Uppsala is the fourth-largest city in Sweden and home to the largest cathedral in Scandinavia, built in 13th century. The Fyris River divides the city into two parts – historical to the west and commercial to the east. From charming old farms to mansions and renovated vicarages, read on to find out about the best hotels in Uppsala.
Boet
Boutique Hotel
If you’re looking to escape to a picture-perfect hotel only seen on the pages of magazines, then Boet is for you. This magical, egg-yolk yellow traditional Swedish house in the peaceful neighbourhood of Luthagen is personal, friendly and super stylish. Every room also has its own terrace, garden, kitchen and living room with a fireplace.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Uppsala
Chain Hotel
Located next to Central Station, this modern Uppsala hotel is the perfect stop-off. It’s also within easy walking distance of many of this historic city’s must-see sites, including Uppsala Cathedral, Uppsala Concert, Congress Hall and the Botanical Gardens. Many rooms have private terraces, and guests can also dine in, work out and relax with spa treatments and a sauna.
Elite Hotel Academia
Hotel
Whether you’re travelling by car, train or bus, the Elite Hotel Academia is super easy to get to, thanks to its central location and underground parking. It is also just a short walk away from everything you need to see and do while you’re here. Up on the top floor is also Asian-Scandinavian restaurant Miss Voon, which is highly recommended.
Clarion Hotel Gillet
Spa Hotel
A classic hotel and spa with a modern Scandinavian feel, the Clarion Hotel Gillet is located next to Dragarbrunnstorg, the heart of this vibrant university town’s shopping and entertainment area. Historic sites such as Stora Torget and Uppsala Cathedral are also just a short distance away. This hotel also has a number of adapted rooms for travellers with disabilities.
ArenaHotellet i Uppsala
Hotel
With comfortable, modern rooms for every traveller – singles, couples, families – the Arena hotel will have what you are looking for. Found just out of town on the E4, this large hotel and conference centre, with restaurant and spa, is perfectly placed for both Arlanda Airport and visiting Uppsala city centre.
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Selmas Hytt & Salong
Hostel
Take to the water with a stay at this cosy floating hostel in Uppsala. With five snug double rooms featuring bunk beds and two single rooms available, the unique Selmas Hytt & Salong (which translates as Selmas Cabin and Salon) is just 15 minutes out of town and moored in a quiet spot alongside the Fyris, which passes through Uppsala and ends in Lake Mälaren.
Krusenberg Herrgård
Hotel
Built in 1802, the historic mansion of Krusenberg is located on the shores of a lake. You can attend the organised tour around the property to familiarise yourself with its history, culture and art. Walk around the old apple garden (there are 47 varieties) or relax in the private spa. In summer, enjoy rowing and canoeing on the lake, while in winter, you can try ice skating. Krusenberg Herrgård has 60 rooms in two large wings, while the oldest building Tessinska Flygeln houses five classic manor house suites.
Grand Hotell Hörnan
Hotel
The Grand Hotell Hörnan is a historic hotel, more than a century old. Built in 1907 in a Neo-Baroque style, this classy hotel is located in the heart of Uppsala, next to the river. It was the first hotel in Uppsala with a central heating system. Nowadays, it is still family-run and dedicated to preserving the city’s history. The hotel has 65 rooms, the River Suite (Fyrissviten) being the grandest one, located on the top floor and overlooking the river. If you’re in town for an extended stay, there is an apartment to rent with a fully equipped kitchen.
Kroksta Gård
Bed and Breakfast, Hotel
Located 10km (6mi) from Uppsala in a beautiful rural setting, this old farm was converted into a bed and breakfast in 1999. The rooms are individually decorated with old furniture and split between two houses – Mangården and Bror August. Spend your time exploring the nearby woods and ancient memorials or try the little spa at the hotel. As typical for a renovated farm, the hotel still has animals of Swedish native breeds, such as cows, sheep and hens.
Hotel Villa Anna
Hotel, Villa
Hotel Villa Anna is located in the centre of Uppsala, between the Cathedral, Museum Gustavianum and Uppsala University. It is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, luxurious interior and exquisite dining experience. The hotel is home to award-winning master chefs Rafael Löfstedt and Markus E Arkevid. Villa Anna has eleven rooms, furnished with Swedish designs, each in its own unique style. The three suites have their own sauna and Jacuzzi. The Lindska room is an elegant conference room, which can accommodate up to 86 people for either business meetings or celebrations.
Hotel von Kraemer
Hotel
Uppsala’s highest situated hotel overlooks the Kåbo neighborhood and southern parts of Uppsala. Hotel von Kraemer has 83 rooms, all of which have a French-style balcony, giving you a great view of the city. Historical monuments – such as Uppsala Castle, Vasaborgen Museum, Botanical Gardens and Carolina Rediviva Library – are all close by. Von Kraemer’s restaurant and rooftop cafe are located on the fifth floor and serve dishes made from organic ingredients of local production.
Akademihotellet
Hotel
Akademihotellet is located in Uppsala’s historical district, near the castle and cathedral. The hotel was built in 1930s by the city’s Student Union Foundation and was used to house university students between the 1960s and 2009. Now, the renovated suites are free from takeaway boxes and laundry – each of the 37 comfortable rooms is equipped with wooden furniture; many rooms have high ceilings and large windows overlooking the cathedral. Walk around the English Park or go to the main shopping street Dragarbrunnsgatan, both located close by.
Nicola Capper provided additional reporting for this article.