Travel Guide

Why You Should Include a Daytrip to Uppsala in Your Visit to Sweden

Are you planning a trip to Stockholm or nearby locations? Here are the reasons why you shouldn’t miss the chance to add a daytrip to Uppsala to your itinerary! This charming city offers an unforgettable blend of rich history, beautiful nature, and vibrant cultural life—all just a short and convenient journey away.

Det gamla stationshuset i Uppsala

The Old Station Building at Uppsala Central welcomes travelers to the city.

Easy to Reach, Slower Pace – With a Complete Offering

Getting to Uppsala is surprisingly simple. 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 Swedish adventure. 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 like many locals do, is a fantastic option.

Compared to 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.

Interiören i Uppsala Domkyrka

Discover the many interesting facts about Uppsala Cathedral – entry is free.

Discover Vikings, Sweden’s Oldest University and Greatest Cathedral

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 Sweden.

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 Museum Gustavianum), and Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy.

Tvåpersoner beundrar blommorna i Stadsträdgården

The City Garden is free to visit and offers both recreation and an opportunity to discover plants and flowers.

Beautiful Gardens and Nature

Speaking of Linnaeus – for nature lovers, Uppsala offers 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. Whether you’re into botany, history, or just relaxing in a serene setting, these gardens are perfect for a break from city life.

Ljusverket Dependence under festivalen Allt Ljus på Uppsala 2024

Uppsala Light Festival – or Allt ljus på Uppsala – offer visitors to walk around and see magnificent light artworks.

Unique Events and a Lively Cultural Scene

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 season with bonfires, student choirs, and parties. In autumn, the Allt ljus på Uppsala light festival transforms the city with dazzling displays. Music lovers can check out performances all year round at Uppsala Konsert & Kongress, a modern concert venue known for its diverse program.