Walpurgis or Valborg in Uppsala – How to Celebrate

New Orleans has Mardi Gras. Rio has its Carnival. Uppsala has Valborg. April 30th is a sacred day for all Uppsalaites – and a magical experience for visitors, whether you’re a student or just curious about this unique tradition.

Valborg, or Walpurgis Night, is celebrated in Sweden on April 30th to welcome spring, with roots in ancient pagan rituals marking the season’s change. The tradition evolved through the Middle Ages, when bonfires were lit to ward off evil spirits, and later became a festive occasion for singing, gathering, and celebrating renewal. Today, it’s a cherished event across Sweden, combining old customs with modern celebrations.

In Uppsala, at the April 30th, the city’s streets and parks transform into a vibrant celebration that takes over the entire town. Many of the traditional events are tied to Uppsala’s rich student life, but Valborg is far from just a student affair. If there’s one day to visit Uppsala during the year – make it Valborg.

New to Valborg and eager to experience the festivities? Here’s a timeline of events to ensure a complete Valborg experience.

9:00 – Start with a Champagne Breakfast

While many students are still recovering from the warm-up celebrations known as “Skvalborg” and “Kvalborg,” you can kick off Valborg with a traditional champagne breakfast in one of Uppsala’s picnic-friendly parks. The lush Stadsträdgården, with its view of the Fyris River, offers the perfect setting. The most important part of this meal isn’t what you eat, but that it’s accompanied by bubbly – whether it’s champagne, sparkling wine, mineral water, or any other fizzy drink.

Studenter på en flotte som ser ut som en bil under forsränningen på Valborg

10:00 – River Rafting in Fyris River

After breakfast, take a stroll along the Fyris River toward the city center. Here, you’ll find an enthusiastic crowd cheering on homemade rafts as they navigate the river’s currents around 10 AM. Watching these creatively crafted (and often precarious) rafts tackle the Kvarnfallet and Islandsfallet rapids is pure entertainment. This tradition, started by Uppsala’s engineering students in the mid-1970s, is a true spectacle. Be sure to arrive early for a good viewing spot!

11:30 – Classic Herring Lunch

No Swedish celebration is complete without herring, and Valborg in Uppsala is no exception. Flustret, located at the entrance to Stadsträdgården, Uppsala Art Museum and Uppsala Concert & Congress (UKK) at Vaksala Square host traditional herring lunches. Expect a festive mix of food, drinks, and long tables accompanied by cheerful spring songs!

Studenter firar Valborg i Uppsala

12:30 – Party in the Ekonomikum Park

The place to be for students and partygoers on Valborg is undoubtedly the Ekonomikum Park. In fact, many spend their entire day here, (hopefully) soaking up some spring sun, having picnics and something to drink. Families and those looking for a calmer atmosphere can settle on the park’s outskirts, while those seeking the heart of the party should arrive early to claim a prime spot.

13:30 – Melodious Moments with Wijkmanska Blecket at Carolina Rediviva

Before the hat-raising ceremony (see next item on the agenda) at 3 PM, the legendary student orchestra Wijkmanska Blecket performs on the steps of Carolina Rediviva, the university library just a stone’s throw from the Ekonomikum Park. This lively orchestra, associated with Uplands Nation, offers an energetic mix of musical styles for everyone to enjoy!

valborg uppsala

15:00 – The Hat-Raising Ceremony and OD Choir Concert

At 3 PM sharp, on the command of Uppsala University’s Vice-Chancellor, new and weathered student caps are raised in unison to welcome the arrival of spring. This tradition, held outside the University library Carolina Rediviva near Uppsala Castle and the Cathedral, dates back to the early 1900s and has been celebrated in its current form since the 1950s.

A newer addition to the tradition is a concert by the male choir Orphei Drängar (OD), performed on the steps of Carolina Rediviva. Renowned as one of the world’s best male choirs, OD promises an unforgettable choral experience.

15:30 – Catch a Glimpse of the Champagne Gallop

After the hat-raising ceremony, students in rugged clothes dash off to partake in the “Champagne Gallop” at various student nations. This playful tradition involves a mix of water fights and spraying champagne on one another. While non-members of the Students Unions can’t join the gallop itself, you can still catch a glimpse of soaked participants near the nations. Alternatively, grab a seat at one of the city’s many outdoor cafés and watch the spectacle from a comfortable – and dry – distance.

Vy över bal i rikssalen på uppsala slott

17:00 – A Fairy Tale Ball at Uppsala Castle

Ever dreamed of attending a ball in a real castle? During Valborg in Uppsala, dreams come true! Anyone over 18, can sign up for the annual Valborg Ball at the historic Uppsala Castle. Put on your finest attire and prepare for a magical evening with dinner, songs, and dancing. It’s going to be glamorous, grand, and absolutely enchanting!

Majbrasa i Gamla Uppsala

21:00 – Cozy Bonfires or Nightlife Adventures?

As the evening chill sets in, warm up by a traditional bonfire. Several bonfires are lit around Uppsala during the late hours of April 30th. One of the most popular is at Gamla Uppsala’s Royal Mounds, preceded by a torchlit procession. Another gathering spot around 9 PM is the Gunilla Bell at Uppsala Castle courtyard, where you’ll hear inspiring spring speeches and songs celebrating student life.

If you’re in the mood to keep the party going, check out local nightclubs like Flustret and Birger Jarl .

Full Program for Valborg

For a complete schedule of events – for students and everyone else – visit www.valborgiuppsala.se.