of up to 64 meters and height of about 9 meters.
- •A large runestone at the site commemorates 'Heden, Anund's brother,' and is associated with the mound's name.
- •The site includes several ship settings-stone arrangements shaped like ships-used in ancient burial practices.
- •Archaeologists discovered a 200-meter-long row of large postholes near the mound, possibly marking a ceremonial boundary or pathway.
- •The mound was used as a medieval ting (assembly) site, with records dating back to the 14th century.
- •The site was damaged by grave robbers in 1788 and again targeted by metal detector plundering in 2025 and 2026.
History
Anundshög dates back to the Migration Period (approximately 210-540 CE), making it over 1,500 years old.
It has been used as a burial site and later as a medieval assembly (ting) place, with documented use from the 14th century.
The mound was partially damaged by grave robbers in 1788 but restored in 1970.
Archaeological studies have uncovered evidence of large standing stones and postholes, suggesting its importance as a political and ceremonial site.
The surrounding ancient monument area contains graves and stone settings spanning from the Bronze Age through the Viking Age, reflecting continuous use over centuries.
Place Guide
Anundshög Burial Mound210-540 CE
The central and largest burial mound in the area, dating to the Migration Period. It stands about 9 meters high and over 60 meters wide, with a wooden staircase allowing visitors to climb to the top. The mound is a key feature of the site, symbolizing ancient power and burial practices.
Runestone Västmanland Rune Inscription 13Medieval period
A prominent runestone erected in memory of Heden, brother of Anund. The inscription states that Folkvid raised all the stones in the area in his honor. This stone is key to understanding the site's name and historical significance.
Ship SettingsIron Age to Viking Age
Stone arrangements shaped like ships, used in Iron Age and Viking Age burial customs. The largest ship setting at Anundshög measures 53 meters long and 16 meters wide, reflecting the importance of maritime symbolism in Nordic culture.
Ancient Assembly Site (Ting)Medieval period
Anundshög served as a ting place during the Middle Ages, where local assemblies were held for judicial and political matters. Historical records from the 14th century confirm its use as a meeting site.
Contact
Phone: 021-39 77 27
