Study › Runes & Norse › The Sparlösa Runestone
The Sparlösa Runestone in Västergötland, Sweden, about 800 CE, is one of the earliest Viking Age runestones, with runes and carved pictures together.
What is the Sparlösa Runestone?
The Sparlösa Runestone was discovered at Sparlösa in Västergötland, Sweden, during the 17th century and dates to approximately 800 CE, making it around 1,200 years old. One of the earliest Viking Age runestones, it is famous for combining a long runic inscription with detailed carved imagery, with references to rulers, mythology, ships, animals and warriors — though parts of the text remain uncertain and are still studied. The granite stone is approximately 1.8 meters tall and 0.8 meters wide and weighs an estimated 1–2 tonnes. Its mixture of text and artwork makes it an important example of the transition from early runic traditions into the Viking Age memorial style.
Read the Rök Runestone and the Younger Futhark.
Questions
How old is the Sparlösa Runestone?
About 1,200 years, from around 800 CE.
What is carved on it?
A long inscription, with ships, animals and warriors.