Dark History Walk in Uppsala with Sweden History Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves walking over uneven pavement
Overview
Take a 90-minute guided journey through Uppsala’s hidden history. Discover the stark stories behind its liquor barons, brothels, and the haunting legacy of racial biology institutions.
Liquor barons, prostitution and the Institute of Racial biology - a dark Uppsala walk 90min
All Ages • A darker Uppsala city walk
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a haunting 90-minute journey through Uppsala's shadowy past. Discover the city's hidden stories of liquor barons, brothels, and the grim realities of racial biology. Guided by an expert, explore back alleys and significant sites, revealing a darker side of history that will leave you captivated and reflective.
Duration
90 minutes
Liquor barons, prostitution and the Institute for racial biology - a dark Uppsala walk 90min.
Explore the dark, the forgotten ones and those who was once thrown away! Welcome to a darker and different city walk back in time to the dark past of Uppsala city and darker Swedish history. While walking in back alleys and among famous buildings you’ll get to know another side of the city.
You’ll hear about 19th C brothels and the horrors when the black death came to town 1710. About slavery, the poor people shut into “correction houses” and when the 19th C liquor barons ruled the city. On this dark city walk we’ll visit the site of, and explore more about, the Swedish Institute for Racial biology, self-governed 1922-1958, and the 20th C forced sterilization and lobotomy operations.
During this tour you’ll also be familiarized other problematic history such as the 19th C legal prostitution; explore why the girls weren’t allowed in certain parts of the city and where they went for examination once a week to be allowed to continue working.
Explore as new face of Uppsala as you’ve never seen it before and get to know for what crimes you might end up at the University’s anatomical institution. This tour is lead by an Authorized Uppsala city guide.
Location: Uppsala, Sweden
Meeting point: Riddartorget, Biskopsgatan, Uppsala
Places we visit: Back alleys of Uppsala, the old Institute for Racial Biology, interesting buildings around downtown Uppsala
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The route covers narrow cobblestone streets and back alleys—shoes with good grip are advisable.
Prepare for sensitive content
This tour addresses difficult historical themes including racial biology and forced sterilizations.
Bring a layered jacket
Weather in Uppsala can change quickly, especially in cooler months—dress in layers.
Arrive 10 minutes early
The tour starts promptly at Riddartorget; arriving early ensures you don’t miss important introductions.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban birds like Eurasian magpies and city pigeons
- Occasional sightings of red squirrels in nearby green spaces
History
Uppsala was home to the Swedish Institute for Racial Biology, the first state-sponsored institution of its kind, operational between 1922 and 1958, marking a darker chapter in Sweden’s scientific history.
Conservation
Efforts in Uppsala focus on preserving historical buildings while encouraging responsible tourism that respects both cultural heritage and local communities.
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Adventure Hotspots in Stockholm
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides stability on cobblestone streets and uneven alleys.
Weather-appropriate layered clothing
Helps regulate temperature during variable conditions.
spring|fall|winter|summer specific
Portable umbrella or rain jacket
Useful for occasional rain showers common in these seasons.
spring|fall specific
Notebook or smartphone
For jotting down or photographing historical details encountered on the walk.