Uppsala

DESTINATIONS sweden uppsala

Uppsala

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.

The City

Uppsala, one of Sweden's oldest cities, boasts a history that spans over a millennium. It became a prominent religious and cultural centre during the Viking Age, with the construction of Uppsala Cathedral in the 13th century serving as a testament to its early significance. The city's historical prominence is further underscored by the establishment of Uppsala University in 1477, making it the oldest university in Scandinavia. Uppsala's role in Swedish history includes being the site of important political events, such as the Sture Murders in the 16th century. The city also witnessed the abdication of Queen Christina of Sweden in the 17th century within the walls of Uppsala Castle. Throughout the centuries, Uppsala has been a hub for intellectual and cultural pursuits, fostering advancements in science, literature, and the arts. The city's architectural landscape is adorned with well-preserved medieval structures, including the impressive Uppsala Castle. Today, Uppsala continues to honour its heritage while embracing modernity. Its historical landmarks, vibrant academic community, and cultural attractions make it a captivating destination for those eager to explore Sweden's rich past and dynamic present.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

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

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Bror Hjorth's House

Explore the artistic legacy of Bror Hjorth at Bror Hjorth's House, an interesting studio museum located in the artist's former home and studio. Renowned as one of Sweden's great modernists, Bror Hjorth (1894-1968) was a versatile talent, excelling in both sculpture and painting. The museum not only showcases his artworks but also hosts exhibitions …

Dining

There is a thriving food culture in Uppsala, and you'll find trendy new bistros alongside classic, familiar restaurants. Organic and locally produced, eccentric crossovers, finger food in its various forms, or old-fashioned Swedish home cooking — there is something for all tastes and moods.

Domtrappkällaren

Nestled within the historic Domtrapphuset, the restaurant Domtrappkällaren stands as a culinary gem. Their menus, intricately designed to mirror the seasonal changes in forest, land, and sea, skillfully capture the essence of each time of year. The culinary focus is on Swedish flavours and locally sourced ingredients, seamlessly blended with international influences for a …

Hodja

Embark on a culinary journey at Hodja, a Turkish restaurant known for its exquisite flavours and vibrant ambience. Indulge in a delightful array of small plates and bowls, featuring spinach-filled pierogies, succulent grilled racks of lamb, and flavorful chickpea mash among other tempting meze options. Be sure to save room for the grand finale …

Stationen

Since it was built in 1866, Uppsala's old station building has been the city’s link to the wider world and continental Europe. An arena for farewells and homecomings, meetings and yearnings, waiting and bustle, tears and laughter. Over 145 years later, Stationen has opened its doors again, welcoming you to one of Uppsala's most popular …

Hambergs Fisk

Hambergs Fisk is a seafood restaurant serving oysters, fish, and shellfish platters in a relaxed, French-themed setting. The menu is seasonal and is one of the most varied fish menus in Uppsala with alternating seafood medleys thanks to its own …

Il Forno

Il Forno is an authentic Italian restaurant serving wood-oven baked pizzas, fresh pasta, delectable antipasti dishes, and tiramisu all within a ‘Lady and the Tramp’ style …

Jay Fu’s

A crossover kitchen where American tenderised beef meets Asian lemongrass. In just a couple of years, this restaurant has become one of Uppsala’s most popular, situated in the classic Saluhallen with views across the River …

Koh Phangan

Embark on a culinary escapade at Koh Phangan, a Thai restaurant featuring an exotic and kitschy setting adorned in genuine Thai style. The ambience offers a delightful voyage to paradise, complemented by the skilled craftsmanship of Thai chefs preparing a diverse array of authentic Thai …

Villa Anna

In the heart of Uppsala, Villa Anna, a well-preserved and modernised 1870s building, invites patrons to experience an atmosphere and culinary delights that surpass the ordinary. This award-winning restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to craft exceptional lunches, tasting menus, and à la carte meals from its renowned Swedish kitchen. Villa Anna …

Aaltos

Housed between the pillars under Alvar Aalto's famous house in Uppsala, this elegant Italian restaurant serves as a generous meeting point and a tribute to the world-renowned Finnish architect, and his love for Italy and the Renaissance. At Aaltos, patrons are welcomed with Bellinis, Italian wines, and Aperols, along with the best of Italian …

Picnic

Situated within the Radisson Blu Hotel, Picnic offers a delightful dining experience for both hotel guests and external visitors alike. Begin your day with the daily breakfast buffet or indulge in the popular à la carte brunch served on Saturdays. As the day transitions into evening, Picnic transforms into a great spot for drinks. …

Cafés

Uppsala’s cafés are well-frequented at all times and are where students meet to study, where business owners have their meetings, and where the people of Uppsala come for a moment of relaxation or a get-together — there is something for all tastes and moods. Why not savour a sandwich made with stone-baked bread, enjoy a cup of fair-trade coffee, sink into a comfy sofa in opulent surroundings, or simply just people-watch while sitting outside?

Carl Von Linnés Café Kardemumma

Small and intimate café situated in the old premises of the city library serving locally sourced produce, both organic and fair-trade. You can find light lunches, baked goods, and sumptuous sandwiches on stone-baked sourdough …

Güntherska

Traditional café and Swiss-style bar celebrated for its delectable cakes and baked goods, along with some delightful lunch options, including the renowned fresh pea soup paired with generous slices of sourdough bread. What sets Güntherska apart is its reputation for boasting Uppsala's finest outdoor seating area, situated in the midst of the city and …

Konditori Fågelsången

Konditori Fågelsången is a traditional patisserie exuding a charming fifties-style atmosphere retained from when it was opened. It serves an extensive array of cakes and baked goods, all crafted in-house every day. The warmth of its cosy surroundings has made it a favourite among regulars, and on sunny days, the spacious terrace becomes a …

Café Linné

Cosy and charming café furnished in vintage style and offering a delightful selection of cakes and sandwiches, complemented by the richness of fair-trade coffee. Not to be missed is the huge Linné buns, a signature pastry that beckons all visitors to indulge in its delectable …

Bars & Nightlife

Uppsala’s nightlife has something for all ages and tastes. Unwind after work at a relaxing lounge bar, or why not try new beers and innovative drinks at one of the many bars this University town has to offer? You might also enjoy one of the stimulating and good-value dishes on offer at a tavern, dancing to the sounds of talented DJs or listening to a live band in historic surroundings. The choice is yours.

Flustret

This long-established restaurant, beautifully situated by Svandammen and the City Park, has been enjoyed since the 1840s. Even today it attracts people of all ages for dancing, entertainment, food, and a refreshing drink. The restaurant features outdoor seating overlooking the City Park, plus two dance floors, and a nightclub, as well as after-work events, …

Plock

Modern and cosy restaurant and bar offering a symphony of tapas-style dishes in a convivial setting. It's the perfect spot for those seeking a relaxed ambiance, ideal for engaging conversations and enjoying a delightful array of …

Katalin And All That Jazz

One of the country's top live music venue and jazz clubs, where Swedish and international artists weave melodies that captivate the soul. Set in a former cargo warehouse, the atmosphere exudes a unique blend of raw charm and homely warmth. As the notes fill the air, patrons can indulge in a wide selection of …

Magnussons

A tavern with attitude and something to suit every time and occasion. Here you can drop in for a snack, eat lunch in spacious surroundings, or while away the whole evening. Perch yourself at the bar, have an appetiser, and tantalise your taste buds as you choose between dishes of various sizes. There’s also …

Shopping

Uppsala is a lively shopping city. There is a nice mix of modern malls, specialty shops, cafés and restaurants. Shop, have a coffee or just enjoy the pulse of the city and the beautiful Uppsala surroundings. You can take a walk among the charming shops in the cobblestone cultural district around the Fyris River and St. Erik's Square, or along the popular pedestrian street where most of the city's fashionable malls and chain stores are located. If you continue under the railroad tracks, you will find small shops and the old Godsmagasinet, a former goods warehouse that now serves as a popular design and art gallery.