Sigtuna, Sweden

Today we splurged on a private car and tour guide and went with our friends Lily and Dave to the ancient town of Sigtuna -- Sweden's first town, founded in the 10th Century.  It is a very scenic place on the shores of Lake Mälaren, about an hour's drive from Stockholm.

One of the town's main attractions is their many ancient Viking runestones, which seem to be everywhere -- even showing up in 12th Century churches, where broken parts of some stones have been incorporated into the walls.

After strolling through the town, we stopped in a very charming old house which is now a cafe, and enjoyed Swedish Fika -- coffee and a traditional cinnamon bun.

A thoroughly delightful day, and a lovely change from crowded bus tours!