Vendel - Sweden

Vendel, which is located about 40 km north of Uppsala, holds a special position in Sweden's prehistory.  The place has given its name to an entire epoch, the period from 550 to 800 AD, the Vendel Period. With its strategic location, with connections via lake Vendelsjon and the river Vendelan south to the river Fyrisan and Lake Malaren and Gamla Uppsala, the site has been a focal
point for contact and trade.  Vendel's most famous ancient monuments are Ottar's Mound and the boat grave field by the church.

In 1881, fourteen graves at Vendel Church were examined, twelve of which were boat burials, containing lavish grave goods. The grave could be dated from 550 to 1050 AD. The finds are among
the richest ever discovered from the period, and in addition to weaponry such as swords, spears, shields and helmets, included imported glass, household objects and pets.  The grave finds bear witness to power, wealth and long-distance trade,

The graves at Vendel church are just one part of a huge ancient monument environment, with a large number lie along the ridge and among the rolling hills of farmland.  At Husby, three kilometres
south of Vendel church, there is a field with 50 mounds.  However it is dominated by the nearly 40-metre long and 6-metre high Ottar's Mound

Activities Vendel

-  The Vendel visitor centre is near the church and contains an exhibition about ancient Vendel,              focusing on the famous boat burials

-  Vendel church, with its churchyard wall, covered gates and famous frescoes

More information at  www.vikinguppsala.se

Ideal for local visits.

- Orbyhus Castle

- Unique Viking flora at Halinas

- The walloon ironworks

More information at   www.visituppland.se