With its hugely impressive cathedral (Uppsala Domkyrka) and the ancient Viking burial mounds in and around the city, you’ll realise that this is a place with a history.
And what a history it is. The kings of ancient Svea were crowned here, the Vikings traded and settled here and Uppsala has been at the centre of cultural and religious life in Sweden for centuries. It is also home to Uppsala University, which was founded in 1477.
The presence of Uppsala University can be felt everywhere in the city, housed in its many historic buildings, student residences, study halls and research centres. The student clubs here, known as ‘nations’, are famous in Uppsala for their social scenes and traditions and some are almost as old as the university itself.
We should add here that the Uppsala University’s collection of art, books and scientific memorabilia is not to be missed. The collection includes the world famous Silver Bible, dating from the 6th century, which is worth a trip in itself. Other university-centric spots of interest include its Botanical Gardens, Main Building, University Park and its library (known as ‘Carolina to the locals if you’re asking for directions).
Uppsala manages to meld the ancient, the medieval and the ultra modern beautifully. It has bustling shopping precincts and malls with the big name Swedish clothes and accessories retailers and smaller designer boutiques. No less attractive is its range of eateries in and around the city.
Did we mention that Carl Linnaeus, world famous botanist, physician and zoologist lived and worked in Uppsala in the 18th century and that Ingmar Bergman, legendary movie and theatre director grew up here. Not that we’re dropping names.