Throughout history, Uppsala Cathedral has been the setting for royal coronations, historic burials, and many pivotal moments in Sweden’s development. Construction began around 1270, and the cathedral was consecrated in 1435. Until 1719, Swedish monarchs were crowned here, and to this day, it remains the place where bishops are ordained into service.
What to experience in Uppsala Cathedral
Among the cathedral’s highlights is the reliquary of Saint Erik, the patron saint of Sweden. Uppsala Cathedral is also home to the largest stained-glass window in Sweden—roughly the size of a two-room apartment. Don’t miss the medieval altarpiece, the 18th-century pulpit, or the striking contemporary artworks and decorations throughout the church. In the northern tower, you’ll find the Treasury (Skattkammaren), where sparkling, somt treasures from Sweden’s past await.
Several key figures in Swedish history are buried in Uppsala Cathedral. Gustav Vasa—the founder of the modern Swedish state—and his queens rest in the cathedral’s largest chapel. Other notable graves include botanist Carl Linnaeus and his wife Sara Lisa Moraea, scientist and mystic Emanuel Swedenborg, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nathan Söderblom, and the parents of Saint Bridget of Sweden (whose tombstone bears the oldest preserved image of the saint).
Guided tours are offered every Sunday, year-round, and are free of charge—an enriching way to deepen your experience. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, guidebooks and brochures are available at the Cathedral Shop.
Cathedral Café and Cathedral Shop
The Cathedral Café, located in a charming 18th-century building next to the main entrance, invites you to rest and enjoy a coffee, homemade pastries, or a light lunch. During summer, the outdoor terrace offers what might be the city’s most beautiful view, in the cool shade of the cathedral towers.
If you’d like to take home a souvenir, don’t miss the Cathedral Shop just inside the church entrance. Here you’ll find cathedral-themed gifts, local crafts, postcards, books, the cathedral’s own honey, and a special cathedral tea blend. The selection changes throughout the year with seasonal items like Christmas ornaments and Easter decorations.
