Our first stop in Uppsala was to Gamla Uppsala or "Old Uppsala". This is the area where the burial grounds are easy to see. They have a small museum that details the Viking era and includes a few artifacts uncovered at some of the local sites. In fact, while we were there, we were able to watch some archeologists in action. They showed us a pig tooth they had recently found. Maybe it was part of a Viking meal...don't know.
In the Gamla Uppsala Museum, people can try on "authentic" Viking garb. Meagan and Stefanie put one the heavy chain tops and helmets. Meagan ready to defend us all with her mighty sword.
We were able to participate in a tour of the area. Here the group hikes up a short hill to get a better look at the grave mounds.
Our guide talks about the site. Jeremy, Eric, Lisa, Nathan, Dave and Stefanie listen in. Two of the three major burial grounds are in the background. At one point, people said they were the burial sites of three gods. Later, others believed them to be three major Viking kings. Our guide tells us that the evidence doesn't verify either theory. In fact, one of the sites is home to the remains of a female.
A group of pre-school kids enjoy Gamla Uppsala with us.
After we left Gamla Uppsala, we traveled into the main part of the city where we toured the Dome Church, Gustavianum Museum and the Linne' Botanical Garden. Gustavianum is the museum linked to Uppsala University and includes many of the artifacts collected by the university from around the world.
Here we all are in Gustavianum Museum in a theater once used by university students to view autopsies, as part of their anatomy and physiology training. It's pretty steep.
Marcy takes advantage of the peaceful serenity of Linne' Gardens. As you can tell, she's ready to move on to the next site. Below, Jeremy and Lisa take it to the next level...I guess we walked and saw a lot today.
Part of Linne' Gardens. This one's just for my wife!
:)
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