Uppsala

Uppsala is Sweden’s fourth-largest city and the oldest university city in Scandinavia. It lies around 70 km north of Stockholm on the Fyrisån river and can be reached by train in about 40 minutes. Few places tell you as much about Sweden’s history: this was the site of the pagan royal seats of the Viking Age, kings were crowned here, and Carl Linnaeus did his research here. At the same time, tens of thousands of students make Uppsala a young, lively city.

Last updated: October 2026

Uppsala at a glance

• Population: 249,726 in the municipality of Uppsala (end of 2025, according to SCB), one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the country
• Location: historical province of Uppland, around 70 km north of Stockholm
• University: founded in 1477, the oldest in the Nordic countries
• Airport: Stockholm Arlanda, around 20 minutes by train

A brief history

Present-day Uppsala was once called Östra Aros. The original Uppsala lay a few kilometres further north, in what is now Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala). In the Iron Age and Viking Age it was a centre of power of the Svear, with large royal burial mounds and a famous pagan temple. In the 13th century the archbishop’s seat moved to the trading town on the Fyrisån, which took over the name Uppsala. Uppsala is still the seat of the Archbishop of the Church of Sweden today. In the 16th century Gustav Vasa had the castle built, where Queen Kristina abdicated in 1654.

Top sights

Uppsala Cathedral

The Gothic cathedral is the largest church in Scandinavia. Its two towers are around 119 metres high, exactly as tall as the nave is long. The cathedral was consecrated in 1435. Inside are the tomb of King Gustav Vasa and the relics of St Erik, Sweden’s patron saint. The treasury displays, among other things, a gold-brocade gown worn by Queen Margaret in the 15th century and Gustav Vasa’s funeral crown. Admission to the church is free.

Gamla Uppsala

Around four kilometres north of the centre lie the three great royal mounds from the 6th century, surrounded by numerous smaller burial mounds. The Gamla Uppsala Museum explains the finds and the history of the site. Next to the mounds stands a medieval church, and the Disagården open-air museum shows 19th-century farm buildings. The site can be reached by city bus or along a pleasant walking and cycling path beside the river.

Uppsala Castle

The pink castle towers over the city from a hill. Today it houses the city’s art museum. In summer there are guided tours of the Hall of State, where Queen Kristina abdicated, as well as rooftop walks with views over Uppsala. Below the castle lies the university’s Botanical Garden.

Linnaeus in Uppsala

The naturalist Carl Linnaeus taught at the university in the 18th century and developed the system still used to name plants and animals today. Linnéträdgården, the Linnaeus Garden in the centre, is Sweden’s oldest botanical garden and has been restored according to his plans. His house next door is now a museum. For more, visit his country estate, Linnaeus’ Hammarby, just outside the city.

The university quarter

• Gustavianum: the university museum, with a 17th-century anatomical theatre under its distinctive dome.
• Carolina Rediviva: the university library, home to the famous Silver Bible (Codex Argenteus) from the 6th century.
• Rune stones: several rune stones from the region stand in the park between the cathedral and the main university building.

Student life and Walpurgis Night

Life in Uppsala is shaped by its students. The 13 student nations, student associations organised by home region, run cafés, pubs and clubs that are often open to visitors too. The highlight of the year is Walpurgis Night on 30 April (Valborg): in the morning, students ride homemade rafts down the Fyrisån in the “forsränning”, at midday thousands put on their white student caps in front of Carolina Rediviva, and in the evening bonfires are lit. The city is very crowded that day, so book accommodation early.

Our tips for your visit

• As a day trip from Stockholm: the centre is compact, and the cathedral, castle, Gustavianum and Linnaeus Garden are all within easy walking distance. Add Gamla Uppsala in the afternoon.
• Along the river: the riverside promenades along the Fyrisån, lined with cafés, are the best place for a break in summer.
• Mead in Gamla Uppsala: at the Odinsborg restaurant next to the royal mounds, mead is traditionally served in drinking horns.
• By bike: Uppsala is a true cycling city, flat and with good cycle paths.

Getting there and around

• By train: commuter and regional trains run very frequently from Stockholm Central; the journey takes about 40 minutes. From Arlanda Airport it is around 20 minutes.
• By car: via the E4 from Stockholm in about an hour.
• Locally: city buses are run by UL (Upplands Lokaltrafik). Tickets in the app or contactless.

More on our Getting to Sweden and Stockholm pages.

Best time to visit

Uppsala is at its most beautiful from May to September, when the gardens are in bloom and life centres on the river. July and August are quieter, as many students are away on holiday. If you want to experience typical student life, come in spring or autumn, ideally for Walpurgis Night.

Sources and further information

• SCB: Population statistics 2025
• Destination Uppsala – official tourism website
• Gamla Uppsala Museum
• Uppsala University