Uppsala County, east-central Sweden · Sweden
Sweden's oldest university town, with a great cathedral, Viking-age royal mounds and a student spirit.
Photo: User:Oden · Public domain
Uppsala is Sweden's fourth-largest city and home to the country's oldest university, founded in 1477. It sits along the Fyris River, about 70 kilometres north of Stockholm, and is easily done as a day trip, though an overnight stay is worthwhile.
Uppsala Cathedral, Scandinavia's tallest church, has twin spires over 118 metres high and holds the tombs of kings and the botanist Carl Linnaeus. Uppsala Castle dominates a hill above the city, and the Linnaeus Garden preserves a Baroque botanical garden. The river banks are lined with cafes and students on bikes.
A few kilometres north, Gamla Uppsala was the religious and political centre of pre-Christian Sweden, with three huge royal burial mounds from the 6th century. Walpurgis Night on 30 April is a major student celebration.
Why visit
Uppsala is an easy and rewarding step out of Stockholm.
Scandinavia's largest.
Viking-age mounds.
Student traditions.
Botanical gardens.
Relaxed atmosphere.
Main attractions
Sights are close together.
Royal tombs and soaring gothic architecture.
Tip Climb the tower if open.
Royal burial mounds and museum.
Tip Take the bus.
A Vasa-era castle.
Tip Great city views.
A restored Baroque garden.
Tip Open in season.
The oldest university building.
Tip See the anatomical theatre.
Riverside walks and cafes.
Tip Stroll at dusk.
Things to do
A day is enough, but a night adds charm.
Admire the interior.
Tip Check service times.
Mounds and church.
Tip Hire a bike.
Learn about plants.
Tip Seasonal.
History and anatomy.
Tip Allow an hour.
By the river.
Tip Try a student cafe.
30 April student party.
Tip Book ahead.
Local food
Student cafes and traditional dishes.
Cinnamon bun.
Where to try it Cafes.
Classic.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Princess cake.
Where to try it Bakeries.
Cheap lunches.
Where to try it Cafes.
Local pubs.
Where to try it Bars.
Accommodation
Stay in the centre.
Transport
Uppsala is close to Stockholm.
Walking and cycling.
When to go
Summer is lovely, and the 30 April festival is special.
Fresh and bright.
Warm and quiet.
Student season starts.
Dark.
Worth planning around: Winter for long outdoor walks.
Itinerary
Cathedral and mounds.
Cathedral and mounds
Travel tips
Tips.
FAQ
A day.
Yes.
Moderate.
May to September.
Yes.
Royal burial mounds.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Uppsala, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Stockholm County, east coast, Sweden
Sweden's elegant island capital: Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace, the Vasa Museum, Skansen, City Hall, design shops and an archipelago on its doorstep.
Don't miss Wandering the cobbled lanes of Gamla Stan, then a waterside fika in the sun.
Explore Destination — StockholmGotland County, Baltic Sea, Sweden
A UNESCO-listed Hanseatic town with a 3.4 km medieval wall, church ruins, and an island of raukar sea stacks, sandy beaches and medieval churches.
Don't miss Walking the ring wall at sunset, with ruined churches glowing in the light.
Explore Destination — Visby and GotlandDalarna County, central Sweden, Sweden
A region of lakes and forests with folk traditions, the Dala horse, Falun copper mine, Mora and Vasaloppet ski race, and Leksand midsummer festival.
Don't miss Dancing around a maypole at midsummer beside Lake Siljan.
Explore Destination — DalarnaRead next
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