Exploring Uppsala: 10 Must-Visit Places and 5 to Avoid

Uppsala, located in the heart of Sweden, is a city with a rich cultural heritage and picturesque surroundings. With its beautiful architecture, magnificent cathedrals, ancient ruins, and serene parks, this city has something to offer for everyone. In this travel blog, we will explore the ten must-visit places and five to avoid while exploring Uppsala.

10 Must-Visit Places in Uppsala

In no particular order, here are the must-visit places in Uppsala:

1. The Uppsala Cathedral

   The Uppsala Cathedral is a magnificent structure that dominates the skyline of Uppsala. Built-in 1435, it is the largest and tallest church in Scandinavia. It is home to the silver shrine of St. Eric, which is considered one of the most valuable works of medieval Scandinavian art. Visitors can climb to the top of the cathedral and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

2. The Linnaean Garden

   The Linnaean Garden is the oldest botanical garden in Sweden, established in 1655 by Carolus Linnaeus. It features over 7000 species of plants from all over the world. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and enjoy the beautiful flowers and exotic trees. The garden also houses a café where visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the breathtaking views.

3. The Uppsala Castle

   The Uppsala Castle is an ancient structure that dates back to the 16th century. It served as the residence of the king of Sweden until the 18th century. Today, it houses two museums, the Upplandsmuseet, and the Gustavianum Museum. Visitors can explore the beautiful architecture of the castle and learn about the history and culture of Uppsala.

4. The Museum of Evolution

   The Museum of Evolution is a fascinating place for science lovers. It houses a collection of fossils, skeletons, and other artifacts that tell the story of the evolution of life on earth. Visitors can learn about the dinosaurs, the ice age, and human evolution through interactive exhibits and displays.

5. The Gamla Uppsala Museum

   The Gamla Uppsala Museum is located in an ancient burial ground where the pre-Christian kings of Sweden are buried. The museum features a collection of artifacts that tell the story of the ancient Norse civilization. Visitors can learn about the Viking age, the myths and legends of the Norse gods, and the daily life of the ancient Norse people. The museum also has a beautiful café where visitors can relax and enjoy traditional Swedish delicacies.

6. The Carolina Rediviva Library

   The Carolina Rediviva Library is the oldest and largest academic library in Sweden. It houses over six million books, including rare manuscripts, old prints, and original copies of the famous Codex Argenteus. Visitors can explore the beautiful architecture of the library and learn about the history of printing and publishing in Sweden.

7. The Fyris River

   The Fyris River is a beautiful natural attraction in Uppsala. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the riverbank, enjoy the scenic views, and spot the local wildlife. There are also several picnic spots and cafes along the riverbank where visitors can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

8. The Upplandsmuseet

   The Upplandsmuseet is a cultural museum that showcases the history and culture of the Uppsala region. It features exhibits on folk art, crafts, industry, and agriculture. Visitors can learn about the traditional customs, music, and dance of the local people.

9. The Botanical Garden

   The Botanical Garden is a beautiful park in Uppsala that features a vast collection of plants from all over the world. Visitors can stroll through the garden and enjoy the seasonal displays of flowers and trees. The garden also has a greenhouse that houses exotic plants from tropical regions.

10. The Ekonomikum Park

    The Ekonomikum Park is a serene park in Uppsala that features a beautiful fountain and a small lake. Visitors can take a quiet stroll through the park and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. There are also several cafes and restaurants around the park where visitors can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal.

5 Places to Avoid in Uppsala

While Uppsala is a safe and friendly city, there are a few places that visitors should avoid:

1. The Molnet Shopping Center

   The Molnet Shopping Center is a large shopping mall in Uppsala that is frequented by pickpockets and other petty criminals. Visitors should be careful with their belongings and avoid dark or quiet areas of the mall.

2. Kungsängen Park

   The Kungsängen Park is a popular area for drug dealers and other criminals. Visitors should avoid the park, especially at night.

3. The Stadsträdgården Park

   The Stadsträdgården Park is a beautiful park in Uppsala, but it is also a popular spot for thieves and other criminals. Visitors should be cautious with their belongings and avoid the park at night.

4. The Central Station Area

   The Central Station area is a busy and crowded part of Uppsala, but it is also frequented by pickpockets and other criminals. Visitors should be careful with their belongings and avoid dark or quiet areas of the station.

5. The Navet Science Center

   The Navet Science Center is a popular attraction in Uppsala, but it is also a crowded and chaotic place. Visitors should be careful with their belongings and avoid the area during peak hours.