Björkö

Björkö is a Swedish placename meaning Birch Island and may refer to several locations in Sweden. The most well known is the island Björkö in Lake Mälaren, part of Ekerö Municipality in Stockholm County, located to the west of central Stockholm.

Birka and Hovgården are notable associated features on Björkö. Birka, a Viking Age trading settlement situated on the island, was founded around the 8th century and became one of Scandinavia’s first urban centers. It played a key role in early long-distance trade, and archaeological finds include remnants of wooden longhouses, graves, and a range of imported goods illustrating extensive exchange networks across the Baltic region and beyond. The site provides important evidence about early urban life and Norse activity in the region.

Together with the nearby island Adelsö, the site of Birka and Hovgården has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, recognized for its significance in the development of Swedish and Nordic urban culture and trade.

Today, the modern island of Björkö has a small permanent population and is characterized by forests, shorelines, and agricultural land. It remains a destination for history and nature enthusiasts, with research and tourism connections to the Stockholm area.

The name Björkö is used for several other smaller places and geographic features in Sweden, reflecting the common toponym meaning "birch island."