Uppsala is known as a student city, as the 4th largest city in Sweden after Stockholm, Göteborg, and Malmö with 172,042 residents recorded in 2018 (Uppsala.se, 2019). It is also home to the well-known Uppsala Domkyrka, the largest cathedral in the nordic countries. There are two universities located in Uppsala; they are Uppsala University and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). Uppsala University, founded in 1477 is known as the oldest University not only in Sweden but also in Scandinavia and all of the nordic countries. SLU was ranked in the third place of World for Agricultural and Forestry Subject based on the 2020 QS World University Rankings.
After a tiring period in the second semester, I decided to take a break by taking the trekking trails along Uppsala’s well-known Gula Stigen, a 10-km trail path which is well-managed by Uppsala Kommun. This is such a nice trip to make once you reach Uppsala as your destination for studying. It was a bright sunny day during the spring season when I decided to go for the trip. There are also ancient remains from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages in which you can find when reaching Malmabacke. I started the trip from my residence, I took bus number 12 from Flogsta Centrum to reach Uppsala Science Park, then walked towards Sjukhusvägen. Across the Akademiska Sjukhuset then you will find the gateway to start The Gula Stigen trekking path.
“Gula Stigen (The Yellow Trail) is a 10 kilometres long hiking trail through southern Uppsala, from the Studenternas Sports Field in the north to Lake Mälaren in the south. What’s unique about the urban trail is that it goes through an almost completely connected green area between the residential areas in the southern part of the city. Since 2018, the trail is also part of Upplandsleden, a hiking trail that goes through the whole province of Uppland. Gula Stigen begins with a steep incline up to the Uppsala esker and continues across the old military exercise field Polacksbacken from the 16th century. It then passes through the nature reserve of Kronparken, where large, 300-year-old pine trees grow. You’ll walk on through two Natura 2000 areas of great natural value, and finish by walking through the Vårdsätra Forest before you reach the lake in the south.” (Uppsala.se, 2018, p. 5)
Picture 1. Route from the start to the endpoint of Gula Stigen (Source: Personal Document)
All pictures listed are personal documentations, here are several documentations on the track of Gula Stigen:
Pictures above. Enjoying The Great Evening View of Lake Ekoln after A Day of Trekking”
The journey started from Kronåsen and ended in Skarholmen. It takes approximately up to 4 hours to finish the entire trail. For safety reasons, It would be highly recommended if you bring some friends with you during the trip in case something unexpected happens. For more excitement, it will be great if you bring some friends with you. Gula Stigen was my first trekking trip I took while in Uppsala, it was such an interesting experience where I could finish the whole trail in which it was not only a long trail but also the rocky tracks along the path that made this trip even more challenging.
When you reach Lake Ekoln, that marks the end of your trekking trail. The lake that is located in Sunnersta District is a lovely location to do other activities after finishing the 10 km trekking path. There is another option for you to continue for a short walk by following The Vårdsätra Strandpromenad, you will see the beauty of Lake Ekoln from the other side. As soon as you finish, you will end up in Lake Ekoln, in Sunnersta. Either you would like to go swimming or just relax in the evening or afternoon breeze, it’s up to you to decide. I would highly recommend you to go for this trip during the spring season, because you will be able to see the flowers start to blossom again in the forest along your trip once the winter season is over.
Several tips for enjoying your trip to the fullest;
1. Bring enough supply of water in a Tumblr
2. Fill your thermos with tea/coffee
3. Bring some snacks or biscuits with you
4. Pack up with fruits, chips, and food
5. Bring your backpack with its rain cover
6. Bring your raincoat
7. Put on your trekking shoes
8. Bring your training suits/parachutes jackets
9. Bring the first aid kit for medical treatment
10. Always check on the weather forecast
Reference:
https://www.uppsala.se/contentassets/f09f9e6b994f41408c66064a2da8470b/statistikfolder_2019.pdf
Azhar Fuadi Siregar
Master’s Programme in Industrial Management and Innovation
Uppsala University
Editor:
Darmawan Prasetya