Uppsala

Uppsala is home to one of Europe's oldest universities, established in 1477. It is also a historic site where pagan (and extremely gory) Viking ceremonies persisted into the 11th century. As late as the 16th century, nationwide tings (early parliaments) were convened here. Today it is a quiet home for about 170,000 people. Built along the banks of the Fyris River, the town has a pleasant jumble of old buildings that is dominated by its cathedral, which dates from the early 13th century.