Uppsala, a city steeped in history, holds a captivating yet dark legacy. Explore the city’s haunting past on the "Uppsala Bloody History" tour, where expert guides unravel the tangled threads of 19th-century racial biology, the devastating 18th-century plague, and the rise of prostitution during the same era. This captivating one-hour experience offers a profound understanding of the complex and often troubling realities that have shaped Uppsala’s history. With a perfect 5-star rating, this tour promises to shed light on the city’s lesser-known, yet pivotal moments.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Historical Tours In Uppsala.

Good To Know

  • This 1-hour Uppsala tour explores the city’s darker history, including its involvement in 19th-century racial biology, the devastating 18th-century plague, and the rise of prostitution.
  • The tour examines the cruel experiments conducted at the Uppsala Anatomical Institute and the lasting impact of misguided racial theories on discrimination.
  • Participants will learn about the overwhelmed medical infrastructure, mass burials, and collective trauma left by the 18th-century plague outbreak in Uppsala.
  • The tour provides insights into the economic challenges that led some women in 19th-century Uppsala to enter the sex industry, and the resilience they displayed.
  • With a maximum capacity of 20 travelers, the tour is consistently rated 5-stars and praised for its captivating exploration of Uppsala’s grim past.

Tour Overview

The "Uppsala Bloody History" tour provides a captivating exploration of the city’s darker past. Offered by Sweden History Tours, the 1-hour experience focuses on the city’s history, from racial biology to 18th-century plague and 19th-century prostitution.

Priced at $32.15, the tour starts at Riddartorget (Knights Square) and ends at the City Library. With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour operates daily at 3:00 PM and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour welcomes service animals. Boasting a perfect 5-star rating from verified reviews, this tour promises an immersive and educational journey into Uppsala’s complex and often unsettling history.

Meeting and End Points

Uppsala Bloody History 1h- Racial Biology, 18TH Century Plague, 19TH Century Prostitution Etc. - Meeting and End Points

According to the tour overview, the meeting point for the "Uppsala Bloody History" tour is Riddartorget (Knights Square), located at Biskopsgatan, 753 10 Uppsala, Sweden.

Participants will then be guided to the end point at the City Library, situated at Svartbäcksgatan 17, 753 75 Uppsala, Sweden.

The tour is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM and has a maximum capacity of 20 travelers.

Guests should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required to participate in the tour.

Schedule and Availability

The tour is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM and has a maximum capacity of 20 travelers. Guests can book with the assurance of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Schedule Details
Start Time 3:00 PM
Maximum Travelers 20
Cancellation Policy Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, ensuring a seamless planning experience. The tour’s schedule and availability cater to those seeking to explore Uppsala’s intriguing history within a manageable timeframe.

Accessibility and Requirements

Typically, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. However, service animals are allowed to accompany visitors.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour covers a significant amount of ground in Uppsala. Participants should be prepared for walking and standing for extended periods.

The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility limitations or health concerns. It’s important for visitors to consider their personal capabilities and limitations before booking the tour to ensure they can fully participate and enjoy the experience.

Racial Biology Exploration

The tour delves into the deeply troubling historical legacy of racial biology in Uppsala.

Visitors will explore the city’s shameful involvement in the 19th-century pseudoscientific movement that aimed to classify and rank human populations based on perceived physical and mental differences.

Participants will learn about the notorious Uppsala Anatomical Institute, where scientists conducted cruel experiments on marginalized groups in the name of racial "research."

The tour provides a sobering look at how these misguided theories fueled discrimination and oppression.

18th-Century Plague History

Ravaging Uppsala in the 18th century, the plague claimed countless lives and left an indelible mark on the city’s history.

The outbreak spread rapidly, overwhelming the city’s medical infrastructure and pushing its residents to the brink of despair. Authorities struggled to contain the contagion, implementing quarantine measures and mass burials in an effort to curb the devastating toll.

The plague’s impact was felt across all strata of society, leaving lasting scars on Uppsala’s collective memory.

Though the horrors of this period have long since passed, the legacy of the 18th-century plague continues to shape the city’s historical narrative, serving as a sobering reminder of the fragility of human existence.

19th-Century Prostitution Insights

Amidst the changing social landscape of 19th-century Uppsala, the city’s streets witnessed the rise of a thriving yet often overlooked industry – prostitution.

As economic upheavals and shifting societal norms took hold, some women turned to sex work as a means of survival.

Though largely marginalized and stigmatized, these individuals offered a glimpse into the complex realities of urban life during this period.

Archival records and historical accounts shed light on the diverse experiences and challenges faced by Uppsala’s 19th-century sex workers, from the harsh conditions of their trade to the societal prejudices they endured.

This chapter of Uppsala’s history reveals the resilience and humanity of those navigating the shadows of the city’s past.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Consistently, travelers have awarded the "Uppsala Bloody History" tour a flawless 5-star rating across review platforms.

The tour’s perfect score is a testament to its captivating exploration of the city’s grim past, from the dark legacy of racial biology to the devastation of 18th-century plague and the sordid world of 19th-century prostitution.

Reviewers praise the tour’s expert guides, who skillfully weave together these compelling narratives, immersing visitors in Uppsala’s complex and often unsettling history.

The tour’s popularity is further bolstered by its convenient scheduling and accessibility, making it a must-do experience for anyone seeking to uncover the darker corners of Sweden’s past.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Language Is the Tour Conducted In?

The tour is conducted in English, as the overview states it is operated by Sweden History Tours, a company providing tours for international visitors. The language of the tour is not explicitly mentioned but can be inferred from the context.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the tour, but participants should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. Visitors are encouraged to capture the historical sites and sights as they explore the city’s past.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The tour doesn’t specify any age restrictions, so participants of all ages are welcome. However, the content may not be suitable for young children, so parental discretion is advised.

Can I Request a Private Tour or a Different Start Time?

Customers can request a private tour or a different start time, though this may incur an additional fee and is subject to availability. It’s best to check with the tour operator for more details.

Will the Tour Guide Provide Any Handouts or Additional Materials?

The tour guide may provide handouts or additional materials to supplement the tour’s content, but this information is not explicitly stated in the tour details. Participants should inquire about any supplementary materials when making their booking.

The Sum Up

The "Uppsala Bloody History" tour offers a captivating look into the city’s dark past, exploring its involvement in 19th-century racial biology, the devastating 18th-century plague, and the rise of prostitution during the same era. With expert guides and a perfect 5-star rating, this hour-long experience provides a profound understanding of Uppsala’s complex history, shedding light on the legacies of pseudoscience, public health crises, and the struggles of marginalized communities.