Secrets of
Gotland & Sweden: Origins of the Kensington Rune Stone

May 16
Arrive at the iconic Grand Hotel in Stockholm and unwind. In the evening, join fellow travelers for a champagne social in the elegant Champagne Bar. The group will enjoy a welcome dinner featuring the exquisite Seafood Gastro Experience at the hotel.

May 17
Depart at 10 a.m. for a day filled with Stockholm’s historical treasures. Visit the Swedish History Museum, followed by lunch at Magari Pizza Karlaplan. Explore the fascinating Vasa Ship Museum and conclude with a visit to the Stockholm Cathedral. For those interested, indulge in an optional wine-tasting experience in the hotel’s wine cellar before enjoying dinner at the hotel.

May 18
Check out of the Grand Hotel and begin the day at the Viking Museum. Journey out of Stockholm to Runriket, where you’ll explore intricately carved rune stones. After lunch, visit the majestic Skokloster Castle before heading to Uppsala. Check into Hotel von Kraemer for the night.

May 19
Discover Uppsala’s cultural and historical gems, starting with the Uppsala Cathedral and the Old Uppsala Archaeological Museum and park. Enjoy lunch at Brödernas before visiting Uppsala Castle. In the evening, dine at the hotel and attend a presentation by Scott Wolter on the life and legacy of Olof Ohman.

May 20
Travel to Hudiksvall, where lunch awaits at Statts Bar & Restaurang, followed by a visit to the Hälsinglands Museum. Explore the Forsa Church, a site tied to Olof Ohman. Continue to Umeå and check into the historic Stora Hotellet, built in 1895. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

May 21
Spend the morning at Umeå University delving into the enigmatic Larsson Papers, which hold connections to the Kensington Rune Stone. After lunch, take a relaxing stroll through Umeå’s picturesque Sculpture Park. The evening is yours to explore local dining options or enjoy the hotel’s amenities.

May 22
Depart early from Umeå and enjoy scenic drives through Sweden. Stop for lunch en route before arriving at the tranquil Orbaden Spa & Resort, where you can relax for the evening.

May 23
Begin the day with a visit to Anundshög, Sweden’s largest burial mound. Continue to Västerås Cathedral and enjoy lunch in the city. Explore the Sigurd Runic Inscriptions, which bear striking similarities to the Kensington Rune Stone. Visit Ukna Kirk before taking the ferry to Gotland and checking into the Novi Resort, your home for the next four nights.

May 24
Start the day with a visit to the 12th-century Roma Monastery. Continue to Sjonhem Kyrka, Lye Kyrka, Gannarve Ship Grave, and Sanda Church, which features Easter Table imagery found on the Rune Stone. Dinner will be served at the Novi Resort.

May 25
Explore Majsterrojr, Tjelvars Grave, and Gothem Church, observing unique rune inscriptions. Visit Othem Church and the ancient Trullhalsar Graveyard with its 320 graves from 550–800 AD. Conclude the day with dinner at Lindgården in Visby.

May 26
Visit the Gotland Museum in the morning, followed by lunch at the museum’s café. Spend the afternoon exploring medieval church ruins such as St. Nicholas and St. Karin or enjoy leisure time at the resort.

May 27
Depart Gotland early, taking the ferry to Oskarshamn. Visit the Björketorp Runestone, dating back to the 7th century, and Ale’s Stone Ship, a megalithic site from 600 CE. Continue to Disas Ting, an ancient court site dedicated to the goddess of fate. Arrive in Lund and check into the Grand Hotel.

May 28
Visit Lund University for a private viewing of the Lund Bone, featuring the dotted “R” inscription. Enjoy lunch and a wine-tasting experience at a nearby Swedish vineyard. End the day with dinner at the acclaimed Mat & Destillat.

May 29
Depart Lund for Rosersberg Palace, a short drive from the airport. Reflect on your journey and enjoy the serene palace grounds before your final evening in Sweden.

May 30
Transfer to the airport for your journey home, taking with you unforgettable memories of Gotland and Sweden.