Explore Uppsala

Uppsala is a city near Stockholm, in Sweden. It's known for Uppsala University, founded in the 15th century. The original university building, Gustavianum, is now a museum housing the Augsburg Art Cabinet, an elaborate, 17th-century cabinet of curiosities. Nearby, the Carolina Rediviva library displays the 6th-century Silver Bible. Uppsala Cathedral is the burial place of Swedish royals like King Gustav Vasa. 

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Uppsala

  • May to September:

    • Mild and pleasant weather, perfect for exploring gardens, parks, and outdoor events

  • April & October:

    • Cooler with fewer tourists, ideal for museum visits and city strolls

  • November to March:

    • Cold and dark winters, cozy cafés and indoor cultural activities are popular

✈️ How to Get to Uppsala

🚆 By Train

  • Fast and frequent trains connect Uppsala to Stockholm (about 40 minutes)

  • Train station is central and within walking distance of major attractions

🚗 By Car

  • Accessible via E4 highway from Stockholm and northern Sweden

  • Parking available in the city center and near tourist sites

✈️ By Air

  • Nearest major airport is Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) — about 20 minutes by train or car from Uppsala

📍 Top Attractions in Uppsala

🕍 Uppsala Cathedral (Domkyrkan)

  • Northern Europe’s largest medieval cathedral, dating back to the 13th century

  • Stunning Gothic architecture and historic royal tombs

🏫 Uppsala University

  • Founded in 1477, one of Scandinavia’s oldest universities

  • Historic university buildings and botanical gardens nearby

🏺 Gustavianum Museum

  • University museum featuring Viking artifacts, historical collections, and the famous anatomical theatre

🏰 Uppsala Castle

  • Renaissance castle overlooking the city, with museums and beautiful gardens

🌿 Botanical Garden (Botaniska trädgården)

  • Established in the 17th century, showcasing a wide variety of plants and seasonal displays

📚 Carolina Rediviva Library

  • Historic university library housing the famous Codex Argenteus (Silver Bible)

🎯 Activities To Do

  • Take a guided walking tour of Uppsala’s historic center and university sites

  • Explore the Gamla Uppsala archaeological site and museum, with ancient burial mounds and Viking history

  • Enjoy fika at local cafés around the city square (Stora Torget)

  • Attend university lectures, concerts, or theater performances open to the public

  • Rent a bike and explore the city’s green spaces and riverside paths

🏨 Accommodation

Luxury

  • Grand Hotell Hörnan – elegant hotel near the central station and city square

  • Hotel Villa Anna – boutique hotel with charming rooms

Mid-Range

  • Clarion Hotel Gillet – modern, central, with good amenities

  • Best Western Hotel Svava – comfortable and conveniently located

Budget

  • Uppsala Vandrarhem City – affordable hostel option

  • Hotell Kungsängstorg – simple and budget-friendly

🍽️ Food & Restaurant Recommendations

Swedish & International Cuisine

  • Traditional Swedish dishes alongside international flavors

  • Emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients

Recommended Restaurants

  • Villa Anna – cozy bistro with seasonal menus

  • Hambergs Fisk – excellent seafood dishes

  • Snerikes – creative Nordic cuisine in a relaxed setting

  • Ofvandahls Hovkonditori & Schweizeri – historic café famous for pastries and fika

🧿 Local Culture

  • Uppsala is a vibrant university city with a youthful, intellectual atmosphere

  • Rich in history from Viking times through medieval and academic traditions

  • Strong focus on education, research, and cultural events

  • Swedish fika culture is alive in its many cafés

  • The city hosts several festivals including Valborg (Walpurgis Night), a major spring celebration with music and bonfires