Liquor barons, prostitution and the Institute of Racial biology - a dark Uppsala walk 90min

Uncover The Dark And Hidden History Of Uppsala On An Immersive Walking Tour

Step into a hidden side of Uppsala on a walking journey that brings forward the shadows of the past and the stories rarely told. This immersive experience guides you through quiet lanes and beside well-known buildings while revealing tales of hardship, control, and forgotten lives. You will hear about the brothels of the old centuries, the suffering brought by the great plague, the grip of the liquor barons, and the harsh fate of the poor who were confined in correction houses.

The walk paints a vivid picture of a city shaped by power, struggle, and humanity as it once was, offering a deeper understanding of the people who lived through those dark chapters. As you move through the heart of Uppsala, the tour sheds light on troubling moments in Swedish history, including the work of the old institute for racial biology and the painful realities of forced sterilization and medical control that impacted many vulnerable citizens during that era.

You will also learn about legal prostitution in earlier centuries and why the young women of that time were restricted from certain areas of the city. Guided by an authorized Uppsala city guide, this walk reveals an unseen face of the city and shows how deeply its past still lingers in its streets and structures. The narrative focuses on the social structures that governed daily life and the consequences for those who existed on the margins of society.

This tour provides a unique opportunity to engage with the more complex and somber aspects of Swedish history in a respectful and educational manner. By exploring these forgotten stories, you will gain a more nuanced view of Uppsala beyond its academic and religious fame. It is an essential experience for those who want to understand the full scope of the city's history, from its moments of triumph to the darker realities that shaped its development over time.