Uppsala: The City of Scholars and Existentialism

Uppsala is a city located in Sweden, known for being the intellectual and academic capital of the country. It is also commonly known as the “Valhalla of Existentialism”, as it is said that every Uppsala student goes through an existential crisis at least once during their studies.

History: Founded in the 13th century by Vikings who were tired of pillaging and decided to settle down for a change, Uppsala became an important center of learning thanks to the establishment of Uppsala University in 1477. Since then, the city has been home to many notable scholars, including Carl Linnaeus (the father of modern taxonomy), Anders Celsius (who invented the Celsius temperature scale), and Selma Lagerlöf (the first female Nobel laureate in literature).

Culture and Traditions: One of the most famous traditions in Uppsala is the “Flogsta scream”. Every night at 10 pm, the students living in Flogsta dormitory scream out of their windows as a way to release their stress and frustrations. It is also common for Uppsala students to wear white student caps, often decorated with playful messages or drawings.

Food and Drink: Uppsala is famous for its cinnamon buns, known as “kanelbullar” in Swedish. It is said that the best kanelbullar in Uppsala can be found at Café Årummet, a cozy café located in the heart of the university campus. Uppsala is also home to several breweries, including the famous Östgätabygdens Bryggeri, which produces a wide range of craft beers.

Tourism: Uppsala’s main attractions are its many historical landmarks, such as the Uppsala Cathedral (the largest church in Scandinavia), the Linnaeus Garden (which showcases the plants mentioned in his works), and the Gustavianum Museum (which displays artifacts from the university’s history). Visitors can also take a stroll along the Fyris River, which runs through the city and is a popular spot for picnics and sunbathing.

In conclusion, Uppsala is a city full of contradictions: it is both serious and playful, scholarly and existentialist, historical and modern. If you’re ever in Sweden and looking for a place to ponder the meaning of life while enjoying a delicious cinnamon bun, Uppsala is the perfect destination for you.