Sights of Uppsala
The city center is conventionally divided into two parts: to the west of the Furison River there is a predominantly church-academic area, and almost all the attractions are concentrated here; to the east of the river is the town hall, administration and business center of the city.
Uppsala Cathedral
On the right bank of the river stands the cathedral, consecrated in 1435. The temple was badly damaged by numerous fires. The original medieval style of the cathedral has been preserved only in the brickwork of the walls. Both western towers were rebuilt after 1702, and in 1745 all the cathedral towers received new roofs. After the unsuccessful reconstruction of the cathedral during the era of historicism (1880) an attempt was made to restore it to its original appearance. Today, Uppsala Cathedral represents a mixture of different architectural styles. Until the 18th century Swedish monarchs were crowned in the cathedral; Today the Archbishop of Sweden conducts the service here. Many great men of Sweden are buried in the cathedral: Gustav Vasa - the tombstone was made in the Netherlands (1576) . Near the apse of the altar stands a gilded sarcophagus (1577) with the remains of King Eric the Saint. At the entrance to the church on the left, Carl Linnaeus is buried. On his tombstone is the inscription: “To Carl Linnaeus, Prince of Botanists.” Bishop Nathan Söderblom and philosopher Emmanuel Swedenborg found eternal rest in the cathedral. Opening hours: daily. 8.00-18.00. In the northern façade tower there is a cathedral museum. Opening hours: Mon.-Sat. 10.00-17.00, Sun. 12.30-17.00.
University
Uppsala University was founded in 1477 by Archbishop Jacob Ulvsson of Sweden and Sture the Elder; later King Gustav Adolf invested all his personal funds into the development of the university. One of the most famous citizens of Uppsala - Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) , the creator of a unified system of flora and fauna, who laid the foundations of modern binomial nomenclature, which is still in effect today. You can also name some other graduates of Uppsala University: mathematician and physicist Anders Celsius, writer and playwright August Strindberg, writer Per Lagerkvist - Nobel Prize laureate in literature (1951) , UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld - Nobel Peace Prize laureate (1961) and naturalist, the “father” of ichthyology, Peter Artedi.
Gustavianum
A few steps from the cathedral is the domed building of the Gustavianum (Gustavianum). It housed the Museum of Northern Antiquities, the Victoria Museum with Egyptian and Greek antiquities, and one of the first anatomical theaters in Europe, where students could watch specialists work at a dissecting table.
University Library
Between the university and the castle stands the majestic building of the university library. (Carolina Rediviva). The holdings of the country's largest library number over 5 million volumes. This is the largest library in the country.
The famous “Silver Codex” is displayed in a special exhibition hall of the library. ("Codex Argenteus")- gospel in Gothic (VI century), it owes its name to a silver setting made in the 17th century. The library houses another rarity - the manuscript of the Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson (approximately 1300). Opening hours: midday June-September Aug. Mon.-Fri. 9.00-17.00, Sat. from 10.00, Sun. 10.00-17.00, other times Mon.-Fri. 9.00-20.00, Sat. 10.00-17.00.
Lock
From the library the road leads to the castle on the mountain. It began to be built in 1548 under Gustav Vas. The bastions offer stunning views of the city and surrounding area. The castle houses the city art museum. Opening hours: Tue.-Fri. 12.00-16.00, Sat., Sun. 11.00-17.00.
Botanical Garden
At the foot of the castle lies the University Botanical Garden (Botaniska Tradgarden). Linneanum houses the Institute of Systematic Botany and a rich collection of cacti. A special pond for “Victoria Regia” was built in a tropical greenhouse (Victoria regia) and orchids are blooming, and in the courtyard a real Japanese garden pleases the eye. Opening hours: May-Aug. daily 7.00-17.00, other times until 19.00.
Linnaeus Gardens and Museum
In the northern part of the city center on Svartbacksgatan, the Linnaeus Gardens were founded in 1650, and became world famous when the great scientist began his scientific experiments here. The Linnaeus Museum is also open here and you can see the office of the doctor and the great naturalist. The collections of curiosities and dissected animals are of greatest interest. Opening hours: June-September. Sep. Tue-Sun 12.00-16.00.
Old Uppsala
5 km north of the center - Old Uppsala (Gamla Uppsala). In Swedish historiography it is considered to be the residence of the Yngling dynasty, which ruled the Swedes until the 4th century. Of the surviving monuments of pagan antiquity, the most notable are three huge mounds - the site of modern excavations. The Old Uppsala Church was erected in the first half of the 12th century, and this was also the residence of the bishop. The Great Saxon Grammar believed that in ancient times there was a pagan temple and temple of Odin in Uppsala. Archaeologists confirm that Old Uppsala was the political center of the entire Uppland, and the mounds are of a funerary nature.
Purchases
Wonderful shops are located primarily on Stora Torget and Kungsangsgatan. Lovers of book rarities gather on Saturdays on the river bank near the Cathedral Bridge.
Uppsala area
Hammarby
For those wishing to get acquainted with the surroundings of the city, we recommend that you first go to the Hammarby farm, the summer estate of Carl Linnaeus, “an employee of the Divine Office,” purchased by him in 1758. The walls of the great scientist’s study and bedroom are covered with pages from works on botany depicting flowers. The main building displays household items, his personal belongings and clothing.
Park opening hours: May-Sept. daily 8.00-20.00: museum and cafe: Tue.-Sun. 12.00-16.00.
Mura stones
There is a house not far from the Hammarby estate (1799) . The famous sacred stones Murasten are kept there (Swedish - Mora sten). In ancient times, Swedish kings and kings were elected and took the oath of allegiance to their vassals on the stones of the Mura field and put their name on the stone. We recommend visiting the church in Lagg (Lagga), where magnificent frescoes of the 15th century have been preserved.
Uppsala, Uppsala (Swedish: Uppsala, [ɵpˈsɑːla]) is an ancient city in Sweden, administrative center Lena and commune of the same name. Located in the historical province of Uppland, 70 km north of Stockholm. With a population of more than 140 thousand people, it is the fourth city in the country by this indicator.
Since 1164, Uppsala has been the center of the Archdiocese of Uppsala and the seat of the Archbishop of the Church of Sweden. Founded in 1477, Uppsala University is oldest center higher education in Scandinavia.
Geography
The city of Uppsala is located approximately 67 km northwest of Stockholm, 40 minutes by train, so many Uppsala residents commute to Stockholm, and approximately 35 km northwest of Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (17 minutes by train). The city center is located on both banks of the Fyris River (Fyris-ån, where "ån" means "river" (Sw.)) near its confluence with Lake Mälaren. Summers are quite cool and winters are quite mild. In the summer, temperatures up to 35-38° are possible during the day, while frosts are possible at night.
Story
Uppsala was originally located a few kilometers to the north, in what is now known as Old Uppsala (Gamla Uppsala) and is now the northern district of the city. The spelling of this settlement was different: in addition to Uppsala, there were also variants Upsala (Upſala) and Ubsala (Uppsala, Ubsala).
The first buildings in Uppsala appeared in the 5th century. The city grew and developed, and by the beginning of the 13th century its trading center had moved to a more convenient location several kilometers along the Furison River, receiving the name Östra Aros (Swedish: Östra Aros).
From ancient Uppsala to the present day, a church from the 13th century and burial mounds from the 4th-12th centuries remain. This area belongs to the state and is protected by the Swedish Central Council of National Values. The open-air museum “Disagården” is located in the protected area.
When Uppsala burned down in 1245, Estra Aros inherited the name of the former city. The center of the Archdiocese of Uppsala was moved here from Old Uppsala, the new Uppsala Cathedral, opened in 1435, and the residence of the Archbishop of Uppsala were built.
On Good Friday, April 6, 1520, a battle took place in Uppsala between a Swedish army of peasants, followers of Sten Sture the Younger, and the army of the Danish king Christian II - one of the bloodiest battles ever fought in the Uppsala area.
In the 16th century, Uppsala was the center of the Reformation in Sweden. In 1536, a meeting of the Synod of the Swedish Church was held at Uppsala Castle, at which Lutheran church books were recognized as mandatory for all of Sweden. The Synod of Uppsala was an important step in the reformation in Sweden. In 1593, by decision of the Synod in Uppsala, the Augsburg Confession was adopted and the Swedish Church officially became Lutheran.
The city was damaged numerous times by fires, the largest of which was in May 1702, but many historic buildings remain, especially in the western part of the city.
Attractions
- Uppsala University is the oldest in Scandinavia, founded in 1477.
- House-museum of Professor Carl Linnaeus, who lived and is buried in Uppsala.
- Uppsala Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral, the largest in Scandinavia (1260-1435, rebuilt several times).
- Church of the Holy Trinity (Bondciurka) in the Romanesque style, XIII-XV centuries.
- Royal Castle (original year of construction - 1540, architects F. Parr, Karl Horleman and others).
- "Gustavianum" is now a university museum, in 1625-1887 the main building of Uppsala University.
- The Great Mounds of Uppsala are a complex of burial mounds.
- Uppsala Mosque in the vicinity of Uppsala.
- Swedish Bandy Hall of Fame, first ever bandy (since March 19, 2012).
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Uppsala is one of the oldest cities and is located on the banks of the Furis River, 67 km northwest of the capital. Today, it is well known as the country's religious and medical center, famous for its developments in the field of biotechnology and medicine.
Peculiarities
One of the symbols of present-day Uppsala is the local Uppsala University, founded under Bishop Jacob Ulfsson in 1477. It has a high reputation and is of enormous importance for medical and scientific education at the state level. In addition to it, such landmark institutions as the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the Johanelund Higher Theological School, the Catholic Newman Institute and the Pentecostal Theological Seminary stand out. Education, science, culture and religion have always occupied a special place in the life of the city, and such outstanding personalities as film director Ingmar Bergman, astronomer Anders Celsius, politician Klas Eklund, opera singer Malena Ernman, doctor Carl Linnaeus and guitarist Dave Lepard brought him world fame . The main industry areas here are mechanical engineering, printing and pharmaceutical industries. Uppsala has a developed infrastructure, convenient transport links, an abundance of interesting places and attractions. In the summer, there is a lot of greenery on the city streets, and during walks you can clearly smell the freshness, permeating the air with wonderful aromas.
General information
The territory of Uppsala is small and covers an area of less than 50 square meters. km, with a population of about 190 thousand people. Local time lags behind Moscow by 1 hour in summer and 2 in winter. Time zone UTC+1 and UTC+2 in the summer. Telephone code (+46) 18. Official website www.uppsala.se.
A brief excursion into history
The first houses appeared on these lands in the 5th century, and by the beginning of the 13th century the local village, lying along the banks of the Furis River, received the name East Aros. In 1245 it burned down, but was soon rebuilt, and then the Cathedral appeared here, which became the residence of the Archbishop of Uppsala. In the spring of 1520, a battle took place here between the Swedish army of the followers of Sten Sture the Younger and the army of the Danish king Christian II, which became the most massive and bloody in the history of this region. In the 16th century, Uppsala became the center of the religious Reformation throughout the country, marked by the universal adoption of the Lutheran faith. In subsequent centuries, the city developed rapidly, while preserving its historical heritage to this day, despite numerous fires.
Climate
The territory of this area is dominated by a mild temperate climate, characteristic of the central part of the country. Winter in these places is rarely frosty, although the average air temperature from December to February stabilizes at below zero. Summer is usually warm, but not hot, and the thermometer fluctuates around +22 degrees. Precipitation is distributed evenly, and the most optimal time of year to visit the banks of the Furis River is from May to September.
How to get there
From international airport The distance to Uppsala is only a few tens of kilometers, which can be covered by bus or taxi. In addition, there are rail connections with other regions.
Transport
The most convenient way to travel within the city limits is by bus, on foot or on bicycles, which, like cars, can be rented at one of the local rental points.
Attractions and entertainment
In the role of chief architectural structure Uppsala is home to Uppsala Castle, built in the 16th century in the Renaissance style. It is one of Sweden's protected national monuments and now houses several institutions, including the Uppsala Art Museum and the Peace Museum. In front of the castle lies the wonderful Botanical Garden, which belongs to Uppsalla University. It is home to about 11,000 different plants, including the unique Linnaeus laurel trees, whose age exceeds 250 years. The second most important landmark of the city is the Cathedral, which has a reputation as the national Christian shrine of Sweden. The medieval style of architecture is reflected in its brick walls, and the interior decoration, which has pronounced neo-Gothic features, is harmoniously combined with the existing interior. Every year, the temple is visited by about half a million pilgrims.
Among other interesting places, it is worth highlighting the house-museum of Professor Carl Linnaeus, the Romanesque Bondchurk Church, made in the Romanesque style, and the Swedish Bandy Hall of Fame, for those who are partial to bandy. In the vicinity of the city, you should definitely visit the Great Mounds of Uppsalla, with the burials of ancient representatives of the Svei tribe. In total there are 3 mounds: Eastern, Western and Middle. There are many different legends and myths surrounding them, and the finds found here by archaeologists are of enormous historical significance. Besides excursion program, city guests can take an exciting journey along the waters of the Furis River, walk along the city streets or visit local restaurants.
Kitchen
Uppsalla's culinary establishments offer dishes to suit every taste, from all kinds of fish delicacies to fresh fruit and gourmet vegetable salads. An indispensable attribute of any menu are various drinks and delicious desserts.
Shopping
In the local shops and shopping complexes The wide range of various goods and souvenirs attracts attention.
Uppsalla has a rare charm and, although it has much in common with others Swedish cities, has something special that makes it stand out from the general background. Here you can have a pleasant time, feel the atmosphere of the Swedish province and get to know the history of the region, which dates back to the distant Middle Ages.
The city of Uppsala is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Sweden, a “must see” for everyone who gets to know this country. Ancient houses reflected in the water surface of the river, numerous squares, fountains, interesting sights leave vivid impressions and a desire to come here again. Getting from Stockholm to Uppsala takes no longer than 40 minutes, which means there is no reason to deprive yourself of the pleasure of visiting this city.
General information
Uppsala (Sweden) is located 67 km north of Stockholm. Thanks to the high-speed train that runs between these cities, many Uppsala residents commute to the capital for work. The city, with an area of 47 km², stretches along the banks of the small river Furis. About 150 thousand people live in Uppsala - it is the 4th most populous city in Sweden.
The first settlement, called Uppsala, appeared in the 5th century, and began to actively grow and develop. After several centuries, the trade and business center of the city moved to a more convenient location several kilometers downstream of the river, closer to its mouth. The new settlement was named Estra-Aros (Eastern Mouth).
In 1245, there was a fire in Uppsala, almost the entire city was destroyed, including the residence of the archbishop of the Church of Sweden. They did not restore the ashes, moving all the most valuable things from the burned city to the neighboring Estra Aros: the residence of the archbishop along with the center of the archdiocese, as well as the name Uppsala, which replaced the previous name of the city.
Over time, the burnt-down former Uppsala turned into a small parish. Now this area has been declared a protected area. Old Uppsala attracts tourists with its attractions - burial mounds from the 5th-6th centuries, a surviving medieval church and the open-air museum “Disagården”.
And the new Uppsala has worthily passed its historical path, becoming one of the most significant cities in Sweden and preserving a significant part of its ancient buildings to this day.
Attractions
The Furis River divides the city into two parts. The greatest amount of ancient architecture has been preserved in the western part of the city of Uppsala (Sweden), the attractions are concentrated mainly here. On the eastern bank there is the administrative and business part of the city and modern residential areas.
Uppsala Cathedral is the largest in Sweden and throughout Northern Europe. Its majestic Gothic-style building has its towers 119 meters high in the heart of Uppsala. Construction of the Cathedral began in 1287 after Old Uppsala was destroyed by fire and the center of the archdiocese moved to the new part of the city.
Construction lasted almost a century and a half, and only in 1435 the cathedral was consecrated. During a fire that occurred 267 years later, the building and interior of the cathedral suffered significant damage and during restoration its style was changed. And at the end of the 19th century, the building was completely reconstructed in the Gothic style. Only the red brick walls have survived from the original building.
Uppsala Cathedral plays an important role in the spiritual life of Sweden. Until the 18th century Monarchs were crowned here, and today the Archbishop of Sweden himself holds services here. There are 4 organs here and organ music concerts are often held.
In the premises of the Uppsala Cathedral, a temple shrine is kept - a precious sarcophagus with the relics of St. Eric. The remains of many prominent Swedish citizens also rest here: kings Gustav Vasa and Johan III, the great botanist-classifier Carl Linnaeus, the scientist Emmanuel Svendenborg, and bishop Nathan Söderblom.
The interior decoration of the temple amazes with its grandeur and beauty. The vaulted ceilings decorated with golden patterns attract particular attention. The cathedral has a museum where you can see ancient church fabrics, as well as statues from the 14th century. An ancient cemetery has been preserved near the building.
- Cathedral opening hours: daily, 8-18.
- The museum is open: Mon-Sat – 10-17, Sun – 12.30-17.
- Free admission.
- Address: Domkyrkoplan 2, Uppsala 753 10, Sweden.
Another attraction that Uppsala is proud of is the university. Uppsala University is the oldest university educational institution not only in Sweden, but throughout Scandinavia. It began its work in 1477 and to this day maintains its reputation as one of the most influential institutions of higher education in Europe. More than 20 thousand students study here at 9 faculties, about 2000 employees are engaged in scientific research.
The University buildings are concentrated in the city center near the Uppsala Cathedral and form a university campus with its own special atmosphere. Uppsala University (Sweden) also has new buildings built in other parts of the city.
The main building of the University is made in the Renaissance style, it was built in the 80s of the 19th century. Decorated with marble columns, the building has luxurious interiors with majestic halls and auditoriums worthy of this temple of science.
The University Library contains many rarities - a manuscript of the Bible in Gothic, dating back to the 4th century, collections of paintings, coins, and minerals. The University has another attraction - a vast botanical garden with a monument to Carl Linnaeus and a museum.
Numismatists and anyone interested in history will be interested in visiting the numismatic office of the University, which contains more than 40 thousand coins and medals from all countries over more than 2.5 millennia.
- This attraction is open to the public on Tuesdays from 16:00 to 18:00.
- Address: 3 Biskopsgatan | University Main Building, Uppsala 753 10, Sweden.
Uppsala has attractions that will interest all the curious. One of them is the Gustavianum Museum. Its exhibition is housed in an ancient three-story baroque building, topped with a small tower under a copper domed roof with a ball. This building was built in the 17th century and was formerly the main university building.
Many artifacts from the university collections are presented here: ancient Scandinavian, ancient and Egyptian finds - ancient mummies, Viking weapons, stuffed animals and much more. Separate exhibitions tell the story of the development of science and Uppsala University, and the ancient history of Sweden. Visitors can view a collection of antique telescopes, manuscripts with observations of Nicolaus Copernicus, objects associated with the name of the great Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, and an exclusive precious cabinet.
The anatomical museum located in the tower is of greatest interest to visitors. Here, students were shown human organs that were removed from the bodies of executed criminals. The action took place on a table on which bright light fell from the circular windows of the tower. Students sat on benches surrounding the table and rising up in an amphitheater.
You can also explore the collection of the university library, which houses valuable book rarities.
- Opening hours (except Mondays): June-August 10 – 16, September-May 11 – 16.
- Ticket price: €4.
- Address: 3 Akademigatan, Uppsala 753 10, Sweden.
Old Uppsala is one of the most ancient attractions in Sweden and throughout Scandinavia. This ancient city was born in this place 16 centuries ago, and existed here for 8 centuries until it was destroyed by fire. Now there is a small parish here. This territory is a nature reserve protected by the state.
Old Uppsala is of interest as a landmark associated with the pagan past and the birth of Christianity in Sweden. The city of Uppsala (Sweden) has been the cult center of the country at almost all times. In pre-Christian times it was a pagan center, and with the introduction of Christianity it became the center of an archdiocese.
There are 3 burial mounds here dating back to the pagan period, when it was customary to sacrifice not only animals, but also people to the gods. Excavations in these mounds were carried out back in the 19th century, and now only hills can be seen rising above the devastated graves.
The medieval church XIII dates back to the Christian period in Uppsala. In the local museum you can see the model of this city, see what it was like before the fire that destroyed it. It is best to visit this place in the summer, in good weather and with a good guide.
Old Uppsala is located a few kilometers from the city. You can get here by bus No. 2, departing from the center, or by bicycle, you can also walk.
Museum opening hours daily:
- May-August 10-16,
- September-April 12-16.
Ticket price: €7.
Botanical Garden
This attraction is perfect for a relaxed, contemplative holiday. The botanical garden belongs to Uppsala University. It attracts attention from afar with its original landscape design - an alley of pyramid-shaped green shrubs. It’s nice to take a walk here in good weather, enjoying the lush flowering of plants, of which there are dozens at any time of the warm season.
As in any botanical garden, a large number of plants from all over the world are collected here. All specimens are equipped with plates indicating the type. Poisonous representatives of the flora are marked with warning signs.
On the territory of the botanical garden there is a greenhouse with tropical plants and succulents. Here you can admire many species of cacti, blooming orchids, and see the largest water lily - Victoria regia, whose giant leaves can support a person’s weight up to 50 kg. It is better to visit the Botanical Garden in the first half of the day to have time to explore the greenhouses.
- Greenhouse opening hours: 10-17
- Price visits to greenhouses: €8.
- Address: Villavagen 8, Uppsala 75236, Sweden.
Accommodation
Elite Hotel Academia There are many hotels in Uppsala, so there are usually no problems with accommodating tourists. But still, during the summer and Christmas seasons, it is better to worry about accommodation in advance and book the room you like at least a couple of weeks before arrival. The cost of a double room with breakfast included in 3-4 star hotels is €80-100 per day.
Find out PRICES or book any accommodation using this form
Nutrition
Food in Uppsala is relatively inexpensive.
- You can eat for two at McDonald's for €14.
- In an inexpensive cafe, lunch will cost about €10 per person.
- If you want to visit a restaurant with average prices, you will have to spend about €60 for two.
Prices do not include drinks.
Those who want to save on food can cook on their own. Prices in supermarkets are approximately as follows:
You can get to Uppsala from Stockholm by bus. Buses from the SL carrier depart from the railway station along this route several times a day, which will take you to your destination in 55 minutes. The trip will cost €8-25.
Swebus buses run from Stockholm bus station to Uppsala every 4 hours, travel time is approximately 1 hour, ticket price is €8-11.
Prices on the page are for July 2018.
The city of Uppsala deserves attention no less than Stockholm. Go there and you will see that it is one of the most beautiful cities Scandinavia.
Watch a short video overview of Uppsala to get a better idea of the city.
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