Otollängder

Otollängder, which translates to "toll lengths" or "toll records," refers to historical documents in Sweden that recorded the collection of tolls on various routes. These records are primarily from the medieval and early modern periods. They provide valuable insights into trade, transportation, and the economic activities of the time. The tolls were levied on goods, livestock, and sometimes even people passing through certain checkpoints, often located at bridges, ferries, or important road junctions.

The information contained within otollängder can include the type and quantity of goods transported, the origin and destination of merchants, the amount of toll paid, and the names of the collectors. These details help historians reconstruct trade networks, understand the volume of commerce, and identify key economic centers. They also shed light on the administrative and fiscal practices of the time, as tolls were a significant source of revenue for the crown, local authorities, and landowners.

Studying otollängder allows for an understanding of the infrastructure development, as the existence of toll stations implies the existence of well-traveled routes and the need to manage and profit from their use. The surviving records vary in completeness and preservation, but those that exist are crucial primary sources for Swedish economic and social history. They offer a tangible connection to the daily realities of trade and travel centuries ago.