[1][2] Dybeck was born in the rectory of Odensvi parish, just outside the town of Köping in Västmanland, Sweden.

He was the son of a clergyman, went to gymnasium in Västerås, and later matriculated at Uppsala University in 1831 with a law degree.

He held a number of positions in the court system during the following years, but eventually began to spend all his time on his antiquarian and historical research, not least in the field of runestones.

He was also known to have a keen interest in Asian culture, as was seen by his collection of historic prints and lithographs which originated from places such as Myanmar and China.

[4] At Dybecksgården in Odensvi, Richard Dybeck's bust is in bronze by Signe Ehrenborg-Lorichs, which was unveiled by Prince Wilhelm in 1937.