At Järsberg in Kristinehamn, you can see one of Sweden’s oldest runestones. It dates back to the 6th century, long before the Viking Age. The inscription is difficult to understand, and there are different theories about what it means.
One of the words that has caused debate is Eril. Some believe it means that the person who carved the stone was one of the Heruli, an ancient people. Other researchers disagree. The top of the stone may also be broken off, which means the word could have had another meaning.
A bead dating from the same period was found near the stone. Beads like this are often linked to women's graves, adding another clue to the history of the site.
The stone stands in the middle of a farmer’s field, just south of the Propeller Roundabout at the southern entrance to Kristinehamn.
Järsberg
Järsberg, 1, 68191 Kristinehamn
From Kristinehamn city center: drive highway 26 towards Mariestad. After the propeller tunnel, take the first road on the right at the sign Järsbergsstenen. Follow the road about 1 km.
