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Uppsala

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Overview

Uppsala The guide was updated: 2024-02-07

Just a mere 38-minute journey from Stockholm, Uppsala is a city that dances between the beats of urban vibrancy and the soothing rhythm of a tranquil town. The city unfolds its rich history through iconic landmarks such as Uppsala Cathedral and Uppsala Castle. It’s also home to Scandinavia's oldest university and engaging museums offering glimpses into bygone eras. A dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity, Uppsala invites travellers to savour the seamless coexistence of the old and the new in this lively tapestry of cultural significance.

Facts

Population:	149,245 (2023)
Currency:	Swedish Krona, SEK
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	112
Newspapers:	Upsala Nya Tidning: unt.se The Local (in English): www.thelocal.se
Website:	destinationuppsala.se/en
Opening hours:	Most shops are open between 10am and 6pm. Shops in central Uppsala in pedestrianised areas and in shopping centres are open between 10am and 7pm, while larger supermarkets are usually open between 8am and 8pm, or sometimes longer.

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Section in Uppsala

Uppsala is a city that is full of life and there are many things to experience here. Move easily between beautiful natural surroundings, busy shopping streets, fascinating sights, and exciting cultural treasures. The city offers loads of activities and organises many entertaining events.

Uppsala Cathedral

Uppsala Cathedral

Scandinavia’s largest cathedral was built in the Gothic style in the 1270s before being consecrated in 1435. The cathedral is home to the tombs of several Kings and famous scientists including Gustav Vasa and Carl Linnaeus. The treasury houses Gustav Vasa’s sword, the relics of Eric IX of Sweden, as well as the golden chalice of Christina, Queen of Sweden. It is also possible to listen to concerts, look at exhibits, have coffee and cake in the cosy Katedralcafé, or browse the gift shop.

Uppsala Castle

Uppsala Castle

Constructed in the late 1540s under the rule of Gustav Vasa, Uppsala Castle stands as a testament to centuries of Swedish history. This historic fortress has witnessed pivotal events like the Sture Murders and the abdication of Queen Christina of Sweden. Today, the castle serves as a venue for meetings and conferences in its majestic Great Hall, while also being the residence of the County Governor. Visitors can explore the Uppsala Peace Museum, attend lectures, enjoy films, appreciate modern art at the Uppsala Art Museum, and delve into the castle's history amidst the ruins of Vasaborg.

Museum Gustavianum

Museum Gustavianum

Uppsala University’s oldest existing building is now a museum for the university’s collections. There are mummies and ancient coins, as well as artefacts from the age of the Vikings, and instruments from Linnaeus, Rudbeck, and Celsius. The building also houses the imaginatively embellished Augsburg Art Cabinet and the Anatomical Theatre.

Uppsala Konsert & Kongress

Uppsala Konsert & Kongress

Uppsala Concert & Congress is a multifunctional meeting place with a design and acoustics of world-class. The building is eight stories high and spans 14,600 square meters, making it an ideal forum for all kinds of concerts, conventions, events, and meetings. The building itself is well worth a visit for its renowned design and fantastic view. Uppsala Konsert & Kongress sells tickets to its own and other venues in Sweden.

Gamla Uppsala

Gamla Uppsala

Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala) is one of Scandinavia's most noteworthy areas with ancient remains. It is the site of three majestic royal mounds from the 6th century, one of Scandinavia's largest burial areas and ruins of a cathedral built in the 12th century. The area is surrounded by myths, with legends of ruthless power struggles between the Svea kings, as well as the golden heathen temples, human sacrifices and ancient Nordic blood sacrifices. Today, Gamla Uppsala is a popular excursion spot. You can also visit Gamla Uppsala Museum, Odinsborg restaurant and the open-air museum, Disagården.

The Museum of Evolution

The Museum of Evolution

The Museum of Evolution was founded in 1999 from the former natural history museums of Uppsala University. It preserves and displays unique collections of animals, plants, fungi, lichen, minerals, dinosaur skeletons, and other fossils. The museum has been collecting the wonders of nature since the 1600s — for research, education, and admiration.

Upplands Museum

Upplands Museum

Upplands Museum is a cultural and historic county museum that provides knowledge, experiences and inspiration about Uppland. Situated on an islet of Fyrisån River near the centre of Uppsala, the museum is housed in the old Academy Mill from the 1760s. The museum began its collections in 1909. Come and visit the different exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, spanning four floors.

Uppsala City Theatre

Uppsala City Theatre

Discover the cultural richness of Uppsala at the Uppsala City Theatre, Sweden's third-largest city theatre. With a diverse and broad program, the theatre stages approximately 50 performances annually across its four stages. The dynamic repertoire includes a variety of productions, spanning theatre, dance, and performance art. Additionally, the Uppsala City Theatre regularly hosts guest performances, contributing to the vibrant cultural scene in the city and offering audiences a diverse range of artistic experiences throughout the year.

Carolina Rediviva

Carolina Rediviva

Carolina Rediviva was erected between 1817 and 1841 and is home to Sweden's oldest university library, founded in 1620. Originally three stories high with two mezzanines, the building now spans 12 stories and has about 5 million books and 3,500 shelf meters of handwritten documents. When you walk through the entrance of the library, you'll come to the exhibition room, where you can view the famous Silver Bible from the 6th century, musical notations made by Mozart himself, medieval manuscripts, and Olaus Magnus' Carta Marina, printed in 1539.

Biotopia

Biotopia

Embark on a captivating journey through nature at Biotopia, an interactive museum nestled in the picturesque Vasaparken. Designed for individuals of all ages, this museum offers a unique exploration of Uppland's rich natural heritage. Its permanent exhibit unravels the origins of Uppland, while lifelike dioramas showcase hundreds of Swedish animals in their natural habitats.

Stadsträdgården

Stadsträdgården

Stadsträdgården, Uppsala's enchanting city park, traces its roots back to the late 1800s when the initial efforts were made to create this beautiful green oasis. Open year-round, the park beckons with landscaped paths, a vibrant playground, and a lively riverside ambience. In spring and summer, Stadsträdgården transforms into a floral spectacle, showcasing a parade of vibrant blooms. This inviting urban retreat hosts a variety of events, including concerts and dance classes, adding a touch of cultural vibrancy to its natural charm.

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is a baroque garden in which more than 8,000 species from all over the world are grown. Enjoy the light, the greenery, and the tranquillity of the tropical greenhouse, visit the majestic rooms of the orangery, or just have a stroll around the gardens. The café is open during the summer, and there's also a programme of exhibitions, concerts, courses, and children’s activities. Admission is free.

Universitetshuset (University Hall)

Universitetshuset (University Hall)

Situated in the historic quarter in the heart of the city, Universitetshuset is the main building of Uppsala University. This stately building, in a type of Roman Renaissance style, was designed by architect Herman Teodor Holmgren and built in the 1880s. It was inaugurated in 1887 with great pomp and circumstance.

Fyrishov

Fyrishov

Fyrishov is one of Sweden’s largest arenas with approximately 2 million visitors every year. The indoor water park attracts many visitors all year round, but there are also sports facilities and swimming pools, along with a spa, gym, restaurant and outdoor swimming pool. Camping areas and cabins are located right next to the arena.

The Linnaeus Garden

The Linnaeus Garden

The Linnaeus Garden is a lush oasis with a beautiful orangery, right in the centre of Uppsala, where you can find over 1,000 species arranged according to Linnaeus’ ‘Systema Naturæ’. Wander amongst the plants and enjoy the profusion of flowers whilst relaxing with a coffee or some lunch in the restaurant and café. The garden is also home to Linnaeus’ residence, which now features a museum where you can learn more about the so-called King of Flowers and the period in which he lived. The Garden and Professor’s Residence (Linnaeus Museum) is open from May through September.

Linnaeus' Hammarby

Linnaeus' Hammarby

Hammarby is a rural 18th-century estate bought by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. In the well-preserved manor house, you’ll find Linnaeus’ study with unique plant illustrations. Many of the plants that Linnaeus grew still flourish in the lush park. From the hill above the farm, you can enjoy the scenery and dream yourself back to the landscape of the 18th century. The manor with a café and exhibitions is open from May through September, and the surrounding cultural reserve all year round.

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