- Uppsala is home to one of the oldest university libraries in Sweden, the Carolina Rediviva, which houses the Silver Bible from the 6th century.
- The city's urban planning is famously influenced by the 'student nation' system, where social life is organized into traditional student-run houses.
- Uppsala hosts the Sista April (Walpurgis Night) celebration, one of the largest student festivals in the world, marked by traditional boat racing and river rafting.
- The city has maintained a long-standing environmental focus, consistently ranking among the most sustainable municipalities in Sweden regarding public transportation and energy use.
- Uppsala was the site of the Viking-age Thing, a major political and religious assembly point, before the region transitioned to Christianity.
About Uppsala
Uppsala serves as Sweden's primary intellectual hub, anchored by the oldest university in Scandinavia and a skyline dominated by the towering Uppsala Cathedral. The city balances profound historical depth, centered around sites like the Old Uppsala Archaeological Park, with a youthful energy fueled by its active student life. The serene Botanical Garden and the expansive grounds of Uppsala Castle reflect the city's commitment to both academic heritage and natural preservation. Visitors can trace the legacy of Carl Linnaeus at Linnaeus' Hammarby or explore local cultural evolution through the diverse exhibits at the Upplands Museum.
Highlights of Uppsala
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
This 15th-century cathedral is the tallest church in the Nordic countries and contains the tombs of Swedish monarchs.
Historical places
Perched on a hill, the castle offers a panoramic vantage point over the city and serves as the residence for the County Governor.
Parks
Established by Olof Rudbeck, this garden features an 18th-century orangery and a historic Linnaean collection.
Historical places
This site contains significant burial mounds dating back to the Iron Age, once believed to be the resting places of Norse gods.
Parks
Visit the summer home of the legendary botanist Carl Linnaeus to see his private herbarium and original landscape gardens.
Museums
This museum preserves the 17th-century anatomical theatre once used for public dissections and demonstrations at the university.
Museums
Housed in a former mill, this museum documents the cultural history and industrial evolution of the surrounding Uppland province.
Museums
This educational center focuses on local biodiversity and natural history, specifically tailored to the unique flora and fauna of the Uppsala region.
Top things to do in Uppsala
The 127 highest-rated places in Uppsala, ranked by travellers.
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Temples
Uppsala Cathedral is the tallest church in the Nordic countries, standing at 118.7 meters. Construction began in the 13t...
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Uppsala on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Uppsala
May to August, as the long daylight hours of the Nordic summer provide the best weather for exploring the expansive parklands and historical outdoor sites.
2-3 days to cover the central cathedral district, the university museums, and the archaeological sites on the city outskirts.
The city center is highly walkable, complemented by an extensive network of cycling paths and a reliable local bus system operated by UL.
Stay in the Fjärdingen district to be within walking distance of the university, the cathedral, and the historic core.
Mid-range to expensive, consistent with general Swedish price levels for dining and accommodation.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 127 curated attractions in and around Uppsala, ranked by traveller ratings.
Uppsala Cathedral is the highest-rated place to visit in Uppsala right now.
The largest category is temples, with 52 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Stockholm Municipality, Gothenburg, Malmö.
Explore more of Sweden
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
