Why Uppsala?
The Cambridge of Sweden
Uppsala, the “Cambridge of Sweden,” is a vibrant university town located 35 minutes by train from Stockholm. Students from across Sweden – and the rest of the world – swell the term-time population of the city, giving it a youthful, international feel. About 20 per cent of its residents are students.
It’s easy to see why many Swedes choose to live in Uppsala and commute to Stockholm. The city is manageable in size yet has plenty to offer. Historically significant, centuries-old sights stud the townscape and its surroundings. No trip to Uppsala is complete without learning more about former resident Carl Linnaeus, one of the world’s most notable botanists and scientists. His legacy – floral and otherwise – spreads across Sweden and beyond.
Today, Uppsala is considered a key innovation city in which academia and a distinct business culture unite to create a fertile breeding ground for new ideas. The city is home to numerous life sciences and tech companies. Maria Strømme – Sweden’s youngest ever technology professor – founded nanotechnology innovation Upsalite here.
TOP SITES
My favorite sites to visit in Uppsala
Uppsala Cathedral
Uppsala Cathedral (Uppsala domkyrka) dominates the city’s skyline as Scandinavia’s largest and most historic church. Completed in 1435 and continually expanded over the centuries, its soaring Neo-Gothic spires and intricate interiors serve as focal points for both spiritual and architectural exploration.
Address:
Domkyrkoplan, SE-753 10 Uppsala, Sweden
What I like about it
The richly decorated chapels, pulpit, and stained glass provide a visual feast for art and history lovers. It is also the burial site of Swedish kings such as Gustav Vasa, as well as scientists like Carl Linnaeus.
Gamla Uppsala
Just outside today’s city center lies Gamla Uppsala, where Sweden’s early history took root. This UNESCO-listed area is the ancestral ground where Swedish kings were crowned and buried, and where a nascent nation began to form over 1,500 years ago.
Address:
Disavägen 15, 754 40 Uppsala, Sweden
What I like about it
Visitors are able to walk the ancient paths amongst the nine looming royal burial mounds, steeped in Viking legend and dramatic historic events. You may also visit the Gamla Uppsala Museum to delve into archaeological finds, sagas, and the rituals that once defined this sacred site.
Linnaeus Garden
The Linnaeus Garden (Linnéträdgården) is Sweden’s oldest botanical garden and a living monument to Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy. It’s a paradise for plant lovers and history buffs alike.
Address:
Svartbäcksgatan 27 B, 753 32 Uppsala, Sweden
What I like about it
This site blends scientific history with natural beauty in the heart of the city, ideal for tranquil exploration. Visitors can see meticulously maintained beds where Linnaeus himself cultivated and classified over 3,000 species.
Gallery
My photos from Uppsala
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