Uppsala

Uppsala is Sweden’s fourth largest city with a long history of being a city of knowledge and a religious centre. In 1164 the city became the headquarters for the Swedish Arch Bishop, first...

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Uppsala is Sweden’s fourth largest city with a long history of being a city of knowledge and a religious centre. In 1164 the city became the headquarters for the Swedish Arch Bishop, first Catholic, and later Protestant. The city also became the first University town in Sweden.
The roots of the city can be found in Old Uppsala, considered a centre of power in the Svealand of the Iron Age, where the Ynglinga family is considered to have ruled in the 7th century. Old Uppsala was the centre of Asa faith, and this is where the kings of Svealand were crowned and here they made sacrifices to appease the gods. Memories from these times remain in the Uppsala högar where kings Adils, Aun and Egil are said to be buried.
Uppsala is also one of the places where the early Swedish gay movement grew in the 70s. The Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights had conferences and demonstrations here already in the early 70s and this is where the ecumenical Christian movement has its roots. Today there are several party organisers and active gay students in the city and in 2008 the first Uppsala Pride will take place.