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Uppsala

Scandinavia's oldest university, a mighty cathedral, castle and Viking history

Browse Uppsala

Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth-largest city, is a historic seat of learning and religion, home to Scandinavia’s oldest university and its tallest cathedral, set on the Fyris river a short train ride north of Stockholm. Beyond the soaring cathedral and pink castle lie the ancient Viking mounds of Gamla Uppsala, Linnaeus’s botanical garden and a lively student life. Our local picks run from riverside restaurants and historic student pubs to museums and markets. Filter by category and budget below to plan your visit.

Uppsala at a glance

  • Ideal stay: 1 to 2 days
  • Best time to visit: May to September
  • Highlights: the cathedral, Gamla Uppsala and the Linnaeus Garden
  • Where to stay: the compact old centre by the river
  • Local picks: a growing set of hand-chosen tips
  • Getting around: a compact, walkable centre plus fast trains to Stockholm

Where to stay in Uppsala

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Crêperie Lemoni is a charming, tucked-away crêperie hidden in a courtyard off Svartbäcksgatan in central Uppsala — these days trading as Crêperie Avli. Cosy and a little bit secret, it is exactly…
★ 4.6

Centrum

Why it matters: run since 1984 by a non-profit volunteer association, Globalen is Sweden’s largest Fair Trade shop – more than 80% of its stock is certified Fairtrade or traded under the World Fair Trade Organization’s ten principles, with sales supporting producers in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Beyond the mission it is simply a good browse: shelves of coffee, chocolate, spices, textiles and handicraft you will not find in the chains. Pick up a bag of single-origin coffee or a hand-woven basket, and come on a weekday when the volunteer staff have time to tell you where each piece comes from.

Centre

★ 4.3
$$

Gamla Uppsala

★ 4.7
$

Gamla Uppsala

★ 4.7
$$

Centre

★ 4.4
$$

Before you go

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Uppsala travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Uppsala?

One to two days covers the cathedral, castle, Gustavianum and Linnaeus Garden, with time for Gamla Uppsala and an easy day trip from Stockholm.

Where is the best area to stay in Uppsala?

The compact old centre by the Fyris river keeps you within walking distance of the cathedral, university and old town.

What are the best things to do in Uppsala?

Browse the local picks above, from the cathedral, castle and Gustavianum to the Linnaeus Garden, Carolina Rediviva and the Viking mounds of Gamla Uppsala.

What is the best time to visit Uppsala?

Late spring to early autumn brings the best weather and long days; the city stays lively year round thanks to its large student population.

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