Why You Should Visit Uppsala, Sweden - the perfect day trip or weekend destination

Getting to Uppsala is surprisingly easy. The commuter train from Stockholm Central takes less than 40 minutes, offering an affordable and scenic way to travel. If you’re arriving or departing via Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Uppsala is a mere 15-minute train ride away, making it an ideal start or finish to your adventures in Sweden.

If you’re staying for the night, treat yourself to a stay at a boutique hotel – the prices are a bit more affordable than in the capital.

While here, the city’s compact size makes it easy to explore by foot, so you can fully enjoy its charming streets and local spots. For those looking to venture a bit further, cycling just like the locals do, is a fantastic option.

Compared to the Swedish capital Stockholm, Uppsala has a more relaxed vibe but still boasts an impressive selection of restaurants, cafés, and sights. Whether you’re in the mood for Swedish fika in a cozy café or a fine dining experience, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your taste.

History buff? Step back in time at Gamla Uppsala, one of Sweden’s most important Viking sites. Here, you’ll find the famous Royal Mounds, burial sites of ancient kings, and Gamla Uppsala Museum, which vividly tells the story of the Viking age.

No visit to Uppsala is complete without a stop at the Uppsala Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Northern Europe and one of the top 100 largest in the world. Construction began around 1270. Explore its impressive treasury, filled with precious religious artifacts, and visit the tomb of Gustav Vasa, the first king of the modern Swedish state.

Founded in 1477, Uppsala University is the oldest higher education institution in Scandinavia. This iconic seat of learning has shaped brilliant minds, including Anders Celsius, the inventor of the centigrade scale (you can actually see his first thermometer at the University museum Gustavianum), and Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy.

Speaking of Linnaeus – for nature lovers, Uppsala offers plenty of lush green spaces with a historical twist. Explore the Linnaeus Garden, originally designed by Carl Linnaeus himself, or enjoy a peaceful stroll in the Botanical Garden. The Uppsala City Garden is also a popular place among locals for recreation, picnics and Summer concerts at the scenic outdoor stage Parksnäckan. Whether you’re into botany, history, or just relaxing in a serene setting, these gardens are perfect for a break from city life.

If you time your visit right, you might experience one of Uppsala’s renowned festivals.

Join the vibrant Valborg celebrations in spring, when the entire city welcomes the warmer season with bonfires, choirs, and parties. Some call it Sweden’s version of Mardi Gras.

In September the streets, parks and venues of Uppsala comes alive with over 600 cultural events during Kulturnatten. It’s the biggest event of it’s kind in Sweden and offers workshops, performances, concerts and more.

During two weeks in November every year, the light festival Allt ljus på Uppsala transforms the city with dazzling displays of creativity. Experience light artworks from local and international artists, along with fun pop up events all over town.

Music lovers can check out performances all year round at Uppsala Konsert & Kongress, a modern concert venue known for its diverse program. During the summer months, Parksnäckan presents a series of concerts in beautiful surroundings, right in the middle of the City Garden.

One of the best things about Uppsala is that you don’t have to choose between a vibrant city experience and peaceful nature – here, you can enjoy both in one day. After exploring the city’s rich history and cultural gems, step into the great outdoors, just minutes away.

Take a stroll along the Fyris River, hike through recreation areas such as Hammarskog, Fjällnora and Sunnersta and find spots perfect for swimming, canoeing, or ice skating depending on the season. For an extra special experience, follow in the footsteps of Carl Linnaeus, the world-famous botanist who once called Uppsala home. The Linnaeus Trails lead through meadows, forests, and countryside landscapes where Linnaeus and his students once studied plants and ecosystems.