Hovgården

Hovgården is an archaeological site on Adelsö island in Lake Mälaren, Sweden, situated in Ekerö Municipality in Stockholm County. The site preserves remains from the Viking Age, including the ruins of a large hall, other dwellings, and a number of burial mounds. Archaeological work indicates that Hovgården functioned as a political and possibly religious center in the Mälaren region, reflecting early forms of centralized power in the area.

Together with Birka on nearby Björkö island, Hovgården constitutes the Birka-Hovgården World Heritage Site. UNESCO inscribed the serial property in 1993, recognizing its significance for understanding the emergence of urban-like centers, state formation, and long-distance trade in the Mälaren Valley during the Viking Age, and for illustrating connections across the Baltic region and beyond.

Today the area is protected as a cultural heritage site and is managed by Swedish authorities in coordination with local organizations. It is accessible to visitors, with interpretive information and marked trails that allow exploration of the landscape and the archaeological remains. Guided tours and seasonal activities may be available, reflecting ongoing research, conservation work, and efforts to interpret the site for the public.