Uppsala

Uppsala is a fair sized, fairly generic Swedish town, down the center a canal runs, dividing the city quite neatly and making picturesque what could have been quite generic a city.

Sights & Culture

Uppsala Domkyrka

Uppsala Cathedral is a large Gothic church near the centre of town on the Fyris river that runs through Uppsala. In constant use for over seven centuries it is a key part of the landscape of Uppsala. It is the only church in Sweden that fulfills all three levels for its faithful. It is a parish church, a church of the diocese and the church of the Swedish Church.

The church is an impressive building, though now somewhat tucked away form the main bustle of the town.

Obelisken

Near to the castle, stands the Obelisk, a two hundred hear old pillar dedicated to Gustav II Adolf.

Uppsala Slott

Like most castles called ‘slott’, Uppsala Castle is closer to a large manor house than it is to a medieval castle. Originally started in the 16th century as a fortification it was reconstructed two hundred years later and again in the early 21st century when the facades of the castle were renovated giving it the more modern look.

Aside from being the home of the Art Museum, it is also the residence of the Governor, and there is a summertime museum called the vasaborgen in the castle ruins. Additionally, the Peace Museum is also based here.
As much of it is in use, there is little to see directly as a tourist, but by visiting the museums you have the chance to see much of it.

Gunillaklockan

The Gunilla watch is the site of the bell, a symbol of Uppsalla. Originally cast in 1588, the bell is key to a number of local traditions and ceremonies such as a December torchlight walk from the Norrlands Nation to the bell where it is rung at 9pm.

Museums & Galleries

Uppland Museum 

Right on the river, the Uppland Museum gives a history of Uppsala County as well as a venue for artists. There are permanent exhibitions showing the history of the county for over five thousand years including a small treasure room of artefacts as well as space for temporary exhibits. During my visit this was focused on allowing a series of artists to show what they could do with seven kilograms of Iron.

Uppsala konstmuseum

The Uppsala art museum is housed in the castle, and set over three floors. It has paintings from the university collection as well as temporary exhibitions. There is no entrance fee and there is a lovely cafe in the castle basement.

There is also a section dedicated to work from the abandoned ceramics factory Upsala-Ekeby, which is worth visiting the museum for on their own.

Disagården

Part of the historic area of Gamla Uppsala is the Disagården, an outdoor museum of life in Uppsala. Featuring buildings from history, it is a popular approach in Scandinavia with similar museums in Halland and Oslo. During the summer months, when fully open traditionally dressed people populate these museums to educate the visitors. In the winter, it is only the closed up buildings.

Parks & Gardens

Stadsparken

Along the river, the city park is a popular outdoors space. Starting next to the Pump Musuem, it is a long, thin park with benches, green spaces and walking tracks.

Restaurants & Bars

Churchill Arms

A Swedish take on English pubs, the Churchill arms has a range of beers on tap, a dark wood interior and is often quite crowded due to its well deserved popularity.

Terrassen Kök & Bar

Near to one of the bridges over the river, The Terrace Kitchen & Bar does good food and has an excellent wine list.