Uppland trip planner

Begin your exploration with the iconic Gamla Stan, the medieval heart of the city. Wander through its narrow cobblestone streets, admire the colorful buildings, and visit the Royal Palace to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

A cultural hub, Stockholm is home to 100 museums. Some of the highlights include the National Museum, the Modern Art Museum, the Royal Armory, the maritime Vasa Museum, and ABBA the Museum dedicated to the legacy of the former pop group. Millesgarden is an outstanding art museum and sculpture garden.

Djurgården Island, a thickly wooded, green oasis in central Stockholm houses the renowned Skansen Open-Air Museum, the Stockholm Zoo featuring Nordic animals, the Rosendal Palace, and Gröna Lund, a themed amusement park – a popular tourist destination, especially for families.

The top of the Ericsson Globe, the world’s largest round building, offers spectacular views of the city and is another one of the many family-friendly things to do in Stockholm. Other must-see attractions include Skogskyrkogården- the Woodland Cemetery, and the famous City Hall where the Nobel Prize banquet takes place. A boat tour through the archipelago is a delightful way to appreciate Stockholm’s maritime beauty.

The royal family’s Drottningholm Palace is just outside the city, as is Birka, an important Viking Age trading center. Uppsala, just north of Stockholm, is home to Uppsala Cathedral, stunning botanical gardens, and one of the oldest colleges in Scandinavia.

To experience modern Stockholm, head to the trendy district of Södermalm with its hip boutiques, eclectic cafes, and lively arts scene. Climb the Katarina Hissen (Katarina Elevator) for panoramic views of the city.

Östermalms Saluhall, a historic, bustling food market offering a variety of fresh and local delicacies, is the perfect place to savor Stockholm’s cuisine. Don't miss traditional dishes like meatballs and gravlax.

Spring is an ideal time to visit Stockholm, as the city emerges from the winter chill. Summer brings a celebration of the outdoors, and, autumn, as temperatures cool significantly, is an opportunity to explore indoor attractions. During the winter, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, offering ice skating in Kungsträdgården and the chance to witness the Northern Lights.

One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the Uppsala Cathedral, a magnificent 13th century Gothic structure. The cathedral is known for its stunning architecture and the panoramic views from its tower. Visit the adjoining Gustavianum museum, which houses a diverse collection of historical artifacts.

Uppsala University, founded in 1477, is the oldest university in Scandinavia. Visit the University Library, the Carolina Rediviva, home to a vast collection of books, including the famous Silver Bible as well as the museums and botanical gardens that are located on the picturesque campus.

Uppsala is surrounded by lush landscapes. It is bordered by the Fyris River and boasts several parks, including Linnaeus Garden, the oldest botanical garden in Sweden, named after the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus. These green spaces provide a tranquil escape from urban life, and the interactive exhibits are engaging for every age. The Hågadalen-Nåsten nature reserve, located just outside the city, offers hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and breathtaking views of the Swedish countryside.

Uppsala's vibrant culinary scene is another highlight. Savor the local specialties as well as international flavors in the city’s many restaurants, cafes, and pubs. Don’t miss the fika (the Swedish tradition of coffee and pastry), and wander through the lively food markets to immerse in the sights, tastes, and smells of regional specialties.

There is a variety of family-friendly things to do in Uppsala, as well, offering a mix of educational and recreational experiences for kids.

Explore Sweden’s ancient history by visiting Gamla Uppsala, where you can see Viking burial mounds. The Fyrishov Water Park and Sports Complex are a large recreational facility that include a water park with slides, pools, and water play areas as well as sports facilities like indoor ice skating and a mini-golf course.

The Uppsala Biologiska Museum is a natural history museum with interactive exhibits, live animals, and hands-on activities, and the Navet Science Center, located in nearby Örebro, also has interactive exhibits and activities designed to spark children's interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 
Stadsskogen, Uppsala's city forest, is a great place for nature walks and picnics, and it features a playground for children.

The best time to visit Uppsala depends on personal preferences and the type of activities you enjoy. Sweden experiences distinct seasons, each offering a unique atmosphere and set of activities. During the spring and summer, the weather is generally mild and pleasant. The summer, with its longer daylight hours, allows for more outdoor activities, yet it is also attracts larger crowds. Fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn colors to Uppsala – a great time for nature walks in the surrounding forests. If you enjoy winter sports and a festive atmosphere, visiting Uppsala in the winter can be magical, but keep in mind that the days are short and the temperatures can be quite cold.

Established in the 10C, Sweden's oldest town and first capital is a wonderfully picturesque spot retaining much of its historic charm.