10 Best Things To Do In Uppsala, Sweden - Updated 2024

things to do in uppsala
Robyn
Robyn 
Updated
| 4 min read

Uppsala is the fourth-largest city in Sweden and has a rich history perfect for those who are looking for an enriching experience. The city has a lot of historic sites that visitors could explore while learning more about the old Sweden. The best time to visit is from June to August when the place is warm and perfect for outdoor activities. Whether you are traveling alone or with a group, there’s always something to explore on a fine day. With all the castles and cathedrals, what is not to love right? Take your camera with you and capture this town’s mesmerizing beauty. Read more about the 10 best things to do in Uppsala, Sweden.

1. Surround yourself with the town's panoramic view at Uppsala Castle (from USD 59.0)

Dubbed one of the world’s greatest castles, Uppsala Castle is not only nice to look at but it also played a big role in Sweden’s history. This castle was built during the Renaissance period. By joining the tour, you get to experience walking on the roof of this historic architecture as well as get treated to great views of the surrounding area. Since it’s completely guided, you will be equipped with high-quality helmets and safety gear. This activity is best done with a small group. Also, you can include participants as young as 12 years old.

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Uppsala Medieval Castle

Uppsala Medieval Castle - Journey through history at Uppsala Medieval Castle. Tales of the past come to life within these ancient walls.

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Roofwalking on the worlds greatest pink castle!

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

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2. Visit the magnificent Uppsala Cathedral

Best Things To Do In Uppsala, Sweden
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andrew Friberg used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This French Gothic-inspired cathedral was built in 1272 and houses the Archbishop of Uppsala. The remains of Sweden’s patron saint, King Eric IX, were buried in this cathedral along with a few more notable people in the history of the country. This is also the traditional venue for the coronation of new kings of Sweden. Inside, there are chapels, amazing stained-glass windows, and artifacts. It’s open to visitors who would like to know more about the religious history of Sweden’s prime cathedral.

Uppsala Cathedral

Address: Domkyrkoplan, 753 10 Uppsala, Sweden

Website: Uppsala Cathedral

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

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Domkyrka ( Uppsala Old Cathedral)

Domkyrka (Uppsala Old Cathedral) - Whispers of centuries past echo through the grandeur of Uppsala Old Cathedral, a living testament to history's silent beauty.

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3. Explore nature at Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jarvis used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you decide to visit Uppsala Castle, you might as well pay Botanical Garden a visit. You just need to head west from Uppsala Castle to get there. This garden is open to visitors who would like to see a Baroque garden. A 200-year old orangery in the garden is filled with different kinds of plants. If you’re lucky, you might see exhibitions and event being held at Botanical Garden. It’s open all year round so whatever season of the year you happen to visit Uppsala, there’s always a highlight to look forward to in this principal botanical garden.

Botanical Garden

Address: Villavägen 6-8, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden

Website: Botanical Garden

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

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4. Look at the restored wall paintings at Heliga Trefaldighets kyrka

Heliga Trefaldighets kyrka
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user user:dcastor used under CC0

Another religious place to visit that is very close to Uppsala Cathedral is Helga Trefaldighets kyrka. It is worth visiting due to its walls adorned with beautiful paintings by Albertus Pictor, a German-Swedish church painter. Although the paintings were covered with whitewashed in 18th century, these masterpieces have been restored. You may also want to take a look at the massive church organ inside the church.

Heliga Trefaldighets kyrka

Address: Nathan Söderbloms plan, 753 10 Uppsala, Sweden

Website: Heliga Trefaldighets kyrka

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Uppsala (County) Tour Guide

Fayez Tabbaa

Fayez Tabbaa

As an authorised guide for Stockholm, I am enthusiastic about imparting my expertise and excitement for this stunning city to tourists from all over the globe. I provide customised tours that are suited to your interests and needs. I have a degree in biology from the University of Stockholm and a strong interest in the natural and cultural legacy of the city. I can assist you in Finnish and Dutch and speak Arabic, Swedish, and English with ease. As a seasoned tour guide with more than five years of expertise, my clients have given me great feedback because they value my approachable, educational, and engaging demeanour. I'll make sure you have an amazing day whether you want to discover Stockholm's art, architecture, history, or gastronomy."

Tours by Fayez

5. Travel back in time at Church of Old Uppsala

Gamla Uppsala
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Lestat used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Also called Gumla Uppsala, Old Uppsala has a church that barely survived the test of time during the 12th century. After the incident of fire in the 1240s, parts of the said stone church were demolished. Following the construction of Uppsala Cathedral, this old church was relegated from being a cathedral to a parish. Today, this church serves as a venue for religious activities such as baptism and pilgrimage.

Church of Old Uppsala

Address: Disavägen 8, 754 40 Uppsala, Sweden

Website: Church of Old Uppsala

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

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6. Admire the art collection at Uppsala Art Museum

Uppsala Art Museum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alberto Frigo used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you’re an art lover, don’t think twice about visiting Uppsala Art Museum. This museum has exhibits that feature different art masterpieces such as paintings and sculptures with themes for a specific period. Aside from the artistic display, the museum also has a bar and café where visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee, some light snacks, and even ice cream! While here, you will never get hungry while enjoying art.

Uppsala Art Museum

Address: Drottning Christinas väg 1E, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden

Website: Uppsala Art Museum

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7. See different plants at The Tropical Greenhouse

Tropical plants
Source: Pixabay

Uppsala doesn’t limit its gardens to homegrown plants. In this greenhouse, you also get to see plants that are usually grown in tropical countries. While here, surround yourself with plants that were brought in from different environments like deserts, rainforests, and even savannahs. Whether you are interested in beautiful blooms or exotic plants, the Tropical Greenhouse has all this. They have large plants such as Victoria amazonica and something as small as Wolffia arrhiza.

The Tropical Greenhouse

Address: Villavägen 8, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden

Website: The Tropical Greenhouse

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 3pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 3pm (closed on Mon)

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8. Take a selfie at Gunilla Bell

Gunilla Bell by the Castle
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Skippy13 used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Right across Uppsala Castle’s northern wing, you will see a tall structure called Gunilla Bell. Built to serve as a bastion in 1588, the bell was ordered by Gunilla Bielke, the second wife of King John III. Due to the bastion’s location, it has the best view of Uppsala Cathedral so you may use this opportunity to take a selfie with it in the background.

Gunilla Bell

Address: Slottet, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden

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9. Roam around Linnaeus Garden

Linnaean Garden
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Adam.thomp07 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Linnaeus Garden was named after Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist known as the “father of modern taxonomy.“ The garden was reconstructed based on Linnaeus’ plans with plants that were known to be grown by him. There is also a museum located at the botanist’s home. Inside the garden, you will find coffee shops and restaurants where you can dine after a nice stroll. There is also a souvenir shop where you can buy goodies to remind you of your visit.

Linnaeus Garden

Address: Svartbäcksgatan 27, 753 32 Uppsala, Sweden

Website: Linnaeus Garden

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10. Check out multiple exhibits at Gustavianum - Uppsala University Museum

Gustavianum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user user:dcastor used under CC0

Part of Uppsala University Museum, Gustavarium is a museum that is composed of five exhibits. It has the Anatomical Theatre, the Augsburg Art Cabinet, the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Nile, Uppsala University History, and the Vendel Period. This museum is also the oldest standing building in the university compound.

Gustavianum - Uppsala University Museum

Address: Akademigatan 3, 753 10 Uppsala, Sweden

Website: Gustavianum - Uppsala University Museum

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A trip down memory lane

It’s always a breath of fresh air to visit ancient places that have a lot of stories to tell. Uppsala has destinations for people who love art, nature, and history. Though usually cold, this country would surely give you a warm welcome. Visit Uppsala and see for yourself.

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Robyn del Rosario is a Filipino freelance travel writer who likes volunteering and doing charity work on her trips. While living in Malaysia, she started visiting Southeast Asian countries, and...Read more

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