Carved Stones of Scandinavia

A runestone is a raised stone with a runic inscription, found across Scandinavia. The tradition began in the 4th century.

Sweden holds between 1,700 and 2,500 runestones. Most were erected during the period 950 to 1100 CE.

In the 960s King Harald Bluetooth ordered a monument built. He commanded its construction.

One runestone has three sides with two decorated images.

The district of Uppland contains 1,196 inscriptions in stone. About 70 percent are explicitly Christian.

Only about 40 percent of runestones were discovered in their original location.

Runestones were usually brightly coloured when erected. The colour has since worn off.