Attraction Guide: Gamla Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden

Gamla Uppsala Guide

Walk Among Kings: Discover Ancient Gamla Uppsala Guide

Step back in time at Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala), a site of immense historical and archaeological significance in Sweden. Once a major religious, economic, and political center, Gamla Uppsala offers a fascinating glimpse into the Viking Age and pre-Christian Sweden. Explore the impressive burial mounds, wander through the open-air museum, and imagine the rituals and power struggles that unfolded on this sacred ground. Gamla Uppsala's history stretches back to the 3rd century AD, reaching its peak during the Vendel Period (c. 550-793 AD) and the Viking Age (c. 793-1066 AD). It was a significant pagan religious center, with the Temple at Uppsala being a focal point for worship of Norse gods like Odin, Thor, and Freyr. According to historical accounts, human sacrifices were even practiced here. The three large burial mounds, known as the Royal Mounds, are believed to be the final resting places of powerful kings from the Vendel Period. As Christianity spread through Sweden, Gamla Uppsala gradually lost its prominence to the new Uppsala, located a few kilometers away. Today, visitors can explore the Royal Mounds, climb to the top for panoramic views, and visit the Gamla Uppsala Museum to learn about the site's history and archaeology. The open-air museum, Disagården, showcases traditional Swedish farm buildings and provides insights into rural life in the past. The Gamla Uppsala Church, built on the site of the former pagan temple, is also worth a visit. While Gamla Uppsala doesn't have a specific culinary tradition unique to the site, the surrounding Uppsala region offers a variety of Swedish cuisine, including traditional dishes like *gravlax* (cured salmon), *köttbullar* (meatballs), and *kanelbullar* (cinnamon buns).