Population 178,000 / 59.5 degrees north

Uppsala, Sweden

Uppsala, located just north of Stockholm, is one of Sweden’s oldest and most historically significant cities. Known for its stunning medieval cathedral, Uppsala University (the oldest university in Scandinavia), and ancient burial mounds, the city offers a unique blend of history, academia, and cultural heritage. Once a centre of Norse religious life and later an important site of Christian influence, Uppsala has been a key player in shaping Sweden’s intellectual and spiritual landscape. Today, it’s a lively university town that attracts visitors with its rich past, beautiful architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.

About Uppsala

Latitude: 59.5 degrees north

Population: 178,000

Hottest Month: July

Coldest Month: February

Wettest Month: August

Windiest Month: January

Annual Precipitation: 2258mm

Uppsala Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Map of Uppsala

Uniquely Uppsala

Here are some things that you must do and try in Uppsala

Castle

Uppsala Castle

Uppsala Castle was completed in 1549 by King Gustav Vasa. Today it has several museums. Uppsala castle features the state hall where kings where enthroned and a queen abdicated. Not much is left of the castle since a lot was destroyed in 1702. Still, the view of Uppsala from the top is worth the walk up.

Archaeological Site

Gamla Uppsala

Gamla Uppsala is the location of the pre-Christian settlement of Uppsala. There are few remains, but the most notable are the huge burial mounds of the pre-Christian monarchs and the previous cathedral from 1164 AD. The cathedral is believed to have been built over the old pagan temple. The site was a major religious centre in Scandinavia in pre-Christian times. Start your visit at the Gamla Uppsala Museum, where the exhibition shows what has been found in the region.

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Uppsala.

Cathedral

Uppsala Cathedral

This is Scandinavia’s largest church building. Together with Uppsala Castle it has dominated Uppsala’s skyline since its construction in the 13th century.

Museum

Gustavianum

The Gustavianum, built in 1625 to be the main building of the university, is now the Museum of Nordic Antiquities, the Victoria Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, and the University History Museum. It also houses a perfectly preserved 17th century anatomical theatre.

Building

Archbishops Palace

The Archbishops Palace is the official residence of the Lutheran Archbishop of Uppsala. It was completed in 1744.

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!

Garden

Linnaeus Gardens

There are several botanical museums related to the world-famous 18th century botanist and zoologist Carl Linnaeus; the Botanic Garden next to the castle, the Linnean Castle in the city centre, and Linnaeus Hammarby, Linnaeus’ summer house.

Castle

Skokloster Slott

Skokloster Slott is a baroque castle and is the largest private palace ever built in Sweden. The castle is reached on a 19th century steamship from Uppsala.

Road-Trips

Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Uppsala.

Self-Guided Walks

Here are my self-guided walks for Uppsala. 

Uppsala on YouTube

Watch my YouTube videos featuring Uppsala.

History of Uppsala

I have a separate guide to Uppsala’s history. You can read it below. 

The History of Uppsala

Uppsala Today

Today Uppsala is an important economic area for Sweden. Uppsala is well established in medical research and is recognised for its leading position in biotechnology. Uppsala University is still an important university in Sweden, and Uppsala now also has the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

Travel Information

Getting Here

By car – The E4 highway passes to the east of the city and provides the main connection by road to Uppsala.

By train – Uppsala Central Station is one of the busiest train stations in Sweden, with around 45,000 passengers per day. It takes around 40 minutes to get to Stockholm by train. The train also stops at Arlanda Airport.

Getting Around

Uppsala has a bus network for both the city centre and the surrounding region.

Shops

Places to Eat

Klostergatan 5 – Popular local hangout with Nordic food.

Dryck och mat – New Nordic cuisine with a set menu and wine pairings.

Hambergs Fisk – the most popular seafood restaurant in Uppsala.

DomCraft – popular beer spot that shares a kitchen with Domtrappkallaren in the former student prison.

Places to Stay

Hotel & Vandrarhem – dorm rooms across from the train and bus stations.

Foundry Hotel – small apartments in an old foundry from 1898.

Radisson Blu Uppsala – by the train station

Grand Hotel Hornan – historic 1907 family-run jewel on the river.

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