Guide to Excursions: Manor Houses and Castles in Uppland

Salsta Castle – ghost tours in a Baroque masterpiece

Twenty-five kilometres north of Uppsala lies Salsta Castle, an impressive Baroque estate dating back to 1679. For a long time, its halls were populated only by spirits and phantoms, but the castle has recently come back to life. Today, visitors can join guided tours, enjoy concerts, view art exhibitions, and even stay overnight in the eastern pavilion. The charming Salsta Castle Café is open Wednesday to Sunday all year round.

When autumn darkness falls, spine-chilling ghost walks delve into legends with supernatural twists. As Christmas approaches, we highly recommend Salsta Castle’s traditional craft-focused Christmas market. The castle is also a highlight along the 8-kilometre Salsta Trail, stretching from Vattholma station to Skyttorp station.

Wik Castle – heritage dating back to the 13th century

If you instead set your GPS twenty kilometres southwest of Uppsala, you’ll reach a castle with even older roots. When Wik Castle was built in the 1400s, it served as a medieval fortress—one of the strongest in the Mälaren Valley and today the best-preserved late medieval stronghold in central Sweden.

Wik Castle, which also houses a folk high school, is run by Region Uppsala and has become a popular destination for day trips. Visitors come mainly for lunch at Wik Castle Café, for the swimming area, and for leisurely walks in Wik Park. This lush nature park features lovely paths that lead you through leafy woodlands, pastures, and apple orchards. If you’re bringing children, the quiz trail, the hut-building area, and the annual Christmas market are all much-loved activities.

Uppsala Castle – a city icon

Welcome to one of Uppsala’s most recognisable postcard motifs, right up there with the cathedral. Thanks to its elevated position, the castle’s pink façade can be glimpsed from almost anywhere in the city. But it’s more than just a beautiful landmark—its contents are just as captivating.

Uppsala castle houses several fascinating museums: Uppsala Art Museum, Uppsala Castle Museum and Vasaborgen. Once you’ve explored the art and learned that Gustav Vasa began building the castle in 1549, you’ve certainly earned a coffee break. Fittingly, Museum Bar & Café is tucked into the old vaults beneath the Art Museum.

Guided tours are great, but why not try something different—book a rooftop walk! Yes, you heard that right: you now have the chance to walk on the roof of this legendary castle for the very first time. The best view in Uppsala is included in the price.

Skokloster Castle – a Swedish palace

On the Sko Peninsula by the shores of Lake Mälaren, right on the border of Stockholm County, you’ll find another gem: Skokloster Castle. Completed in 1676, it’s the largest private palace ever built in Sweden. And that’s not all—the magnificent architecture, remarkably preserved interiors, and extraordinary collections make it one of Europe’s foremost Baroque castles.

What can you do here? Explore the museum, join guided tours, spread out a picnic blanket in the castle park, or enjoy a treat at the Castle Café.

Spa day and Afternoon Tea at Krusenberg Manor

Let’s leave the castles behind for a moment and turn our attention to the many beautiful manor houses in the Uppsala region. Along road 255 south toward Knivsta, Krusenberg Manor has overlooked the waters of Lake Ekoln since the 1600s. The estate consists of the main building, wings, the gardener’s residence, and the stone granary. Today, it houses an elegant four-star hotel with a spa and restaurant. On Saturdays, Afternoon Tea is served in delicate porcelain and floral cups—an incredibly popular experience, so be sure to reserve a table in advance!

Gimo Manor – industrial heritage and nature experiences

Interested in a piece of Swedish industrial history? Gimo’s heritage as an ironworking community dates back to 1615. This was once home to the famous Walloon forges, which can still be visited today. Another remnant from its industrial heyday is Gimo Manor—Sweden’s first Gustavian manor. Today, beautifully situated by Lake Gimosjön, it serves as an upscale hotel for spa retreats and conferences. Even if you’re only passing through for the day, we recommend booking a table at the restaurant, tackling the high-ropes course, playing a round of disc golf, or exploring the scenic surroundings. The manor’s elegance alone makes the trip worthwhile.

Lövstabruk – in the footsteps of the Walloon ironworks

We continue in the footsteps of the Walloon ironworks to Lövstabruk, which once proudly held the title of Sweden’s largest ironworks. The manor, park, orangery, workers’ street, church with its famous Cahman organ, artist studios, archives, art exhibitions, guided tours, Christmas markets, café, and “Children’s Ironworks” make it easy to fill an entire day with activities.

Örbyhus – was King Erik XIV poisoned?

Few places in Uppland have witnessed more dramatic historic events than Örbyhus, located fifty kilometres north of Uppsala. It was here in 1577 that the deposed king Erik XIV (son of Gustav Vasa) died. But was he poisoned? Curious visitors can join guided tours in Erik XIV’s prison, the castle park, and the carriage museum during the summer season. Örbyhus’ beautiful orangery also hosts summer concerts featuring chamber music.

Österbybruk – a living idyll

Finished exploring Gimo Manor? Take the opportunity to tick off Österbybruk as well, just a short drive west. Welcome to another charming ironworking village in Uppland, home to the world’s only fully preserved Walloon forge. What can you do on site? Discover the Aspbo Nature Reserve, Dannemora Church, the local heritage museum, the orangery gardens, and the manor house.

Coffee break at Hammarskog Manor

For an outing closer to Uppsala city, Hammarskog is always a good choice—a fantastic outdoor area that’s lively all year round. Summer favourites include the swimming area with its jetty, boat rentals, fishing opportunities, birdwatching, numerous barbecue spots, and a vast landscape with 25 kilometres of marked hiking trails. Once snow arrives, you can enjoy ice skating, several groomed cross-country ski tracks, and sledding on the hill in front of the manor. Feeling peckish? The café serves simple lunches and pastries.

Wenngarn Castle – where antique meets modern

South of Uppsala, near Sigtuna, lies Wenngarn—a special place with plenty to explore, with the 1670 castle as its natural centrepiece. The village community has been revitalised, creating a compelling mix of old and new. Next to the castle, for example, stands an ultra-modern house that is completely self-sufficient. In addition to historical tours of the castle and its gardens, you can also visit the cider brewery and the Sigtuna Candle Factory.

Krägga Manor – here and now

Krägga is a manor gem that deserves more attention. A youngster (built in 1830) compared to many others in this guide, yet still a magical place that echoes times past. Stroll through flowering landscapes and breathe in the gentle Mälaren breeze. Stay at the conference hotel, book a table at the restaurant, enjoy Afternoon Tea, or unwind in the lakeside sauna.

Friibergh Manor – inner calm since 1658

Friibergh Manor in Örsundsbro is the place to go if you’re seeking balance in peaceful surroundings along the shores of Lake Mälaren. Friibergh is primarily a conference hotel but also welcomes private guests for lunch, dinner, and its Afternoon Tea buffet. Into golf? The manor sits right next to Friibergh Golf Club.