The castle was the site of the Sture Murders in 1567, where King Eric XIV killed several members of the Swedish nobility.
It was the location where Queen Christina officially abdicated her throne in 1654 to convert to Catholicism.
The castle's foundation was originally built as a fortress to control the city and ensure the loyalty of the citizens to the crown.
The 1702 fire left only the walls standing, and the castle remained a ruin for several decades before being rebuilt as an administrative building.
The Vasaborgen ruins allow visitors to see the original defensive walls and cannon emplacements constructed during the Vasa era.
The castle grounds contain a botanical garden dedicated to Carl Linnaeus's legacy nearby, reflecting the city's academic history.
Uppsala Castle, commissioned by King Gustav Vasa in 1549, serves as a central historical landmark positioned on a ridge overlooking the city of Uppsala. The castle has undergone significant architectural changes, particularly following a major fire in 1702 that destroyed much of the original Renaissance structure. It functioned as the administrative center for the County of Uppsala and currently serves as the official residence of the County Governor. The building houses several institutions, including the Uppsala Art Museum and the Vasaborgen ruins. Visitors can explore the preserved remains of the 16th-century fortification within the Vasaborgen section. The site features an outdoor sculpture park and extensive castle grounds that remain open to the public year-round. Historically, it was the site of the abdication of Queen Christina in 1654. The pink-hued exterior is a defining visual characteristic of the modern facade.
From the base of the castle hill looking up toward the main facade or from the Gunillaklockan bell tower area.
Check the official website for seasonal access to the Vasaborgen ruins, as they are not open year-round.
Walk the castle hill perimeter for panoramic views of the Uppsala Cathedral and the university district.
Visit the Uppsala Art Museum located inside the castle for contemporary exhibitions.
Do not attempt to access the private administrative areas reserved for the County Governor's office.
The Vasaborgen ruins are typically open only during the summer season, while the castle grounds and art museum have varying schedules throughout the year.
