Uppland, Historical province in eastern Sweden
Uppland is a historical province in eastern Sweden that stretches from the plains around Stockholm to the coastal archipelago of the Baltic Sea. The flat land shows few elevations above 60 meters (197 feet) and includes fields, forests, smaller lakes and a rugged coastline with offshore islands.
The area was a major center during the Viking Age, as shown by over 1,100 runestones from that time. Uppsala grew into a church and academic center in the 15th century and has remained a reference point for education and religion in Sweden through the centuries.
The fertile farmland defines much of the landscape, and people have long connected this area with academic life in Uppsala and church traditions. The archipelago coast along the Baltic draws locals and visitors seeking quiet and nature, while the forests to the north are used for timber and crafts.
Visitors explore the area best by car or regional trains, as sights are spread far apart. Summer months bring longer days and easier access to the archipelago and forest paths, while winter is shorter and colder.
Fiby Urskog near Uppsala protects one of the last old growth forests in Sweden, with trees that are several centuries old. Eight walking paths around Uppsala were laid out in the 18th century by Carl Linnaeus to show his students the plant life of the region.
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