#MyUppsala by Vintagemannen

Sustainable Shopping, Cultural Experiences, and Valborg Memories

On Instagram, 73-year-old Ingemar Albertsson has made quite a name for himself as one of Sweden’s most unique style icons. On his account, Vintagemannen, he shares tips on how to find, style, and care for vintage clothing. His feed also offers inspiration for sustainable travel. Together with his wife Anne-Marie Lindstedt, known as Vintageqvinnan, he spent 36 hours in Uppsala, indulging in cultural experiences, old fashioned chocolate-dipped treats, and—of course—vintage shopping.

09:30 A Swedish Fika at Café Güntherska

10:30 A guided walk around Uppsala with Sweden History Tours

12:00-16:00 Secondhand shopping in the Boländerna area

19:00 Dinner at the classic restaurant Domtrappkällaren

09:00 A walk in the paw prints of the famous cat Peter No-Tail

11:00 Vintage shopping at cozy Drottninggatan

13:00 A visit to the treasury in Uppsala Cathedral

14:30 An throwback to the 19th century

  1. 09:30 Coffee break
  2. 10:30 Guided City Tour
  3. 12:00 Secondhand Shopping
  4. 19:00 Dinner
  5. 09:00 Morning walk
  6. 11:00 More Vintage Shopping
  7. 13:00 The Treasury
  8. 14:30 Professorshemmet

Vintagemannen and Vintageqvinnan (the Vintage Man and the Vintage Woman) met at work in the 1990s, and since then, they’ve built a life centered around their shared love for vintage. From clothing and home décor to cooking and travel, this lifestyle embraces sustainability without sacrificing style. Their mission is to inspire others to lead a life that doesn’t deplete the planet’s resources, by setting a fun and stylish example.

“We’re not here to preach,” says Ingemar. “Instead, we show that sustainability can be both fun, chic, and joyful.”

Celebrating the Swedish “Dammsugare” in Uppsala

During their visit in Uppsala, it happened to be the national day for the Swedish fika treat Punschrullens, sometimes called a Dammsugare, which was quite fitting for the couple. For over a decade, they’ve tasted this classic Swedish treat across the country. It all started one rainy day at their summer cottage when they needed a fun activity to entertain a visiting family. A tasting test was born, and since then, hundreds of punschrullar have been sampled! Uppsala, with its rich café culture and traditional bakeries, did not disappoint.

“This one gets a five-star rating!” Ingemar happily declares as he and Anne-Marie film an Instagram reel at one of Uppsala’s most beloved cafés, Güntherska Hovkonditori. In their bag, they’ve already collected several more punschrullar from other local bakeries, all waiting to be taste-tested later in their hotel room at Grand Hotell Hörnan.

Par på Guntherska som fikar

Vintage Shopping in Uppsala – A True Experience

During their stay in Uppsala, the day’s outfits were not only vintage but also locally tailored. Ingemar’s elegant jacket and vest from the 1950s bore a label from an Uppsala tailor. The couple loves mixing different decades in their wardrobe. Their vintage tour took them to classy vintage store Ruth & Raoul, the affordable secondhand shops in Boländerna (Röda Korset, Erikshjälpen and Helping Hand), and the more contemporary secondhand store Stil.

“Buying vintage is always a more rewarding shopping experience than buying new,” Ingemar explains. “You can’t just walk in and ask for a specific color or size. It takes time, patience, and an open mind, but it’s worth it every time.”

vintagemannen-agatan-promenad-var-sol-gata_destination-uppsala

A well-dressed couple on a stroll in sunny Uppsala

A Memorable Dinner at Domtrappkällaren

Uppsala holds a special place in Vintagemannen and Vintageqvinnan’s hearts. Ingemar studied at the university in the 1970s, and although he didn’t live the traditional student nation life, he fondly remembers celebrating Valborg (Walpurgis) with herring lunches and champagne bottles popping from balconies. Ann-Marie’s father, born in Uppsala, shared stories of evenings spent at Domtrappkällaren—one of the city’s most iconic restaurants, and still a favorite destination today.

Before their dinner, they explored some of Uppsala’s cultural gems—the Cathedral Treasury, the 19th-century Professor’s Home, and a guided tour that took them through the grand halls of Uppsala University.

Follow in Vintagemannen’s footsteps

Here’s a list of all the places Vintagemannen and Vintageqvinnan visited in Uppsala – this is #MyUppsala by Vintagemannen.

 

#MyUppsala by Vintagemannen

10 places

One of Uppsala’s most popular bakeries with a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. At Güntherska, you can enjoy a classic fika, sourdough pizza, or a refreshing drink. Don’t forget to try the punschrulle!

Built in 1907, this hotel sits in the heart of Uppsala and offers stunning views of the Cathedral and Uppsala Castle. There’s also a vintage chic cocktail bar in the lobby.

An iconic restaurant housed in Uppsala’s oldest surviving building, serving classic Scandinavian dishes with a modern twist. Domtrappkällaren also boasts one of the most ambitious wine cellars in town.

En hängare med vintagekavajer

Secondhand Shopping in Boländerna

Just a ten-minute bus ride from downtown, Boländerna is home to large secondhand stores like Röda Korset, Erikshjälpen, Återbruket, and Stadsmissionen’s Outlet, where you’ll find clothes, furniture, and décor at great prices.

Located on Drottninggatan, Stil offers carefully selected secondhand clothing and accessories for both men and women, with a focus on contemporary fashion.

Step back in time to a home from the late 19th century. The small yet charming museum offers free entry during open house hours.

Housed in Uppsala Cathedral, the Treasury contains some of Sweden’s most valuable artifacts, including bishop’s vestments from 1270, Gustav Vasa’s crown, and Queen Margaret’s golden dress. A must-see!

A true gem for vintage lovers, Ruth & Raoul offers high-quality vintage clothing and beautiful accessories, like silk scarves, hats, and handbags.

Explore Uppsala’s history on a themed walking tour with Sweden History Tours. Even though Vintagemannen has lived and visited Uppsala many times, he still discovered new insights during the tour.

vintagemannen-pelle-svaslos_destination-uppsala

Peter No-Tail Walk

Take a stroll through the settings of the beloved children’s book Peter No-Tail (Pelle Svanslös in Swedish), which is set in Uppsala. A fun experience for everyone young at heart! Don’t miss beautiful playground Pelleparken (located in Engelska Parken) and stop by the Läslusen bookstore for a collection of Pelle books.