Uppsala

CountySweden, Europe

Uppsala is a STATE in Sweden, Europe.

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.

Best time to visit Uppsala

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.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Cool 5-10°C, rain

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Low

Autumn colors, cozy indoor activities.

Know before you go

Getting there

ARN

Stockholm Arlanda Airport

International

35 km away

VST

Stockholm Västerås Airport

Domestic

80 km away

NYO

Stockholm Skavsta Airport

International

130 km away

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)."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cafes, hotels, and public spaces

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport or stores from 100 SEK

Calling code

+46

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe overall. Scams are rare but possible in tourist spots.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe overall. Scams are rare but possible in tourist spots.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

7/10

"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."

Entry and health

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."

Culture

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."
SwedishEnglish

Costs and practicals

Currency

Swedish Krona (SEK) · kr

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

100-150 SEK | a cheap local meal costs around 100-150 SEK

Hotels

800-1500 SEK | budget hotels range 800-1500 SEK/night

Local transport

30 SEK | local bus ride ~30 SEK

Cost notes

Prices are approximate. Dining and accommodation vary widely.

Timezone

Europe/Stockholm +01:00 (GMT) / +02:00 (GMT) during Daylight Saving Time

More facts

Population

400,000

Area

8,209 km²

Government

County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelse) and a directly elected County Council (Region Uppsala) responsible mainly for healthcare and public transport.

ISO code

SE-21

Type

County

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Уппсала, उप्साला, اوپسالا, אופסאלא, Упсала, Östra Aros, ᐆᑉᓴᓚ/uupsala, Upsalia, ኡፕሳላ, อุปซอลา, Ουψάλα, Уппсалæ, უფსალა, Uppsala, Uppsalir, אופסלה, Өпсала, Upsāla, اپسالا, ウプサラ, Ուփսալա, உப்சாலா, Upsala, ಉಪ್ಪ್ಸಲ, 웁살라, أوبسالا, 乌普萨拉, Upsalo, Oupsala, QYX, Ubsala, Upfala, Uppsal, Uppsalae, apsala, awbsala, awpsala, ubsalla, upasala, upcala, upsala, upusara, wu pu sa la, xup sx la, ʿeፕsala, Убсала, Упфала, اوبسالا, উপসালা, ਅਪ੍ਸਾਲਾ, አፕሳላ

Capital CityMajor HubHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingCulturalUniversity Town