Are you looking for the top things to do in Uppsala? This travel guide is just for you!
An ideal destination for travelers seeking excitement, this city is only an hour from Stockholm. Uppsala is the perfect place to escape it, with its stunning architecture, beautiful lakeside views, and lush green spaces.
There is a wide variety of activities to partake in and see in Uppsala, from the city’s incredible historical sites to its modern cultural attractions. There is something here for everyone, whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the city’s diverse cultural offerings or admire its stunning natural scenery. Uppsala has something for everyone due to its rich history and thriving culture.
Uppsala is a city filled with possibilities. There’s always something new and exciting to do in this stunning metropolis, from strolling through its many parks and gardens to touring its many renowned museums and monuments. There’s so much to see and do in Uppsala’s downtown; why not explore it today? Explore this idyllic Swedish city by exploring its many nooks and crannies.
Do you need help planning your trips? Start here!
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Experiences and top things to do in Uppsala
Domkyrka – Uppsala Cathedral
Uppsala Cathedral was built in 1270 but sanctified in 1435; today, it is the top tourist attraction in Uppsala.
It has changed and evolved several times over the centuries, and it had seen a significant renovation from 1885 to 1893 with neo-Gothic architecture.
It involved some stained glass windows, tall spires, and stunning murals.
Also, check out the remarkable Baroque pulpit (built-in 1707) carved and inspired by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger by Burchard Precht.
In addition, explore the tomb and burial chapel of King Gustavus Adolphus (1576). Carl von Linne (Linnaeus), philosopher Emanuel Swedenborg and Archbishop Nathan Soderblom were also buried in the cathedral.
King Eric IX (St. Eric) was killed in 1160 by the Danes. His gilded reliquary is still one of several treasures in its Silver Chamber.
Where to stay in Uppsala? Find great deals and book your hotel here!
Universitetshuset – Uppsala University
You will get into the unique world of Swedish academia while walking through this university.
The recent buildings were built from 1879 to 1886 in the stunning Roman-Renaissance style. It houses a significant entrance foyer, which leads to the festival hall and grand auditorium with a capacity of over 1800 guests.
It features royal portraits of cultural figures and legendary university professors adorning the walls. You can discover the dinosaurs found in China at the Museum of Evolution.
The complex also features Carolina Rediviva (University Library), the most extensive library in Sweden. It houses over 30000 manuscripts and over 5 million volumes.
The world-renowned Codex Argenteus, or Silver Bible, is the iconic treasure in the library, which is kept on a permanent exhibition. It most probably dates back to the 6th century.
Museum Gustavianum
Located opposite the cathedral, Museum Gustavianum is the former main complex of Uppsala University and was funded by Gustavus Adolphus.
It features historical and cultural collections, Egyptian antiquities, Nordic antiquities, and Anatomical Theatre, built in the 1660s on the roof.
Some of its permanent exhibitions are Viking relics, including medals, valuable jewelry, swords and medals, Egyptian mummies, and Uppsala University’s history.
Also, do not miss its main complex, the legendary University Art Collection.
Are you planning your travels? Here’re my top travel resources!
I’m a serial planner both in life and in travel – I have bucket lists, things to do, see, and everything. So, I always love when my life is sorted easily using tools and resources that would make my general planning a little smoother and easier. Therefore, in my many years of traveling the world, I’ve seen myself returning to these travel resources repeatedly. And here I am, sharing my tips to make your life easy and breezy so you can stress less, travel heaps, and focus on the fun part of travel!
- Booking.com – I book all my hotels through this website and don’t honestly use anything else. They always have the best prices, in my opinion.
- Airbnb – If I’m traveling long-term to one destination, I book my flats through Airbnb.
- Skyscanner – The best place to find cheap flights on flexible dates. I use this a lot to score cheap flights within Europe!
- SafetyWing – Always travel insured! Never leave your home country without one. It is worth the extra money, I promise you!
- GetYourGuide – Hands-down, the best place to find cool and unique tours if you don’t feel like winging it, and go straight to a local expert. I use this a lot in new destinations to get acquainted with the area!
- My Pretty Wild World Travel Diary (coming soon) – A book you can write down your travel plans, create itineraries, track down your budget, and dot down memories along the way! A handy book you can keep and read later to revisit memory lane.
- Pretty Wild World Travel Planning Printables (coming soon) – Are you a nut like me when it comes to planning? Yes? Good. My travel planning resource in one zip file is an easy-to-use printable planner that comes with tips that helps you plan your travels during the planning stage, a pre-flight checklist, an itinerary planner, and so on.
Uppsala Slott
Uppsala Castle is the primary residence of the County Governor, which houses the city’s rich history. It had witnessed most of the events which transformed Sweden. A paranoid and psycho King Eric XIV, executed a group of noblemen in 1567.
This incident was known as the Sture murders. The sudden resignation of Queen Kristina in 1654 was announced in the Hall of State (Rikshallen). There are several art exhibitions inside Art Museum, and it has serene views of the city skyline and nearby countryside.
You can also walk along the pathways outside and visit the Botanical Gardens.
Where to stay in Uppsala? Find great deals and book your hotel here!
Gamla Uppsala
Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala) is located just 4km north of the main city center, where you can witness the land of the Vikings.
There are around 300 burial mounds stretched over the landscapes and the last resting place of heroes of old Viking Kings and Queens.
Gamla Uppsala eventually had a cathedral in the 12th century when Christianity was founded, where Gamla Uppsala Kyrka, the ancient church, is now located.
Bror Hjorth’s House
The vivid, quirky, and unique works of painter Bror Hjorth (1968) and modernist sculpture pop out in this stunning museum.
Opened in 1798 for the public, it is the former studio and home of Hjorth, where he lived his last years. It features a vast collection of his paintings, sculptures, sketches, and drawings which reflects his great passion for folk art.
It also has temporary exhibitions on display. You can also chill out in the gardens while having coffee.
Also, check out Nackens Polska, his statue is around 6m high.
Where to stay in Uppsala? Find great deals and book your hotel here!
Hold up! Have you thought about the importance of travel insurance?
Remember this: anything can happen. Travel is fun, but your health is more important; thus, I always, always, always recommend getting insured during the duration of your trip. I have benefitted from having one multiple times, and it has been covered for thousands of euros!
The latest one is not necessarily “health” related – it was during the peak of the unspeakable terrible C that consumed the world. I was living in Vietnam when I received an email from SafetyWing (my travel insurance) that if I want they’ll fly be back home to Finland as the world goes through a global emergency alert. I flew back fully covered, and dealing with SafetyWing was a breeze despite the roar of people in contact with them trying to get back home.
I can’t highly recommend them enough. Otherwise, I rarely get sick; hence I don’t always need to head to a hospital, but knowing that I have travel insurance makes me feel safe at the very least.
Read my post about why you should get travel insurance for more information. Otherwise, you can get a free quote from SafetyWing – they’re the best, in my opinion.
Day trip in Sigtuna
Located in the Uppland on the Lake Malaren shore and around 30 minutes of drive from Uppsala, Sigtuna is a quaint and secluded village offering a picturesque view of the so-called Swedish town.
It is the oldest surviving town in Sweden and is well known for ancient churches’ ruins and rune stones across the city.
You may browse the craft shops and boutiques here at Stora Gatan and explore the remnants of St. Olaf’s Church and old Viking sites.
Where to stay in Uppsala? Find great deals and book your hotel here!
Uppland County Museum
Dating back to the 1760s, Uppland County Museum is located in an old mill and offers insights into craftsmanship, culture, and history, which shaped a different form of Sweden.
The museum has many temporary and permanent exhibitions like arts, photography, music, crafts, and folklore.
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City Park (Stadstradgarden)
City Park is a peaceful paradise where you can relax and unwind, and it was built in the late 19th century. You may walk around the trees and admire their blooming flowers.
There is the Island of Bliss in the heart of lily pond, where you can admire the botanist work table and chair of Carl Linnaeus.
What are my favorite travel must-haves?
As a frequent traveler, I’ve learned a lot throughout my years of travel, and there are five items that I always carry with me regardless of where I go and how long the trip is. Here are my five travel must-haves!
- Warm packable jacket – I always carry a light jacket, even when heading to warm countries. There hasn’t been a time I never used it, especially in airports and planes.
- Transparent toiletry bag – I often bring a carry-on if I’m only traveling within Europe for a few days. Life is so much easier to go through security checks with a transparent toiletry bag.
- Kindle Paperwhite – I love a good read and always take my Kindle everywhere. It keeps me entertained during long flights and waiting times.
- Powerbank – I don’t know how I could travel without one! Having a power bank saved me a ton since I carry a lot of electronic devices with me.
- Travel Adapter – I never leave my luggage without a travel adapter! I carry one with me all the time. It is just one of that travel-must haves that doesn’t hurt to have in your bag at all times.
The Linnaeus Museum
Curated by the well-known botanist Carl von Linne (Carl Linnaeus), the Linnaeus Museum was once his home.
Today, it houses exhibitions devoted to his scientific discoveries throughout his life.
It has been run by the Linnaeus Society since 1937 and is now a well-maintained shrine dedicated to his enlightenment and extraordinary achievements of his lifetime.
Where to stay in Uppsala? Find great deals and book your hotel here!
Planning to visit Sweden? Check out these posts!
- Best time to visit Sweden
- Sweden Points of Interests: Places to visit, Castles to visit, Islands to check out, National Parks to hike, UNESCO Sites, Museums to check out, Beaches to chill at, Hiking spots, Camping spots, and Stockholm to Helsinki Ferry
- Stockholm Points of Interests: Things to do in Stockholm, Day trips from Stockholm, How to get from the airport, Cafes to check out, Pubs to hang out, Museums to visit, Restaurants to try, and Where to stay in Stockholm
- Swedish Culture Overview: Tipping guide, Drinks to try, Supermarkets to do your groceries, and Food to try
- Places to visit in Sweden: Kalmar, Gammelstad, Ystad, Gothenburg, Uppsala, Malmö, Swedish Lapland, Luleå, Kosterhavet National Park, Gotland, Österlen, Lund, and Skåne