Anundshög
Archaeological Site Sweden's largest burial mound and Viking-era site
Large burial mound and runestone field near Västerås, Sweden, representing Iron Age and Viking-era monuments. Visitors walk the barrows, read runic inscriptions and take lakeside views.
Anundshög is an Iron Age and Viking Age burial and ritual complex near Västerås in Västmanland County, Sweden. It contains Sweden’s largest burial mound and associated stone settings and runic monuments.
The site features a very large tumulus, a distinct stone ship setting and multiple runestones arranged across an open grassy plain, giving a clear overview of prehistoric funerary architecture. Paths and signage allow visitors to walk around the mound and the adjacent stone formations.
Constructed during the late Iron Age and used into the Viking Age, the site functioned as an elite burial and ceremonial center; the large mound and stone settings reflect high-status funerary practices. Runic inscriptions and later medieval references show continued local significance across centuries.
Anundshög lies close to the town of Västerås in central Sweden, on low-lying agricultural land where it forms a prominent local landmark visible from nearby roads.
- Visitor information: Interpretive signs on site explain the mound and surrounding stone settings; the area is accessible on foot and is an open-air archaeological landscape.
What to See #
- Great tumulus: A large burial mound dating to the Iron Age and standing as the site's most prominent feature; it is the largest tumulus in Sweden and was used for elite burial and ceremonial purposes.
- Stone ship: A stone ship setting adjacent to the mound formed from standing stones laid out in an outline resembling a ship; these are typical of funerary and ritual sites in the region.
- Runestones: Several runestones and smaller grave markers distributed around the mound and ship setting, inscribed and erected during the late Iron Age and Viking Age.
How to Get to Anundshög #
Anundshög is a short drive or a cycle ride from Västerås city centre; local signage from major roads guides visitors to the site.
Tips for Visiting Anundshög #
- Anundshög sits a short walk from the centre of Västerås - combine the mound visit with the nearby Västerås Museum to get context on the Iron Age monuments.
- Bring binoculars for the runic stones and the nearby stone ship outline; they're easier to study from a little distance.
Best Time to Visit Anundshög #
The site is an outdoor archaeological park - warmer months offer easiest access and longest daylight.
Weather & Climate near Anundshög #
Anundshög's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (551 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. The driest month with just 24 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 73 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.