Page 131 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sweden

SWEDEN AREA B Y AREA  129

EASTERN SVEALAND

The waterways of Lake Mälaren and the vast archipelago
extending to the Baltic both divide and unite the provinces of
Uppland, Södermanland and Västmanland. This is a land of verdant
islands and glittering bays, splendid castles and little wooden
towns, and a cultural heritage that predates the Vikings. With
Stockholm at the centre, the region is home to one third of
Sweden’s population.
This area was the cradle of ancient Svea, Middle Ages, but the most important,
as can be seen in the rock carvings, burial such as Skokloster, are the result of the
mounds and standing stones in the great wealth which flooded into the
shapes of ships that dot the landscape. country after Sweden’s victories in the
It was from the town of Birka on Lake various European wars of the 17th century
Mälaren and from Roslagen in Uppland (see pp41–3). Shipping brought further
that the Vikings headed east on prosperity to the region, with centres
plundering raids and trading missions such as Arboga lying on the iron route
around Europe and beyond (see p37). between Bergslagen, Stockholm and
The centre of the ancient pagan Æsir cult the Uppland harbours. There are well-
in Uppsala held out against Christianity preserved ironworks in all three provinces,
until the 12th century. Many beautiful, including Engelsbergs Bruk, a UNESCO
small medieval churches testify to the World Heritage Site.
fact that Christianity finally dominated. The extensive archipelago straddles the
They are richly decorated with paintings coasts of Uppland and Södermanland,
depicting biblical scenes for the benefit and Lake Mälaren itself is so full of islands
of the local congregations. Uppsala itself that the archipelago appears to
became a cathedral city and the seat of continue uninterrupted.
the archbishop in 1273. All the architectural sights and natural
The many castles and fortresses which attractions of Eastern Svealand are best
guard the waterways are an eye-catching enjoyed at a slow pace by bicycle or
sight. Several of these date back to the boat, or on foot.

The flat skerries of the outer archipelago
Traditional houses and church in Mariefred, on Lake Malaren

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