Is Borlänge Sweden’s Least Attractive City? Exploring Music and Art
Borlänge, a small city in Sweden, often raises eyebrows when mentioned to locals due to its notorious reputation as “The Ugliest City in Sweden”. Despite this title and its association with organized criminal gangs, residents of Borlänge have a deep love for their city. Located 215 km northwest of Stockholm, Borlänge is a picturesque place in the county of Dalarna, known for its red houses, rolling hills, large forests, and beautiful lakes. The city experiences extremely cold winters with temperatures dropping as low as -30 degrees. However, this icy weather provides opportunities for activities like cross-country skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, and skiing, making it an outdoor adventure playground.
Dubbed as the “Ugliest City,” Borlänge gained this unfortunate reputation due to a poll conducted by the Architectural Revolt NGO titled the “Uglification of Cities”. The town was voted as the ugliest by 35,000 participants, primarily because it houses industrial working-class factories like a steel factory, paper factory, and a battery factory. These industries contribute to a landscape dominated by functional buildings and an ever-present plume of smoke from factory chimneys that tints the sky orange on cloudy nights. Despite this industrial backdrop, Borlänge is not devoid of beauty. The city boasts a large river, green spaces, open fields, and forests, offering a picturesque setting.
Borlänge, although known for its industrial areas, has a vibrant cultural scene. The locals engage in traditional activities like celebrating midsummer, foraging for mushrooms and berries in autumn, and hosting crayfish parties. The city also observes various holidays and events, providing ample opportunities for residents to come together, share meals, and uphold Swedish traditions. The music scene in Borlänge is particularly noteworthy, with renowned artists like opera singer Jussi Bjöling and rising talents like ALVA emerging from the city. Borlänge has produced several national music talents such as Miss Li, Mundo Diao, Sugarplum Fairy, Monica Mac, and Sator, showcasing the city’s musical prowess and creativity.
Despite its criminal past and industrial landscape, Borlänge is a city brimming with creativity and talent. The citizens’ passion for music, arts, and culture has resulted in the emergence of numerous talented individuals who have made their mark nationally. The city’s rich cultural heritage, coupled with its stunning natural surroundings, provides a unique backdrop for residents to express themselves creatively and celebrate their shared traditions. Borlänge may not fit the conventional image of a beautiful city, but its charm lies in its ability to foster creativity, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the arts among its residents.