For many, the Swedish city of Uppsala is synonymous with Uppsala University. Founded in 1477, it is Scandinavia's oldest university. But despite its 50,000-plus student population, Uppsala isn’t just about academics. Formerly a Viking settlement, this history-steeped city is home to Sweden’s largest cathedral, the grand Uppsala Castle (Uppsala Slott), and the Iron Age burial mounds of Gamla Uppsala. Beyond the historical highlights, the best things to do in Uppsala include browsing its independent bookstores and following film director and former resident Ingmar Bergman's footsteps.
Spring and summer are particularly beautiful seasons in Uppsala. When winter chill gives way to near-midnight sun, strolling along the Fyris River or touring the Linnaeus Garden (where biologist Carl Linnaeus conducted his botanical research) becomes particularly inviting. Things get especially festive yearly on April 30 when the Valborg festival sees huge bonfires held to celebrate the spring and in mid-September when Uppsala’s annual Culture Night is held.
Uppsala’s main transit hub is its Central Station, which connects the city with destinations like Stockholm (around 44 miles, or 71 kilometers, south). The city also operates 26 different bus lines for easy public transportation. Accessibly sized Uppsala is a walkable place, and it has also been named Sweden’s most bike-friendly city, with a wealth of cycle paths available.
If you’re visiting Uppsala, don’t miss the chance to experience an afternoon fika. This beloved Swedish tradition roughly translates to relaxing with a coffee and pastry and preferably chatting with a friend while you do so. It’s an integral part of the culture, and in Uppsala, there are plenty of bakeries and coffee shops to choose from. Pro-tip: Order a kardemummabulle (cardamom bun), a popular local treat.
