Uppsala

Uppsala
Name	Uppsala
Coordinates	59, 51, 29, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Sweden
Subdivision type1	County
Subdivision name1	Uppsala County
Subdivision type2	Municipality
Subdivision name2	Uppsala Municipality
Established title	First mentioned
Established date	13th century (as Östra Aros)
Area total km2	48.77
Population total	177,074
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	auto

Uppsala. A historic city in eastern Sweden, it is the administrative seat of Uppsala County and the ecclesiastical center of the Church of Sweden. Renowned as a hub of academia and religion, it is home to Uppsala University, Scandinavia's oldest university, and the monumental Uppsala Cathedral. The city lies on the fertile plains of Uppland, bisected by the Fyris River.

History

The area's significance dates to pre-Christian times, with Old Uppsala (Gamla Uppsala) located north of the modern city serving as a major pagan religious and political center. This site features prominent Viking Age burial mounds and was a seat for the kings of the Svear. The Archbishop of Uppsala transferred the Archdiocese of Uppsala to its present location in the 13th century, establishing the settlement then known as Östra Aros. The construction of Uppsala Cathedral began in the late 13th century, solidifying its religious status. The city was the site of the Uppsala Synod in 1593, which formally established Lutheranism in Sweden. It suffered a devastating fire in 1702 but was subsequently rebuilt. Uppsala has been a focal point for Swedish national identity, exemplified by the Gothic Society and the work of early historians like Olof Rudbeck. The Uppsala Astronomical Observatory and discoveries by Anders Celsius further cemented its scientific reputation.

Geography

Uppsala is situated approximately 70 kilometers north of Stockholm in the Uppland region. The city is characterized by flat terrain on the Uppland plains, with the Fyris River flowing through its center. The river empties into Lake Mälaren to the south. Notable green spaces include the Uppsala University Botanical Garden and the former royal estate of Uppsala Castle, which sits on a ridge overlooking the city. The Uppsalaåsen esker runs through the area, influencing local topography. The municipality borders those of Knivsta and Tierp.

Culture and education

Uppsala is dominated by Uppsala University, founded in 1477 under the patronage of Archbishop Jakob Ulvsson. The university's historic buildings include the Gustavianum, which houses the Augsburg Art Cabinet and the old anatomical theater. The Carolina Rediviva library holds precious manuscripts like the Codex Argenteus and the original works of Carl Linnaeus, who lived and worked in the city. Cultural institutions include the Uppsala Art Museum, located in the castle, and the Museum of Evolution. The city is known for traditional student events such as the Valborg celebrations and the student gasques. The Uppsala International Short Film Festival and the music of bands like The Spotnicks and Meshuggah contribute to its modern cultural scene.

Economy

The economy of Uppsala is heavily knowledge-based, driven by Uppsala University and its affiliated Uppsala University Hospital, one of Sweden's largest. This has spurred a significant biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector, with major companies like Fresenius Kabi and Pfizer having research facilities in the city. The presence of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) also supports agriscience industries. Other important employers include the public administration of Uppsala Municipality and Uppsala County. Retail and service sectors are concentrated in areas like the Svava Center and along Drottninggatan.

Transport

The city is a major transport node in eastern Sweden. It is served by the Uppsala Central Station on the East Coast Line, with frequent SJ and Mälartåg services to Stockholm, Arlanda Airport, and Gävle. Regional bus services are coordinated by UL. The European route E4 passes west of the city, providing road connections to Stockholm and Sundsvall. For air travel, residents primarily use Stockholm Arlanda Airport, located about 30 kilometers south. Within the city, a network of bicycle paths is extensively used.

Notable people

Many influential figures in Swedish history have been associated with Uppsala. Scientists include the astronomer Anders Celsius, the botanist Carl Linnaeus, and the physicist Anders Jonas Ångström. Nobel laureates such as Svante Arrhenius and Kai Siegbahn studied or worked at the university. In theology, Nathan Söderblom, a former Archbishop, won the Nobel Peace Prize. The playwright and novelist August Strindberg studied at the university. More contemporary figures include actor Dolph Lundgren, filmmaker Roy Andersson, and musician Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA.

Category:Uppsala Category:Cities in Sweden Category:Municipal seats of Uppsala County