Birka and Hovgården, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sweden, form a remarkable archaeological complex showcasing the Viking Age's extensive trading networks across Europe. Located on two neighboring islands in Lake Mälaren, Birka was a bustling mercantile town from the 8th to 10th centuries, known for its role as a key trading hub and the site of Sweden’s first Christian congregation, founded in 831 by St. Ansgar. Hovgården, the nearby royal estate, governed the region and features monumental mounds, a runestone, and medieval remains, reflecting its enduring significance. Together, these well-preserved sites illustrate the Vikings’ economic and cultural influence on Scandinavian history.

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