Uppsala, Sweden
Sister City since 2000
Welcome:
Välkommen!
Mayor (Municipal commissioner- Kommunalråd):
Erik Pelling
County Governor:
Stefan Attefall
Miles/kms to Minneapolis:
4226mi/6801kms
Population:
230,000
History:
The capital of Uppsala County, Uppsala is the fourth largest city in Sweden and about 44 miles away from Stockholm. Since 1164, Uppsala has been the ecclesiastical center of Sweden. Before its consecration as a Christian stronghold Gamla (Old) Uppsala was a primary pagan center known for hosting a Temple that contained the idols of the Æsir gods.
Replacing the Scandinavian gods signaled the need for a strong Christian centre. Thus, Uppsala became the site of one of the largest Gothic style Cathedrals ever built in northern Europe. In 1702, the city was severely damaged by a fire thereby losing many historical and cultural treasures. Items saved from destruction were later placed in the Gustavianum, the oldest standing building at Uppsala University which also holds the world’s second oldest anatomical theatre, artifacts from a Viking burial field from the 6th - 11th century, and the Augsburg Art Cabinet with approximately 1,000 objects from the 17th century. Development grew up around the University, which remains the largest in all of Scandinavia. Home to famous scientist, Carl Linnaeus (1708-1778), the University also houses the Carolina Rediviva, the Uppsala University Library which is the largest library in Sweden built in 1820-1841. While the University is the largest of Uppsala's educational institutions, the city is also home to the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, a Lutheran seminary (Johannelund School of Theology), Livets Ord University, the Catholic Newmanistitutet, and a Pentecostal theological seminary. In additional to the foundation and preservation of these educational and theological institutions, in modern times, Uppsala has established itself as a force in the health and life sciences (biotech, pharma, medical research), technology (ICT, innovation) and environmental innovation (clean teach and biogas). The city has also been recognized for its leading position in advanced production and manufacturing as well as food processing.
Did you know?
- The city of Uppsala is split into two different parts by the Fyris (Fyrisån) river: the historic quarter, west of the river, is also there the clergy, royalty and academia reside, while to the east, the administrative, residential, and commercial areas lie.
- King Gustav Vasa initiated construction of the Uppsala Castle in 1549. He was the first Swedish monarch to inherit the crown. Today, the castle is the residence of the County Governor, as well as home to the Uppsala Art Museum.
- Queen Christina, granddaughter of Gustav Vasa, abdicated the throne at the age of 28, giving a farewell speech in a ceremony at Uppsala Castle in 1654, before leaving Sweden for Rome.
- Swedish film director Ingmar Bergman was born there in 1918.
- Uppsala University is the oldest university in Scandinavia, founded in 1477.
- Theater and music are important to the community here where over 200 choirs perform.
- Swedish botanist and father of taxonomy Carl Linnaeus was a scholar at Uppsala University. The house where he lived and worked, in addition to his summer residence, have been preserved as museums while the grounds of his estates are gardens and a memorial farm.
- Bicycles are an important mode of transport year-round for students in this university city.
- Each year, in March, Uppsala hosts the play-offs for the Swedish Bandy Championship. Bandy is a popular winter sport for men women and children in Uppsala. (It's a bit like hockey but played with special bandy sticks and a round ball.)
- In early February the annual Disting market is held in Uppsala. This is a traditional market/fair honoring female spirits and ancestors dates back to pre-historic times.
- Every April 30, the grand spring festival Valborg is celebrated in Uppsala with bonfires, a student river rafting challenge, a champagne breakfast and formal ball at Uppsala castle. These centuries old traditions end with caroling at Gunillaklockan.
Have questions about Uppsala? Send us an email at Minneapolis.Uppsala@gmail.com.
Why is Uppsala a sister city to Minneapolis?
- Uppsala shares with Minneapolis a rich history, a similar climate, a strong devotion to advanced education, and a serious appreciation of the arts.
- Minneapolis is home to the descendants of many Swedes who settled in the Midwest.
- Biotechnology, Agriculture, and Medical research are core enterprises in both cities.
