Nature & Adventure

Hike the Linné Trails in Uppsala

Along the Linné Trails, you can experience the same landscapes once explored by Carl Linnaeus – Uppsala’s own world-famous 18th-century naturalist. Linnaeus laid the foundation for how we still name and classify plants and animals today, and it was right here that he took his students on field excursions. Walking these trails means stepping straight into history, among blooming meadows and fascinating plants that once inspired the Flower King himself.

Experience history along Linnaeus’ eight hiking trails – the so-called “herbations” – where Carl Linnaeus once taught his students in the open air. The trails follow his original 18th-century routes, and many of the plants he once studied can still be found along the way, including the twinflower Linnaea borealis, his beloved namesake.

Each trail has its own character – from flower-filled meadows to lush forests – and several pass by some of Uppsala’s most famous landmarks. Choose between shorter walks of around six kilometres and longer hikes of up to a couple of miles, and discover how scientific history and natural beauty come together in Linnaeus’ footsteps.

Maps and Highlights

At linnestigarna.se, you’ll find maps and descriptions of the many highlights along the trails. Want to add a touch of adventure to your hike? Don’t miss the special treasure maps that include GPS challenges and hidden clues!

Linnéstigarna

Gottsunda Trail

The Gottsunda Trail is 6 km long and starts at Gläntan on the western edge of Stadsskogen (Norbyvägen 46). From here, you can look out over what was once the Norby marsh, where Linnaeus picked cloudberries. After a pleasant walk through Stadsskogen, the trail continues along the Håga River and ends at Lurbo Bridge. Read more

Ultuna Trail

The Ultuna Trail is 7 km long with six checkpoints, starting at Slottstullen (Sjukhusvägen 1). The flat landscape still bears traces of the Ice Age. For the more daring, the trail continues out into the wetlands on the Sunnersta boardwalk, where the hike ends. Read more

Håga Trail

The Håga Trail is 6 km long with four checkpoints. It begins at Carolina Rediviva, passes through the rolling hills of Rickomberga and the meadows of Flogsta, and ends in Håga village. Read more

Danmark Trail

The Danmark Trail is 16 km long and starts at the harbour by the River Fyris. It leads out to Kungsängen, where the snake’s head fritillaries bloom in May. The trail then follows the Sävja River to Linnaeus’ Sävja and continues on to Linnaeus’ Hammarby. Read more

Gamla Uppsala Trail

The Gamla Uppsala Trail is over 10 km long with five checkpoints. It starts at the Linnaeus Garden and takes you past Fyrishov, Röbo Ridge, and on to the royal burial mounds of Gamla Uppsala and the swaying wetlands of Sjödyn. Read more

Vaksala Trail

The Vaksala Trail is 9 km long, starting in Nyby and continuing eastward to Vaksala Church. It then crosses the meadows at Eke and Jälla, ending at Törnby Farm – whose income once paid Linnaeus’ professorship salary. Read more

Husby Trail

The Husby Trail is about 20 km long with six checkpoints, starting at Finn Malmgrens plats. The trail follows the Fyris River past Stabby and Librobäcken and ends at Börje Church. It’s suitable for both hiking and cycling. Read more

Jumkil Trail

The Jumkil Trail is 8 km long and the only one that starts outside the city. From Jumkil Church, it leads through Örnsätra into the vast Jumkil forests to the west, where the twinflower still blooms in summer. The trail ends at Studentvilan, which has a barbecue area. Read more

Good to know

There are eight trails to explore, each marked with blue signs guiding you through nature and historical landmarks.
Several trails include a treasure hunt, where you use GPS and clues to find hidden spots. Maps are available at the Biotopia Museum or for download at linnestigarna.se.
Some sections are quite hilly or follow uneven paths or traffic routes – so dress appropriately for the activity!

Map

The map shows the starting points of the Linné Trails. Full route maps can be found at linnestigarna.se.