Summary
Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth-largest city, has served as the nation’s intellectual and religious hub since medieval times. Home to Uppsala University, the oldest educational institution in Sweden, it boasts a lineage of distinguished alumni and faculty, including the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus, who established the foundations of modern taxonomy in the 18th century. His legacy continues to resonate throughout Uppsala, most notably at the Linnaeus Garden and the Botanical Garden.
The university presents a treasure trove for curious minds, featuring botanical gardens, a 17th-century museum, and an exhibition at the library that houses a priceless 6th-century manuscript. The nearby Gamla Uppsala, an ancient settlement steeped in myth, dates back 1,500 years, offering rich historical context.
Explore the top attractions in Uppsala:
1. Uppsala Cathedral
Construction of Uppsala Cathedral commenced in 1272 and continued in various phases until the 19th century, establishing it as Scandinavia’s largest church, imbued with significant historical importance.
Numerous Swedish monarchs are interred here, including the famously memorialized Gustav Vasa, whose tomb was sculpted by the Flemish Renaissance artist Willem Boy.
Furthermore, monarchs were crowned in this sacred space from the medieval period until 1719. Renovation efforts in the 1970s unveiled the cathedral’s High Gothic frescoes in the nave, while the treasury houses an intact gown worn by Margaret I of Denmark, the oldest of its kind in the world.
2. Gamla Uppsala
Located just north of the city, Gamla Uppsala is recognized as the historic seat of the semi-legendary Yngling dynasty, with evidence of human habitation tracing back to the 3rd century AD. According to Norse tradition, this dynasty was initiated by the deity Odin, signifying the site’s profound significance.
Remnants today include runestones and over 250 burial mounds, a small fraction of the thousands that once characterized this landscape. The most prominent of these are the three “Royal Mounds,” which date back to the 5th and 6th centuries and are substantial enough to resemble hills.
The museum provides context for the site and features models depicting its appearance 1,500 years ago, along with artifacts such as recovered jewelry and weapons.
3. Gamla Uppsala Church
Adjacent to this ancient urban center stands a medieval church rich in history.
Near the north entrance lies “Uppland Runic Inscription 979,” a tall stone engraved with a ship motif.
This church served as the archbishopric for all of Sweden until the 13th century and contains the burial site of Valerius, the 5th Archbishop of Uppsala, dating back to the early 1220s.
Eric IX, the King of Sweden, was also initially interred here before his remains were subsequently moved to Uppsala Cathedral.
The interior boasts remarkably old timber decorations, and one of the three rood crosses may date back to the 1100s, alongside vaults in the nave and chalk murals from approximately the 1400s.
4. The Linnaeus Garden
As the initial stop on the Carl Linnaeus trail, this garden is recognized as Sweden’s oldest botanical garden, established in 1655 by Olof Rudbeck the Elder.
In the 17th century, Sweden’s first potato was cultivated within this formal garden; however, after a period of neglect, it was rejuvenated by Linnaeus and architect Carl Hårleman in 1745. Under Linnaeus’s stewardship, this garden acquired thousands of plant species from around the globe, establishing it as one of the world’s premier botanical gardens.
All plants maintain Linnaeus’s original classification system, serving as a tribute to his significant contributions.
5. Gustavianum
Uppsala University’s oldest building is named in honor of King Gustavus Adolphus, who financed its construction in the 1620s.
Serving as the main university building for the next 260 years, it was transformed into a museum in 1997.
Within this prestigious institution, compelling exhibits await exploration, such as the Augsburg Art Cabinet, an 18th-century cabinet of curiosities featuring over 1,000 objects. The archaeology department showcases ancient artifacts from Egypt and the Mediterranean acquired through the university’s excavations.
Additionally, visitors can learn about the university’s origins in the 15th century and view artifacts from the Valsgärde Viking burial site.
Don’t miss the anatomical theatre from the 1660s on the upper level, where dissections were historically performed in front of students.
6. Uppsala Castle
No matter where you are in Uppsala, the city’s imposing castle is a constant presence on its hilltop.
Commissioned by Gustav Vasa in the mid-16th century, the castle has witnessed notable political events throughout history.
One such event is the Sture Murders of 1567, when the unstable Erik XIV ordered the execution of five noblemen and their guards, chalking a dark chapter in the castle’s history.
Today, three museums reside within these walls: The Uppsala Art Museum, Fredens Hus, dedicated to peace and conflict resolution, and Vasaborgen, which recounts the various plots and violent incidents that unfolded within.
7. University of Uppsala Botanical Garden
Upon Carl Linnaeus’ death, his former protégé Carl Peter Thunberg sought a new site for the University’s botanical garden, selecting higher ground away from the damp soils near the Fyris River.
Ultimately, King Gustav III permitted the use of the castle’s French parterres for the botanical collection, resulting in the formal opening of the new botanical garden in 1807, coinciding with Linnaeus’ centenary.
This extensive collection showcases 9,000 plant species from across the globe, all meticulously labeled.
Additionally, a Neoclassical orangery houses Linnaeus’ bay trees, alongside a tropical greenhouse featuring banana trees and orchids.
Conclude your visit with a delightful break at Café Victoria, where you can enjoy tea or coffee with a pastry.
8. University Main Building
The building that replaced the Gustavium is this striking Neo-Renaissance hall, inaugurated with great acclaim in 1887. Recently renovated in 2017, it showcases remarkable interiors: visitors can admire the foyer and the ceremonial Chancellor’s Room, adorned with portraits of former professors, monarchs, and other cultural figures connected to the university.
The “Coin Cabinet” and a renowned art collection, considered one of the richest in Sweden, are also housed within this building.
For an added adventure, venture outside into the university grounds to locate runestones.
9. Carolina Rediviva
Sweden’s oldest and largest university library opened its doors in 1841. It acquired its distinctive name as its predecessor was Academia Carolina, hence the designation “Carolina Revived.” Among the library’s must-see collections is the Codex Argenteus (The Silver Bible), a 6th-century manuscript bearing the 4th-century translation of the Bible into Gothic by Bishop Ulfilas.
This manuscript joins a plethora of valuable manuscripts and maps in the Exhibition Room, which also showcases sheet music written by Mozart.
The library’s stunning Book Hall, adorned with golden chandeliers, boasts an impressive collection of over five million titles.
10. Biotopia
Biotopia, Uppsala’s biological museum, is situated in an exquisite 1910 pavilion surrounded by a park in a residential area of the city.
Much of the original Art Nouveau interior decor contributes to the museum’s charm.
Biotopia features lifelike, expertly arranged dioramas accompanied by audio recordings of each animal, enhancing the immersive experience.
The dioramas depict scenes from Sweden’s wilderness, showcasing species such as moose and black grouse, while also framing the country’s geology in an engaging manner.
11. Linnaeus’ Hammarby
Continuing the theme of Carl Linnaeus, one can visit his farmhouse and estate, located 15 kilometers southeast of Uppsala and constructed in 1762 for Linnaeus and his family. This site served as Linnaeus’ summer retreat, situated within a nature reserve that replicates an 18th-century agricultural landscape.
Wander through orchards, vegetable gardens, cereal fields, paddocks for livestock, and woodlands across the estate.
An informative tour of the cozy house where Linnaeus and his family resided is available, alongside a small cottage converted into a museum showcasing his specimens.
A cafe on-site utilizes fresh produce from the gardens, enhancing the visitor experience.
12. The Linnaeus Museum
Your visit to Uppsala would not be complete without touring Linnaeus’ permanent residence in the city, where he lived with his family.
The house retains many of his belongings, ranging from everyday items like glassware and tea sets to work-related pieces such as his insect cabinet, medicine cabinet, desk, and curiosities collected during his travels.
This location serves as an ideal starting point for those new to Linnaeus’ work, while knowledgeable visitors can appreciate the opportunity to stand in the rooms he frequented, gaining insight into his daily life.
13. Bror Hjorths Hus
Bror Hjorth stands as one of Sweden’s most cherished 20th-century artists and sculptors.
His public artworks grace city streets across the nation, and his works have been featured on Swedish postage stamps.
Whether you are a devoted fan or newly discovering his artistry, Hjorth’s former home and studio offers a captivating way to spend an engaging couple of hours.
Established in 1943, the building transformed into a museum in 1978, a decade after Hjorth’s passing.
A vast collection of his paintings, sculptures, reliefs, drawings, and preliminary sketches invites visitors to glimpse his artistic evolution, while personal effects such as furniture and personal library enrich the understanding of his life.
14. Fjällnora Friluftsområde
Located east of Uppsala, Fjällnora Friluftsområde is a pristine natural area that remains largely undiscovered by tourists.
For those seeking fresh air or a chance to experience Sweden’s countryside without venturing too far, this open-air area is a hidden gem.
A picturesque lake nestled within mixed woodland offers a host of activities during the summer, including beach outings, boat or canoe rentals, and family barbecues by the water.
During the winter, the lake typically freezes over, providing opportunities for ice skating or Nordic skiing along scenic trails.
An educational farm housing sheep and goats is situated nearby, and accommodations are available for those wishing to stay overnight in a cabin by the shore.
15. Uppland County Museum
To gain further insight into Uppsala and the surrounding Uppland County, a visit to this museum located in a captivating building by the Fyris River is worthwhile.
The Akademikvarnen (Academy Mill), a water mill dating back to the 1760s, was historically owned by the university.
Exhibits span over 5,000 years of artifacts, addressing themes such as Uppsala’s history, student life at the University across centuries, and the construction of the cathedral.
Fans of Ingmar Bergman may recognize the museum building: it served as the exterior for the Bishop’s House in the 1982 film Fanny and Alexander.
