Uppland (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈɵ̌pːland]) is a historical province (Swedish: landskap) in east-central Sweden, located north of Lake Mälaren. It is one of the traditional lands of Sweden, known for its rich history dating back to the Viking Age and earlier.
Geography
Uppland is situated in the eastern part of Sweden, bordering the provinces of Gästrikland to the north, Dalarna and Västmanland to the west, and Södermanland to the south (separated by Lake Mälaren). To the east, it borders the Baltic Sea, featuring a significant archipelago. The terrain is generally flat, characterized by large plains, particularly in the central and southern parts, interspersed with forests, numerous lakes, and rivers. The coastline is intricate, with thousands of islands and islets forming part of the Stockholm archipelago.
History
Uppland holds a central place in early Swedish history. The name "Uppland" translates to "the land up" or "the upper land," likely referring to its position relative to the coast or the lower-lying lands of Södermanland. The province was the heartland of the Svear, the Germanic tribe that gave Sweden its name (Svea Rike, "Kingdom of the Svear"). Old Uppsala (Gamla Uppsala) was a vital pre-Christian religious and political center, home to a famous pagan temple and royal burial mounds. After Christianization, Uppsala became the seat of Sweden's archbishopric in 1164, and Uppsala University, Scandinavia's oldest university, was founded there in 1477.
Numerous runestones, grave fields, and ancient monuments are found throughout Uppland, providing evidence of its significant role during the Iron Age and Viking Age. Stockholm, the current capital of Sweden, was founded partly within Uppland and partly within Södermanland, with its original core city (Gamla stan) lying on islands between the two provinces.
Administration
Today, the historical province of Uppland largely corresponds to the modern administrative county of Uppsala County (Uppsala län). However, significant parts of Uppland, including much of the city of Stockholm and its northern suburbs, belong to Stockholm County (Stockholms län). Smaller areas of Uppland also fall within Västmanland County (Västmanlands län). The historical provinces in Sweden no longer serve administrative functions but remain culturally and historically significant, often used for geographical and cultural identification.
Culture and Notable Features
Uppland is known for its academic heritage centered in Uppsala, its numerous historical sites (including Old Uppsala and the wealth of runestones), and its distinctive archipelago landscape. Agriculture remains important in the fertile plains, while forestry is prominent in the northern forested areas. The province also hosts numerous manors, castles, and traditional villages, reflecting its long and rich history.