About Uppsala
Uppsala County, nestled in the heart of Sweden, is a captivating blend of ancient history, vibrant academia, and serene natural landscapes. The city of Uppsala, its historic capital, is a must-visit, home to Scandinavia's oldest university and the magnificent Uppsala Cathedral, the tallest church in the Nordic countries. History buffs will be enthralled by Gamla Uppsala, an ancient pagan site with royal burial mounds and a fascinating museum. The region offers a rich cultural tapestry, from the Linnaean Gardens, celebrating the father of modern taxonomy, to the modern art at Uppsala Art Museum. Nature lovers can explore the lush forests and waterways of the Uppland countryside, perfect for cycling, hiking, or a peaceful boat trip on the Fyris River. With a lively student population, the area boasts cozy cafes, innovative restaurants, and a dynamic nightlife. Uppsala's unique charm lies in its seamless fusion of deep-rooted tradition and contemporary Swedish life, making it an essential and enriching stop on any Swedish itinerary.
Things to do in Uppsala
Roofwalking on the worlds greatest pink castle!
Uppsala, Central Sweden
Uppsala Must See 2h city walk - 2h tour of all big attractions!
Uppsala, Central Sweden
Uppsala bloody history 1h- racial biology, 18th century plague, 19th century prostitution etc.
Uppsala, Central Sweden
Uppsala Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour
Uppsala, Central Sweden
City walk 1h - Runes and rune stones in Uppsala
Uppsala, Central Sweden
Swedish Lifestyle and Private Walking Tour of Uppsala
Uppsala, Central Sweden
3h Uppsala city walking tour, Cathedral, university buildings etc
Uppsala, Central Sweden
Guided Kayaking and Canoeing
Uppsala, Central Sweden
The Best of Uppsala: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Uppsala, Central Sweden
Cube of Art Uppsala Museum of Interactive Art
Uppsala, Central Sweden
Guided tour 90min at Old Uppsala mounds and old Uppsala church
Uppsala, Central Sweden
Adventure parc
Uppsala, Central Sweden
Uppsala's biggest attractions - 1h city walk in Uppsala city.
Uppsala, Central Sweden
Uppsala University's strangest anecdotes, stories from Scandinavias oldest!
Uppsala, Central Sweden
Private medieval horror and dark folklore walk Uppsala
Uppsala, Central Sweden
Travel Tips for Uppsala
Getting Around
Uppsala has an efficient public transport system run by UL (Upplands Lokaltrafik), with extensive bus networks connecting the city and county. The city center is very walkable and bicycle-friendly, with numerous rental options. Taxis are available but expensive; use reputable companies like Uppsala Taxi. Ride-sharing apps like Uber operate. Renting a car is useful for exploring the wider countryside. The Uppsala City Card offers free bus travel and museum entry. The main train station connects to Stockholm (40 min) and Arlanda Airport (17 min).
Best Time To Visit
Late May to early September offers the best weather with long daylight hours (midnight sun in June), ideal for outdoor activities and festivals like Valborg (April 30) and the Uppsala Reggae Festival (August). The Christmas markets in December are magical. Winter (December-February) is cold and dark but offers a cozy atmosphere and winter sports opportunities. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are cooler and less crowded.
Local Customs
Swedes value punctuality, personal space, and quietness in public. It is customary to remove shoes when entering someone's home. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service (rounding up the bill or 5-10% in restaurants). Dress is generally casual but smart-casual for finer dining. 'Fika' (a coffee and pastry break) is a cherished social ritual. Queuing orderly is expected. During traditional events like Valborg, student caps and singing are prominent.
Safety Information
Uppsala is generally very safe with low crime rates. Standard precautions against petty theft like pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas or on public transport are advisable. The city center and main attractions are safe day and night. Violent crime is rare. Be cautious when cycling, as it is a very popular mode of transport. In winter, watch for icy sidewalks. There are no specific areas to avoid, but as anywhere, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings after dark in less populated areas. Scams are uncommon.
Health Information
Uppsala has excellent healthcare facilities, including the highly regarded Akademiska Sjukhuset (University Hospital). The EU/EEA citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its replacement, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Non-EU travelers are strongly advised to have comprehensive travel health insurance. No specific vaccinations are required for entry. Tap water is safe to drink. In winter, be prepared for cold weather and limited daylight. For minor issues, pharmacies (Apotek) are widely available. The emergency number for medical assistance is 112.
Languages Spoken
SwedishEnglish
Quick Facts
Currency
Swedish Krona (SEK)
kr
kr
Timezone
Europe/Stockholm +01:00 (GMT) / +02:00 (GMT) during Daylight Saving Time
Calling Code
+46
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
approx. 400,000
Area
8209 km²
Government
County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelse) and a directly elected County Council (Region Uppsala) responsible mainly for healthcare and public transport.
ISO Code
C