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Uppsala is a university city in Sweden . While Uppsala sometimes stands in the shade of Stockholm it maintains a sophisticated identity of its own. Compared to the Swedish capital, Uppsala is less frantic, with more of a small-town atmosphere, influenced by the student culture and academic traditions of Uppsala University. It has a 16th-century castle, a 15th-century Gothic cathedral, and 11th-century rune stones. It is the country's fourth-largest city.
Uppsala is the capital of Uppsala County , and had a population of 167,000 in the city (2020) and a total population of 241,000 in Uppsala Municipality (2022).
It was once the political and religious centre of Viking-era Sweden, became seat of the Church of Sweden and is the home of the largest church in the Nordic Countries , the Uppsala Cathedral. Uppsala University was founded in 1477 as the first Nordic university.
Uppsala is 70 km (43 mi) north of Stockholm , on the Fyris River (Fyrisån) that flows south into Lake Mälaren. The name "Uppsala" is derived from the words "Up", as in "upstream", and "Sal", which means "hall", and was archaically spelt Upsala . Historically, Uppsala has been divided between "townies and gownies", with burghers residing on the eastern side of the river, while clergy, academia and royalty have resided on its western shore. To some extent, this division still exists today, as the main shopping area is in the eastern part of the city centre, while most university campuses, student nations, and historic landmarks are on its western side.
In 1643, Uppsala adopted its first city plan and got the rectangular street grid it still has today. The city limits were set to Kungsgatan, Strandbodgatan, Kyrkogårdsgatan and Skolgatan; it didn't expand past these limits until the latter part of the 19th century. Uppsala's city centre still fairly accurately coincides with this city square; it's rather small relative to the size of Uppsala's population. Due to its regular street patterns and its highly visible landmarks, orientation in Uppsala is rather easy.
The Uppsala area is very flat except for Uppsalaåsen — an esker which stretches across Uppland in a north-south direction. Uppsala Castle is strategically positioned at the top of the esker. Due to the flat terrain Uppsala's silhouette with the characteristic Castle and Cathedral towers can be seen from a great distance. In order to preserve this skyline, most other buildings in Uppsala are quite low.
Many famous Swedish authors have resided in Uppsala, often as students at the university. Notable examples include the playwright August Strindberg, the poets Gustaf Fröding and Karin Boye, and the Nobel Prize laureates Erik Axel Karlfeldt and Pär Lagerkvist. Most Swedish children recognise Uppsala as the city of Pelle Svanslös (Peter-No-Tail), a tailless cat whose life and adventures in Uppsala are described in a series of children’s books by author Gösta Knutsson. Cinema lovers will recognise the area surrounding St Erik's square from the movie Fanny & Alexander by Uppsala native Ingmar Bergman. Uppsala is also one of the main stops on Nils Holgersson's Journey Across Sweden . There is a map [ dead link ] of important places related to notable Uppsala authors.
Since the Ice Age, the Scandinavian landmass has been rising from the sea . The Uppsala plains were below sea level until around 1500 BC. The country's youngest land became the cradle of the Swedish nation, and soon after its emergence from the sea Håga , some 4 km (2.5 mi) south west of Uppsala, became the centre of Bronze Age Sweden. In the area you can still find remnants of the hillfort Predikstolen , as well as Håga burial mound, the gold-richest Bronze Age burial mound found in the Nordic countries .
In the 5th century, Old Uppsala (Gamla Uppsala) , some 5 km (3.1 mi) north of today’s city centre, became the political and religious centre of Sweden. According to legend, it was founded by the pagan fertility god Freyr , from whom the first Swedish kings claimed to descend. The site housed a famous pagan temple, a royal hall, and three monumental burial mounds which can still be seen today. It maintained its position as the most important place in Sweden throughout the Viking Age . In the 11th century, Sweden was Christianised, and the temple at Uppsala was destroyed. Instead, Old Uppsala became the archbishopric of Sweden.
The city we today call Uppsala was founded as a port-city of Old Uppsala called Aros . According to legend, the Swedish king Erik Jedvardsson was killed in battle in Aros in 1160. From his corpse sprung a well of fresh water, which remains today as a pump on St Erik’s square north of the Cathedral. Although never officially canonised by the pope, the Swedes considered "Erik the Holy" their patron saint, and his relics can still be seen inside the Cathedral. Aros eventually came to eclipse its mother-city and, in 1273, overtook Old Uppsala's role as an archbishopric, at the same time overtaking the name Uppsala. The same year, the construction of the Uppsala Cathedral began. The Cathedral was inaugurated more than a century and a half later, in 1435. In 1477, Uppsala University was founded, as the first university in the Nordic countries.
In 1527, the Protestant Reformation began in Sweden, and much power and wealth moved from the church in Uppsala to the king in Stockholm . Consequently, Uppsala declined during the 16th century. During this era, Uppsala Castle was constructed, partly in order to check Uppsala clergymen who disliked the reformation. In 1567, the new castle became a scene for the "Sture Murders": during a fit of madness, the Swedish King Eric XIV had six nobles thrown into the castle dungeons and massacred. The wars of the 17th century (including the Thirty Years War ) established the Swedish Empire. The city and its university experienced a revival, and Uppsala became something of a second capital of Sweden. Much of the city burnt down in 1702. This did not prevent Uppsala from rising as a scientific stronghold during the Age of Liberty ( frihetstiden ) in the 18th century, with world-famous scientists such as Carl von Linné , founder of taxonomic biology, and Anders Celsius, inventor of the Celsius temperature scale.
During the early 19th century, professors and students at the university were heavily influenced by romanticism. Many of Uppsala's strong student traditions can be traced to this era, including the archetype of the typical Uppsala student as a sorrowless, punsch-drinking and serenade-singing youngling in a tailcoat and a student cap. This "student uniform" can still be seen at formal occasions and gasques (student dinner parties). Throughout the 20th century Uppsala and Uppsala University grew rapidly. During the tenure of the principal Torgny T:son Segerstedt between 1955 – 1978, more students were admitted to the university than during its entire previous history combined! In the 20th century, the eastern half of the city experienced an extensive urban renewal. The western half was, however, spared from most of the demolition due to its proximity to the cathedral and university, and has therefore preserved more of its historical character.
Uppsala has a humid continental climate and is on the 59th latitude north, comparable to Fort Smith in Canada and Saint Petersburg in Russia . Because of its northerly position, Uppsala receives less than 6 hours of visible sunlight during the winter solstice, and more than 18 hours during the summer solstice. Due to the Gulf Stream, which brings warm water from the Caribbean to the North Sea, Uppsala and Sweden are not as cold as other regions on similar latitudes. As an example, during January, Fort Smith has a daily mean temperature of −22.4 °C (−8.3 °F) , compared to Uppsala's daily mean temperature of −2.7 °C (27.1 °F) . Summer usually starts in the middle of May and lasts until late September. Autumn typically continues until late November, when winter arrives. Spring normally arrives around the middle of March.
With no commercial airport of its own, Uppsala is served by the same airports as Stockholm. Indeed, the main airport, Arlanda, is closer to Uppsala than to Stockholm.
The national railway SJ operates regional express trains from Stockholm every half hour. This takes 30-40 minutes and costs 95 kr. These are complemented by occasional regional trains running Linköping – Norrköping – Stockholm –Uppsala– Gävle , with similar speed and costs. All trains from Norrland also call here, including the Sundsvall express and the night trains from Luleå and Narvik . From anywhere west of Stockholm or south of Linköping, it’s usually necessary to change at Stockholm Central.
Regional commuter trains ( pendeltåg ) also run the route Älvsjö–Stockholm–Uppsala twice an hour. A ride to or from Stockholm C costs 81 kr and takes about 55 minutes, as stops are more frequent. Aside from Stockholm C the trains also stop at Arlanda Airport , Solna , Odenplan in Vasastan , Södermalm and Älvsjö in Söderort . As Uppsala and Stockholm belong to different counties ordinary local Stockholm tickets and passes are not sufficient to reach Uppsala. Commuter trains do not have a toilet on board.
A few private travel companies also serve Uppsala. Snälltåget's night trains between the northern ski resort Åre and the southern city of Malmö pass through Uppsala.
Travelling to Uppsala by bus is often considerably cheaper than going by train, but departures are also considerably less frequent. Flexibus runs 80-minute coaches from Stockholm 's Cityterminalen at rates from 30 kr. They also run budget buses between Uppsala and Gothenburg , Borås , Jönköping , Kalmar , Linköping , Norrköping , Södertälje , Gävle , Umeå , Härjedalen and Arlanda . Ybuss carry passengers from Stockholm northwards along to coast of Norrland to Umeå, stopping at Arlanda and Uppsala on the way. While tickets to Stockholm and Arlanda are rather expensive at 110 kr, they might be a good option for travellers coming to Uppsala from northern Sweden. Tapanis Buss has a route going from Stockholm to Tornio , Finland stopping at Uppsala.
The local public transport company UL operates services to Västerås and Sala . Tickets are 148 kr if bought on board, 120 kr if pre-purchased and 92 kr if bought with a travel fund. See the section Get around below for details on UL tickets.
The north-south highway E4 passes east of the city and stretches south to Stockholm , Norrköping , and all the way to Helsingborg in southern Sweden. In the other direction it continues north past Sundsvall and Umeå to the Finnish border at Haparanda . Road 55 carry traffic to Enköping and continues to Norrköping where it reconnects with the E4. Even though it is some 10 minutes slower it might be a preferable alternative to E4 since it is more scenic and avoids Stockholm, thereby skipping tolls and minimising the risk of traffic jams. In Enköping route 55 crosses the highway E18 which continues westward towards Västerås , Örebro , Karlstad and Oslo , or from Örebro towards Gothenburg as highway E20. The smaller national roads 72 and 288 carry traffic to Sala and Östhammar .
Town maps are available from the tourist office "InfoPoints", scattered around town.
Most tourist sights are within the central area of Uppsala and can easily be reached on foot. A walk across the entire city centre takes no more than 20 minutes. However, to reach points of interest outside of the city centre, such as Gamla Uppsala or Linnés Hammarby, you will need some other means of transportation — or some really good walking shoes.
A good way to travel in Uppsala is by bike, especially if you plan on leaving the city centre and visit Uppsala's peripheral districts or Uppsala countryside . As any visitor will notice, there are a lot of cyclists here, enough for the city to earn the nickname "Bike Town." There are paths parallel to nearly every road, and many places to store bikes outside. As the terrain surrounding Uppsala is rather flat, it is easy to bike, even for inexperienced biciclysts.
The cheapest way to rent a bike is via the local bike sharing company EU-Bike [ dead link ] . You rent one of their easily recognisable green bikes by acquiring their smartphone app, and scanning the bike's QR-code. The first 10 uses are free, while additional usage costs 5 kr per 30 minutes. In a similar manner, electrical scooters can be rented via the local companies Voi . The scooters cost 1.50 kr per minute, plus a 10 kr starting fee. There are also several conventional bike rental places in Uppsala (listed in the section on Sports ). A typical price for a conventional rental bike is 200 kr for the first day and around 100 kr for every additional day.
As a side note, locals have a saying that everyone who lives there has had a bike stolen at some point in their lives. While this is not entirely true (it's more a reflection on the popularity of biking than any level of crime), it's probably a good idea to lock your bike.
Uppsala boasts an excellent bus system, operated by the regional company UL , where the closest bus stop is never more than a few hundred metres away. Local buses, also called "Stadstrafiken", are green and numbered 1 – 31 while regional buses are yellow and numbered 100 and above. Most local bus lines pass by either the central station, city hall or the main square, all within a few hundred metres of each other, making it easy to transfer between different bus lines. A map of the city-traffic network can be found here .
As of January 2024, a ticket for all of Uppsala county will cost you 39 kr and for 27 kr for ages under 20 and over 65 and will be valid for 75 minutes. A 24-hour ticket costs 135 kr and 95 kr discounted. Contactless payment might be introduced but mobile and travelcard tickets will remain. You will also be able to go all the way to Gävle and Sala by Mälartåg regional trains, due to the validity for the whole county and UL-busses in other counties.
Tickets can be bought in advance at machines at the central station. Tickets can also be bought by credit card on the bus. Cash is not accepted on board . Travel fund cards can be bought and charged in the train station or at one of UL's ~60 sales agents, marked out with yellow UL-flags. A list and map of sales agents can also be found here .
If you would like to travel by taxi, use the three major taxi companies: Uppsala Taxi [ dead link ] ( ☏ +46 18-100 000 ), Taxi Kurir ( ☏ +46 18-123 456 ) and Taxi 020 ( ☏ +46 18-20 20 20 ). There are also a lot of smaller companies, but they might have their own view on what you should pay and might also have less geographical knowledge. Be sure to negotiate the fare in advance of getting in the taxi if no guaranteed fare is posted.
Smartphone apps:
No fewer than 38 rune stones have been found in Uppsala, and many of them can still be seen today. On the lawn just east and south of the Cathedral you can find 7 rune stones, and in the University Park, between the University Hall and Gustavianum, you will find another 9. In general, these were written during the 11th century, showing both pagan and Christian motifs, usually commemorating some deceased relative. A notable exception to this rule is the stone U 1011, today standing in the University Park, reading the inscription "Vigmund had the stone carved for himself, the cleverest of men. God help the soul of Vigmund the ships' captain!"
While Uppsala's largest art establishment is Uppsala Art Museum (in Uppsala Castle, listed above) there are also several other smaller art venues in the city.
5 km (3.1 mi) north of Uppsala. Bus 2 and the hike "Eriksleden" (which starts at the cathedral) calls here. By car: Follow Svartbäcksgatan 4.5 km north, then take a right turn onto Ärnavägen and follow it another 1.5 km.
This was the political and religious centre of Viking -era Sweden, with a royal estate, the "Thing of all Swedes" (political assembly) and a renowned pagan temple. The Viking heritage can still be seen in the landscape due to the three monumental burial mounds, historically attributed to the gods Odin, Thor and Freyr. In modern times it has become a centre for Norse Neopaganism, hosting a major blót sacrifice each spring! If you get hungry there is a nearby restaurant and café called 59.899101 17.633117 1 Odinsborg ( ☏ +46 18-323525 M – F 10:00 – 16:00, Sa Su 10:00 – 18:00) which brew its own mead. Groups of 20 or more can book Viking feasts with traditional clothing and food.
With the help of augmented reality technology, you can also see what the site would have looked like at its historical peak in 650 AD. When looking at site through your smartphone, the app Augmented History: Gamla Uppsala [ dead link ] adds an additional layer to reality, which contains all the different structures archaeologists have discovered on the site, including the old Temple at Uppsala and the Royal hall, enabling you to see and even interact with the Viking settlement. As of 2018, the app is only available on iOS. If you don't have your own equipment, visitors to Gamla Uppsala museum can borrow iPads for up to 30 minutes without any extra charge. The iPads are available between 15:00 – 16:00 during weekdays and 11:00 – 13:30 during weekends, and are booked at the museum counter.
Uppsala university.
Uppsala University was established in 1477, making it the oldest university in the Nordic countries . It is associated with 8 Nobel Prize laureates and is frequently ranked among the best 100 universities in the world. University campuses are scattered around the western part of the city centre. If you want to experience the student life at Uppsala you should go to one of the 13 Student Nations (see infobox under section Drink ).
Public baths.
While Fyris River crosses the city, there are no official bathing areas within walking distance of the city centre. In effect, this means that there are no official, regular controls of the water quality in the river. However, occasional tests have indicated that the water is fully safe to bathe in. Generally, the water quality is better north of Uppsala, before the south-flowing water has crossed the city centre. In the part of the river north of the city centre, there are also several bridges with rescue ladders which can be used for bathing.
As the terrain around Uppsala is very flat, none of these hikes are very difficult, and could therefore be performed by inexperienced hikers or cyclists. For information about bike rentals, see section "Get around".
If you want to watch sports , the main outdoor sporting arena is 59.848925 17.645621 42 Studenternas Idrottsplats (Ulleråkersvägen 6, on the western shore of the river just south of the City Gardens) while the main indoor arena is Fyrishov (listed above). The home team IK Sirius play soccer and the traditional Swedish winter sport of bandy in Sweden’s top divisions. The men's team Uppsala Basket [ dead link ] and the women's team Sallén Basket play in Sweden’s top divisions for basketball. Uppsala 86ers was one of the first American football teams in Sweden, and play in the highest division Superserien.
Uppsala also has ample opportunities for doing sport .
Sports equipment can be rented at:
Uppsala's tourist office has a calendar [ dead link ] on their website listing various cultural and entertainment events.
Typical opening hours in Uppsala are 10:00 – 18:00 or 19:00 from Monday to Friday and 10:00 – 16:00 or 17:00 on Saturdays. On Sundays larger venues are typically open from 11:00 or 12:00 – 16:00 while many smaller shops, cafés and restaurants are closed, making the city rather quiet. The main shopping street is a pedestrian street which runs parallel to the river, one blocks East of the river and two blocks West of the train station. On it lays the main square Stora torget . The street is popularly simply referred to as "Gågatan" (The Pedestrian Street), but its official name is Svartbäcksgatan for the part North of the main square and Kungsängsgatan for the part South of it. Svavagallerian (Dragarbrunnsgatan 50), Forumgallerian (Dragarbrunnsgatan 43 – 45) and S:t Per-gallerian (Svartbäcksgatan 7 – 11) are three central shopping malls. They can't compare to the malls in Stockholm though.
Pressbyrån is a well-stocked magazine store chain with lots of international and Swedish magazines, which can be found at several locations in the city.
Many international and national fashion warehouse chains such as Zara , H&M and New Yorker can be found on the main shopping street Svartbäcksgatan .
Many museums, including the Cathedral [ dead link ] , Upplandsmuseet and The Linnaean Garden [ dead link ] have gift shops with general Uppsala souvenirs as well as souvenirs more closely related to their exhibitions. The best place to find Uppsala University themed merchandise are the gift shops in the University Museum Gustavianum [ dead link ] and the University Main Hall.
Uppsala, being a college town, is not a city that is big on fine dining. There are a number of good restaurants to be found, however, and most of them are not far from the main landmarks in town. Lunch options are generally cheaper than dining options.
If you are interested in something lighter, most cafés mentioned below offer dishes like sandwiches, quiche, lasagna or salad. Likewise, most pubs at least offer simple pub food like burgers, and some of them, like Bierhuis and Bryggeriet Ångkvarn , are full-fledged gastropubs. Many hotels have good restaurants of their own, including the Manhattan -themed Kitchen & Table [ dead link ] at Clarion Hotel Gillet, the Asian-Scandinavian restaurant and rooftop bar Miss Voon at Elite Hotel Academia, and the Nordic fine dining restaurant Villa Anna in the hotel with the same name. If you plan to cook for yourself, the market hall 59.85914 17.63337 2 Saluhallen (S:t Eriks Torg 8, M – Th 10:00 – 18:00; F 10:00 – 19:00; Sa 10:00 – 16:00) offers various types of expensive, quality ingredients like seafood and cheese .
Most days, at least one of the 13 Nations (see infobox under section Drink ) serve simple, yet well-cooked meals. Unbeknownst to most locals, lunches are also open for non-students. If you have a nation guest card, you can also dine at the Nations. To know which nations are open any given day, check the calendar at Nationsguidien . Prices range around 50 kr for lunch and 70 kr for dinner.
Virtually all restaurants in Uppsala have at least one ovo-lacto vegetarian dish on the menu. Uppsala is also a rather vegan-friendly city. Many restaurants have some vegan dish on the menu, and even those which do not can usually serve something vegan if you ask the waiter. Especially good places for plant based food would be the vegetarian restaurant 59.856639 17.635117 3 Légume (Drottninggatan 12, +46 18-12 01 60, M – W 11:00 – 14:00, Th – F 11:00 – 14:00 & 17:00 – 21:00, Sa 16:00 – 22:00).
Budget-priced food trucks selling fast food like hot dogs and falafel can be found on the main shopping street Svartbäcksgatan, the square Vaksala torg and at Sankt Eriks square just north of the Cathedral. One falafel goes for about 50 kr. Typically they open around 11:00 and stay open until 20:00 on weekdays and significantly later on weekends (around 04:00 — late enough to serve drunk students on their way home from the bars).
As in the rest of Sweden, the government-owned chain of liquor stores 59.85841 17.64204 1 Systembolaget (Dragarbrunnsgatan 48A, M – F 09:00 – 19:00, Sa 09:00 – 15:00) is the only retail store allowed to sell alcoholic beverages that contain more than 3.5% alcohol. Additional Systembolaget stores can be found at Vaksalagatan 30 and by major shopping malls in the more peripheral districts of the city.
Uppsala has a long history of brewing, and there are four active breweries in Uppsala. Uppsala Brygghus is the largest in the region, and the one you are most likely to find in stock at Systembolaget; Jackdaw Brewery , specialises in Belgian-style beers; Tempel Brygghus , focusing on sour beer and Bryggeriet Ångkvarn , which was named "best brewery" at Stockholm Beer and Whiskey festival 2017. Punsch is a traditional Swedish arrak-based liqueur, holding a special place in Uppsala's student culture.
Bars and clubs in Uppsala are obliged to close no later than 03:00. Most student nations close at 01:00 unless there is a special event.
While coffeehouse chains are not unheard of, cozy traditional independent cafés are abundant in Uppsala. Daytime in the weekends many of the student nations have cafés, which always have prices significantly below those of ordinary cafés. Both students and non-students are welcome. To know which nations are open any given day check the calendar at Nationsguidien . If you are looking for a more high-end kind of fika , you should check out the "afternoon tea" seatings held at the restaurant and hotel Villa Anna, Saturdays at 12.00 and 14.15
Lindvalls kaffe is a local family owned brand of coffee. Blåbärsprinsess is a blueberry sponge cake topped with marzipan which was invented in Uppsala, and Studentska is a local pastry made from shortcrust, chocolate truffle and icing. The name means "female student" since the pastries, just like the female students, are green and innocent on the outside but black as sin on the inside.
Uppsala is generally a safe city. In an emergency , always call 112 for SOS Alarm, for an ambulance, police, fire service, or priest on call. English-speaking operators are available. The national non-emergency number to the police is 114 14. As for other Swedish cities, drunk brawls are one of few risk factors to travellers. Stay extra attentive during weekend nights, especially in the city centre and around the Central Station.
If you venture into the forested countryside, beware of ticks . In Uppsala Municipality, there have been reported cases of both TBE and lyme disease . However, you can vaccinate against TBE, and lyme disease can be avoided by removing the tick within 12 to 24 hours. A simple precaution against ticks is to wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers when moving through brushwood.
While there are several pharmacies in Uppsala, most of them close around 19:00 – 20:00, and none are open at night. The pharmacy with the best opening hours is 59.85561 17.64613 4 Lloyds apotek Samariten (Kålsängsgränd 10C, +46 18-580 21 10) which is open from 08:00 to 22:00 every day.
Uppsala has 4G from all Swedish carriers, though the signal from 3 Tre is patchy. Some areas have 5G.
The city centre is a free public wifi-zone. The network is called "!uppsalawifi" . Uppsala University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences participate in Eduroam ; a free-of-charge world wide web service which allow university students and staff wireless network access on the campuses of other universities.
Stockholm with many embassies is only a short trip away.
Uppsala County is mostly rural except for Uppsala itself, and is therefore suitable for outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking. Uppsala County has a large number of castles and industrial heritage sites, worth visiting for the history or architecturally interested. In the east Uppsala County has a long shoreline towards the Baltic Sea known as Roslagen. Uppsala countryside contains fields, forests, and several villages.
By: Author Swedish Nomad
Posted on Last updated: June 20, 2022
Categories Sweden
Home / Europe / Sweden / 15 Best Things to do in Uppsala (Sweden)
Here’s a list of the 15 best things to do in Uppsala ( Sweden ), along with famous landmarks, museums, and other points of interest.
Uppsala is one of the largest cities in Sweden with a total population of 166 698 people in its urban area.
The Uppsala Cathedral dates back to the 13th century and is one of the most dominant buildings of the city. Not only does it dominate Uppsala’s skyline, but it is also the tallest church in all of Scandinavia rising to 118m.
Its significance is more than just religious as it is also the burial place of King Eric IX who is considered the patron saint of the country.
The architecture of the church is characterized by the French Gothic style and reminds of the churches found in central and southern Europe.
Gustavianum is the oldest building of the local university and dates to the 17th century. Today it is mainly known for its great museum. Despite the age of the building, the museum itself was inaugurated as late as 1997 but has since then become one of the most important cultural centers in Sweden.
There are five permanent exhibitions found here including an anatomical theater, a cabinet of curiosities and a section on the history of the university.
Often considered the highlight of the Gustavianum is the Valsgärde, which is dedicated to the Viking Age as well as the exhibition on the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Nile which consists of many antique artifacts excavated by the archaeologists of the Uppsala University.
Linnaeus Garden dates to the 17th century and is considered the oldest of its kind in all of Sweden. It belongs to the Uppsala University and is very maintained offering residents and visitors an oasis of greenery right in the heart of Uppsala.
The gardens are held in a typical 18th-century style and feel almost like a museum. The buildings here are dedicated to Carl Linnaeus who is one of the most important botanists of the country.
Found on the grounds of the botanical gardens is the interesting Linnaeus Museum. It showcases the history of Carl Linnaeus who studied at the Uppsala University in the 18th century and has gone on to become one of the most important botanists in all of Sweden.
The museum is dedicated to both the personal as well as the professional life of this great man and tells the story of his many accomplishments.
Many of the original household items and furniture pieces are restored and add a very authentic atmosphere to this museum. Together with the Linnaeus Garden a must-visit when coming to Uppsala.
The Uppsala Castle is one of the city’s most remarkable buildings and is characterized by its bold design and monumental size. Not only did it serve as a royal residence, but it was also a major part of the political history of Sweden as it served as a representative Renaissance palace for Eric XIV, John III, and Charles IX.
Today the castle serves as the administrative center of Uppland but is also open to the general public. Due to its slightly elevated position, it offers great views over Uppsala.
The castle houses the Uppsala Art Museum, Fredens Hus (House of Peace), and Vasaborgen, three interesting museums that are great for learning more about the history and culture of this region.
Upplandsmuseet is dedicated to the cultural history and archaeology of the country and offers a permanent exhibition that covers many aspects of the life of its residents.
There is a section on the general history of the area as well as the Uppsala Cathedral and the local university. The museum is housed in a very elegant building situated right on the river Fyris which has been used as a water mill before being turned into a museum in 1959.
One of the best things about the Uppland County Museum is that it’s very family-friendly and much more interesting for kids than you would expect.
Gamla Uppsala Church is located in the northern outskirts of the city and shouldn’t be missed when coming to the city as it is surrounded by very interesting historic sites.
The village in which the church is located was one of the most important cities in Sweden during the Middle Ages. It served as a cultural and economic hub and this great legacy can still be felt in Gamla today.
Even though many people come here for the archeological area, the Gamla Uppsala Church is a lovely old church and shouldn’t be missed as it is full of rustic charm.
Fyrishov is one of the biggest multi-purpose arenas in all of Sweden and is home to a great water park that is a very attractive spot for families and children and everyone who wants to escape the often cold Swedish climate and relax in pleasantly warm water.
The water park offers everything you would expect, many fun water slides, a large swimming pool suitable for long-distance swimming as well as relaxation areas. Fyrishov also features large indoor-sport halls and serves as a concert venue, a true multi-purpose arena.
The impressive University Hall can be found just a few meters west of Uppsala’s impressive cathedral and is very easy to reach on foot.
After its construction in the late 19th century, the splendid building served as the home of all the faculties of the local university and is still in use today for lectures and university ceremonies.
There are also concerts held here as the building features an impressive auditorium with seating for around 1,800 people. One of the most impressive features of the University Hall is its large entrance hall so don’t miss visiting the insides of this grand structure.
Photo: Werner Lerooy / Shutterstock.com
Bror Hjort is a popular Swedish artist who is known for his traditional crafts. The atelier and museum that is accessible by the public today served as the artist’s home during many years of his lifetime (1894 – 1968).
What makes his house so attractive today is how cozy and small it is. Coming here feels very intimate and there is also a small cafe next door that is very recommendable.
Bror Hjort’s house is not a must-visit when coming to Uppsala but it is definitely very much worth it for anyone with an interest in art as the works presented here are very diverse and engaging.
Skokloster Castle is a very elegant structure that is characterized by its four guard towers and its white facades. It was built in the 17th century in a beautiful Baroque style and has recently been turned into a museum exhibiting art, historic weapons, and books.
The castle is remarkably well-maintained and especially the interior with its rich decorations is stunning making the Skolkloster a real must-visit when coming to Uppsala.
Another great thing about the castle is its scenic location amidst stunning nature on a peninsula south of Uppsala. It has also been named one of the most beautiful castles in Sweden .
Fjällnora Friluftsomrade is a recreational park located at the lovely Lake Trehörningen. Despite the chilly water temperatures the park offers a popular public bathing area and adjacent picnic and BBQ areas.
There are playgrounds for children, hiking and cycling paths as well as a camping ground. Pedal boats can be rented here and are a great way to get on the water and see the beautiful lush forests of the area from a new perspective.
In winter the Fjällnora Friluftsomrade offers great cross-country skiing trails as well as ice-skating making the park a great all-year destination.
The “Thing of all Swedes” Mound used to serve as a meeting point for the government of ancient Sweden, making it a really unique historic site. During the time of the Vikings, so-called law speakers would come here to solve problems brought to them by the ordinary people of the area.
These often included marriage, inheritance settlements, and negotiations over armed conflicts. The mount is located in the archeological area of Gamla Uppsala and is a great place to learn about the traditions of the ancient Vikings.
Biotopia is a fantastic nature museum that is ideally suited for all visitors with an interest in nature. It doesn’t matter if young or old, the museum is geared toward everyone.
The displays found here allow seeing and hearing the wildlife of Uppland as if you were deep in the wilderness and there are also displays of extinct animals found here. There is also a so-called Biolab which allows hands-on experiments.
Uppsala University manages a number of botanical gardens all over the city. Some of them are well-known such as the Linnean Garden with its great museum while others are less frequented but beautiful nonetheless.
The Botanical Garden west of the Uppsala Castle offers a Tropical Greenhouse and an orangery named after the great botanist. It is a very beautiful neoclassical building from 1787 and shouldn’t be missed.
The orangery houses the garden’s tropical plants and cacti and is open to the public.
Want more recommendations on things to do in Uppsala? Leave a comment below!
January 4, 2024 | Posted in: Sweden
Uppsala, a historic city in Sweden, offers attractions, blending its deep-rooted history with modern charm. Uppsala is located in east-central Sweden, roughly 70 km north of Stockholm, along the Fyris River. The primary language spoken here is Swedish, but English is widely understood. The city is known for its safety, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Its population is diverse, with a significant student community due to Uppsala University. mUppsala is well-connected by train and bus services, making travel to and from Stockholm convenient. The city's layout is compact, promoting exploration by foot or bicycle. Operating in the Central European Time Zone, Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK) as its currency. Visitors from outside Europe should note the types of power plugs and voltage used in Sweden.
As the tallest church in the Nordic countries, Uppsala Cathedral boasts a rich history dating back to 1270. It's notable for its Gothic architecture, royal coronations and burials. Visitors can enjoy tours, view medieval frescoes and explore the cathedral museum. Uppsala Castle is a historical landmark, originating from the 16th century, offers insights into Swedish history. The castle, now home to an art museum, provides guided tours featuring state chambers and historical ruins. Gamla Uppsala Archaeological Site is an ancient site with over 300 burial mounds, it offers a glimpse into Sweden's religious and political past. The museum here hosts multimedia exhibits on Viking-era history. As part of Uppsala University, this library houses rare manuscripts, including the 6th-century Codex Argenteus. It's a hub for research and exploration of historical texts. The oldest botanical garden of Uppsala University, it showcases over 1,000 plant species and is linked to Carl Linnaeus's work. The Linnaeus Museum nearby delves into his contributions to botany. Gustavianum Museum is situated in Uppsala University's oldest building, this museum highlights scientific and historical artifacts, including the Augsburg Art Cabinet and the Anatomical Theater.
To thoroughly explore Uppsala, a two-day visit is recommended, allowing for a relaxed pace to see the city's main attractions. While Uppsala is not the cheapest destination, there are budget-friendly options available. Accommodations range from boutique hotels to more affordable choices in different neighborhoods. Uppsala offers a variety of dining experiences, from traditional Swedish cuisine to international options. Local specialties like Toast Skagen and Köttbullar (Swedish meatballs) are must-tries. The city center offers a range of shopping experiences, from department stores to local boutiques. Uppsala hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including Valborg celebrations and the Uppsala International Guitar Festival.
The Uppsala Christmas Market brought holiday cheer to the city's central square from late November through December 23. The market had over 60 festively decorated wooden huts selling Christmas decorations, ornaments, handicrafts, knitwear, baked goods, glögg (mulled wine) and typical Swedish treats. The market featured carolers, Santa Lucia processions and ice skating. Additional attractions like a petting zoo, carousel and skating rink were set up around Uppsala Cathedral during the market.
Listed below are the best things to do in Uppsala.
Uppsala Cathedral is located at Domkyrkoplan, 753 10 Uppsala, Sweden. It is the largest cathedral in Scandinavia, with twin towers reaching 118.7 meters high. Construction on the Gothic-style cathedral began around 1270, after the archbishopric moved from nearby Gamla Uppsala. The cathedral was built slowly over the centuries and was not fully completed until 1435. It was originally a Roman Catholic church but became Lutheran after the Protestant Reformation. Uppsala Cathedral has been the site of coronations and burials of many Swedish royals and leaders.
Visitors to Uppsala Cathedral can join guided tours, attend services, explore the historic architecture and artworks and visit the cathedral museum. Guided tours in English provide overviews of the cathedral's 750-year history and architecture. Tours allow you to see sites like the tombs of famous Swedes such as King Gustav Vasa, the ornate pulpit from 1709 and the Treasury museum in the north tower. Visitors can attend services in the cathedral, which holds daily worship as an active Lutheran church. Exploring the architecture and artworks at your own pace is another option. Highlights include the Gothic vaulted ceilings, medieval frescoes, the silver chandelier over the high altar and modern art installations like the wooden sculpture tableaux. The Finsta Chapel contains the reliquary of Sweden's patron Saint Eric along with Saint Bridget's relics. The Treasury museum displays rare textiles, goldwork and liturgical items spanning the Middle Ages to today.
The easiest way to reach Uppsala Cathedral is by train from Stockholm. Visitors can take a direct train from Stockholm Central Station to Uppsala Central Station. The journey takes around 40 minutes. From Uppsala Station, the cathedral is a short 10-15 minute walk away. Just head west from the station and follow the signs or the cathedral's visible spires. Driving to Uppsala Cathedral is an option. It is around 70 km north of Stockholm, about a 45 minute drive. Parking lots are available near the cathedral.
Uppsala Cathedral has free admission, so visitors can explore without an entrance fee. While admission is free, donations are appreciated to help maintain this historic building. Special guided tours are offered for a fee – 90 SEK for adults and 20 SEK for children ages 6-9 ( £7/$8 USD). Visitors can pay a small fee to access the Treasury museum in the north tower. The museum costs 80 SEK for adults and 40 SEK for youth ages 7-19 (around £7/$8 USD). Combination tickets for a guided tour plus the Treasury museum are available at a discounted rate.
Uppsala Castle is located at Drottning Christinas väg 1E, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden. It is a 16th-century royal castle originally built in 1549 under King Gustav Vasa, who intended it as a Renaissance fortress palace. The castle played a major role in Swedish history, being the site of events like the Sture Murders in 1567 and Queen Kristina's abdication in 1654. It was severely damaged by a disastrous fire in 1702 that left only ruins, which were then used as a quarry for building Stockholm Palace. The present Baroque façade and structure dates to a reconstruction in the 1740s led by architect Carl Hårleman.
Visitors to Uppsala Castle can tour parts of the historic building along with two on-site museums. Guided tours of the castle are offered daily in English and Swedish, providing insights into the structure's architecture and role in Swedish history. The Uppsala Art Museum displays modern and contemporary works by Swedish and international artists across three floors. Temporary exhibitions are hosted. Visitors can access the picturesque castle gardens and grounds, site of Sweden's oldest botanical garden founded in 1655. The on-site cafe provides light meals and drinks with outdoor seating available. Uppsala Castle frequently holds public cultural events like concerts as well. Reservations are recommended for guided tours.
Visitors can take the train from Stockholm Central Station directly to Uppsala Central Station in just 45 minutes. From there, the castle is an easy 15 minute, 1 kilometer walk west towards the cathedral area. Local buses 2, 3 and 5 go from Uppsala Station to the Gustavianum/Carolina Rediviva stop 350 meters away.
Visitors driving from Stockholm can take Highway E4 which connects the cities, with parking garages like Centralgaraget within 750 meters of the castle. Taxis and rideshares from Uppsala Station provide the most convenient transportation directly to the entrance on Drottning Christinas väg street.
The admission cost to access the permanent castle exhibitions is free for all visitors. Guided tours are available in English and Swedish at additional cost. Tickets for adults are 90 SEK (£7, $8.50), while children ages 6-15 can take tours for 20 SEK (£1.55, $1.90).
Entry to the Uppsala Art Museum is free to see the permanent collections. Access to temporary exhibitions and events may incur separate fees on occasion. Photography is permitted in the castle interiors and museum galleries.
Gamla Uppsala Archaeological Site is an area in ancient history located at Disavägen, Gamla Uppsala 756 10, the site contains around 300 burial mounds from the 5th to 7th centuries AD, including three exceptionally large royal mounds thought to be the final resting places of ancient Swedish kings. The three main mounds are between 9-10 meters high and around 45-75 meters in diameter. In Norse mythology and Swedish legend, it is said that the gods Odin, Thor and Freyr are buried in these mounds. The site was once the religious and political center of Sweden, home to pagan temples and the Thing (governing assembly) where kings were elected.
Visitors to Gamla Uppsala can walk among and explore the ancient burial mounds, including the three royal mounds believed to contain the remains of ancient Swedish kings or gods. Informational signs detail the history and significance of the different mounds. The on-site Gamla Uppsala Museum offers indoor exhibits and experiences bringing the Viking-era site to life, such as displays of weapons, jewelry and artifacts found in excavations. Visitors can enjoy multimedia presentations, an archaeological experiment room, a gift shop and a cafe. Guided tours of the museum and archaeological site are available during summer, providing deeper insight from expert guides. Virtual reality experiences allow visitors to envision Gamla Uppsala as it was during the Viking Age. Outside, walking trails connect the park area containing the mounds to the museum, medieval Gamla Uppsala Church and other nearby attractions.
Visitors can take public bus #2, #110 or #115 from Uppsala City Terminal or train station to the Gamla Uppsala Kungsgård Stop, a short 350 meter walk from the museum and mounds. Uppsala is 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Stockholm, so visitors can take the train from Stockholm Central Station to Uppsala (just over 30 minutes) then transfer to the bus. Another option from Stockholm is bus #801 directly to Gamla Uppsala, taking around 70 minutes. Visitors traveling by car can take route 55 north from Stockholm or route 72 west from Arlanda Airport.
The outdoor area containing the ancient burial mounds can be explored free of charge, allowing visitors to wander the site and view the mounds at no cost. To visit the indoor Gamla Uppsala Museum, there is an admission fee of 60 SEK for adults and 40 SEK for youth ages 7-19 (£5/$6). Guided tours are available for an additional fee during summer. Special combination tickets can be purchased for access to the museum exhibits and a guided tour.
Carolina Rediviva is the main building of Uppsala University Library located at Dag Hammarskjölds väg 1 in Uppsala, Sweden. Construction on the imposing neoclassical structure began in 1820 and was completed in 1841. The original architect was Carl Fredrik Sundvall. Carolina Rediviva houses over 5 million volumes, including many rare manuscripts and books. It is one of the oldest and largest academic libraries in Sweden. The most famous items in the library's collection are the Codex Argenteus, known as the Silver Bible and the Cancionero de Upsala manuscript. The Codex Argenteus is a 6th century illuminated manuscript containing a 4th century Gothic language translation of the Bible. It is especially notable for being written in silver and gold ink on purple dyed vellum. The Cancionero de Upsala from the 16th century contains over 450 compositions from the Spanish and Portuguese musical Renaissance.
Visitors can access the library's extensive collections of books, journals, manuscripts, maps and more. The library has over 5 million items, with strengths in theology, medieval literature and Scandinavian history. Visitors are welcome to search the catalog and request materials to view in the Reading Room. The library has a cafe, Carolina Cafe, that offers coffee, snacks and light meals in a historic vaulted cellar. Whether joining a guided tour, researching in the Reading Room or simply admiring the architecture, Carolina Rediviva Library is a cultural gem in Uppsala.
Carolina Rediviva Library is located right in central Uppsala, making it easily accessible. The library is about 500 meters south of Uppsala Central Station. Visitors arriving by train can simply walk from the station to the library in around 10 minutes. Uppsala is 40 km (25 miles) north of Stockholm, with frequent direct trains taking just over 30 minutes between Stockholm Central and Uppsala Central Station. Visitors can take the SJ bus from Stockholm City Terminal to Uppsala City Terminal in about an hour, then walk or take a local bus to Carolina Rediviva. Driving from Stockholm takes around 45 minutes along route E4. Limited metered parking is available near the library.
Carolina Rediviva Library is free, so visitors can explore the public areas at no cost. The library's exhibition hall, featuring displays of rare books and artifacts, is open free of charge. Guided tours on Saturdays do have a fee of 20 SEK per person (around £2/$2 USD). While admission is free, donations are appreciated to help preserve Carolina Rediviva's historic book collections and building. The library's cafe, Carolina Cafe, offers reasonably priced coffee, snacks and light fare. So visitors can freely take in the architecture and public spaces of this renowned library. Special guided tours provide a more in-depth experience for a small fee.
The Linnaean Garden is a historic botanical garden located at Svartbäcksgatan 27 B, 753 32 Uppsala, Sweden. It is the oldest of the botanical gardens belonging to Uppsala University. The garden was founded in 1655 by Olof Rudbeck the Elder, professor of medicine at Uppsala University. In the late 17th century, it contained around 1,800 different plant species. After being damaged in a 1702 fire, the garden fell into neglect. In 1917, the Swedish Linnaean Society purchased and restored the garden according to the detailed plans laid out by Carl Linnaeus in his work Hortus Upsaliensis (1748). Linnaeus lived adjacent to the garden from 1743 until his death in 1778. Today, the garden contains over 1,000 plant species organized according to Linnaeus' sexual system of plant classification. The garden features flowerbeds, hedges, ponds and greenhouses. The Linnaean Garden provides a glimpse into the origins of modern botany and Linnaeus' work in Uppsala during the 18th century.
Visitors to the Linnaean Garden in Uppsala can take guided tours, explore the garden layout and plant collections and visit the Linnaeus Museum located adjacent to the gardens. Guided tours provide an overview of the garden's history and Linnaeus' work. Tours offer the chance to see rare plants that Linnaeus studied and wrote about. Visitors can stroll through the garden at their own pace, observing the meticulous garden design and reading the labels identifying each plant. Highlights include the 300-year-old lime tree planted by Linnaeus himself. The nearby Linnaeus Museum contains exhibits about his life and work as a botanist, zoologist and physician. There is a reconstruction of Linnaeus' study and collections. The museum shop offers books, souvenirs and medicinal herbs.
The Linnaean Garden is located in central Uppsala, making it easily accessible for visitors. It is about 500 meters south of Uppsala Central Station. Visitors arriving by train can simply walk from the station to the garden in around 10 minutes. Uppsala is 40 km (25 miles) north of Stockholm, with frequent direct trains taking just over 30 minutes between Stockholm Central and Uppsala Central Station. Visitors can take the SJ bus from Stockholm City Terminal to Uppsala City Terminal in about an hour, then walk or take a local bus to the garden. Driving from Stockholm takes around 45 minutes along route E4. Limited metered parking is available near the library.
The Linnaean Garden has an admission fee to access the garden and buildings. During normal opening hours, admission costs 20 SEK ($13.5, £10) for adults, 100 SEK ($11.25, £8.5) for seniors over age 65 and 100 SEK ($11.25, £8.5) for students but free for students at Uppsala University. Children ages 0-17 can enter free of charge. The admission price includes entry to the Linnaeus Museum. After 5pm, admission is free but buildings are closed. Guided tours are included with admission and offered in Swedish and English at scheduled times. Special events or exhibitions may have separate ticket prices.
Gustavianum Museum is located at Akademigatan 3, 753 10 Uppsala, Sweden, about 73 km (45 miles) north of Stockholm. It is Sweden's oldest museum, housed in the oldest building of Uppsala University, originally built between 1622 and 1625 to serve as the university's main building. The building itself is an impressive example of 17th century Swedish architecture. The museum's highlights include the fascinating Augsburg Art Cabinet containing around 1,000 different curiosities and collectibles; the Anatomical Theatre where dissections were once carried out on executed criminals; exhibitions on Egyptian and Classical antiquities excavated by Uppsala University archaeologists; displays on notable Uppsala scientists like Carl Linnaeus, Anders Celsius and Nils von Rosenstein; and artifacts from the history of Uppsala University dating back to its founding in 1477.
Visitors to the Gustavianum Museum in Uppsala can explore several permanent exhibitions and displays that give insights into various aspects of Uppsala University's history, academic collections and scientific achievements. Visitors can take guided tours offered in Swedish and English every open day to learn more about notable objects. Special programs and tours are offered for student groups from preschools to high schools. The museum occasionally hosts public debates, talks, performances and events related to ongoing research and activities at Uppsala University that visitors can attend. There is a gift shop and cafe on site.
Gustavianum Museum is located about 73 km (45 miles) north of Stockholm in central Uppsala. It can be easily reached by train from Stockholm Central Station, with regular connections taking about 45 minutes to reach Uppsala Central Station. From there, the museum is an easy 1.1 kilometer (0.7 mile) walk west along Svartbäcksgatan street directly into the Uppsala University area. Visitors can take local buses bound for Uppsala University from the train station, like bus number 2, 3 and 5 and get off at the Gustavianum/Carolina Rediviva stop, just 350 meters (0.2 miles) from the museum entrance.
The admission cost to enter the permanent exhibitions at Gustavianum Museum is 60 SEK (£4.70 , $5.70) for adults over 25 years old. University students and senior citizens over 65 can enter for 50 SEK ( £3.90, $4.75), while visitors between ages 19-25 pay an admission fee of 30 SEK ( £2.35, $2.85). Children and teens under age 19 can explore the museum for free. Special rates apply for groups of over 10 people. Visitors should note that access to any temporary exhibitions will incur an additional entrance fee. Guided tours in English and Swedish that are included in regular admission fees are offered daily at 1 PM and 3 PM respectively. Photography is permitted throughout the museum exhibits.
Biotopia Aquarium is located at Vasagatan 4, 753 13 Uppsala, Sweden. It is an interactive natural history museum focused on the biology and ecosystems of Uppland county and the surrounding region. Originally opened in 1910, Biotopia contains numerous diorama exhibits depicting wildlife native to the area such as moose, beavers, otters, lynx, wolves and more. The background paintings and naturalistic displays have been preserved since the museum's inception over a century ago. Visitors can observe the animals in their recreated habitats and listen to sounds that bring the scenes to life.
Visitors to Biotopia Aquarium can explore the numerous diorama exhibits depicting wildlife native to Uppland county such as moose, beavers, otters, lynx, wolves and other species in crafted naturalistic scenes. In the biolab, visitors can participate in hands-on science activities and experiments, view cell samples under microscopes, build bird feeders, make plaster casts of animal tracks and more based on special rotating themes. Special programs, events and customized tours are available for student groups from preschool to high school. Visitors can independently explore the museum and its gift shop and cafe. Temporary exhibitions related to ongoing research are sometimes hosted as well.
Biotopia Aquarium is located about 73 km (45 miles) north of Stockholm in central Uppsala. It can be easily reached by train from Stockholm Central Station, with regular connections talking about 45 minutes to reach Uppsala Central Station. From there, the museum is an easy 1.1 kilometer (0.7 mile) walk west along Svartbäcksgatan street directly into the Uppsala University area. Visitors can take local buses bound for Uppsala University from the train station, like bus number 2, 3 and 5 and get off at the Gustavianum/Carolina Rediviva stop, just 350 meters (0.2 miles) from the museum entrance.
The admission cost to enter Biotopia Aquarium is free for all visitors. There is no entrance fee to access the permanent exhibits and public areas of the museum. Special temporary exhibitions or specific programs may sometimes incur additional charges. Guided tours in English and Swedish are included with regular admission at no extra cost, offered daily at scheduled times. Photography and videography is permitted throughout the museum.
Upplandsmuseet Museum is located at S.t Eriks torg 10, 753 10 Uppsala, Sweden. It serves as the county museum for Uppsala County, responsible for preserving and researching the cultural history and archaeology of the region. The museum is housed in a historic 18th century watermill building called Akademikvarnen that once belonged to Uppsala University. The exterior was used in Ingmar Bergman's film Fanny and Alexander.
Visitors to Upplandsmuseet Museum can explore several floors of permanent and temporary exhibitions highlighting over 5000 years of cultural history in Uppsala county. Key highlights include displays of ancient artifacts like Viking, medieval and folk items; dioramas and reconstructions of historical scenes; exhibits on notable eras and people from the region like Uppsala University students and famous scientists; information on local archaeological excavations and discoveries; and thematic contemporary art and photography displays related to ongoing research. Guided tours in Swedish and English are offered daily during open hours to learn more details about notable exhibits.
Upplandsmuseet Museum is located about 73 km (45 miles) north of Stockholm in central Uppsala. It can be easily reached by train from Stockholm Central Station, with regular connections taking about 45 minutes to reach Uppsala Central Station. From there, the museum is an easy 1.1 kilometer (0.7 mile) walk west along Svartbäcksgatan street directly into the Uppsala University area. Visitors can take local buses bound for Uppsala University from the train station, like bus number 2, 3 and 5 and get off at the Gustavianum/Carolina Rediviva stop, just 350 meters (0.2 miles) from the museum entrance. n are another convenient option for getting directly to the museum entrance.
The admission cost to enter the permanent exhibitions at Upplandsmuseet Museum is 60 SEK ( £4.70, $5.70) for adults. University students and senior citizens over age 65 can enter for a reduced rate of 50 SEK ( £3.90, $4.75). Visitors aged 19-25 pay an admission fee of 30 SEK ( £2.35, $2.85). Children and teens under age 19 can explore the museum for free. Special discounted rates apply for groups of over 10 people. There is no extra fee to participate in the daily guided tours offered in Swedish and English at scheduled times. Access to any temporary exhibitions will incur an additional entrance cost. Photography and videography is permitted throughout the museum's exhibits.
The Fyris River, known locally as Fyrisån, is located in the Swedish province of Uppland. The river runs approximately 80 km (50 miles) in length with a drainage basin covering around 2,000 square kilometers. The Fyris River has played an important role in Uppsala's history and development. It was used as a transport route and divided the medieval town into two sections. Today, it neatly splits Uppsala into an eastern modern area and a western historic quarter centered around the cathedral.
The Fyris River offers visitors to Uppsala various recreational activities and sightseeing opportunities. During summer, people can go boating, kayaking or canoeing along the scenic waters both downstream and upstream as far as the weirs in the city center. Guided boat tours are available that provide meals, drinks and an educational narration. Fishing is popular in and along the river. In winter when the river freezes over, ice skating on the Fyris becomes a favorite local pastime. Visitors can participate in the annual student tradition of the Uppsala River Rafting Event each April, constructing rafts and braving the rapids. There are a few restaurants and cafes along the shores, like Tzatziki, that let diners relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
The Fyris River flows directly through central Uppsala, which is located about 73 km (45 miles) north of Stockholm. Visitors can easily reach the river by taking the train from Stockholm Central Station to Uppsala Central Station in just 45 minutes. From there, the river is only about 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) walk west along Kungsgatan street. Local buses 2, 3 and 5 from Uppsala Station stop at the Gustavianum/Carolina Rediviva bus stop just 350 meters (0.2 miles) from the river.
There is no admission fee to access and enjoy scenic views of the Fyris River, as it flows freely through the heart of Uppsala. Walking along the riverside paths, having picnics and participating in activities like jogging or informal sports are completely free of charge. Use of the river for recreational boating, fishing, ice skating and other activities may require purchasing a permit or license, but simply observing the river itself is free. Special events like the student rafting tradition may charge participation fees. Guided boat tours along the Fyris River range from 250 to 350 SEK ($23-$32, £19-£26) depending on the excursion.
Stadsträdgården Park is located at Sjukhusvägen 4, 753 09 Uppsala, Sweden. It serves as the main public park and green space in central Uppsala. The park was established in the late 19th century along the banks of the Fyris River, which neatly divides Uppsala into its historic western half and modern eastern side. Stadsträdgården contains numerous walking paths, flowerbeds, trees, statues and attractions.
Visitors to Stadsträdgården Park can stroll along the landscaped walking paths to take in scenic views of the Fyris River and appreciate the trees, flowerbeds, statues and fountains throughout the green space. The park contains a large playground and family area with equipment and activities for children. Adults can relax on the benches surrounding the pond and Lycksalighetens Ö or “Bliss Island”. During summer, the Parksnäckan open-air stage hosts various music and theater performances that visitors can enjoy. The yellow summer cafe set in a historic cottage offers refreshments like coffee, snacks and light meals with outdoor seating. Stadsträdgården frequently holds public events like concerts, dance classes and fitness activities that visitors can participate in.
Stadsträdgården Park is located about 73 km (45 miles) north of Stockholm in central Uppsala. Visitors can take local buses 2, 3 and 5 from Uppsala Station and get off at the Gustavianum/Carolina Rediviva stop, just 350 meters (0.2 miles) from the park entrance. Uppsala is connected by Highway E4 for visitors driving themselves. Several parking garages like the Centralgaraget are within 750 meters (0.5 miles) of the park. Taxis or rideshares from the train station go directly to the park as well.
There is no admission fee to enter Stadsträdgården Park, as it is a public park maintained by the city of Uppsala. Visitors can freely access the walking paths, green spaces, playground and attractions like Lycksalighetens Ö island at no cost year-round. Certain events hosted at the park may charge participation fees on occasion, such as concerts at the open-air stage. Food and drinks from the summer cafe in the historic yellow cottage cost extra.
Bror Hjorths Hus Museum is located at Norbyvägen 26, 752 39 Uppsala, Sweden, about 73 km (45 miles) north of Stockholm. It serves as a studio museum housed in the former home and workspace of renowned Swedish sculptor and painter Bror Hjorth (1894-1968). The building was constructed in 1943 specifically as a combined living and working space for Hjorth. Its unique architecture mirrors his colorful modernist art style, with bright red woodwork and yellow ochre details. Hjorth lived and produced art there for 25 years until his death.
Visitors to Bror Hjorths Hus Museum can explore the former home and studio where renowned Swedish sculptor and painter Bror Hjorth lived and worked. The museum displays the largest collection of Hjorth’s art, including finished paintings, sculptures, reliefs, drawings and sketches, as well as preliminary studies and versions that offer insights into his creative process. Guided tours in Swedish and English given daily during open hours offer more details about notable pieces. There are special programs, lectures on art-related themes, courses and workshops, concerts and activities customized for school groups from preschool age to high school.
In the gift shop, visitors can browse Hjorth-related books, prints, postcards and souvenirs. The on-site cafe offers light refreshments. Temporary exhibitions focused on modernist art are hosted in the extension wing added in the 1990s.
Bror Hjorths Hus Museum can be easily reached by train from Stockholm Central Station, with regular connections taking about 45 minutes to reach Uppsala Central Station. From there, visitors can either take a 20-minute scenic walk of 1.7 kilometers (1 mile) towards the university area or take local buses 2, 3 or 5 and disembark at the Gustavianum/Carolina Rediviva stop, just 350 meters (0.2 miles) from the museum entrance.
The regular admission cost for visitors to access the permanent collection at Bror Hjorths Hus Museum is 60 SEK (£4.70, $5.70) for adults above age 25, while university students and senior citizens over age 65 pay a reduced rate of 50 SEK (£3.90, $4.75). Visitors between ages 19-25 can enter for 30 SEK (£2.35, $2.85). Kids and teens under 19 get free admission. Guided tours in English and Swedish taking place daily at scheduled times are included free of charge with regular tickets. Access to any special exhibitions in the extension wing requires purchasing separate entry tickets. Group discounts are offered for parties of 10 or more visitors.
Fyrishov Water Park is located at Idrottsgatan 2, 753 33 Uppsala, Sweden. It is situated within Fyrishov Arena, one of Sweden's largest sports and recreation complexes.
The indoor water park features a tropical theme and climate, with lush vegetation, hot tubs, waterfalls, water slides, bubble pools, rapids and water play areas. Highlights include two steep speed slides over 10 meters high, a wide slide with inflatable rafts, smaller slides for children, water cannons and spray toys and a bubbling hot whirlpool. There is an outdoor area open in summer with pools, slides and playgrounds.
Visitors to Fyrishov Water Park can enjoy the thrilling water slides and play areas within the tropical-themed facility. Everyone can relax in the bubbling hot whirlpool, swim in the activity pool or lounge beside waterfalls and palm trees. The outdoor summer area features shallow pools, additional slides, playgrounds, sandpits and mini golf. All visitors can access Fyrishov's Olympic pool, wellness center, gym, sports halls, restaurants and camping areas. Special programs like aqua aerobics, swimming lessons, pool discos and children's birthday parties frequently take place as well.
It can be easily reached by train from Stockholm Central Station, with regular connections taking about 45 minutes to reach Uppsala Central Station. From there, visitors can take local buses 2, 3 or 5 and disembark at the Fyrishov stop just 200 meters (0.1 mile) from the water park entrance. Uppsala is directly connected via Highway E4 for self-driving visitors. Parking is available at the Fyrishov Arena complex. Taxis or rideshares from Uppsala Station provide the most convenient transportation directly to the water park facility on Idrottsgatan street.
The regular admission cost to enter Fyrishov Water Park is 130 SEK ( £10, $12) for visitors over age 16. Kids between ages 7-15 can access the water park for 60 SEK ( £4.70, $5.70). Children under age 7 always enter for free with an adult. Family packages are available. All visitors must pay an additional 50 SEK ( £3.90, $4.75) refundable deposit per wristband. Access between 9.30am-3.30pm costs less at 100 SEK ( £7.80, $9.50) for adults and is valid the entire day. Visitors can pay extra for amenities like towel and locker rentals. Annual passes, bulk tickets, student discounts and special rates for groups, camps and schools are offered.
Flustret is a restaurant and entertainment venue located at Svandammen 1, 753 09 Uppsala, Sweden Originally established in 1842, Flustret serves as one of Uppsala's most storied dining and nightlife establishments. Flustret contains multiple bars, a nightclub, large dining room, banquet hall and an outdoor patio overlooking the Fyris River. It hosts conferences, parties, live music performances, club nights with dancing and more while still operating as a restaurant.
Visitors to Flustret can dine at the full-service restaurant which serves traditional Swedish cuisine for lunch and dinner, with dishes like meatballs, pickled herring, gravadlax salmon and potato dumplings on the menu. The outdoor patio overlooking the Fyris River provides al fresco seating during warmer months. In the evenings, Flustret transforms into an entertainment venue with multiple bars, live music performances on some nights, either DJs or bands playing in the nightclub and special events like costume parties or celebrations. Visitors can dance, grab a cocktail at the bar, hear local musicians, attend private events in rented spaces or simply relax in the vibrant atmosphere. Flustret hosts conferences, company parties, wedding receptions and other group events in its banquet hall and private rooms during daytime hours.
Visitors can easily reach Flustret by train from Stockholm Central Station to Uppsala Central Station in just 45 minutes. From there, Flustret is a quick 15 minute, 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) walk northwest along the riverside Kungsgatan street. Local Uppsala buses 2, 3 and 5 stop at the Gustavianum/Carolina Rediviva bus stop just 350 meters (0.2 miles) away. Visitors driving themselves can take Highway E4 connecting Stockholm to Uppsala, with parking garages like the Centralgaraget within 750 meters (under 0.5 miles) of Flustret. Taxis or rideshares from Uppsala Station provide direct transportation to the restaurant and events venue entrance off Svandammen street.
There is no admission fee to enter Flustret, as it is a restaurant and events venue. The prices to dine at the restaurant vary by menu item, with main courses ranging from around 150 to 300 SEK ( £12-24, $14-29). Event prices depend on the specific entertainment, from free entry to a cover charge around 100 SEK ( £7.80, $9.50) for the nightclub or special performances. Visitors can reserve spaces like the banquet hall or conference rooms for private group events, which incur room rental fees starting around 5,000 SEK ( £390, $475) during off-peak times.
Uppsala Stadsteater Theatre is located at Kungsgatan 53, 753 21 Uppsala, Sweden, approximately 73 kilometers (45 miles) north of Stockholm. It serves as one of Sweden's largest regional theaters and a major performing arts venue in Uppsala.
Originally constructed in 1907, the building was renovated and expanded in 1951. Today, Uppsala Stadsteater has four stages and produces 15-20 productions annually, ranging from dramas, comedies and musicals to dance performances, concerts and more. With a capacity of over 500 in its main auditorium, the theater hosts both its own shows as well as guest performances.
Visitors to Uppsala Stadsteater can attend a wide variety of live theatrical and musical performances in the main auditorium and smaller stages almost year-round. The repertoire includes dramas, comedies, musicals, dance shows, concerts and more. Popular shows often sell out quickly. Visitors can take a guided tour of the theater to learn about its architecture and history. The on-site restaurant serves lunch and dinner, allowing patrons to dine before or after shows. For some productions, the theater offers conversations with the cast and creative team. Visitors can browse upcoming shows and purchase tickets online or by phone. The theater hosts an annual international short film festival and other cinema events in its stages. Workshops, lectures and special performances or tours can be booked for educational groups.
Uppsala Stadsteater Theatre can be easily reached by train from Stockholm Central Station, with regular connections taking about 45 minutes to reach Uppsala Central Station. From there, the theater is an easy 10 minute, 800 meter walk west along Kungsgatan street. Visitors can take local buses 2, 3 and 5 from Uppsala Station and disembark at the Stadshuset bus stop just 200 meters from the theater. Uppsala is connected via Highway E4 for self-driving visitors.
Ticket prices to attend performances at Uppsala Stadsteater Theatre vary depending on the show, date and seat location. For most productions in the main auditorium, prices range from around 200 SEK ( £15, $19) for discounted tickets up to 450 SEK (£35, $42) for prime seats at peak times. Performances on the smaller stages generally cost 150-300 SEK (£12-24, $14-28). Guided theater tours are typically 100 SEK ( £7.80, $9.50) per person. Special rates and packages are available for students, seniors, groups and subscribers. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone or at the box office.
Domtrappkällaren Restaurant is located at S.t Eriks gränd 15, 753 10 Uppsala, Sweden. Nestled at the foot of Uppsala Cathedral, Domtrappkällaren is housed within the historic Domtrapphuset building containing parts of the medieval cathedral walls and ringmur. With origins dating back to the 16th century, it has served as a restaurant and vibrant gathering place since 1939.
Visitors to Domtrappkällaren Restaurant can enjoy expertly prepared Swedish cuisine made from locally-sourced ingredients and seasonally inspired combinations. The menu features classic dishes like wallenbergare veal patties, meatballs, gravlax salmon, herring and Swedish cheeses presented in creative modern plating. The wine list provides a wide selection of high-quality international labels chosen to complement the various courses. During summer months, al fresco outdoor patio seating allows dining beside Uppsala Cathedral. Beyond meals, Domtrappkällaren hosts special events, private gatherings in rented spaces and custom menus can be arranged. Knowledgeable staff provide an elegant dining experience showcasing refined Swedish gastronomy paired with the restaurant's storied ambiance.
Domtrappkällaren Restaurant can be easily reached by train from Stockholm Central Station to Uppsala Central Station in just 45 minutes. From the station, the restaurant is a quick 10 minute, 800 meter walk west towards the cathedral area. Visitors can take local buses 2, 3 or 5 and disembark at the Gustavianum/Carolina Rediviva stop, just 350 meters (0.2 miles) away. Uppsala is directly connected via Highway E4 for self-driving visitors as well. Parking garages like the Centralgaraget are within 750 meters (under 0.5 miles) of the restaurant entrance off S.t Eriks gränd street. Taxis or rideshares from Uppsala Station provide the most convenient transportation directly to the historic Domtrapphuset building housing Domtrappkällaren.
There is no admission fee to enter the premises of Domtrappkällaren Restaurant. The cost to dine there varies depending on the menu items ordered. Appetizers range from 150 to 250 SEK ( £12-20, $14-24), while main courses range from 225 to 365 SEK ( £18-29, $21-35). Desserts average around 115 SEK (£9, $11). Domtrappkällaren offers a la carte dining as well as multiple course prix fixe options. The wine list features bottles starting around 275 SEK up to thousands for premier vintages.
Kungsängsbadet Outdoor Pool is located at Dag Hammarskjölds väg 11, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden. It is a large outdoor swimming facility operated by the municipality featuring an Olympic-size 50-meter pool, diving towers, children's pool, waterslide and spacious lawns. The main pool ranges in depth from 1 to 3.5 meters with eight 50-meter lanes, starting blocks and platforms for diving. A large water slide over 10 meters high splashes into the diving area. The kids' pool has a fun pirate ship theme with small slides, water toys and fountains. There is a cafe, locker rooms, open green spaces for relaxation and sand volleyball courts.
Visitors to Kungsängsbadet Outdoor Pool can swim laps in the 50-meter Olympic pool, plunge down the thrilling 10-meter high waterslide and relax on the spacious lawns during summer. The diving towers and platforms allow for practicing jumps into the deep pool. Families can enjoy the interactive pirate-themed children's pool with small slides and water features. Swimming lessons for kids and adults are offered in the mornings. Visitors can play beach volleyball on the sand courts or enjoy food and drinks from the on-site cafe. The pool frequently hosts public swim sessions, competitions and special events. People use the grounds for picnicking, sunbathing, meeting friends and as a gathering spot.
Kungsängsbadet Outdoor Pool can be easily reached by train from Stockholm Central Station to Uppsala Central Station in just 45 minutes. From there, visitors can take local bus #11 towards Gottsunda Centrum and disembark at the Kungsängsbadet stop, just 200 meters from the pool entrance. Uppsala is directly connected via Highway E4 for self-driving visitors. Free parking is available at the pool facility. Taxis or rideshares from Uppsala Station provide the most convenient transportation directly to the outdoor pool complex on Dag Hammarskjölds väg street.
There is no admission fee to access Kungsängsbadet Outdoor Pool, as it is a municipal facility operated by the city of Uppsala. Visitors can enjoy the Olympic-size pool, waterslides, children's pool, lawns, cafe and other amenities free of charge during the summer season from June to August. Special programs like swimming lessons and training sessions may carry additional fees to participate. Use of locker rentals and purchases from the on-site cafe would incur separate costs. Otherwise, general entry and recreational use of the spacious Kungsängsbadet grounds is completely free for Uppsala residents and visiting swimmers during the operational months.
Gränby Ishall Ice Skating Rink is located at Råbyvägen 71, 754 60 Uppsala, Sweden. It is one of the largest ice skating facilities in Uppsala, containing three indoor rinks for public skating, hockey, figure skating and curling. The main rink has a capacity of 2,800 spectators and is home to the ice hockey club Almtuna IS. The two smaller rinks are used for youth hockey leagues, training and public sessions. The rink first opened in 1974 and underwent renovations in 2001. Facilities include locker rooms, a pro shop, concession stands and parking.
Visitors to Gränby Ishall can enjoy public ice skating sessions offered daily throughout the week. Skate rentals are available. People can sign up for group or private skating lessons through the rink's learn-to-skate programs for all ages and abilities. For hockey players, Gränby Ishall provides stick and puck sessions to practice skills. Various youth and adult recreational hockey leagues play regularly at the rink. Spectators can attend Almtuna IS home games in the main arena and cheer on the local hockey team. Figure skating clubs hold practices and events at the rink.
Visitors can take the train from Stockholm Central Station to Uppsala Central Station in just 45 minutes. From there, local buses 2, 3 and 5 stop at the Fyrishov bus stop just 200 meters from the rink entrance. Uppsala is connected via Highway E4 for self-driving visitors. Free parking is available at the ice rink facility. Taxis or rideshares from Uppsala Station provide the most convenient direct transportation to the arena on Råbyvägen street.
The cost for public skating sessions at Gränby Ishall is 60 SEK (£4.70, $5.70) for adults and 50 SEK (£3.90, $4.75) for youth under age 18. Skate rentals are 40 SEK (approx £3.10, $3.75). Hockey stick and puck sessions are 90 SEK (£7, $8.50). Private lessons range from 300 to 600 SEK per hour. Group lessons are around 150 SEK per series. Spectator tickets to Almtuna IS hockey games start at 100 SEK for adults. Discounted multi-visit passes are available.
The Uppsala Survival Obstacle Course is located at Bertilsvägen 7, 752 60 Uppsala, Sweden, approximately 73 kilometers (45 miles) north of Stockholm. It is an outdoor obstacle course facility operated by the non-profit sports club KFUM Uppsala Survival IF since 2014.
The obstacle course was built based on the Dutch sport of Survival Run, containing various obstacles like ropes, logs, nets, walls, tires and more spread along a 1.5 kilometer looped trail. Obstacles have different levels of difficulty and can be adjusted. The course was designed and is maintained with guidance from professional course builders from the Netherlands.
Uppsala Survival offers training and practice sessions for individuals and groups of all ages and abilities. Private bookings for special events like corporate team building, bachelor/bachelorette parties and birthdays can also be arranged. The non-profit club hosts an annual Survival Run competition as Sweden's only event of its kind currently.
Visitors to Uppsala Survival can book a private 2-hour training session with an instructor to learn obstacle course techniques and test themselves on the various obstacles. The course can be booked for group events like corporate team building activities to encourage communication and problem solving. Obstacle running is also ideal for bachelor/bachelorette parties, school field trips, camps and kids' birthday parties seeking an exhilarating outdoor adventure. Uppsala Survival's annual Survival Run competition takes place each September. The public can register to compete in different categories based on distance and difficulty.
The Uppsala Survival Obstacle Course is located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of central Uppsala, near the village of Berthåga. Visitors can take the train from Stockholm Central Station to Uppsala Central Station in just 45 minutes. From there, the course can be reached in 15 minutes via taxi/rideshare or a 25-minute bus ride on #11 towards Gottsunda Centrum, disembarking på Berthåga Byväg.
The cost to access Uppsala Survival's obstacle course facility varies based on the type of visitor. Private 2-hour bookings for groups of 1-7 people are 2,000 SEK (approx £155, $190), while groups of 8-14 people are 4,000 SEK (approx £310, $375). Practice times for existing members have reduced rates. Registration for the public Survival Run competition ranges from 450-650 SEK (£35-50, $42-60) based on category. Spectator tickets are 100 SEK. As a non-profit sports club, Uppsala Survival provides access to a professionally built obstacle course for training, events and competition at reasonable rates.
Stadsskogen Hiking Trails are located in Stadsskogen, a nature reserve in Uppsala, Sweden, 73 kilometers (45 miles) north of Stockholm. The reserve offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore the beautiful Swedish outdoors. The trails are suitable for all levels of hikers, from beginners to experienced trekkers and provide an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The Stadsskogen nature reserve covers a large area of forest, meadows and wetlands, providing diverse landscapes for hikers to traverse. The trails are well-marked and maintained, making it easy for visitors to navigate their way through the reserve. Some of the popular trails in Stadsskogen include the Gula Stigen (The Yellow Trail), which stretches from central Uppsala to Skarholmen and the Linné-stig (Linneus Trail), which takes hikers through areas explored by the famous Swedish botanist Carl von Linné. In addition to hiking, Stadsskogen offers opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife spotting and picnicking. The reserve is home to a variety of plant and animal species, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. The trails are accessible year-round, though the experience may vary depending on the season and weather conditions.
Visitors to Stadsskogen Hiking Trails can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, wildlife spotting and picnicking. The well-marked trails cater to hikers of all levels, from beginners to experienced trekkers. Hikers can explore the diverse landscapes of the nature reserve, from dense forests to open meadows and wetlands. Birdwatching enthusiasts can spot a variety of bird species in the reserve, while wildlife lovers may catch glimpses of deer, foxes and other animals native to the area. The trails also offer spots for picnicking, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Stadsskogen.
Stadsskogen Hiking Trails are located in Uppsala, Sweden, about 73 kilometers (45 miles) north of Stockholm. Visitors can take a train from Stockholm Central Station to Uppsala Central Station, which takes approximately 45 minutes. From Uppsala Central Station, the nature reserve is easily accessible by local buses or a short walk or bike ride. There is no admission fee to enter Stadsskogen Hiking Trails, as it is a public nature reserve maintained by the city of Uppsala. Visitors can freely access the hiking trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the area at no cost.
Listed below are the best museums to visit in Uppsala.
Listed below are the best things to do in Uppsala with Kids.
Listed below are the best activities for a business traveler in Uppsala.
Uppsala is located in east central Sweden, about 70 km (43 miles) north of the capital Stockholm. It lies on the Fyris River that runs through the city into Lake Mälaren. The coordinates for Uppsala are 59.8586° N, 17.6389° E. It is situated in the historical province of Uppland. Uppsala is the fourth largest city in Sweden after Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. The driving distance from Stockholm to Uppsala is about 70 km (43 miles), taking around 45 minutes by car via the E4 motorway. The travel time by train from Stockholm Central Station to Uppsala Central Station is 40 minutes on the fastest trains and around 1 hour on slower regional trains.
Uppsala has been an important center in Sweden since ancient times. It is located on the Fyris River, it was the site of the historic pagan Temple at Uppsala, a major religious site dedicated to Norse gods like Odin and Thor. Uppsala later became the seat of the Swedish Archbishop in 1164, establishing its position as the country's ecclesiastical capital. In 1477, Uppsala University was founded, the first in the Nordic region. It became a major center of education and learning. In the 16th century, King Gustav Vasa initiated construction on Uppsala Castle, intended as a royal fortress. The castle played a significant role in Swedish political history for centuries. Queen Kristina notably abdicated there in 1654. A devastating fire in 1702 left the castle in ruins for decades.As a coronation site for Swedish royalty until 1800 and religious hub, Uppsala held symbolic national importance for many years. Industrialization in the 19th century led to rapid development as a commercial and manufacturing center. Today, Uppsala is Sweden's fourth largest city, focused on education, business and technology, especially life sciences. It preserves its historic legacy through sites like the castle, cathedral and university buildings while looking towards the future.
The language spoken in Uppsala is Swedish. As the official and national language of Sweden, Swedish is the mother tongue and everyday language of the majority of Uppsala's residents. Specifically, the Uppsala dialect of Swedish is spoken in the city and surrounding Uppland province. Swedish is used in all aspects of daily life, business, government and education in Uppsala. However, English has an important secondary role as the primary foreign language spoken in the city. Uppsala attracts many international students and workers, so English is widely understood especially among younger generations. At Uppsala University, ranked among the top universities globally, parallel language use of both Swedish and English is promoted.
Uppsala is located in the Central European Time (CET) timezone. CET is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This means that when it is 12 noon UTC, it is 1pm in Uppsala. Sweden observes Daylight Saving Time, so clocks move forward 1 hour to Central European Summer Time (CEST) on the last Sunday in March and move back 1 hour to CET on the last Sunday in October each year. The current time in Uppsala is CET during the winter months and CEST during the summer months.
The total population of Uppsala as of 2023 is 151,351 people. There are 75,912 males and 75,439 females living in the city. The median age of residents in Uppsala is 41 years old. There are 26,425 children under the age of 14 and 25,768 youths between the ages of 15-29. Uppsala has 30,144 adults between the ages of 30-59 and 28,444 elderly residents aged 60 and above. There are currently about 8900 babies in Uppsala, with 4323 of them being girls and 4576 being boys. There are 8696 young children between the ages of 5-9 living in the city. These are all based on the population breakdown.
Listed below are the most interesting facts about Uppsala.
The days needed to see Uppsala are 2 days. With just 1 day in Uppsala, visitors can see top sights like Uppsala Cathedral, Uppsala Castle, Linnaeus Garden and take a walking tour of the city center. It will be more fast-paced but provides a good overview. 2 days allows for a more relaxed exploration of Uppsala, with time to visit additional museums, take a day trip to Gamla Uppsala or enjoy the cafes and parks at an unhurried pace. Most recommended Uppsala itineraries suggest 2 days to comfortably see the city. More than 2 days may be too much time unless visitors plan to take multiple day trips to nearby towns and attractions. Uppsala itself can likely be seen quite thoroughly in 2 days. Uppsala's relatively small size and compact layout makes it very walkable. Many key attractions are located close together in the central area, allowing visitors to explore much of the city on foot.
Yes, Uppsala is absolutely worth visiting. As one of oldest and most important destination in Sweden , Uppsala has plenty for visitors to explore. The main draw is the 13th century Uppsala Cathedral, Scandinavia's largest church, which towers over the city and contains the tombs of many Swedish royals. Uppsala is home to the oldest university in the Nordic countries, founded in 1477, whose historic buildings lend the city a scholarly atmosphere. Uppsala provides easy access to the natural world with parks and green spaces located right in the city center and ample opportunities nearby for hiking, biking and paddling on the Fyris River
No, Uppsala can be an affordable city to visit for budget-conscious travelers. While not the cheapest destination in Sweden, there are many free and low-cost things to do. For sightseeing, main attractions like Uppsala Cathedral, Uppsala Castle and Gamla Uppsala are free or have minimal entry fees under $10. Instead of expensive organized tours, self-guided walking tours of the city are a cheap option to see the top sights. Uppsala has great parks and natural areas like the Botanical Garden that offer free admission. Public transportation is relatively affordable, with a single-trip ticket costing around $3 and monthly passes under $100. Uppsala has a thriving student population, so student discounts are widely available for attractions, transportation and dining.
Yes, Uppsala is very safe to visit. Uppsala has lower assault, robbery and theft rates compared to other major Swedish cities like Stockholm. Violent hate crimes based on race, religion or sexuality are rare. Uppsala benefits from an active police presence and neighborhood watch groups that promote safety. However, visitors should still exercise normal precautions as in any city. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bicycle theft may occur in busy tourist areas and at night. Fortunately, Uppsala has high walkability and most attractions are located in the safe, populated downtown area.
Yes, Uppsala is an extremely family-friendly destination, with plenty of activities, attractions, dining options and accommodations well-suited for visiting with children. Many of Uppsala's top sites like Gamla Uppsala Museum, Uppsala Castle and the Cathedral offer free or discounted admission for kids under 18. The city boasts numerous playgrounds, including creative themed options like Pelle Svanslös playground based on the iconic Swedish cartoon cat. Uppsala has an abundance of kid-centric recreation like Fyrishov Water Park with waterslides and an adventure pool. For dining, Uppsala has all types of family-friendly and budget-conscious eateries, from fast food chains to cozy cafés. Several restaurants offer special kids' menus, high chairs, coloring sheets and games to occupy little ones. Many places give generous children's discounts or “kids eat free” promotions as well.
What is Uppsala famous for?
Uppsala is most famous for its prestigious university, historic cathedral and connection to ancient Norse mythology. First, Uppsala is known as a university town and center of learning. Uppsala University, founded in 1477, is the oldest university in Scandinavia and one of the highest ranked in Europe. It consistently produces pioneering research and graduates including many Nobel Prize winners. The university's historic buildings, such as the Gustavianum, lend Uppsala an academic atmosphere and vibrant student culture. Second, Uppsala is famous for its imposing Gothic cathedral, Domkyrkan, which dominates the skyline and remains an architectural landmark. Construction on the cathedral began in the 13th century over the site of earlier pagan temples. For centuries, it has been the seat of the Archbishop of Sweden and the location of coronations, royal weddings and burials of monarchs. The cathedral is known for its historic and artistic significance, as well as its important role in Sweden's Christian history. It represents both Uppsala's religious heritage and its enduring influence. Finally, Uppsala has a strong connection to ancient Norse religion and Viking history as a pre-Christian center of worship. The Temple at Uppsala, which predated the cathedral, was an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Norse gods like Odin and Thor. Uppsala features prominently in Norse myths and legends, many of which describe sacrificial offerings carried out at the temple. Archaeological sites nearby like Gamla Uppsala provide evidence of Uppsala's significance in pagan Scandinavia.
Listed below are the most important people born in Uppsala.
Listed below are what you can eat in Uppsala.
Listed below are the best places to eat in Uppsala.
Listed below are the best areas to stay in Uppsala.
Listed below are the best accommodations to stay in Uppsala.
The closest major airport to Uppsala is Stockholm Arlanda Airport, located 35 km south of the city center. There are several convenient and affordable public transportation options to reach central Uppsala, with a travel time of 20-45 minutes depending on the mode chosen. The fastest way is to take the direct train from Arlanda Airport to Uppsala Central Station. Trains depart frequently from Sky City connected to Terminal 5, with a journey of only around 20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the airport train station ticket desk or online in advance for 175-210 SEK. Another option is regional bus 801, which leaves regularly from Terminals 2, 4 and 5 at Arlanda. Bus tickets cost around 100 SEK and can be bought at airport information desks or on board the bus itself. The bus ride takes roughly 45 minutes. Taxis are readily available outside the Arlanda arrival halls. Uppsala taxi companies offer fixed rates to Uppsala city center for around 500 SEK. Travel time is 30-35 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. For budget travelers, the train or bus will be the most affordable direct public transit options from the airport.
The most convenient and fastest way to travel between Uppsala and Stockholm is by train. There are regular direct train connections between Sweden's two largest cities, with journey times ranging from 30 minutes on the fastest express trains up to 1 hour on slower regional services. On average, there are 55 train departures daily covering the 72 km (45 miles) between Uppsala and Stockholm. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at station ticket machines. Prices start around 90 SEK ($8 USD, £7 GBP) each way for the cheapest tickets bought in advance. The main train operator on the Stockholm-Uppsala route is Swedish Railways (SJ). Their trains have comfortable seats, onboard cafes and free WiFi. Stops are made at Stockholm Central, Uppsala Central and Arlanda Airport stations. The express X2000 trains complete the journey in a speedy 30-33 minutes while regional trains take closer to 50-55 minutes. Advance booking secures the cheapest fares. Trains run frequently from around 5 AM to 11 PM daily. Buses are a cheaper but slower option between the two cities. The bus journey takes a minimum of 1 hour 15 minutes with fares starting under 100 SEK one-way when booked in advance. Companies like FlixBus offer direct connections. Buses run multiple times per day and include free WiFi. Driving distance between Uppsala and Stockholm is about 70 km (45 miles), taking around 50 minutes in normal traffic. But public transit is recommended over renting a car due to expensive parking and congestion in city centers.
Uppsala's historic city center is the ideal place to start any shopping excursion. Department store Åhléns sits on the main square overlooking Uppsala Cathedral, stocking major Swedish and international brands. Nearby sit fashion stores like H&M, Monki and MQ alongside Swedish chains like JC and Dressman. Independent boutiques like Ankara and Syster P pepper the city center, offering collections of apparel and accessories. Design shops like Svenskt Tenn and Indiska carry homewares and handicrafts with a Scandinavian flair. A 10 minute bus ride south of the city center, the Gränbystaden shopping mall offers over 120 stores across 4 floors. Shoppers will find everything from groceries at ICA and Systembolaget, to apparel at H&M, Lindex and KappAhl. Additional fashion boutiques include Suit Supply, Odd Molly and Wow. Gränbystaden also houses an extensive range of shoe stores as well as pharmacies, opticians, electronics, sporting goods and more. Running east-west through central Uppsala, Svartbäcksgatan is a shopping street with boutiques, cafes and local finds. Fashion stores like Grandpa and Hope showcase Scandinavian designers alongside major brands like Acne Studios, Filippa K and Tiger of Sweden. Homeware shops like Desirée and Svenskt Tenn blend classic and contemporary Swedish design. Trendy cafes intermix with bakeries, breweries and restaurants, perfect for refueling between stops.
Listed below are the festivals or events that are taking place in Uppsala.
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Uppsala is the fourth largest city in Sweden, situated just 31 minutes north of Stockholm by train. It is considered a university town as it has one of the oldest universities in Europe (Uppsala University, 1477) with a rich academic history. The most treasured landmarks of Uppsala happen to be Uppsala Castle and Uppsala Cathedral, among others. So, you can count on your one day in Uppsala to be an interesting one, that’s for sure!
As is true for all cities in Sweden, the best time to visit Uppsala is in the warm summer months. From May until August, the summer days are long (up to 20 hours of daylight), and the temperatures are moderate. Swedes and tourists are out in full force during this period after usually long and brutal winters. The longest day of the year is Midsummer, usually in the latter half of June, and is arguably the most celebrated holiday in the country.
– The Celsius temperature scale was invented in the city by the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius.
– Uppsala Cathedral is the final resting place of Gustav Vasa, the father of modern-day Sweden.
– Uppsala University is the oldest in all of Scandinavia (founded in 1477)
– The year’s Nobel Prize winners give their Nobel lectures at Uppsala University.
– The city boasts botanical gardens dedicated to the Swedish biologist and zoologist Carl Linnaeus, a scholar of Uppsala University.
– During the school year, students scream every night at 10 pm in the student-centric area of Flogsta. This is meant to relieve the stress of daily studying on and is described as the “Flogsta Scream”.
Breakfast at café linné.
Café Linné is a great place to start for your first and most important meal of the day. The décor inside is especially cozy and they always have a large assortment of cakes available to try. They also serve breakfast all day during the week, so if this is your favorite meal regardless of the time, make sure you drop by.
This place has an abundance of green spaces, which is a common feature of all Swedish cities. The biggest is Stadsparken, located in the heart of Uppsala and along the Fyris river.
This is a common gathering place at all times of the day, especially when the weather is perfect. The grounds around this area are always incredibly well maintained.
Svandammen is a small lake close to Stadsparken that hosts a large flock of ducks. They seem to never go hungry as you can always find people feeding them no matter when you arrive. In the wintertime, this lake is converted into an ice-skating rink, free and open to the public!
This exhibition center is the Uppsala University Museum, featuring archaeological and medical artifacts reflecting research at the University over the centuries. It is most known for its Anatomical Theater, the second-oldest in the world, built back in the 1660s.
Literally translated as ‘The Station”, this restaurant/bar/café is located right on the train tracks of Uppsala Central Station. They have a great selection of food and outside tables, perfect for people watching during summer. On colder days, you can opt for a table in the back room, which is right next to the train tracks.
This small park area is situated right on the Fyris river and offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, with the main attraction being Uppsala Cathedral. This is perfect for any time of day, but is least populated during working hours and therefore more enjoyable.
A ‘fika’ is a Swedish institution. It is merely the act of grabbing coffee and taking a break with friends and/or colleagues, typically in the afternoons. Güntherska is hands down the best place in the city to partake in this daily tradition. This bakery has won countless awards for its food, from ice cream to cardamom buns (another Swedish pastry), to a salmon bagel and other Swedish treats.
It’s impossible to be in Uppsala for an hour without seeing this towering cathedral from afar. It is the resting place of Gustav Vasa, the father of modern Sweden. The Lutheran church is the seat of the Archbishop of Uppsala and was built in a French Gothic style starting in 1272.
It is the tallest church in all of Scandinavia, coming in at 118.7 meters tall. Carl Linnaeus’s final resting place is also within the cathedral, or ‘domkyrka’ as they say in Swedish.
Linneanum is situated just across from Uppsala Castle and features a well-manicured botanical garden. King Gustav III donated money to the University of Uppsala in 1787 for the building’s construction which functioned as an orangery at the time but is currently a Greenhouse.
The site is dedicated to the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus who got his higher education at the University. Walking along these grounds gives such a calming influence and there is so much to discover at this rather small site.
This restaurant, as the name suggests, is 60 square meters and offers mostly Scandinavian-inspired dishes. The menu is small which allows the chef to focus on just a few dishes, perfecting each one. It is currently ranked the #1 restaurant in the city and is a stone’s throw away from the Fyris river.
How many castles have you seen in your life that are colored pink? There aren’t that many but one is Uppsala Castle. Located at the highest point in the city, the castle (or ‘slott’ in Swedish) was built in 1549. It has been the linchpin of Swedish policy that has propelled the country to the status of great European power; various declarations of war and royal abdications have been announced at this place. The castle was damaged by fire in 1702 and subsequently restored many years later. Special castle tours take you onto the roof of the castle, giving you a great bird-eye view over Uppsala (book in advance).
After a day of sightseeing in Uppsala, there is no better place for fancy cocktails than at Miss Voon, situated on the top floor of Elite Hotel Academia next to the train station. It is a posh, swanky place so dress up and take in the views of Uppsala as night descends upon the city.
Suttungs gränd 6, 753 19 Uppsala
Elite Hotel Academia has a great rooftop bar from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city, but that’s just the beginning. Bright and modern rooms make sure you have a comfortable stay, and there’s an interesting Asian restaurant on the 11 th floor of the building. The location is also great, close to the city center, plus the breakfast you get here is really tasty. All in all, you’ll love it here!
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Stationsgatan 4, 753 40 Uppsala
Another centrally located hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel Uppsala also offers plenty of excellent features to its guests. The breakfast they serve is absolutely amazing, with locally produced ingredients, and things like the sauna and the gym can be used from 6 AM to 11 PM. Everything looks amazing and the rooms are very comfortable, with a lot of natural light. Put on the complimentary slipper and relax!
Övre Slottsgatan 5, 753 10 Uppsala
Now, this is an interesting one. Akademihotellet dates back to 1930 and is very close to the main attractions, so it’s a great choice if you’re here to sightsee. The rooms are nice and functional, with some of them offering a great view of the cathedral. You can relax in a sauna or burn some energy in the hotel’s gym, and there’s a lovely park nearby, ideal for walks
Kungsängstorg 6, 75320 Uppsala
If you’re backpacking through Uppsala or are just in need of affordable accommodation, Vandrarhem Uppsala Kungsangstorgis the place you want. It’s actually located in a 19 th -century building, which is a unique bonus, but it also has a great kitchen and very helpful staff. It’s close to the city center, and on sunny days, you can enjoy the hostel’s furnished courtyard.
If you’re staying in Uppsala for a while, you’ll be happy to know that you can make a lot of very interesting day trips from this lovely town. Here are some of the best choices you have!
The capital of Sweden and just a short train ride away from Uppsala. Situated across a 14-island archipelago, Stockholm is home to roughly ¼ of the Swedish population. From sights like the Royal Castle in Gamla Stan, viewpoints at Monteliusvägen and Skinnarviksberget, and museums like Fotografiska and the Vasamuseet, there is plenty to do during your one day in Stockholm that may leave you wanting to stay for more than just a day.
This Swedish castle built in the Baroque style is located on Lake Mälaren, situated between Stockholm and Uppsala. It was built in the mid-1600s and is currently a state-owned museum with a collection of paintings and old relics of the past. You can get there by boat departing from the Uppsala city center in the summertime.
You can tour this exquisite castle and enjoy its gardens and architecture while being guided by an actual member of the von Ehrenheim family which lives here and manages the property. How cool is that? Additionally, there are some great hiking places nearby, so this can actually be quite an active day out.
Sigtuna is known as Sweden’s first town and as such is quite an attraction for tourists. It’s just half an hour away from Uppsala, but it’s a great destination for a day trip because there is so much to see. Runestones, old churches, and fascinating ruins provide ample sightseeing opportunities, and the town itself is incredibly charming. An ideal place to just take it easy, buy some souvenirs and just explore at your own pace.
– The holiday of Valborg occurs on April 30 th every year in Sweden. Uppsala, with its large student population, has one of the biggest celebrations in the country. Every year, groups of students (most studying engineering) are chosen to construct a rudimentary raft they must commandeer to row down the Fyris river with. Needless to say, this serves as excellent entertainment for those attending as most of the rafts seem to spontaneously disassemble in the course of minutes, much to everyone’s delight.
– Bandy is one of those sports that is native to Sweden. Think of it as a sport where the players wear gear similar to ice hockey, on a rink the size of a football field, trying to hit a small orange-colored ball, into nets the size of a car. Every year at Studenternas, the largest rink complex in Uppsala, the Bandy finals are played between the top two teams in Sweden. The event is outdoors and is quite the spectacle and quintessentially Swedish.
What to pack for your next trip.
Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.
Chris is from Washington DC but currently calls Sweden his home. Since finishing his degrees in chemistry, he is often found in his natural laboratory habitat. From time to time, he tries to step away, switching fluorescent lights with golden hour in any country that will have him. A self-taught photographer and drone flyer, he enjoys sharing his travel experiences on his blog , hoping to help any others who are looking to find meaningful travel experiences.
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By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 3, 2024
Often called the ‘Cambridge of Sweden’, Uppsala is a vibrant university city with a huge history to delve into. A popular day trip destination from Stockholm, it has lots of great bars and cafes to check out alongside a centuries-old cathedral and castle.
Lying along the picturesque banks of the Fyris River, the city initially flourished as a political and religious center in Viking-era Sweden until the arrival of Christianity in the region. Since the founding of its university in 1477 – the first in Scandinavia – Uppsala’s cultural life has instead been shaped by its large student population.
Tons of fun festivals take place throughout the year with plenty of relaxing parks also found amidst its hallowed halls. It is Uppsala’s lively ambience yet small-town feel that makes it so rewarding to visit.
While it is even older than Uppsala Cathedral, the soaring twin spires of the Domkyrka right beside it somewhat overshadow the Helga Trefaldighets Kyrka. Much smaller and simpler, it is known for its amazing murals and the stirring concerts that sometimes take place here.
Established in 1302, the attractive yet understated Holy Trinity Church served local peasants with the nobility instead heading to the adjacent cathedral. Its sturdy stone walls and ruddy red brick tower do, however, hide away some remarkable artworks from the Middle Ages.
The most famous of these are its elaborate murals which were painted by Albertus Pictor. As well as their fading figures and colourful scenes, the church has pretty vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows to admire. Candlelit concerts and choir performances here are memorable with the old architecture and artworks all around you.
If you want to learn all about life in the city and surrounding county over the centuries, then make sure to visit the Uppland Museum. Full of fascinating objects and artworks, its exhibits take you from prehistoric times right up to the present day.
Founded back in 1909, the museum is housed in a wonderful old water mill that itself dates to 1768. Its well-done displays cover everything from everyday life in the region across the ages to local folklore, Viking runes and the Swedish royal family. As most things are written in Swedish, don’t forget to pick up an English booklet at the entrance.
Alongside various old tools and toys, you can examine very detailed models and dioramas of the cathedral and city. After exploring all its exhibitions, it’s worth wandering along the Fyris River and the rapids right beside it.
An absolute must for art lovers, Bror Hjorth’s House contains lots of colourful paintings and quirky sculptures from the renowned Swedish artist. Once his home and studio, its galleries and garden lie a fifteen-minute walk from the castle.
Opened in 1978, the villa’s cosy yet also spacious confines are jam-packed with his eclectic artworks. Known for his use of very bright colors and roughly cut wood, Hjorth’s distinctive designs and drawings pop out at you from almost every available space.
One of Sweden’s best-loved artists, he lived and worked here in Uppsala for 25 years. Other than perusing its collection and snapping photos of all his thought-provoking sculptures, you can see a fabulous fountain created by him outside of Uppsala Central Station.
A very charming place to visit, the small town of Sigtuna can be reached in just 45 minutes from Uppsala. Although it’s now hard to imagine, it once acted as Sweden’s capital from the 10 to the 13th centuries.
Very peaceful and picturesque, its old stone ruins, small medieval churches and quaint main street (the oldest in the country) lie along the shores of Lake Malaren. An important, early Christian center, it competed with the, then pagan, Uppsala for religious supremacy. It also replaced Birka as a trade hub and hosted the first royal mint.
Aside from seeing St. Olof’s crumbling church ruins and Viking Age graves and runestones, there are loads of lovely little art shops and cafes to stop by. You can also explore its small, local history museum or walk, cycle and fish by the lake in summer.
Back in Uppsala is the brilliant Biotopia; an interactive museum focusing on the animals and ecosystems found in the county. Located just a ten minute walk from the city center, its two floors have tons of incredibly-detailed dioramas and displays to check out.
Set in a small park, the museum’s grand, turn-of-the-century building first opened its doors to the public in 1910. Created by Gustav Golthoff, a well-known naturalist and taxidermist, its impressive displays feature all kinds of stuffed animals in their natural habitat.
Besides inspecting its bears, wolves, moose and birds, visitors can hear how Uppsala’s fauna and landscapes have changed across the millennia. Biotopia also organizes plenty of fun and educational activities for kids and has an on-site shop and cafe.
Just a couple of minutes from both Uppsala’s cathedral and castle is the enormous Carolina Rediviva University Library. Instantly recognizable from its pretty pale yellow facade, its old halls house more than 5 million volumes and an important collection of ancient manuscripts.
Both the oldest and largest university library building in Sweden, its elegant reading rooms and exhibition hall were completed in 1841. Very light and airy inside, all its soaring ceilings are propped up by exquisite columns with endless shelves of books lining its walls.
Other than admiring the architecture, you can see original prints of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species and Newton’s Principia in its small museum. The highlight, however, has to be its illuminated Codex Argenteus or ‘Silver Bible’ that dates to the sixth century. Afterwards, you can ‘fika’ in its cafe before continuing with your sightseeing.
On the opposite side of the river to the university area are the Linnaeus Garden & Museum. Named after the world-famous botanist who lived, worked and taught in Uppsala, its scenic site offers more of an insight into his personal and professional life.
Now home to 1,300 species of plants, flowers, trees and shrubs, Sweden’s oldest botanical garden was first established in 1655. A century later, Carl Linnaeus took over with its layout, orangerie and ingenious classification system still looking largely as he left it today. A treat to amble around, its lush grounds also contain some stunning statues and a pond.
Alongside the garden he so carefully cultivated, is the large house where he lived from 1743 to 1778. Full of original objects and furniture, the museum presents both his family life and scientific achievements. While it is open all year, the garden can only be visited by the public between May and September.
Another great museum to explore is the Gustavianum right in front of the city’s iconic Gothic cathedral. A firm favorite with families, it covers not just the history of Uppsala University but has amazing Egyptian antiquities and Viking Age artefacts for you to see too.
Built back in 1625 to house lectures and students, it later served as the main building of the university before being turned into a museum in 1997. Next to old scientific instruments and medical tools, you’ll find interesting exhibits on the most influential scholars to have studied at the institute.
Its standout sights though are its seventeenth-century anatomical theater and the Augsburg Art Cabinet from around the same time. While the former is where public dissections were once demonstrated, the latter displays over a thousand unique and unusual curiosities.
Just across a little leafy park from the cathedral and museum is the Uppsala University Main Building. Used for lectures, conferences and graduation ceremonies, it boasts an incredible entrance hall and an equally impressive auditorium.
Very eye-catching, the attractive yet imposing Beaux-Arts building was inaugurated in 1887 to replace the Gustavianum. Although it may not contain its fascinating collections, it has a superb sculpture gallery to stroll past and a small section explaining the university’s history. Its architecture is the main reason though that most people visit.
Delightfully decorated, its vast foyer is flanked by grand, marble staircases with magnificent cupolas arching overhead. Aside from ogling at everything, try and attend a conference or concert in its cavernous auditorium if you can as it looks so special inside.
One of the city’s main sites, the colossal Uppsala Castle can be found right by the university campus. Still the official residence of the county’s governor, it has a couple of museums and lovely sprawling grounds for you to wander around.
Perched atop a large hill overlooking Uppsala, the peach-colored castle was constructed in the sixteenth century, at the start of the Vasa Dynasty. Remodeled and expanded countless times over the years, its old apartments and halls have hosted some of the most important moments in Sweden’s history.
After enjoying the striking views and hearing about shocking abdications and executions on tours, you can explore its gorgeous grounds. Its art museum is also well worth a visit for its fine collection of modern and contemporary artworks.
If you want to delve even deeper into the city’s past, then make sure to head to the Gamla Uppsala archaeological site on the northern side of town. In addition to all its ancient burial mounds, there is a captivating museum and centuries-old church to stop by.
Once one of the most important economic, religious and political centers in all of Scandinavia, it was here that many Viking kings and queens were buried. Although no ruins sadly remain from the settlement, there are hundreds of distinctive burial mounds to amble around.
Afterwards, you can learn all about the big barrows and see Viking-era artifacts uncovered at the site in its museum. Not to be missed too is Gamla Uppsala’s beautiful church which is thought to have been built in the eleventh century atop a pagan temple.
Dominating the center of the city and its skyline are the towering twin spires of the Uppsala Cathedral. Known as the Domkyrka in Swedish, it is the largest and tallest church in all the Nordic countries. Used for countless royal coronations and burials, it is the highlight of most people’s time in town.
While its first stone was set around 1270, the cathedral was only consecrated decades later in 1435. In total, its immense towers and elegant spires stretch 118 meters in height with its French High Gothic-style facade making for some fabulous photos. From the top of them, you can bask in unrivaled views over Uppsala and the rest of the county.
Inside is just as impressive as fantastic frescoes and glimmering stained-glass windows line its ginormous nave. There is also a brilliant Baroque pulpit and gold and silver articles to see in its Treasury Museum. Choir performances and organ recitals sometimes take place here, creating a magical ambience in the old cathedral.
As summer usually starts around the middle of May and lasts up until late September, these are by far the best months to visit Uppsala. With temperatures averaging around 15 to 21°C (59-71°F) and up to 19 hours of daylight each day, you can explore its center, Viking sites or enjoy some outdoor activities.
Although this is the high season for tourists, hotel prices are actually lower in both July and August than the rest of the year. As Uppsala is a university town, it does lose its buzz a bit in summertime as the students are away and many locals are on holiday. That doesn’t stop events like the Uppsala Reggae Festival from being a blast however!
The start of the new semester in autumn and endless concerts and exhibits for Kulturnatten create a vibrant feel around town. This is despite the days shortening and sun shining less.
As temperatures average just -2 to 3°C (28-37°F), the dark days of November to March see relatively few people visit. Some lovely Christmas lights do brighten up its center though.
In April, one of its biggest events, the Valborg, is held to celebrate the arrival of spring. Big bonfires, river rafting competitions and music concerts all take place!
As most of Uppsala’s main attractions lie right in the city center, this is by far the best area to base yourself. You can easily walk from one to the other, or even to the train station, if you want to take trips to other cities.
An excellent option for a convenient and comfortable stay is the four-star, family-run Grand Hotell Hörnan . Overlooking the Fyris River, the historic hotel has a very charming feel with a classy bar area found downstairs. Many of its tastefully-furnished rooms also boast views of the cathedral and castle. There is also an extensive breakfast buffet for guests to enjoy.
Just a short walk from the station is the Clarion Collection Hotel . A great alternative, it has clean and comfortable rooms to stay in featuring a sleek, modern Swedish decor. As well as a lovely bar and outside area, it has a sauna and fitness rooms for visitors to make use of. What’s more, both a breakfast and dinner buffet are included in the price with afternoon tea or ‘fika’ also part of the deal.
Conveniently located, Uppsala lies a 40-minute train ride to the northwest of the capital or just 20 minutes from its international Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Trains depart every half an hour between the two cities.
By car, the journey is roughly an hour from Stockholm with buses instead taking around 80 minutes. While cheaper, its coach services run much less frequently.
Once you arrive, most of its main sights are within easy walking distance of the center. You will have to drive or take the bus to Gamla Uppsala on its northern outskirts.
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Uppsala is a lovely city in Sweden, just north of Stockholm. It is one of Scandinavia’s oldest cities, with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. The city is home to several iconic attractions and an impressive array of museums, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences, making it a must-see destination for all travelers.
Uppsala’s fascinating history spans centuries, and visitors can delve into it through a variety of well-preserved attractions and landmarks. Here, we’ll look at some of the key historical sites that make Uppsala such an appealing destination for history buffs.
Gamla Uppsala, or Old Uppsala, is a historic site located just north of the city center. It is famous for its royal burial mounds dating from the fifth and sixth centuries. Swedish kings and other prominent figures were once buried in these mounds. Gamla Uppsala was also the region’s religious and political center during the Viking Age and early Middle Ages.
Visitors to Gamla Uppsala can explore the site on their own or with guided tours, taking in the impressive mounds, medieval church ruins, and the nearby Gamla Uppsala Museum. In addition, the open-air Disagrden museum, with its preserved buildings and exhibits, depicts traditional Swedish farm life.
The cathedral’s ornate interior, with its striking stained glass windows, impressive pipe organ, and numerous chapels dedicated to various saints, can be toured by visitors. The cathedral also houses a small museum that displays religious artifacts and treasures, allowing visitors to learn more about Uppsala’s ecclesiastical history.
Uppsala Castle is another important attraction that demonstrates the city’s history. The castle, which was built in the 16th century by King Gustav Vasa, was once a stronghold for the Swedish monarchy and played an important role in the country’s political landscape. The castle has witnessed significant historical events such as the Sture Murders in 1567 and Queen Christina’s abdication in 1654.
Visitors will better understand Uppsala’s past and the events that shaped it into its vibrant destination today by exploring its rich history. Uppsala’s historical attractions, ranging from ancient burial mounds to grand cathedrals, will leave an indelible impression on any visitor.
Uppsala University, founded in 1477, is Scandinavia’s oldest university and one of the world’s top academic institutions. The university is an important part of the city’s identity and the source of many of the city’s cultural attractions.
The Gustavianum is another noteworthy museum in Uppsala, housed in a beautiful 17th-century building that once served as the main building of Uppsala University. Today, the Gustavianum is home to several fascinating exhibits, such as:
Carolina Rediviva is not only the main building of Uppsala University’s library, but also a site where visitors can view rare and valuable books and manuscripts. The library hosts temporary exhibitions featuring items from its vast collection, such as:
These museums, along with several others in Uppsala, offer visitors an engaging and educational experience, delving into various aspects of the city’s history, culture, and natural heritage.
The Uppsala Museums
Uppsala boasts an array of museums that cater to diverse interests, allowing visitors to explore the city’s history, culture, and natural heritage. In this section, we’ll dive deeper into some of the must-visit museums in Uppsala.
The Uppsala Museum, also known as the Upplandsmuseet, focuses on the history and culture of Uppsala County. The museum features exhibits on archaeology, ethnography, and art, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s past and present. Highlights of the museum include:
In addition to its historical attractions, Uppsala offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. From picturesque riverside strolls to exploring ancient burial mounds, there’s something for everyone in this charming Swedish city.
The Fyris River, or Fyrisån, meanders through Uppsala and presents the perfect opportunity for scenic walks along its banks. As you stroll through the city center, you’ll be captivated by the delightful architecture and lively atmosphere of this bustling university town. The river walk also offers numerous spots to pause and soak in the surroundings, with benches and grassy areas ideal for picnics or simply taking a break.
The royal burial mounds at Gamla Uppsala provide a unique opportunity for history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts to delve into the past. Embark on a guided tour or hike around the mounds to uncover the legends and history that envelop these ancient structures. As you explore, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of this site in Swedish history and its role in shaping the nation’s cultural identity.
With its rich history and beautiful natural settings, Uppsala offers a range of outdoor activities that cater to a variety of interests. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful riverside stroll or an immersive historical experience, this enchanting Swedish city has something for every visitor to enjoy.
Uppsala has a thriving shopping and dining scene that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. In this vibrant university city, visitors can explore a variety of shopping options, from charming local boutiques to bustling shopping centers, as well as a diverse array of culinary experiences.
Uppsala has a diverse shopping scene, ensuring that visitors can find the ideal souvenir or gift. Among the most popular shopping destinations are:
Whether you’re looking for the perfect souvenir or want to try some of Uppsala’s diverse culinary offerings, this charming city has something for everyone.
Uppsala is a must-see for anyone looking for a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This vibrant Swedish city promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, from the stunning Uppsala Cathedral to the picturesque Vas Fyris.
How do I get from Stockholm to Uppsala? Uppsala is easily accessible by train or car from Stockholm. The train ride takes about 40 minutes, while driving takes about an hour.
What is the best time of year to visit Uppsala? Uppsala is best visited in the late spring and summer months, when the weather is pleasant and the city is in full bloom.
Is Uppsala a good day trip from Stockholm? Uppsala is an ideal day trip from Stockholm because it is easily accessible and has a diverse range of attractions to explore quickly.
What are some other places to visit near Uppsala? Aside from Uppsala’s attractions, visitors can visit nearby Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town, and the Skokloster Castle, an impressive 17th-century Baroque castle.
Is Uppsala a good family destination? Yes, Uppsala is a family-friendly destination with many attractions and activities to suit visitors of all ages.
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The Top Things to See and Do in Uppsala, Sweden
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The oldest university in Scandinavia, Uppsala University was established in 1477, and today is among the best in Northern Europe. Located in the Carolina Rediviva building, the library is gargantuan, home to more than 5 million volumes. Dating from the 1820s, it is the oldest and largest university library building in Sweden. With its stunning columns and high ceilings it is a must-visit. Among its extensive collection of important manuscripts is the Codex Argenteus, or Silver Book, from the 6th century CE, containing the four gospels translated from Greek to Gothic.
Uppsala Cathedral dominates the city’s skyline, strikingly red-toned and beautiful, pointing heavenwards in classic French-gothic style. It’s the largest church in the Scandinavian region, the seat of the Swedish Church and the burial place of many members of the royal family. Its construction can be dated back to around 1270, although elements were added in later centuries. You’ll get insights into its history in the church museum. Don’t miss the two large musical organs, Per Larsson Åkerman’s from 1871 in the west, and Fratelli Ruffatti’s from 2009 in the north.
Uppsala is immodestly bestowed with beautiful gardens and parks, which citizens take to for evening strolls and summer afternoons. Among the most famous are the Botaniska trädgården, home to a 200-year-old orangery, and the Linnaeus Garden, the oldest botanical garden in the country. Here you’ll see almost 9,000 plants and 1,300 species, including native trees and spectacular seasonal flower displays. It was all cultivated in the mid-18th century by celebrated botanist Carl Linnaeus, and arranged according to his classification system. While you’re here, take a wander in the Tropical Greenhouse, dense with plants from warmer climes such as deserts, rainforests, steppes and savannahs.
Named after Gustav II Adolf, the 17th-century monarch who took Sweden to superpower status, Gustavianum is a fascinating repository of coins and scientific instruments, art and archaeological remnants. Old and young fans of Egyptians and Vikings will be riveted by the permanent exhibitions, including a sarcophagus and swords. Linked to Uppsala University, the Gustavianum occupies the old main building, which is also the oldest preserved edifice of the university. At the top is the Anatomical Theatre, dating back to 1660, where public dissections were once conducted as a matter of routine.
It translates as Old Uppsala, and Gamla Uppsala, 5km (3mi) or so from the modern city, is one of the most important archaeological sites ever discovered in Sweden. Feel a frisson as you realise how the city looked in pre-Viking times. Walking around, you will encounter prehistoric burial mounds and the fairytale Gamla Uppsala kyrka (church), seat of the archbishopric until 1273. Inside the open-air museum Disagården, old domestic buildings further reveal how rural people lived in times gone by. The museum is open every day between April and September, and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays for the rest of the year.
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Largely pedestrianised and traffic-free, Svartbäcksgatan is Uppsala’s main shopping street. It’s lined with modern stores but its route dates back centuries – to 1643, to be precise, when it was constructed to create a line of sight northwards towards Uppsala Cathedral. You’ll find all the major brands present and correct as you wander along it. It is also peppered with attractive foodie pit stops where you can enjoy fika – the Swedish tradition of meeting friends for coffee and a bite.
Uppsala Castle (Uppsala Slott in Swedish) dominates its surroundings with its unmissable peach-coloured facade set against verdant gardens. It was built in the 16th century, during the Vasa dynastic era, and here, during the next century, was where Sweden resolved to join the Thirty Years’ War. After being destroyed by fire in 1702, the castle was thoroughly reconstructed. It is an atmospheric place to wander in summer, and regular guided tours are available between June and September.
The largest sporting arena in Uppsala (and the fourth-largest in Sweden) is Fyrishov, which also stages exhibitions and other events. Children love it for the generously sized indoor swimming pool and recreation area, as well as the large outdoor sports complex. If you’re here in summer, you can make the most of the aquatic adventure centre, with its outdoor swimming pools in lush surroundings. Some people spend their whole holiday here – Fyrishov is home to a campsite with chalets, and there’s also a holiday village in the grounds.
A visit to the former home and work studio of Swedish modernist painter and sculptor Bror Hjorth (1894–1968) is well worth a morning of your long weekend. It’s now a museum dedicated to the man – he spent the last 25 years of his life here – and constitutes the largest extant collection of his works. There are enough sculptures, paintings, drawings and sketches here to keep you entranced for hours. And if you’d like to appreciate his talents further, among his notable works is Näckens Polska, an imposing fountain next to Uppsala’s Travel Centre.
The setting of the Uppland Museum alone is attractive enough to merit a visit: it’s set in a watermill on the Fyrisån river with origins going back to the 13th century, with an appeal that’s only been enhanced by the passing of the ages. The current structure, which dates back to the 18th century and was in use until World War II, was reworked as a museum and opened in 1959. It is the county museum for Uppsala, with all manner of permanent and interactive exhibitions detailing quotidian matters from ancient times to the present day.
Also known as the Biological Museum, this dynamic institution in Uppland, a county full of wild and exciting nature, uses interactive displays to immerse visitors of all ages in the local wildlife. As Uppsala is only 40 minutes by train from Stockholm, this makes an easy day trip out to the country from the capital. And, as with all really good museums, there’s a cafe with outdoor seating and a museum shop.
If you’re fascinated by the history of medicine, you’ll feel a whole lot better after a visit to this intriguing establishment. It covers the subject as far back as Graeco-Roman times, and even if the going gets a bit icky at times, it’s all fascinating stuff. It’s set in a sprawling, castle-like former hospital, and exhibits include medical specimens that were once used for teaching, as well as an operating theatre.
Easily reached from Uppsala, on the city’s western outskirts, this verdant swathe of valley is a fine, lung-refreshing place to walk, run and bike – or even ski, in winter. Crossed by the Håga river, it’s a place where you can be fully immersed in nature, surrounded by lush woodlands, forests and farmland with a heavy dose of wildlife.
The Pumphuset, or pump house, was the first waterworks in Uppsala, in operation from 1875 until 1968. The honey-coloured, green-roofed building on the banks of the substantial river Fyris is still surprisingly grand, and makes for a great visit, housing an exhibition and educational displays for students. Interactive stations provide an insight into water supply and waste management using the well- preserved original equipment, including water turbines, electric pumps and pressure clocks.
Jo Fernandez-Corugedo contributed additional reporting to this article.
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Uppsala tourism.
Uppsala, the fourth largest city in Sweden, is a major tourist destination in the country. Located 70 km north of Stockholm, it is home to some of Sweden’s most iconic attractions, such as the Uppsala Cathedral, the Uppsala Castle, and the historic Botanical Garden.
The city is also known for its vibrant student life, with students making up nearly one-third of the population. Every year, Uppsala hosts a range of cultural events such as the Uppsala International Film Festival, the Uppsala Jazz Festival, and the Uppsala Kulturvandringar. When in Uppsala, some of the key attractions are the Uppsala Cathedral, the Uppsala Castle, and the historic Botanical Garden. The Uppsala Cathedral dates back to the 13th century and is known as the largest cathedral in Scandinavia. The Uppsala Castle is the oldest castle in the country and is home to the Uppsala University Museum. The Botanical Garden is also a popular tourist attraction and features a variety of flowers, trees, and plants. Other highlights of Uppsala include its picturesque cobblestone streets, its range of cafes and restaurants, its numerous parks and recreational spots, and its unique shopping experience. The city also offers a range of activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, and hiking, as well as a variety of cultural events throughout the year. When visiting Uppsala, it is important to keep in mind that the city is very spread out, so it's best to plan your trip in advance to make sure you don't miss out on any of the key attractions. Additionally, the city can get quite cold in the winter, so it is best to bring warm clothes.
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Armed with an illustrious academic heritage and a spirit of innovation, Uppsala is celebrated internationally as an ideas incubator with the power to shape the future.
Uppsala – the “Cambridge of Sweden” – is a brainy university town and a hub for new ideas. But what makes Stockholm’s neighbour such a key innovation city? Its academic eminence stretches back centuries. Founded in the 15th century, the world-renowned Uppsala University (UU) is the oldest in Sweden. The fact that Uppsala attracts students, entrepreneurs and talent from across the world plays an important part, while the convergence of academia and a distinct business culture creates a fertile breeding ground for collaborations.
The city has a well-earned reputation for innovative thinkers, from the likes of Carl Linnaeus to Skype founder Niklas Zennström, and the lineage remains just as strong today.
Uppsala’s sustainability credentials are celebrated well beyond the borders of Sweden. In 2018, and again in May 2020, the city was crowned winner of WWF’s global One Planet City Challenge . The jury particularly praised its cross-sector sustainability interventions and strong focus on eco-friendly mobility solutions.
Uppsala University
Uppsala University is a broad research university. It was founded in 1477 and is Sweden’s first university.
Photo : Niklas Lundengård
You get a taste of Uppsala’s innovation-driven spirit as soon as you roll into the central station, next to which Juvelen – Scandinavia’s most sustainable office building – demands your attention. Completed in 2019, this striking, jewel-like six-floor landmark has been conceived with green energy solutions along with many other sustainable innovations that have contributed to its Platinum LEED certification.
To explore the city, do like the locals and hop on a bike. With its well established network of cycle paths, it’s easy to see why Uppsala was named Sweden’s most cycle-friendly city for the third year in a row in May 2020.
No visit to Uppsala would be complete without seeking out the 18th century legacy of its most famous scientist and botanist, Carl Linnaeus. There are several inspiring gardens and museum homes to explore – including The Linnaeus Museum and the two centrally located spots Linnaeus Garden and The Botanical Garden .
You can park your bike at Cykelgaraget – a state-of-the-art two storey bicycle parking area with space for 1,200 bikes. The modernist, glass-fronted building features a roof combining solar panels and stonecrop (sedumtak) that helps to absorb rain, preventing flooding of nearby streets.
Juvelen in Uppsala
'Juvelen' (the Jewel) is a sustainable office building and a new landmark of Uppsala
Photo : Tina Axelsson/imagebank.sweden.se
The Linnaeus Garden in Uppsala
Photo : Gustav Dalesjö
Cultivations at the Linnaeus Garden
Botaniska trädgården
Photo : Niklas Lundengård .
Cykelgaraget in Uppsala
Continuing Uppsala’s reputation as a key ideas hub, a new generation of thinkers is striding forth. Maria Strömme – Sweden’s youngest ever professor of technology and the brains behind the nanotechnology solution Upsalite – is an eminent example. Other notable entrepreneurs are Jason Dainter and Kristofer Klerfalk – the founding pair behind BASE10 coworking centres.
Meanwhile, Uppsala Innovation Centre ( UIC ) is ranked as a World Top 5 Public Business Incubator by UBI Global identifies incubators around the world. Each year, some 80 start-ups and projects enter the fold of UIC’s business development programs. Cancer Diagnostics, Textcloud and Newergy are three of the young companies currently being nurtured.
A visit to Uppsala will give you a glimpse into the future of sustainable urban living, sprung from the city’s scientific and academic heritage.
Uppsala Berzelii Centre
The Uppsala Berzelii Technology Centre for Neurodiagnostics is dedicated to research concerning complex neurodegenerative diseases and sydromes such as ALS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and chronic pain.
Photo : Melker Dahlstrand/imagebank.sweden.se
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Here you will find the city guides, sights and experiences no one should miss when visiting Uppsala. Discover everything from the city's rich history and viking heritage to cozy cafes for Swedish Fika, from art museums to upcoming concerts and events. Guides to Uppsala. Enlightened, Eclectic, Groundbreaking - from stages to restaurants.
Contact Center. Contact the Uppsala Municipality Contact Center if you want to know more about the services of Uppsala and Uppsala municipality, or want to get in touch with a certain official. E-mail: [email protected]. Telephone: + 46 18-727 00 00. Text message (SMS): 717 27.
Uppsala, the "Cambridge of Sweden," is a vibrant university town located 35 minutes by train from Stockholm. Students from across Sweden - and the rest of the world - swell the term-time population of the city, giving it a youthful, international feel. About 20 per cent of its residents are students.
6. Botaniska Trädgården. 330. Gardens. The Botanical Garden is one of Uppsala's most popular destinations. Here, you can enjoy the grandiose Baroque Garden, visit the 200 year old Orangery with its beautiful grand halls or find inspiration…. See ways to experience (3) 7. Pelle Svanslos lekplats.
Uppsala Cathedral (Domkyrka) Uppsala Cathedral (Domkyrka) If you're the type of traveler who needs to see a city's best attraction immediately, head first to the Uppsala Cathedral (Uppsala domkyrka). Built around 1270 and consecrated in 1435, this magnificent building is the city's most distinctive landmark, and among the best tourist attractions in all of Sweden.
It's the oldest item of clothing of its kind in the world, and is just one of many artefacts in this exhibition. 2. Gamla Uppsala. Source: Shutterstock. Gamla Uppsala. Moments north of the city is the ancient seat of the semi-legendary Yngling dynasty, where the earliest human traces go back to the 3rd century AD.
from $212 per adult. ROYAL Uppsala and VIKING Sigtuna PRIVATE Tour. 1. from $399 per adult. Private Full Day Viking History Tour from Stockholm Including Sigtuna and Uppsala. 36. from $416 per adult. Self-guided Walking Tour of the Stockholm City. 3.
From pagan to Christian - a must-see is 13th century Uppsala Cathedral for Gothic architecture, priceless relics and treasures. Or be awed by the 17th century Augsburg Art Cabinet at Museum Gustavianum. Uppsala is the city of Carl Linnaeus, one of the most important scientists ever, who was professor of medicine at Uppsala University in the ...
See ways to experience (10) 6. Botaniska Trädgården. 330. Gardens. The Botanical Garden is one of Uppsala's most popular destinations. Here, you can enjoy the grandiose Baroque Garden, visit the 200 year old Orangery with its beautiful grand halls or find inspiration…. See ways to experience (3) 7.
Sweden, Europe. The historical and spiritual heart of the country, Uppsala is one of Sweden's oldest cities, dating back to the 3rd century. It's also one of the country's most dynamic centres, thanks in part to a student population nudging 40,000. Attractions.
Uppsala Tourism: Tripadvisor has 28,161 reviews of Uppsala Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Uppsala Tourism resource.
Uppsala is a university city in Sweden. While Uppsala sometimes stands in the shade of Stockholm it maintains a sophisticated identity of its own. Compared to the Swedish capital, Uppsala is less frantic, with more of a small-town atmosphere, influenced by the student culture and academic traditions of Uppsala University. ... Uppsala Tourist ...
Linnaeus Garden. Linnaeus Garden dates to the 17th century and is considered the oldest of its kind in all of Sweden. It belongs to the Uppsala University and is very maintained offering residents and visitors an oasis of greenery right in the heart of Uppsala. The gardens are held in a typical 18th-century style and feel almost like a museum.
Attractions like Uppsala Castle, Linnaeus Garden, Gustavianum museum and Stora Torget square are a short walk away. The train station is less than a mile from the Clarion Hotel Gillet. Hotel von Kraemer. Hotel von Kraemer, located at Drottninggatan 26, 753 10 in central Uppsala. It offers free WiFi, a restaurant and boutique rooms with marble ...
Uppsala is the fourth largest city in Sweden, situated just 31 minutes north of Stockholm by train. It is considered a university town as it has one of the oldest universities in Europe (Uppsala University, 1477) with a rich academic history. The most treasured landmarks of Uppsala happen to be Uppsala Castle and Uppsala Cathedral, among others.
Uppsala Tourism: Tripadvisor has 28,240 reviews of Uppsala Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Uppsala travel resource.
As most of Uppsala's main attractions lie right in the city center, this is by far the best area to base yourself. You can easily walk from one to the other, or even to the train station, if you want to take trips to other cities. An excellent option for a convenient and comfortable stay is the four-star, family-run Grand Hotell Hörnan ...
Uppsala's historical attractions, ranging from ancient burial mounds to grand cathedrals, will leave an indelible impression on any visitor. Uppsala University: The Heart of the City. Uppsala University, founded in 1477, is Scandinavia's oldest university and one of the world's top academic institutions. The university is an important ...
[email protected] +46 18 727 00 00 Stadshusgatan 2
Pumphuset. The Pumphuset, or pump house, was the first waterworks in Uppsala, in operation from 1875 until 1968. The honey-coloured, green-roofed building on the banks of the substantial river Fyris is still surprisingly grand, and makes for a great visit, housing an exhibition and educational displays for students.
Uppsala Tourism. Uppsala, the fourth largest city in Sweden, is a major tourist destination in the country. Located 70 km north of Stockholm, it is home to some of Sweden's most iconic attractions, such as the Uppsala Cathedral, the Uppsala Castle, and the historic Botanical Garden. The city is also known for its vibrant student life, with ...
Cancer Diagnostics, Textcloud and Newergy are three of the young companies currently being nurtured. A visit to Uppsala will give you a glimpse into the future of sustainable urban living, sprung from the city's scientific and academic heritage. Uppsala is shaping the future with the help of innovation and a collaborative approach that sees ...