A historical city walk about poetry, punch and student life in 19th century Uppsala
It is no coincidence that Swedish romanticism first blossomed in Uppsala. Here were the kingdom's most beleaguered, swarming and solemnly dressed young people, students who filled the city streets with song, poetry, pranks, academic aspirations and sometimes quite a lot of punch.
On this historic city walk you will return to the romantic Uppsala and discover the places where some of the city's most beloved student traditions were born. We move through streets and squares that gave rise to the Evening Serenade, the student poetry, the Gåmarschen and the alcohol-soaked Student Guard.
The walk is led by Uppsala historian Stefan Ekedahl, also known as the presenter of the podcast Histories Rarely Narrated. With poetry, direct quotes, first-hand sources and colorful anecdotes, he brings to life a time when Uppsala was full of young men with big dreams, strong emotions and sometimes very questionable discipline.
- You will have the chance to learn about Uppsala's old student-related buildings (some of which are now demolished). For example, Malla Silfverstolpe's salons at Stora Torget, which today is home to perhaps the city's most popular pub.
- You'll hear adequate poetry and direct quotes from first-hand sources that brighten up the entire hiking experience.
- Several of the city's central locations you will be able to associate with concrete and lustful student antics from the 19th century.
- You will make a close acquaintance with charming students from a bygone era.
- You will hear about the fates of both famous and completely unknown students: from Gustaf Fröding's notorious studies to the death of an anonymous Västgötsk student in the 1850s.
Happens during the ride:
In an artistic chronological order, we make our way through the most poignant student fates of the 19th century.
We start with Malla Silfverstolpe's salons on Stora Torget. This cultured noblewoman, widowed at a young age, wanted to open her home to the renowned professors and most promising students of the university in the 1820s. There was the idea that they would entertain “the beautiful” with poetry, scientific findings, theater and song. In addition to Malla himself, you will surely recognize several famous names such as Geijer, Tegnér, Atterbom, Nicander, etc who frequented the guest list.
We then move on to Drottninggatan 1 where Uppsala's most hated student bookstore was for a long time.
Its notorious owner, therefore indirectly caused the huge fuss that was the hilarious “Gåsmarschen” in the 1840s.
Then we enter the atmospheric Odinslund. It was from here that several of the men's choirs that were to provide evening serene for the city's delightful young ladies began.
Sometimes in a taxi, sometimes on foot, but always with a bottle of punch to “lubricate the instrument” with. Hear the stories of the first student choir singers who gave birth to this tradition in the 1850s!
Of course, we swing briefly past the Studentprisens statue when we enter the historic Över slotts. He too shall be saluted and remembered.
Behind that statue, Uppsala's notorious Student Guard gathered for exercises.
According to a contemporary narrator, the army met its end when they carried out a mutiny in 1869, directed against their own lieutenants.
On Öfvre slottsgatan we finally get to know not only the location of Gustaf Fröding's old student residence, but also a completely anonymous West Goat who lived on the same street.
His life was described in detail and touching by a friend, which was published shortly after the untimely death of the poor student.
- The walk starts at Stora torget, outside the Akademibokhandel.
- The walk ends at Övre Slottsgatan 13.
- The duration is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- The total distance is about 1.5 km.
- The hike is wheelchair friendly, but some cobblestones occur.
- Dogs are allowed.
- The guide is Stefan Ekedahl from the podcast Stories Rarely Told
- Dress according to weather.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Please come to the meeting place in good time.
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