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The Eriksgata

Utsikt från Anundshögen över Eriksgatan och gravfältet.

The prehistoric remains around Anundshög show that the area was the hub of a royal centre of power during the Iron Age. In early medieval times the king of the Svear was formally elected and was required by law to tour the kingdom to reassure the allegiance of its provinces. This royal tour was known as the Eriksgata. The road taken by the king and his men started in Uppsala and continued south-west and around lake Vättern. Västmanland and Anundshög would be one of the last stops of the tour before the arrival back at Uppsala. At Anundshög the Eriksgata went along the row of standing stones which includes the rune stone and crossed over the stream. The place of the crossing is still visible today where the ground hollowed. The hollowed roed and its monuments are one of the few remains still left in Sweden of the historic road travelled by many parties of powerful people and kings.

The road with its rune stone and long row of standing stones gave a worthy framework when these riders arrived. It is possible that a Thing (district court) would be held at Anundshög at the same time. From here they rode on towards Uppsala.

The road has a good foundation with among other things sand in the roadway itself. The stones were raised at regular intervals and the ford over the stream was constructed to make the ride easier.

This part of Badelundaåsen Nature and Culture trail audio guide tells us more about The Eriksgata: