Vikings and their ancestors in the Uppsala region - Sweden
Gamla Uppsala is one of Scandinavia's most noteworthy ancient monuments. Here are three majestic royal mounds from the 6th century, one of Scandinavia's largest burial places, and ruins of a cathedral built in the 12th century. The area is surrounded by myths, with legends of the powerful Svea kings who were descended from the god Frey, as well as of golden heathen temples, human sacrifice and ancient Nordic blood sacrifices.
Today Gamla Uppsala is a popular excursion spot, with the Gamla Uppsala Museum. Odinsborg restaurant, and the open-air museum, Disagarden.
During the Iron Age there was a rich and well-developed society around the Uppsala mounds. There was a royal estate here and the members of the Svea tribe gathered close by to worship their gods. The royal mounds are among the largest grave monuments in Sweden. Two of them were excavated in the 19th century, and the finds, including fragments of helmets and exclusive gold objects, revealed the very high status of those who were buried in them. They may even have been kings. The royal
mounds are only part of a muchlarger grave field.
The real centre of power in the area was probably the royal estate that was located north of the current church. A Vendel period structure investigated by archaeologists is a magnificent 50-metre
long structure, with impressive sturdy walls and several wealthy finds. This may well have been the
king's residence during this period.
Activities Gamla Uppsala
- Gamla Uppsala museum
- Guided tours of Gamla Uppsala museum and the ancient monument area.
- Gamla Uppsala church
- Drink mead from a horn and eat lunch at Odinsborg restaurant.
More information Web: www.vikinguppsala,se
Ideas for local visits
Visit www.destinationuppsala.se
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