The Top 10 Things to Do and See in Uppsala, Sweden
Visit Uppsala University
Established in 1477, Uppsala University is the oldest university in Scandinavia, and is ranked as one of the best in Northern Europe. The University boast an enormous library, with over 5 million volumes. The library’s main building is located in Carolina Rediviva building. The beautiful building, dating back to 1820s, is the oldest and also the largest university library building in Sweden. Visit the library to see important manuscripts and collections, among which is also the Silver Bible from the 6th century.
Uppsala University Library, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 1, Uppsala, Sweden, +46 18 4713900
See Uppsala Cathedral
The Uppsala Cathedral is an impressive and beautiful building which dominates the city’s skyline. The cathedral is the seat of the Swedish Church and where many members of the Swedish royal family are buried. Built around 1270, with different parts being added throughout the centuries, it is the largest church in the entire Scandinavian region. See the powerful cathedral and get familiar with its history in the church’s museum. Don’t miss two large organs, Per Larsson Åkerman’s from 1871 in the west and Fratelli Ruffatti’s from 2009 in the north.
Uppsala Cathedral, Domkyrkoplan, Uppsala, Sweden, +46 18 430 35 00
Relax in one of many city gardens and parks
Uppsala is a city filled with beautiful gardens and parks, perfect for a relaxing day or an evening stroll. Among the most famous spots are the city’s Botanical Gardens, with a 200 year old orangery, and the Linnaeus Garden, the oldest botanical garden in the country. See almost 1300 species grown in the Linnaeus Garden, cultivated by the famous Carl Linnaeus and arranged according to his own system. Or visit the Tropical Greenhouse and explore the rainforest, located in the middle of Scandinavia at Botanical Gardens.
Botaniska trädgården, Villävagen 8, Uppsala, Sweden, +46 18 471 28 38
Discover Gustavianum
Named after Gustav II Adolf, Gustavianum museum exhibits an interesting mix of Vikings, mummies and the city’s historical exhibitions. The museum is linked to the University and it is located in its old main building. Coincidentally, this is also the oldest preserved building of Uppsala’s University. On the top of the museum is the Anatomical Theatre, dating back to 1660, where public dissections were hosted. See other permanent exhibitions, including Augsburg Art Cabinet, Egyptian sarcophagus and Viking swords.
Gustavianum, Akademigatan 3, Uppsala, Sweden, +46 18 471 75 71
Gamla Uppsala
Visit Gamla Uppsala and explore life in the city in pre-Viking times. Walk around the area of Gamla Uppsala, meaning old Uppsala, and see prehistoric burial mounds, an old church and visit the open air museum Disagården, where you can find old Swedish houses. Gamla Uppsala was one of the most important archaeological finds in the country, revealing a glimpse into the daily life of people from our past. The museum is open every day between April and September, and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays during the rest of the year.
Shop along Svartbäcksgatan
Svartbäcksgatan is the main shopping street in Uppsala. The street is closed for traffic until Sankt Olof street and goes by Stora Torget, Uppsala’s main square. Svartbäcksgatan was completed in 1643 to create a line of sight towards the Uppsala Cathedral, located in the north. Along the street lies the Uppsala City Library and main shopping mall. Explore the selection of goods from international and local Swedish brands. When you get hungry, stop by one of the cafés along the street and enjoy a fika break.
Explore the Uppsala Castle
Next to Uppsala’s Cathedral, the castle is another important landmark in the city. The Uppsala Castle was a crucial stronghold for the Vasa dynasty and was built in the 16th century. Here, Sweden decided to participate in the 30 year war in 1600s, and it was a place of important and tragic events connected with the Swedish royal family. The castle was badly damaged in a fire in 1702, but was completely restored afterwards. Today, the castle is a picturesque spot, rich with history.
Have fun at Fyrishov
One of the most popular sport attractions in Uppsala is Fyrishov, a leading recreation arena in Sweden combining sport, exhibitions and events. The center has a large indoor swimming pool and recreation area and a large outdoor sports complex. In summer you can enjoy exploring the aquatic adventure center with outdoor swimming pools in tropical environments. Besides recreation arenas, the Fyrishov is also a camping site with chalets and on the grounds you can also find a holiday village.
Bror Hjorth’s House
Visit the home of the famous Swedish painter and sculptor Bror Hjorth (1894 – 1968). The museum is housed in the former home and studio of the artist, where he spent the last 25 years of his life. See the largest collection of works of this modernist artist. The museum is filled with sculptures, paintings, drawings and sketches. Among his notable works is also Näckens Polska, an imposing fountain next to Uppsala’s Travel Center.
Bror Hjorths Hus, Norbyvägen 26, Uppsala, Sweden, +46 18567030
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The Uppland Museum
Located in a renovated water mill is an interesting museum of the city and region. The beginnings of the mill can be traced back to the 1200s and the rich history of the place continued through the centuries. The current mill was built in the 18th century and was in use until the Second World War. In 1950s the building was furnished to a museum, which was opened in 1959. Visit different permanent and interactive exhibitions, showing the history of Uppsala from ancient to present day.