History of Polacksbacken

The newest part of the Ångström Laboratory. The facade is made of glass. Many bicycles are parked outside.

The newest part of the Ångström Laboratory located on the old exercise field.

In the first decades of the 20th century, Polacksbacken was employed as a site for barracks and exercise grounds by the Uppland Regiment. The current barracks were raised in 1909-1912, from a design by the architect Victor Bodin. Next to the exercise grounds, there was a dance pavilion for recruits and regular soldiers.

In 1957, I8 was disbanded and the Signal Regiment S1 moved into their former barracks. The Swedish Armed Forces vacated the premises in 1982. Instead, Polacksbacken was converted into a university area.

Black and white photo of soldiers in formal dress marching in line and an officer sitting on a horse in front of them

Regiment Day, probably 1947.

Uppsala University's Department of Information Technology and the Department of Mathematics moved to the old regiment buildings. Today, both departments are located at the Ångström Laboratory.

The old barracks buildings on Polacksbacken. Bicycles are parked outside. Students in overalls stand in a cluster and talk.

Polacksbacken during the time when the Department of Information Technology was located in the old regiment buildings.

The Ångström Laboratory has been located on the old exercise field since the 20th century and has been expanded in several stages. Physics, technology and parts of chemistry also have their departments there. Close to the large barracks buildings is the Uthgård house of the Uppsala technology and natural science club.

At the onset of every autumn term, Polacksbacken is where new students of mathematics, computer sciences and technology are received, among others. For several years, Forsfestivalen (the River Festival) has been held in this area during the last week of April, as the majority of the compeating boats for the River Rafting are constructed here.

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