Uppsala bloody history 1h- racial biology, 18th century plague, 19th century prostitution etc.

Uppsala Bloody History Tour: A 1-Hour Encounter with Sweden’s Darker Past

If you’re curious about the hidden, often uncomfortable stories behind Uppsala’s picturesque streets, this tour offers a surprisingly intense look into some of Sweden’s lesser-known history. From the grim realities of 18th-century plague outbreaks to the unsettling practices of racial biology, the tour peels back the layers of Uppsala’s past with honesty and a touch of intrigue.

What we love about this experience is its ability to balance hard-hitting historical facts with engaging storytelling. The knowledgeable guides bring the stories to life, making complex, sensitive topics more accessible. Plus, the tour’s focus on forgotten stories—like the city’s role in the slave trade or its red light district—adds a fresh perspective that many travelers don’t get elsewhere. However, be aware that the hour-long format leaves little time for deep dives into each topic, so serious history buffs might want to supplement this with additional research.

This tour is perfect for history lovers, those interested in social issues, or travelers who want a different view of Uppsala beyond its university and cathedral. If you’re comfortable with darker themes and looking for an authentic, thought-provoking experience, this guided walk is worth every penny.

Good To Know

• Authentic storytelling about Sweden’s often overlooked darker history.
• Knowledgeable guides who answer questions thoroughly.
• Short but intense 1-hour experience, ideal for quick insight.
• Focuses on sensitive topics like racial biology, the slave trade, and social issues.
• Visits key historical streets and landmarks with deep stories.
• Suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness.

Exploring Uppsala’s Dark Past: A Detailed Review

The Overall Experience and Value

This tour, priced at $36.58 per person, offers a compelling look into Uppsala’s less-glamorous history in just about an hour. It’s designed to be a quick but punchy introduction, making it a good choice if you’re short on time but still crave depth. The cost includes all fees and taxes, so what you see is what you get—no hidden charges.

Given the average booking window of 34 days in advance, it’s clear many travelers see this as a must-do in Uppsala. The mobile ticket format adds convenience, allowing you to easily access your guide at the designated meeting point. The small group size—capped at 20 people—ensures that the guides can answer questions and personalize the experience, which enhances the learning process.

The Itinerary and Stops in Detail

Start Point: Riddartorget (Knights’ Square) outside the City Library

The tour kicks off at the historic Knights’ Square, a central location in Uppsala. Here, the guide introduces the themes and sets the tone with a brief overview of the city’s darker chapters.

First Stop: Svartbäcken (Svartbäcksgatan)

You’ll stroll through the streets outside Linnéträdgården, where the red light district thrived during the 19th century. This area was notorious for its brothels and alcohol issues, and walking here offers a tangible sense of the city’s social struggles. Reviewers point out that this part of the walk vividly highlights the city’s poorer neighborhoods—“the poor Uppsala”—and sets the stage for understanding its social history.

Second Stop: Gustavianum – Uppsala University Museum

Inside this museum, the tour explores Uppsala’s involvement with the racial biology institute and the anatomical department’s rules regarding criminal investigations. Visitors learn how pseudoscientific theories and unethical experiments played a role in 19th- and early 20th-century science. A reviewer specifically appreciated this segment, noting it was enlightening to see how “the anatomical department’s rules for crimes under the knife” reflected the era’s darker attitudes.

Third Stop: Uppsala Cathedral and the Dean’s House

Here, the focus shifts to persecutions against dissenters, including Christians and atheists, during the 19th century. This part reveals how religious and social intolerance played a role in shaping the city’s history, providing context for contemporary religious freedoms.

Key Historical Themes Covered

• The 1709-1712 Plague: At St Erik’s Square, the guide recounts Uppsala’s devastating encounters with the plague. This section emphasizes the human toll and the social upheaval caused by the disease, offering a visceral picture of life during those terrible years.

• Swedish Institute of Racial Biology (1920-1958): The tour visits the Cathedral and the Dean’s House to discuss the persecution of minorities and Sweden’s involvement with eugenics. This includes the disturbing history of forced sterilizations in the 1940s, which many visitors find shocking.

• The Slave Trade and Anatomical Pseudoscience: At the Gustavianum, the guided explanation touches on Uppsala’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and the 19th-century phrenologists who used skull measurements to justify racial hierarchies. The stories behind these pseudoscientific ideas are chilling but important to understand.

Guides and Their Impact

Guide Owe, mentioned in reviews, earns praise for his depth of knowledge and ability to answer questions. His engaging storytelling style makes complex and sensitive topics accessible, even for those unfamiliar with Swedish history. Reviewers appreciate how he balances seriousness with humor, making the dark stories memorable rather than overwhelming.

What the Tour Feels Like

The walk is designed to be accessible, with moderate physical activity, mainly walking through downtown streets and a museum visit. The stops are short but packed with information, making it ideal for travelers who prefer quick, impactful experiences over long museum visits. Some reviews mention that the guide’s storytelling keeps the group engaged, and the small size fosters a friendly environment for questions.

The Darker Stories That Stick

Many travelers note that the stories shared are eye-opening. One reviewer called the tour “monstrous evil lurking in Sweden,” referencing how the country’s past treatments of “defective citizens” could even rival Nazi practices. Others appreciated learning about Uppsala’s forgotten social issues, like its poor neighborhoods and the notorious red-light district, which add layers to the city’s image.

Practicalities and Booking

The tour begins at 3 PM, a convenient time for most travelers to fit into an afternoon schedule. The meeting point outside the City Library is easy to find, and the tour’s short duration makes it easy to combine with other activities. Booking 34 days in advance suggests high demand, and the free cancellation policy offers peace of mind.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, social issue advocates, or travelers interested in the less-glamorous side of Uppsala. If you’re okay with confronting uncomfortable truths and appreciate engaging storytelling, you’ll find this tour both educational and thought-provoking. It’s particularly suitable for those who want a brief but intense glimpse into the city’s dark chapters, enriching their understanding of Swedish society.

On the other hand, if you prefer lighter sightseeing or are sensitive to topics like disease outbreaks, social injustice, or eugenics, you may want to approach this tour with caution. Nonetheless, it’s a meaningful way to see beyond the surface and challenge preconceived notions about Uppsala and Sweden as a whole.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately one hour, making it a quick yet impactful experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Riddartorget (Knights’ Square) outside Uppsala’s City Library and ends there as well.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the tour involves moderate walking through city streets and inside the museum, so it’s accessible for most people with average fitness.

Are tickets included in the price?
All fees and taxes are included; however, museum admission at Gustavianum is not included in the ticket price.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the group is limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

What themes does the tour cover?
It covers Uppsala’s involvement with racial biology, the 18th-century plague, 19th-century social issues, the slave trade, and the history of eugenics in Sweden.

Final Thoughts

This Uppsala bloody history tour offers a rare chance to explore the city’s darker stories with expert guides leading the way. It’s a compelling blend of history, social critique, and storytelling that reveals truths many prefer to forget. Perfect for those seeking to understand how past injustices and social struggles have shaped modern Uppsala, it promises a meaningful, eye-opening experience.

While the topics are heavy, the guide’s engaging approach helps keep the atmosphere respectful yet compelling. For travelers who appreciate authenticity and aren’t afraid to confront uncomfortable truths, this tour is a standout choice that adds depth to any visit to Uppsala.

In summary, this tour offers excellent value for the price, especially considering the depth and authenticity of stories shared. It’s best suited for curious, open-minded travelers eager to see a different side of Uppsala—one that’s complex, sometimes unsettling, but undeniably important to understand.