Uppsala - Uppsala

Uppsala is a city of Sweden.

To know

Its University is the oldest and most prestigious in all of Scandinavia.

Background

We have news of Uppsala since the third century BC, when the city stood about 4 km north of its current position (the site is now called Gamla Uppsala). It was an important political and cultural center, and remained so even during the Viking Age: the Uppsala Temple was a huge pagan sacred building that was destroyed during the Christianization of Scandinavia in the 11th century. Even later, however, the city maintained its political and cultural importance, so much so that it became the seat of an archdiocese (which is specifically located in its famous Gothic cathedral, whose iconic spiers are part of the skyline urban) and still today the archbishop of Uppsala is the hierarchical summit of the Church of Sweden, the national branch of Protestant Christianity. The displacement of the inhabited center in the current position is traced back to the thirteenth century.

From a political point of view, Uppsala has always played a central role in the affairs of Sweden ever since it was united into a single kingdom. In the midst of the Protestant reform that in those years also affected the region and of which he himself had become herald, King Gustav Vasa, considering the city a strategic center, built here the first nucleus of what over the centuries would become the current Uppsala Castle, which still dominates the city today. To understand the climate that reigned at the time, tour guides usually show visitors a bastion of the old castle with a cannon aimed at the cathedral, signifying the king's will to affirm the supremacy of (his) political power over religious one. . Over the centuries, many kings of Sweden have made their own changes to the castle (also to repair violent fires that at least once in history have practically razed the city to the ground), gradually transforming it from an impregnable medieval fortress to the current palace of inspiration. Renaissance. The history of Sweden is inextricably linked to the castle and the city: here King Gustav II Adolfo declared entry into the Thirty Years' War and here Queen Christina abdicated before moving to Rome. The city was for a time the capital of the country and also hosted the "predecessor" of the current Swedish parliament.

The university was founded in 1477 by Archbishop Jakob Ulfsson and is the oldest university institution in Sweden (Lund University was founded in 1666). Since then it has been a cultural center of undisputed prestige: the Svenska Akademien (the Swedish equivalent of the Bran Academy) is still based in Uppsala and some tests of the Swedish state exams are corrected at the University of Uppsala.

Linked to Uppsala are Carlo Linnaeus, who conducted many of his studios in the city, and Ingmar Bergman, who was born here and shot some of his most famous films (including many scenes of Fanny and Alexander).

How to orient yourself

The city of Uppsala proper gathers around the Fyrisån River, with the oldest part on the west bank and the more modern buildings on the east bank. To the west of the river there are the points of greatest tourist interest: on four hills placed almost in sequence, the castle, the Carolina Rediviva university library, the cathedral and the university building rise from south to north. Due to the fire of 1702 that leveled the city and the demolition policy pursued by the Swedish government in the 1960s, the parts of historical interest are concentrated, with few exceptions, in the area between these four buildings and the river.

For a few kilometers around the center (especially towards the south) there is a large residential area that also houses many of the university residences.

How to get

Uppsala is very close to Stockholm and lends itself to day trips from the capital.

By plane

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is closer to Uppsala than Stockholm. From abroad it is certainly the most practical option: many major airlines operate there (SAS, Lufthansa, Air France). Connections to the airport are by train or bus (private shuttles).

By car

The city is an hour's drive from Stockholm: the E4 motorway connects the two centers directly. Drive from Gothenburg (E20 up to Örebro and then E18) or from Malmö (on the E4) takes 5 and 6 and a half hours respectively.

On the train

From Stockholm to Uppsala you can take the regional commuter trains (pendeltåg), operated by the Stockholm and Uppsala public transport companies (SL and UL) in collaboration. Alternatively, you can take the SJ train (company that operates trains around Stockholm), which usually costs less. However, only the pendeltåg stop in Stockholm Arlanda. Both travel options take approximately one hour.

• 59.85869117.6459971 Central Station (Uppsala Centralstation), Olof Palmes plats. 

How to get around

The city is strongly oriented to serve the very high number of students who populate it during the period of lessons.

By public transport

The bus network is great, but the city is relatively small and getting around the center by bus makes little sense, not least because you would miss out on the atmosphere of this beautiful town. However, if you have to leave the center to go to residential areas, the bus is certainly an excellent option (especially when the climate is hostile to cyclists). Some bus lines go as far as Gamla Uppsala.

For sporadic use of the buses, it is possible to buy the ticket from the driver, but only credit cards are accepted.

If you want to use public transport a lot, you can buy a rechargeable magnetic card (UL card): the covered area varies according to the ticket or season ticket you decide to load. An interesting package if you plan to go to Stockholm often is the UL-SL joint ticket, which gives you access to the entire bus network of UL, the entire urban transport network of the SL (metro, bus, tram in Stockholm) and to the network of pendeltåg which connects Gävle (a town north of Uppsala), Uppsala, Stockholm and other locations. It is not cheap, but it can be convenient if you plan to use Uppsala as a base for trips out of town (plus, you save yourself the hassle of having to buy the "right" ticket every time). As a last resort, you can load money (reskassa) which will be deducted every time you validate the card on board the bus (there are different rates based on the "zones": take a mini-map at the tourist office and if in doubt ask the driver). To purchase and to discuss which option best suits your situation, you can contact the UL office at the station. All the staff speak English and are willing to help.

In Sweden it is strongly frowned upon not to pay the ticket.

By taxi

Taxis are quite expensive all over Sweden. Furthermore, since the city is well served and connected by many other services, the only case in which a taxi is really necessary is to go from the station (or airport, if you have money to throw away) to your accommodation with suitcases and vice versa. especially at times when there are no public services. The main taxi services active in Uppsala are

• Taxa I Uppsala, ☎ 46 18 669090. 
• Kurir taxi, ☎ 46 18 123456. 
• TaxiDirekt, ☎ 46 18 711711. 
• Uppsala Taxi 100 000, ☎ 46 18 4808200. 

You can also book a taxi to pick you up at a certain time. All taxi drivers and operators speak English. You can pay either in cash or by credit card.

By car

Some caveats:

• the center is full of unique ways
• in the summer the city is invaded by construction sites which during the winter would hinder the large number of students who populate it
• Uppsala is one of the few cities in Sweden that prohibits the use of studded tires in the city center. Check that your car has none before entering the city.

By bike

The preferred means of transport is certainly the bicycle: the cycle paths are many, well maintained and also reach areas served only by suburban buses (for which you would pay a higher price). If the weather is mild, a bike ride to the lake or Gamla Uppsala can be a great way to spend the day. Many shops rent, sell and buy bicycles: if you stay for more than a month it is better to buy the bicycle and then resell it. Make sure the bike has lights and reflectors; as the city is partly hilly with even significant slopes, you may need to take a bike with a gearbox. The helmet is mandatory for children under 15 years old.

Although Sweden often gives the impression of being the Land of Toys, where everything works and everyone is honest, keep in mind that bike theft and university towns are an almost inseparable combination all over the world.

What see

• 59.85327117.6356671 Uppsala Castle (Uppsala slott), Drottning Christinas väg. Built by King Gustav Vasa in 1549 and expanded several times, the castle has been at the center of the nation's political events many times. Today the only way to visit the interior is through one of the three museums it houses, but even so you lose a lot. In some cases, if you are part of an organized group, it is possible to get a guided tour of the castle itself, which will show you the models of the various castles that have followed one another at the top of the hill, starting from the first provisional structure, passing for the fortress commissioned by Gustav Vasa and for the various extensions that led to the current version. You will also be offered an overview of all the historical events that took place in the castle (which include a good number of plots and massacres of nobles on the orders of angry sovereigns, as well as the famous abdication of Christina of Sweden). 
  

• 59.85511417.6313742 Carolina Rediviva (University library), Dag Hammarskjölds vägen. free. The university library (actually its main building) is an impressive building at the top of Drottningsgatan, right next to Uppsala Castle. It was built between 1820 and 1841, and takes its name from the previous university library, in turn called Carolina. It is worth entering to admire the interior and perhaps check out the displays of ancient volumes (including a sixth-century Bible and Mozart's manuscripts). 
  

• 59.85810217.6335053 Uppsala Cathedral (Domkyrkan), Domkyrkoplan. free. Home to the archbishopric of Uppsala (the summit of the Church of Sweden), this cathedral begun in 1270 and consecrated in 1435 is the tallest and widest church in all of Scandinavia, as well as an impressive example of Gothic architecture, albeit with all aspects details, including the extensive use of bricks both externally and internally (probably a tangible effect of the Protestant reform that reached Sweden in the sixteenth century: it is known that the cathedral underwent profound changes during the Reformation, there are no documents on its appearance of the cathedral before such changes). Its two slender spiers are the most iconic element of the city, and often recur as a symbol of Uppsala. Inside are buried kings (Johan III and Gustav Vasa, first king of united Sweden) and scientists (including Linnaeus). The church also houses one of the best-preserved displays of Renaissance clothing in the world. 
  

• 59.85802217.6318344 Museum Gustavianum (university museum), Akademigatan 3. Adults 50 SEK, grateful for Uppsala University students and staff and for children under 12, 40SEK for other university students and seniors. Tue-Sun 11: 00-16: 00. The main seat of the university museum is right in front of the cathedral: it takes its name from King Gustav II Adolf, who subsidized its construction around 1620. It hosts many exhibitions, both permanent and temporary: it is possible to see Viking artifacts, a collection of skulls and even the seventeenth-century anatomical theater where medical students could watch autopsies. The latter was built on the model of the first stable anatomical theater in the world, inaugurated in 1595 at the University of Padua. 
  

• 59.85749917.6293995 University building (Universitetshuset), Övre slottsgatan, 14. The main building of the university, a stone's throw from the cathedral and the Museum Gustavianum, was built at the end of the nineteenth century by the architect Herman Theodor Holmgren, and is an interesting example of the Renaissance style that was widespread in Sweden during the period. At the time of the inauguration, it was an important improvement over the lacking facilities of the university: modern classrooms were added (previously the lessons were held at the Gustavianum in unheated classrooms) and an auditorium with 1,800 seats, as well as some reception rooms solemn; they are all still used today. Unfortunately, the complex is closed for interior restoration until 2017. However, it is worth going there to take a tour of the annexed gardens, where you can also admire the steles with Viking inscriptions. 

Events and parties

To keep up to date on current events in Uppsala you can buy the magazine Destination Uppsala, which every month collects lists of events for all tastes, and also recommends some restaurants. You can also consult the magazine's website, destinationuppsala.se The city, given the strong influx of university students, has many concerts of all kinds, and in any case Stockholm is very close.

What to do

• 59.84584217.6505351 Mini-golf (Bangolf) (right bank of Fyrisån, south of the football field). SEK 70 per day; reduced SEK 40. May 12: 00-20: 00; Jun-Aug 10: 00-22: 00; Sep 12: 00-20: 00. This exercise has three different paths, of increasing difficulty: there is something for all levels. The more difficult course is used for professional championships and appears to enjoy some status in the world of Swedish minigolf. 
• 59.85604917.6348292 Slottsbiografen, Nedre Slottsgatan 6, @[email protected]. Ingmar Bergman's favorite cinema (who was originally from Uppsala and shot many of his films here) is preserved in excellent condition and is used for film festivals and conferences. It is not usually open to the public, but you can inquire by email to find out if guided tours are available and if screenings are organized. Very scenic place. 

Shopping

All of Svartbäcksgatan (it's the street that goes northwest from Stora Torget, at the corner of the fast food restaurant Max) is a great shopping street, with brands including H&M (Swedish brand, although not even Swedes). they know) and others quite famous.

• 59.85801717.6414231 Forumgallerian, Bredgränd 6 (encompasses the entire block between Bredgränd, Kungsängsgatan, Smedsgränd and Dagarbrunnsgatan). Shopping center that includes several restaurants (including Cupido, see section Where to eat), sports equipment stores, clothing stores (it's very nice Dedicated, which sells t-shirts with lots of fun and creative prints, constantly updated), technology. Inside Forumgallerian there is also the local branch of Akademibokhandeln, a huge chain of bookstores with a lot of choice; due to the strong student presence, there is a very well-stocked university books department (which includes a good assortment of grammars and vocabularies for those who want to learn Swedish). The DVD section is gradually decreasing. 

How to have fun

To learn more, see: Nations.

• 59.8570817.6358461 Agave, Drottninggatan 4. 

Where to eat

Moderate prices

• 59.85884417.6386391 Max, Stora torget 6-8, ☎ 46 18151150. SEK 70-80 for a menu. Sun-Mar 10: 00-24: 00, Wed-Thu 10: 00-03: 00, Fri-Sat 10: 00-05: 00. Fast food chain Max is proudly Swedish: it uses only Swedish meat, clean energy and is slightly (within the limits of what fast food is) healthier than other chains. 
• 59.85805217.6411592 Cupid, Bredgränd 6. SEK 80-90 per main course, unlimited coffee, bread and soft drinks on tap. Tue-Fri 10: 00-19: 00, Sat 10: 00-17: 00, Sun 12: 00-17: 00. Excellent for business lunches, it offers three main options: theasian fusion, the salad bar and the hot food counter. The freshly prepared hot food counter usually has at least a couple of options of fish (mostly salmon) or meat (pork, occasionally beef or lamb) and a pasta, always accompanied by a plate of salad. There is always a vegetarian option. 
• 59.85441117.642733 Hamnpaviljiongen, Hamnplan 5. SEK 95 per main course, salad, coffee, bread and water (unlimited) or beer. Mon-Thu 11: 00-1: 00, Fri 11: 00-3: 00, Sat 12: 00-3: 00, Sun 12: 00-1: 00. A bright and marine-themed restaurant for this riverside restaurant, with a nice view of the gardens located on the opposite bank of the Fyrisån. The menu always has three or four choices of meat and fish, plus a vegetarian alternative. 

Nations

The city is very student-centered, so there aren't many places to eat well. A special feature of Uppsala are the student clubs, the so-called nations (Nationer). These are student clubs that offer food, drinks and events at highly discounted prices (alcohol, thanks to the strong tax exemptions enjoyed by the nations, costs half what you would pay in a normal pub), similar to what they do the brotherhoods in American universities. These institutions (which you will also find at Lund, another university city with a long tradition) date back to the dawn of the University of Uppsala, when students from the various regions of Sweden were several days' ride from home and therefore felt more than ever the need to be with their fellow countrymen: one at a time the nations, which take their name from the historic provinces of Sweden and which typically offer menus and drinks typical of the region itself, as well as themed events. Nowadays to enroll in a certain country it is no longer necessary (with a few exceptions) to be originally from the relative region: all students of Uppsala University can enroll in a country and obtain a card that will allow access to all the nations of the city and related discounts (sometimes some nations offer even more advantageous discounts for their members). Tourists with a university card from any university can purchase a "guest card" for 75 SEK (gästkort) valid for one week that allows access, like a normal card, to all nations, accompanied by a valid identity document (driving licenses, especially if not Swedish, are not always accepted). On the other hand, if you have no way of obtaining any of these tiles, it is almost impossible to enter.

• 59.85884617.6302064 Snerikes Nation (Södermanland-Nerike nation), St. Larsgatan, 4. It prides itself on being the oldest nation in Sweden (it brings together students from the Södermanland and Nerike regions, two relatively small and neighboring historic provinces, just south of Stockholm), and is one of the few to keep - for Swedish students - the "geographical" constraint on membership, for a good cause: this club has 3 different dance halls with music of different genres and is considered to have the best nightclub (every Tuesday) among the nations. 
• 59.85996417.6299515 Uplands Nation, Sysslomansgatan, 12. Uppland (the nation keeps the traditional spelling with only one p: going around Uppsala you will find some signs that also refer to Upsala, the obsolete spelling of the name of the city) is the historical province to which Uppsala belongs. This nation is less party-going than Snerikes, but it has a nice outdoor garden where it is pleasant to spend time on summer evenings. 
• 59.85627717.6365866 Gästrike-Hälsinge Nation, Trädgårdsgatan, 9. Another "quiet" country, with great food and plenty of space to sit outside. Another example of a nation that brings together more than one province, in this case Gästrikland and Hälsingland, the two coastal provinces directly north of Uppland. 
• 59.85707317.6332587 Värmlands Nation, Nedre Slottsgatan, 2. This nation has some beautiful underground rooms carved out of stone. 

Where stay

Average prices

• 59.85917917.6478891 Radisson Blu, Stationsgatan 4, ☎ 46 18 474 79 00, @[email protected]. from SEK 990 per person per night. Hotel of the famous Radisson chain, it offers a convenient location near the train station (but relatively far from the area where the tourist attractions are concentrated), free wi-fi and paid underground parking. Obviously, as this is a chain, the quality and cleanliness are high but the hotel does not have a lot of personality. However, the lobby, bar and restaurant are bright and furnished in a modern yet welcoming way. The restaurant serves mostly international cuisine with a Swedish twist. 

Safety

The city, like all of Sweden, is very safe. The only real risk is bicycle theft, so always tie your bike to a rack with a sturdy lock.

The university hospital (Akademiska sjukhuset) is of the highest standard, but like the whole Swedish health system it suffers from overcrowding: for minor domestic injuries it is better to go to a pharmacy (apotek). All emergency services respond (also in English) to 112, but to contact the police in non-emergency situations (including reports of theft) call 11414.

• 59.86546717.6308692 Police Station (Polisstationen), Svartbäcksgatan 49. v. website. 
• 59.84971617.6403413 University Hospital - Emergency Room (Akademiska sjukhuset (Akutmottagning)) (proceeding south on Sjukhusvägen, you have the hospital citadel on the right). The university hospital is a city unto itself and is of the highest quality. 

How to keep in touch

Around

• Gamla Uppsala, an ancient Viking burial site, stands on the site where the city of Uppsala once stood
• Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is about seventy kilometers from Uppsala
• Gävle
• Västerås

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Uppsala
• Commons contains images or other files on Uppsala

Usable : the article respects the characteristics of a draft but in addition it contains enough information to allow a short visit to the city. Use i correctly listing (the right type in the right sections).