Historic places in Uppsala

Historic places in Uppsala

1. 
   SeeCathedral

   Uppsala Cathedral

   Domkyrkan

   Gothic cathedral, which took a century and a half (1272 - 1435) to build, in the is one of the focal points of Uppsala and it dominates the city skyline. It is simultaneously the largest church in the Nordic countries, the burial site of many Swedish royals, and the seat of the Church of Sweden. Here you can see relics of Eric the Holy and Saint Bridget, and in the far end of the cathedral you will find "Vasakoret" – the royal crypt of Gustav I Vasa, "father of the Swedish nation". The walls of the crypt are covered in national romantic frescoes depicting Vasa's reign and his war for Swedish independence. Other notable burials include the 17th-century polymath Olaus Rudbeck, the 18th-century botanist Carl Linnaeus, the 18th-century mystic Emanuel Swedenborg and the theologian, archbishop and Nobel peace prize laureate Nathan Söderblom. It shouldn't be missed, but given its towering size, how could you? Free English language guided tours are held at 12:30 on the first Saturday of every month and daily late Jun–late Aug, M–Sa 10:00 and 15:00, and Su 15:00.

   08:00–18:00 daily. Mass celebrated at Mon–Sat 12:45 and Sun 11:00; all welcome·Free · Heritage listed · Wheelchair accessible · Built 1435
2. 
   SeeHistory museum

   Uppsala Castle

   Uppsala Slott

   This major Uppsala landmark is stocked with large halls, paintings, and older remnants of the 16th-century castle built by the Vasa dynasty as a royal residence and a military fortification. As the castle was damaged in the 1702 city fire, the current building is smaller than it was in the 17th century, but is nevertheless built in the same style. It is the official residence of the governor of Uppsala county, and houses several museums. Due to its location on the top of Uppsalaåsen the Castle area offer some of the best views of Uppsala.

   Closed · opens noon tomorrow·Free entry · Limited wheelchair access
3. 
   SeeMuseum

   Gustavianum

   The University Museum

   Gustavianum is the oldest standing structure of the university and exhibits a selection of the most interesting objects from the university collections. Of course this includes a comprehensive history of science and of Uppsala University, with items such as an original Celsius thermometer, lecture notes from 1477, and instruments used during the scientific revolution of the 19th century. The museum also contains two archaeological exhibitions with Egyptian artifacts, mummies and sarcophagus, and findings from the Viking era boat burials in Valsgärde. The two main attractions of the museum is however the old anatomical theatre from the 17th century, where human bodies were dissected to educate medical students, and the Augsburg Art Cabinet, the world's best-preserved 17th-century curiosity cabinet. It contains some 1,000 different artifacts, and when it was built in 1632 the cabinet costed about as much as a palace or a smaller principality. The cabinet can also be viewed online for free.

   Closed · opens 11 am tomorrow·Limited wheelchair access
4. 
   SeeBotanical garden

   Botaniska trädgården

   The Botanical Garden

   The main garden at the university consists of the Baroque garden, the Orangery and the Tropical Greenhouse. It was planted in 1664 as a castle garden, but, in 1787, it was donated to the university.

   Park: Daily May–Oct 07:00–21:00, Nov–Apr 07:00–19:00. Orangery: Tue–Fri 09:00–15:00. Tropical Green House: Sep–May Tue–Fri 09:00–15:00, Sat Sun 12:00–15:00, Jun–Aug Tue, Wed, Fri 09:00–15:00, Thu 09:00–18:00, Sat Sun 11:00–16:00·Free, except for Tropical Greenhouse, which is 60 kr
5. 
   SeeHistory museum

   Gamla Uppsala museum

   Old Uppsala Museum

   Tell the history of Uppsala's Viking heritage and exhibit many of the archaeological findings discovered in Gamla Uppsala. In the summer, there are daily guided tours in English at 12:30 and 15:30.

   Oct–Jan: Sat–Mon Wed 12:00–16:00. Apr, May, Sep: 10:00–16:00 daily. Jun–Aug: 11:00–17:00 daily·80 kr. Student's tickets are 60 kr and children up to the age of 18 are free · Wheelchair accessible
6. 
   SeeNature museum

   Evolutionsmuseet

   The Museum of Evolution of Uppsala University

   A natural history museum containing the largest fossil collection in Scandinavia. The museum is divided into palaeontological and zoological sections, housed in separate buildings on the same block. Many of the exhibited objects were collected by Linnaeus' apprentices as they travelled around the world. It also exhibits the largest collection of Chinese dinosaurs outside of China.

   Tue–Sun 12:00–16:00. The zoological section is temporarily closed due to renovation, but the palaeontological section remains open·50 kr
7. 
   SeeHistoric site

   Upplandsmuseet

   The Uppland Museum

   The official regional museum of Uppsala County can be found in an old building that used to serve as water mill. Extensive permanent exhibitions regarding the pre-history and history of Uppsala and Uppsala County, covering not only political and building developments, but also people's everyday life. In addition, they always exhibit some temporary exhibition. Most exhibitions feature information in English.

   Tue–Sun 12:00 –17:00·150/120SEK · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
8. 
   See

   Uppsala Gamla Kyrkogård

   Uppsala Old Cemetery

   The largest cemetery in Uppsala is a beautiful place for a walk. Notable burials include the national romantic poet and historian Erik Gustaf Geijer; the poet Gustaf Fröding; artists Olof Thunman and Bruno Liljefors; Nobel laureates Kai Siegbahn, Arne Tiselius, Svante Arrhenius and the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dag Hammarskjöld, who died under mysterious circumstances during his tenure as secretary general of the UN.
9. 
   See

   Valsgärde

   At the bank of Fyris River, there is a small moraine hill which does not look like much to the eye. However, it covers one of the most important Viking-era archaeological sites ever excavated. Between the 5th and 11th centuries AD, this site was used as a burial site. Archaeologists have discovered some 90 graves, including 15 lavish boat burials. Since the same site was used continuously for such a long time period, archaeologists use its findings to compare how the same culture developed over time. There are no noticeable remnants at the site. These can be found at the University museum Gustavianum, in central Uppsala. However, you can still visit Valsgärde to appreciate its beautiful landscape and historical atmosphere.
10. 
    SeeMuseum

    Medicinhistoriska museet

    The Museum of Medicinal History

    A museum concerning health and sickness in body and mind throughout history. In the 19th and 20th centuries the area was used a psychiatric hospital called Ulleråker, and many of objects used at Ulleråker are exhibited at the museum.

    Tue Thu 13:00 –17:00·Free
11. 
    See

    Universitetshuset

    The University Hall

    Constructed in Italian renaissance Beaux-Arts style and was completed in 1887. Here major university events and occasional public concerts take place. In the hall you will find a café, a shop and a small exhibition about the history of Uppsala University. In the main hall you can also find Uppsala University's comprehensive coin cabinet, but it is only open to the public on special occasions. The controversial aphorism "Tänka fritt är stort men tänka rätt är större" (which translates into "Thinking free is great, but thinking right is greater"), attributed to the 18th century philosophy professor Thomas Thorild, are engraved at the auditorium entrance. The phrase "think right" has been misunderstood as "think as the authorities do". Thorild was however a radical for his time; his aphorism should be read as "think reasonably".

    Mon–Fri 08.00–16.00·Free
12. EatGreek restaurant

    Tzatziki

    Greek restaurant in a beautiful environment just by the Fyris River and below the Cathedral. Their outdoor seating area, within arms-length of the river, is arguably the best in Uppsala.

    Mon–Fri 16:00–23:00; Sat 13:00–23:00; Sun 13:00–22:00·Mains 150–250 kr · Limited wheelchair access

13. SeeMuseum

    Fredens Hus

    House of Peace

    A museum housing exhibitions concerning peace, conflict and human rights. Has a permanent exhibition about the life of the former secretary-general of the UN, Dag Hammarskjöld, who grew up in the castle. While the permanent exhibition feature information in English, some temporary exhibitions only feature information in Swedish.

    Wed–Fri 15:00–18:00, Sat Sun 12:00–16:00·Free · Free entry

14. 
    See

    Helga Trefaldighets kyrka

    Church of Holy Trinity

    King Erik "the Holy" was killed in battle in or by the church in 1160. The current church building was erected in the latter part of the 13th century, making it older than Uppsala Cathedral. The interior is decorated by Sweden's most famous medieval church painter, Albertus Pictor. Architecture buffs can compare its Roman architecture to the Gothic style of the cathedral.

    09:00–17:00 daily. Mass Sun 11:00. Night open with fika and music Fri every odd week 18:00–00:00·Free
15. SeeMonument

    Galleri 1

    Å-huset

    A gallery operated by Uppsala Konstnärsklubb, an association of Uppsala based artists, exhibiting works made by their members.

    Wed–Fri 15:00–19:00, Sat Sun 12:00–16:00 during exhibition periods

16. SeeArt museum

    Skattkammaren

    Treasury Museum

    In its northern tower, the Uppsala Cathedral exhibit highlights from its collection. The collections include plenty of royal regalia used in the many coronations which took place in the Cathedral. They also exhibit one of the finest collections of historic textiles in the world, including the world's only preserved medieval feast dress, used by Queen Margaret of the Kalmar Union. Another exceptional, but somewhat gruesome exhibit, is the clothing worn by three members of the Sture noble family when they were massacred by the insane King Eric XIV in Uppsala in 1567. Despite being covered with visible stab-wounds and blood stains, these are the best-preserved 16th-century male feast dresses in the world.

    May–Sep: 10:00–17:00 Mon–Sat, 12:30–17:00 Sun; Oct–Apr: 10:00–16:00 Mon–Sat, 12:30–16:00 Sun. Guided tours 13:30 on the first Mon every month and daily late Jun–late Aug·50 kr

17. 
    Buy

    Rådhuset

    Once used as the town hall of Uppsala, this building has now been renovated into a fashion department store. Even though the clothes are pricey it is free to enter the building to enjoy its architecture. You can also book guided tours about the history of the building.

    Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00; Sat 10:00–17:00; Sun 12:00–17:00
18. 
    Do

    Fiby Urskog

    Fiby Primeval Forest

    An 87-hectare (215-acre) natural reserve and ancient woodland, virtually untouched by humans since the 18th century. It has become a habitat for many unusual species of birds, insects and fungi. A hiking trail will take you across the woodlands and make sure that you don't get lost.
19. EatRestaurant

    Domtrappkällaren

    Fancy restaurant with a long history and tasty Swedish cuisine. The building dates back to the 13th century and was once a student prison! Next door, they also have a pub called "Domcraft", specialising in beer and gin & tonics. Have several vegan options.

    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–14:30. Dinner Mon–Sat 17:00–22:00·Mains 200–325 kr · Outdoor seating

20. Buy

    Vaksala torg

    A central traditional flea market. Sellers include professional antiques dealers, private persons and school classes. The annual "Disting" market have been held in Uppsala since pre-historical times, originally in conjunction with the blóts (sacrifices) at Uppsala temple. In modern times the market is held at Vaksala square on the first Monday and Tuesday in February.

    Held weekly on Saturdays

21. Do

    Boat-trip

    Go on a boat-trip on the river Fyrisån that takes you to the lake Ekoln, a part of Mälaren. Continue to the castle Skokloster or Sigtuna. The main shipping companies are:.

22. See Not mapped

    Roof Walk

    Offer guided tours on the roof of Uppsala Castle. The tour takes about 90 minutes.

    12:00 every Sat May–Sep·600 kr per person. Exclusive tour for two 2,500 kr

23. Do Not mapped

    Uppsala Krönikespel

    Uppsala Chronicle Play

    A reenactment of the history of Uppsala, from its mythological foundation until today. While the play is acted in Swedish, you can get an English language plot summary to follow the story. Held from 20.30 to 22.00 during several nights in late August or early September.

    Aug·120 kr per adult, or 60 kr for children under 16. Tickets can be bought in the Cathedral gift shop

24. Do Not mapped

    Valborg

    Walpurgis Night

    Held on the last of April. Valborg began as a pagan spring feast but became particularly popular among Swedish students in the 19th century, thus earning a special place in the Uppsala calendar. During the day, tens of thousands of people are out on the streets and parks. Lots of champagne is consumed (or sprayed) and the whole town is like one big festival. At 10:00, students riding decorated rafts race down the Fyris River, usually crashing in the two waterfalls. At 15:00, lots of people gather below Carolina Rediviva and put on their white student caps at a signal, and the masses rejoice. At 21:00, a choir is singing an ode to spring by the castle, and as the day turns to night bonfires are lit all around the city. While Valborg proper is celebrated on April 30, this does not keep the most dedicated students from also partying on "Skvalborg" (April 28), "Kvalborg" (April 29) and "Finalborg" (May 1).

    Apr

25. See Not mapped

    Vasaborgen

    The Vasa Castle ruins

    The 16th-century parts of Uppsala castle damaged in the 1702 fire. Among other things the ruins contain the dungeons where the 1567 "Sture murders" took place. Guided tours at 14:00 F–M are included in the entry fee.

    10:00–18:00 daily, early Jun–mid-Aug and weekends late Aug·Adults' tickets are 120 kr. Children's, students' and seniors' tickets are 60 kr

26. 
    SeeMonument

    Kung Björns hög

    Important Bronze age burial mound, 7m high, 45m diameter built around 1000 BC. 52 gold decorated objects were retrieved in 1902-3 dig (Source: Wikipedia:sv)
27. 
    SeeHistory museum

    Uppsala universitets myntkabinett

    The Uppsala University Coin Cabinet (Uppsala universitets myntkabinett) is one of Sweden's most important public coin and medal collections. It is housed in the main building of Uppsala University.

    Free entry
28. 
    SeeHistoric site

    Upplands runinskrifter 1011

    This runestone, listed in Rundata as runic inscription U 1011, was carved in the 11th century and was originally located at Örby, Rasbo, Sweden.
29. 
    SeeMemorial

    Vaksalastenen (U 961)

    The Vaksala Runestone, designated as U 961 under the Rundata catalog, is a Viking Age memorial runestone that is located close to Vaksala Church, near Uppsala, Sweden.
30. 
    SeeMonument

    Sten Sture-monumentet
31. SeeMonument

    Pope Stone

    Memorial stone for Pope John Paul II's 1989 visit to the Royal mounds outside the Old Uppsala church

32. SeeArchaeological site

    The Pulpit

    15m cliff with remains of large Middle Bronze age fortifaction. (Soure: Wikipedia:sv)

33. DrinkCafé

    Orangeriet

    Villavägen 8

    Closed · opens 9 am tomorrow

34. 
    SeeArchaeological site

    Runsten
35. 
    SeeMemorial

    U 962
36. 
    SeeMemorial

    U 963
37. 
    SeeMemorial

    U 964
38. 
    SeeMemorial

    U 965
39. 
    SeeHistoric site

    Upplands runinskrifter 978
40. SeeMonument

    Kungshögarna

    Disavägen

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Uppsala (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps. Some descriptions from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).