Guide to Uppsala

In the heart of Carolinaparken, between Engelska Parken and university library Carolina Rediviva, lies one of the finest playgrounds in the country. It’s a tribute to the beloved children’s author Gösta Knutsson’s timeless character, Peter No-Tail – probably Sweden’s most famous cat. Here, children can relive familiar places and “catacters” from the books set in the central parts of Uppsala. Explore Peter’s cellar and attic, slide from the cathedral tower, visit police office, “shop” at Råttström’s patisserie, and much more! You can also enjoy a snack at Alla Katters café (Cools Cats Café).

For those who can’t get enough of Peter No-Tail’s enchanted world, visit Sweden’s only pedestrian crossing for cats at the intersection of Övre Slottsgatan/Drottninggatan – and peek into the basement window at Åsgränd where curious children will find a miniature variant of Peter’s apartment.

Peter No-Tail’s playground is just one of many great playgrounds in Uppsala. Stadsträdgården, beautifully located by the Fyris River, has one of the city’s largest playgrounds. And while the kids play, parents can relax with a coffee at the nearby café Gula Villan.

One of the more spectacular playgrounds in the city is Cirkusparken. Here you’ll find everything a good playground needs: a carousel, climbing frames, slides, and swings. What makes this playground stand out is the large and colorful circus ring where imaginations can run wild!

Is your family passing by the large mall Gränbystaden for some shopping? Take the opportunity to experience Uppsala in miniature. The cathedral, Svandammen, and Uppsala Castle – in Lilla Uppsala Playground, many of the city’s famous landmarks are represented in miniature form. Climb up the cathedral’s bell tower and slide down from the castle’s windows!

Lennakatten is a preserved museum railway that runs between Östra Station at Uppsala Central Station and Faringe Station. The scenic 33-kilometer route dates back to the 1870s. Enjoy a coffee at Jernvägscaféet in Marielund, check out old trains in the locomotive and wagon halls in Faringe, go for a swim or pet the tame farm animals in the summer paradise Fjällnora. When hunger strikes, we recommend a stop at Augusts Värdshus or Länna Bruk Restaurant.

Kids will love riding the old-fashioned trains along one of Sweden’s most beautiful railways. Choose from charming steam locomotives and carriages from the late 1800s, diesel locomotives from the early 1900s, or rail buses from the 1950s. The name Lennakatten (katt is Swedish for cat) was given to the railway early on by residents along the line, who thought one of the steam carriages sounded like a hissing cat as it passed by.

Have a stroller or bikes with you? No problem, they can travel in the luggage wagon. Lennakatten mainly operates in the summer but also offers rides around Christmas when the route transforms into the popular “Tomtetåget” (Santa Train).

Uppsala has several child-friendly museums. Experience the local animal life and nature at Biotopia, or check out the largest collection of authentic dinosaur bones in the Nordic region at the Museum of Evolution. At the Gamla Uppsala Museum, you can learn more about the Vendel and Viking periods. Or go for an exciting tour in the Cathedral Treasury, where you’ll get a flashlight to explore the dark old vaults and gaze at glittering treasures.

At the colorful museum Bror Hjorths Hus, you can discover art up close. Walk around the artist’s former home, surrounded by sculptures and artworks! The museum also organizes family-friendly workshops where you can enter the studio and try out various creative techniques. Uppsala Art Museum also hosts family Saturdays where young artists can enjoy tours and engage in their own creations. These will make unforgettable activities for children who love to paint and craft. The newly opened digital art museum, Cube of Art, is a must-visit for the whole family. Focusing on interactivity and AI, the museum offers art that is constantly evolving and invites you to be part of the creative process.

Check out our guide to a full day at the museum!

Regardless of the season, there’s always something fun to do in Fjällnora outdoor area, a paradise for outdoor activities, just outside the city. In the summer, the whole family can soak up the sun or take a dip in the large open-air bath, go fishing in the lake, cycle, rent pedal boats, and play beach volleyball.

In winter, cross-country skis and ice skates come out when several ski trails are groomed and Lake Trehörningen transforms into a sparkling ice rink. You can rent ice skates, cross-country skis, and kicksleds on site.

At Fyrishov Water Park you’ll find a tropical jungle zone where air and water temperatures never drop below 30 degrees. Swim, play, and splash in the large pool, set records on the water slides, follow the jet stream channel, swim under the waterfall, explore the cave, and relax for a few minutes in one of the two hot tubs. During the summer season, there’s also an outdoor pool avalible.

The adventurous family should not miss Turbo Sport & Adventure Zone. A center in Gränbystaden dedicated to encouraging children and youth to be more active, with 4,400 square meters filled to the brim with physical activities for different age groups. Try the trampoline park, the stunt zone, basket, Ninja Warrior, parkour, high ropes courses, and obstacle courses.

Or head to the Climbing Center in Fyrislund. Some might think the climbing wall requires special physical strength and experience. Think again; here, the whole family can learn how to climb! Sign up for climbing school, to learn the basics and maybe even gain a new favorite hobby.