UPPSALA

Uppsala and Lund arr Sweden’s moremost university towns. Uppsala is the seat of the Archbishop and was at one time the capital of Sweden. Both cities are full of gems for tourists and well worth a day trip from Stockholm and Malmö or Copenhagen respectively. The fun and youthful atmosphere of these old cities is truly.

OLD UPPSALA "These people have a very remarkable temple called Ubsola...In this temple, which is entirely decorated with gold, the people practise the worship of images of three gods. The mightiest of them, Thor, is said to sit in the middle. Also, every ninth year a solemn ritual is said to be celebrated in Ubsola. Out of all those who are male, nine individuals are (then) summer season fascinating sacrificed, with whose blood, according to custom, the gods are appeased..." wrote Adam of Bremen in 1070 of the heathens who lived in Uppsala. Old Uppsala has the highest concentration of rune-stones in Sweden. Here you can see the gigantic Kings Graves and drink the honey-spiced mjöd - the favourite drink of the Vikings. During the summer you can also take part in an authentic Viking party.

THE CATHEDRAL
The first thing you see when you approach Uppsala are the twin spires of the Cathedral. The church took 150 years to build. Construction started in 1270 and the cathedral was one of the Pope's northernmost outposts until Gustav Vasa introduced Protestantism. Then it became the seat of the Archbishop of the Swedish Church and the religious centre of Sweden. SKUT - Svenska Kyrkan i Utlandet has its headquarters in Uppsala. Nathan Söderblom who was one of the leading figures in the ecumenical movement was Archbishop here. Gustav Vasa is buried here as are many other kings and important Swedes.

THE CASTLE was constructed by Gustav Vasa on the ridge above the archbishop's palace as a sort of reminder that he and not the Pope was in charge. Today the Renaissance Castle is the residence of the county governor. UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld grew up here when his father was the governor and he is now buried in the nearby cemetery. During the summer season fascinating audiovisual tours of the castles are available. Historic enactments are also arranged.

UPPSALA UNIVERSITY was the first university to be established in Northern Europe. It was founded by Pope Sixtus IV to enable priests could study theology, law, medicine and philosophy. During the first year there were only 40 students at the university. Now there are about 20 000, if one includes the students who go to the nearby Ultuna School of Agriculture. The main building of the university – the Gustavianum with its beautiful anatomical theatre dates back to 1660 and bears the signature of the universal genius Olof Rudbeck. Another Uppsala student was Anders Celsius who invented the 100 degree thermometer and established the first astronomical observatory in Sweden. Famous Uppsala scientist Carl Scheele discovered oxygen, chlorine and several other elements. Uppsala University has no campus. Everywhere in the city you will find institutes, student housing and the student clubs called Nations. These are private clubs representing the different provinces of the country. Membership in a nation is compulsory for every student.

CAROLINA REDIVIVA is the name of the University library where the famous Silver bible from 500 A.D. and another 4 million books are kept. The Walpurgis Night student celebrations start every year when the University vice chancellor gives a sign from the balcony of the library at 3pm on April 30.

CARL VON LINNE came to Uppsala in 1728 and soon became a temporary lecturer at the quaint Botanical Gardens. When he became Professor of Medicine and Botany he moved into the Prefect's House in the Gardens. The Linneus Museum and Gardens are now open to the public. Linn6 also built an orangery and organized one of the biggest collections of samples in Europe (that were the source of his Systema Naturae and Species Plantarum).

BROR HJORTH The first thing you see when you step out of the Uppsala railway station is a colourful sculpture of a water-spirit playing polka on a golden fiddle amid enormous sunflowers. It's a sculpture by the down-toearth artist Bror Hjorth (1894-l9ó8) whose art was often considered shocking. You can visit his studio in Uppsala. An art experience of another kind is provided by animal painter Bruno Liljefors' (1860-1939) manor on the outskirts of Uppsala.

PELLE SVANSLÖS (Peter the tailless) is a very popular cat character in many children's stories by Gösta Knutsson. All the cat personalities were real people from Gösta's student days in Uppsala. Nowadays you can join the "Pellepromenaden" walk in the old quarters near the University where Pelle/Gbsta lived.area was also home to August Strindberg, Sigfrid Siverts, Sven Delblanc, poets Gustaf Fröding and Bo Bergman and author Karin Boye.

INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SESSION at the University offers courses in all levels of Swedish as well as courses in Swedish arts, history, film and modern Swedish social institutions. Housing and excursions are excellent. "I cannot remember enjoying myself so much, learning so many interesting things, and meeting so many unique and special people as I have through UISS," wrote one pupil to the directors Nelleke and Gunnar Ågren.

LIVING ABROAD but studying at Uppsala University has become a reality for seamen, UN-soldiers and journalists but above all spouses and employees of Swedish companies, SIDA and the Foreign Service. Långdistansundervisningen is administered by Ann-Kristin From who mails all the study material including cassettes with the lectures to the 500 students in 80 countries. Exams take place at the nearest consulate or embassy. It is possible to take a Fil. Kand without ever setting foot at the university.

OFVANDAHLS Erik Ofwandahl (1848-1949) was a so-so poet who had to pay for the printing of his books himself. Luckily he was a successful baker and you can still have Uppsala's best coffee and pastries at Ofvandahls Hovkonditori - a must when you visit the city. As for the poetry books that no-one wanted - today they are collectors items.