Culture & activities

Here, you can read about art galleries and other places with a unique cultural experiences, that you might not have known existed – but also about theme nights at the more established museums and theaters.

Hidden Culture at the Cemetery

The Old Cemetery in Uppsala has roots dating back to the 17th century and is a cultural-historical treasure. It is the final resting place for several individuals who have left their mark on history, such as Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dag Hammarskjöld, the author Malla Silfverstolpe, the poet Gustaf Fröding, and not least, Gösta Knutsson, the author behind the popular Peter No-tail books, set in Uppsala. During the summer, you can join guided tours, but you can also take a self-guided digital tour with your smartphone all year round.

Close to the cemetery, you’ll find both the Akademihotellet and Villa Anna, two hotels that offer convenient access to all the attractions in Uppsala’s historic district.

Unique Art Galleries and Cultural Centers

Once a meat inspection agency, now a cultural gem hosting exhibitions, performances, workshops, panel discussions, and festivals. Kulturhuset Köttinspektionen offers an exciting program featuring both local and international artists, where the unconventional is given a space to thrive. English speakers vill find both exhibitions and non-spoken performances to enjoy.

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover local Uppland artists when you’re in Uppsala! Konstnärernas Hus (The Artists’ House) is run by the nonprofit association Uppsala Konstnärsklubb (Uppsala Artists’ Club). The gallery is just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral, next to the many cozy cafes and shops on Sysslomansgatan.

Public Art and Wine Culture in the Hip Rosendal Neighborhood

Rosendal is an exciting new district in southern Uppsala, with intriguing architecture and public art to discover. Stroll around and admire the bold design choices of the houses and their accompanying artworks – a giant beetle, a seashell with the sound of the sea, wooden sculptures, and much more. Download the “Uppsala konst och kulturarv” app for your guided tour, available in both Swedish and English.

When your feet get tired, there’s also food and beverage culture to explore here. The local gem Kvarteret is a combined interior design shop, café, and wine bar that also hosts various tastings.

Go Behind the Scenes at the City Theater

“Uppsala Stadsteater”, Uppsala City Theater, is one of the country’s most prestigious and well-visited stages – but did you know that you can take a peek behind the scenes here? The theater’s guided tours will lead you to places that are otherwise off-limits to visitors, from rehearsal rooms to the actors’ dressing rooms.  Witness how the theater’s makeup artists work their magic to create incredible makeup and wigs, explore the fantastic costume department’s storage, and see what it’s like behind the curtains.

The guided tours are conducted in Swedish, but you can request to book a private guided tour for a group and inquire about the possibility of having an English-speaking guide.