Swedish archive houses world’s largest collection of paranormal documentation

The Archives for the Unexplained (AFU), located in Norrkoping, Sweden, boasts the world’s largest collection of paranormal phenomena documentation. Run by Clas Svahn, 65, and Anders Liljegren, 73, the archive holds an extensive array of newspaper clippings, books, and first-hand accounts, attracting both the curious and researchers from around the globe.

Spanning an impressive 4.2 kilometres (2.6 miles) of underground shelves, the AFU serves as a repository for knowledge on unsolved scientific mysteries. Despite neither Svahn nor Liljegren identifying as superstitious believers, they describe themselves as “curious investigators of the unknown,” diligently collecting and cataloguing materials related to paranormal activity.

The AFU library, encompassing 700 square meters (7,535 square feet), is primarily filled with books but also contains original documents, including firsthand accounts recorded on tape and photographs of ghosts. The archive receives approximately 300 visitors annually, by appointment only, and is in the process of digitizing its collection for broader accessibility.

Renowned historian Greg Eghigian praised the AFU as the most comprehensive archive for materials on the global history of UFO phenomena, emphasizing its significance in studying the subject thoroughly. The AFU’s holdings include rare documents from the former Soviet Union’s underground UFO scene, shedding light on historical events like secret rocket launches.

Beyond UFOs, the AFU archives house unexpected treasures, such as notes from French writer Victor Hugo describing encounters with his deceased daughter, contributing to the birth of the Caodaism religion in Vietnam. The AFU’s scope extends to folklore and beliefs associated with paranormal phenomena, reflecting the evolving societal attitudes towards the unexplained.

Swedish artist Ida Idaida drew inspiration from the AFU archives to create a sculpture exploring the experiences of witches and marginalized voices throughout history. Museum curator Magnus Bartas emphasizes the importance of investigating the unexplained rather than dismissing it, fostering an environment of openness and curiosity within society.