What To See in Uppsala, Sweden? Here Are 14 Top Attractions (2025)
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Planning to visit Sweden and wondering what to see in Uppsala? Keep reading for all of the top picks from Chris Kane of the eCKsplorer travel blog!
Uppsala is a small city about an hour north of Stockholm, the Swedish capital. Before visiting, I hadn’t heard much about Uppsala, except perhaps in passing from some of my Swedish friends. I had assumed that it was just a distant suburb of Stockholm.
After I had a chance to visit, I was surprised by how much I liked Uppsala and thought that it could be a nice place to live one day. Although I’d always dreamed of living in Stockholm, I was able to get a job at Uppsala University and decided to plant roots there instead. The dream of living in Stockholm has been on hold, but I’ve found Uppsala to be an exceptional place to live and visit.
In this post, I’ll share all of the top things to see when you’re in Uppsala, from the famous cathedral and pink castle to the city’s spectacular green spaces.
Table of Contents
What to see in Uppsala
About Uppsala
How to Get to Uppsala
Conclusion
What To See in Uppsala: 14 Top Attractions
Though it is far less popular than Stockholm, Uppsala is regarded as a charming spot amongst Swedes and is worth seeing. The city is easily walkable, centered along the Fyris river, and filled with cafes, boutiques, and restaurants to try.
Here are a few places you should consider seeing on your trip to this part of Sweden:
1. Uppsala Cathedral
The current seat of the Archbishop of Uppsala, the Uppsala cathedral is the tallest in the Nordic countries at almost 400 feet (119 meters). It is constructed in a French Gothic style and is the burial place of Gustav Vasa, considered the father and founder of modern Sweden. It is the dominating feature of the city skyline in addition to the Uppsala Castle.
During Christmastime, the Uppsala Cathedral is decorated for the season, including a Christmas tree and nativity scene.
The Uppsala Cathedral is free to visit. During the off season from September through April, free guided tours are available in English on select days. Check the official website for more details.
2. Uppsala Castle
As the highest building in Uppsala, the Uppsala Slott (or Castle) is most known for its bright pink outer façade and is visible from most of the city. It has played a central role in Sweden’s history and is now the site of the Uppsala Art Museum.
Construction on the cathedral began in 1549, but due to a massive fire in 1702, its reconstruction was delayed significantly since much of the stone remaining in the castle was used to build the Stockholm Palace.
In the warmer months, you can book a roofwalking tour along the roof of the castle for a bird’s eye view of the entire city. The tour includes safety equipment, a guide, and entry to the castle. Note that there are age (12) and height (140 cm or 4 foot 7 inches) minimums as well as a weight maximum (120 kg or 265lbs) for this activity. Please double check requirements before booking.
3. The Gunilla Bell
On the grounds of Uppsala Castle is a small bell tower, known as the Gunilla Bell. This bell was commissioned by King John III’s wife, Gunilla Belke, and originally cast in 1588.
However, after the 1702 fire, the bell was recast and moved to its current position on the Stirbiscop Bastion. There, it would ring twice a day to signify the end and beginning of curfew each day, similar to many Swedish towns.
It only takes a few minutes to visit the Gunilla Bell, which is accessible by foot. Be sure to swing by if you decide to visit Uppsala Castle.
4. The Botanical Garden
Uppsala’s Botanical Garden is open for all visitors everyday of the year and is well worth seeing when in this Swedish city. The garden’s perfectly manicured lawns have served as the backdrop for weddings, concerts, and art exhibitions. As a photographer, I’d note that it’s perhaps best seen during golden hour and sunset.
The Botanical Garden includes the Baroque Garden, with carefully trimmed hedges and green expanses, and a Tropical Greenhouse with giant waterlilies, palms, and carnivorous plants.
You can visit most of the Botanical Garden for free, but there’s a fee of 60 SEK (about $6 USD) per person to enter the greenhouse.
5. The Linneanum (The Orangery)
Many orangeries were built in Sweden during the 17th century, when citrus fruits were extremely rare and expensive – and therefore highly regarded by Swedish royalty. These greenhouses were designed to provide a tropical growing climate during the winters in Europe and were considered a status symbol among wealthy European families.
Today, you can visit an orangery at the Botanical Garden in Uppsala – one of only a few orangeries in Sweden still used for its original purpose. As the name suggests, it’s filled with orange trees, as well as fig trees, olive trees, and an extensive collection of cactuses.
This particular orangery is named after Carl Linnaeus, the famous Swedish botanist, it was opened 100 years after his birth. Four trees, called Linnaeus Laurels, are also housed here and have been growing for over 250 years.
6. The River Fyris
The Fyris River flows north to south through Uppsala, and it’s one of the defining features of the city. Locals love to sit and relax along its banks or exercise on the nearby walking and cycling trails during warmer months. Some portions of the river contain benches, docks, or even small city parks, while others feel more wild.
During the winter, the trees along the riverbank are adored in Christmas lights, adding to the festive atmosphere.
7. Gustavianum, the Oldest Building at Uppsala University
Uppsala is the home of Uppsala University, one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 1477. The Gustavianum is the oldest building of Uppsala University and now functions as the university museum. It was named after Gustavus Adolphus, the main benefactor.
The Gustavianum is perhaps most famously known for its anatomical theater, which is the second oldest in the world.
An optional guided tour is included in the admission price for the museum. Tours are offered three times per day in the summer and twice per day in the winter. You can check current ticket prices and tour schedules by visiting the Gustavianum Museum website.
8. Gamla Uppsala (‘Old Uppsala’)
Swedish for ‘Old Uppsala’, this area is a few kilometers north of the city center. From the 6th to the 11th centuries AD, Gamla Uppsala was a very important seat for economic, political, and religious power.
It was so important, in fact, that it was once proclaimed to be the seat of Western culture, and another source claimed it was the lost city of Atlantis. Today, it is mostly known for being a burial site, with over 300 burial mounds from the 500s to the 1200s AD. Most notable are the ‘Royal Mounds’ here which are representative of the burial sites of the three Norse Gods, Thor, Odin, and Freyr.
Once you get to Gamla Uppsala, you can visit the Gamla Uppsala Museum. This little museum is a great place to learn the basics of Viking history and about the Royal Mounds. If you’re already familiar with the basics of Viking history and the history of the mounds, however, I’d just enjoy the free sites.
9. Studenternas IP (Uppsala’s Sport Stadium)
The Studenternas IP is Uppsala’s main stadium, used for various sports throughout the year. My favorite sport to watch at Studenternas IP is the Swedish Bandy Finals, held every year in the winter. Bandy is a Swedish sport that can be described as a mix between ice hockey and football, but played on an ice rink that’s considerably larger than an ice hockey rink.
You can search for tickets to Uppsala football games here. Tickets for Bandy games may be available for purchase on site from October to February. Otherwise, check a ticket resale site that you trust.
When winter sets in and there are no Bandy games scheduled, the ice rink is prepared and is open to everyone for skating at no cost. Currently, ice skate rentals are not available on site, but this could always change. If the stadium is unavailable, you can also skate at a few municipal-plowed lakes in the winter.
10. The Hågadalen-Nåsten Naturreservat (Nature Reserve)
The Hågadalen-Nåsten Naturreservat (known locally as the Håga) is a nature reserve located southwest of the city center in Uppsala. It is about 6.5 square miles (17 square kilometers), filled with lush woodlands, forests, and farmland with a small river that runs along its eastern portion. The Håga is also replete with hiking trails, most of which are flat and easy to follow.
Although you can see the fall colors at any of the green spaces in the city, the Håga is one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots to peep at the changing leaves. It’s also a great spot to see local flora and fauna, including fungi, lichen, and several species of woodpeckers.
To enter the nature reserve, just look for one of the many car parks. The Håga is free to visit and open year round – just be sure to wear appropriate clothes for the weather.
11. Stadsträdgården (Uppsala’s Largest Park)
Right along the bank of the River Fyris is Stadsträdgården, the largest green space in urban Uppsala. The park features a water fountain, perfectly trimmed trees, and thoughtful flower gardens. It’s a peaceful place to walk, sit on a bench in the shade, and catch glimpses of the walls of Uppsala Castle.
Regardless of the temperature, you’ll find Stadsträdgården full of locals on a sunny day. Sweden only receives about 1,900 hours of sunlight per year (compared to 3115 hours of sunlight per year in Denver), so Swedes are known to take advantage of sunlight whenever they can.
12. Gotlandsparken (Local Park With a View)
Gotlandsparken is a small local park in Uppsala, far less popular than Stadsträdgården but a personal favorite. This park is just across the river from the Uppsala Cathedral, making for some dramatic photographic opportunities during golden hour and sunset.
You might just pass through and snap a couple of photos, but there are benches if you decide you’d like to stay a little longer and enjoy the scenery.
13. Have a fika at Güntherska Cafe
If you ask me, Güntherska is the best place for a Swedish ‘fika’. This cafe’s central location along the River Fyris makes it a popular place for locals and tourists alike.
For the uninitiated, fika is arguably the most famous Swedish custom. It’s essentially a coffee break with friends where you also enjoy a baked treat (usually a cinnamon bun, called a kanelbulle). You could compare it to the British custom of sitting for high tea, but fikas are simpler and more laid back.
In my opinion, the main ingredient of a good fika is the food. At Güntherska, you can try a number of delicious and traditional Swedish treats, including kanelbulle and other tasty pastries. Oh, and be sure to also grab a coffee here to complete your fika experience.
14. Dine at Miss Voon Restaurant
Miss Voon is a chic and popular restaurant located at the top of the Elite Hotel Academia that serves eclectic dishes with Japanese twists. The food here is excellent but the best part has to be the views. Sitting right next to the train station, you get a vantage point of half of the town.
For travelers on a budget, you can save money by visiting Miss Voon and only staying for a drink. Guests especially love the cocktails, which are creative and thoughtful.
About Uppsala, Sweden
As Sweden’s fourth largest city, Uppsala is home to roughly 220,000 people. It’s perhaps best known for being a university town. The local Uppsala University is one of the most prestigious and oldest universities in the Nordics, established in 1477.
The city, as with most of Sweden, is most enjoyable in the summertime, where the longer days and warmer temperatures bring everyone outside to bathe in the sunshine.
Due to how compact the city is, most of the sights are within walking distance. However, the best way to see the city in a day or two is by renting a bike. Not only is cycling a popular way for locals to get around, Uppsala was declared Sweden’s Best Cycling City for four consecutive years from 2018 to 2021.
All told, a weekend is usually long enough to get a taste of what Uppsala has to offer and to see what makes it so special. During that time, you’ll also have a chance to venture slightly outside of the city to see the Håga Nature Reserve and/or the Gamla Uppsala.
How to Get to Uppsala
If you decide to fly into Sweden, chances are you will arrive at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. This airport happens to actually be closer to Uppsala than Stockholm itself!
After you land at Stockholm-Arlanda, getting to Uppsala is as easy as taking a 20 minute train ride. Purchase tickets on SJ, the website for the national train service, or at the train station when you arrive. If you’d prefer to take a taxi, Uppsala Taxi has fixed fares from Arlanda Airport to Uppsala. As of this writing, the fare is 675 SEK (about $64 USD) for 1-4 passengers.
If you are coming from Stockholm, the train ride takes 30-60 minutes with a direct train from Stockholm Central Station. You can check the timetable and buy tickets here or by visiting the train station in Stockholm in person.
Conclusion: What to See in Uppsala
If you ask me, one of the best parts of travel is seeing how people actually live. Therefore, the best way to compliment your trip to Stockholm, and the hustle and bustle of it all, is to pair it with a weekend or day trip to Uppsala to appreciate the calmer, more local-feeling side of Sweden.
Uppsala may be small, but it boasts an impressive range of activities and things to see. What you will come to love about it is just how quintessentially Swedish it is, making you feel like you have indeed experienced life as a Swede and all the great cultural experiences that come with it.
About the Author
Chris Kane is from Washington, D.C. but currently calls Sweden his home. Since finishing his degrees in chemistry, he is often found in his natural laboratory habitat. From time to time, he tries to step away, switching fluorescent lights with golden hour in any country that will have him. A self-taught photographer and drone flyer, he enjoys sharing his travel experiences on his blog, The eCKsplorer, hoping to help any others who are looking to find meaningful travel experiences.
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