Uppsala Universitet – International student guide 2012/2013

8 aBout uPPSala
City of uppsala
Uppsala, the fourth largest city in Sweden,
has the charm of a small town as
well as the opportunities of a big city. The
population is about 200,000 people in
Uppsala muncipality. Uppsala is located
70 km (45 miles) north of Stockholm,
about 40 minutes by train. Uppsala is a
town with a living history. Old Uppsala
(Gamla Uppsala) was the focal point of
the Kingdom of the Swedes. Traces left by
the Viking forefathers are still to be seen
at Gamla Uppsala. At Gamla Uppsala the
myth says that there was an impressive pagan
temple, and great sacrificial rites were
performed to appease Thor, Odin, Frey and
other Nordic deities. Three of the pagan
kings were buried here 1,500 years ago.
Uppsala has been the religious centre of
Sweden ever since the 13th century. Today
Uppsala is the seat of the archbishop of the
Church of Sweden. The Church is not the
sole representative of continuity: the University
is the other. Uppsala has two universities:
Uppsala University (Uppsala universitet)
and the Swedish University of Agricultural
Sciences (Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, SLU).
The universities and the University Hospital
are major sources of employment. However,
the business sector has grown during recent
years, partially due to the proximity of the
universities and the research connected to
them. This sector is characterized by an
advanced level of technology.
The dominating landmarks in Uppsala
are the large cathedral (Domkyrkan) and
the castle (Slottet), both located in the centre.
The SLU campus is located outside the
town while the department buildings of
Uppsala University are spread throughout
the town. Uppland, the province in which
Uppsala is located, is rather flat but beautiful.
Surrounded by fields, forests and lakes,
the city offers great opportunities for walking,
hiking, and bike riding.
Museums
The Museum Gustavianum is housed
in Uppsala University’s oldest preserved
building with the Anatomical Theatre on
the roof. Exhibited at the museum are the
Augsburg Art Cabinet, discoveries from the
Viking period, the history of the University,
mummies and much more. You can
see and order Uppsala University’s profile
and gift products at the Museum Gustavanium
shop and from other locations. Several
other museums are affiliated with the
university and can be referred to from the
homepage.
uppsala Cathedral (Domkyrkan) is the largest and
tallest church in Scandinavia. Construction of the
church began around 1270.