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Things to Do in Uppsala

Things to Do in Uppsala

Svealand Sweden Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Uppsala’s natural surroundings invite outdoor exploration, especially during the warmer months.

Hiking & Trekking

Stadsskogen City Forest

Simple to medium, well-marked trails accessible from downtown. Good for walks or jogging.

Gamla Uppsala Trails

Easy walks around historical mounds and fields, taking in the ancient landscape.

Upplandsleden Uppland Trail

Longer regional hiking trail with sections near Uppsala for more challenging day or multi-single-day hikes.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Kayaking/Canoeing: Paddle Fyrisån river for unique city views.
  • SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding): Growing in popularity on Fyrisån.
  • Swimming: Public outdoor areas at Lake Mälaren or Fyrisån in summer.
  • Fyrishov Adventure Bath: Large indoor water park with seasonal outdoor area.

Adventure Sports

  • Bouldering or white-water rafting are not as frequent in the city.
  • These commonly require travel to different parts of Sweden.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Birdwatching: Fyrisån river and surrounding wetlands.
  • Forest Walks: Stadsskogen for birds, squirrels.
  • Deer sightings are occasionally possible.

Cycling Routes

  • City Cycling: Extensive network of dedicated bicycle paths.
  • Leisure Cycling: Paths to Gamla Uppsala or along Fyrisån.
  • Mountain Biking: Stadsskogen has some trails suitable for biking on mountains.

Surströmming Advisory

Surströmming (Fermented Herring) is extremely pungent. It is for the brave and more of an unique cultural experience than an universally appealing culinary delight.

Cultural Immersion

Engage deeply with Uppsala’s rich heritage and community through various cultural activities.

Workshops & Classes

  • Student Nations: Occasionally host open classes or classes.
  • Local community centers (Folketshus/Studieförbund): May provide short courses.
  • Museums: Sometimes host special family-oriented or themed workshops.

Cultural Performances & Ceremonies

Uppsala Konsert & Kongress / Reginateatern

Regularly host concerts (classical, pop, jazz), theater, and dance performances.

Uppsala Cathedral

Organizes classical music live music and choral performances, making good use of its acoustics.

Student Nations

Host cultural programs, often with public access for certain events.

Community Tourism

Uppsala has less formal community-based tourism. Supporting local businesses and interacting with local people (e.g.

Language Learning

Folkuniversitetet / Medborgarskolan provide short Swedish language courses. Language Cafes host informal language exchange meetups.

Cultural Festivals

Valborg (Walpurgis Eve - April 30th), Midsummer (late June), Uppsala Food Festival (Aug/Sept), Christmas Markets (Nov/Dec).

Relaxation & Wellness

Discover tranquil locations and wellness options for revitalization in Uppsala.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Fyrishov Adventure Bath (Relax section): Dedicated relaxation area with saunas, pools.
  • Clarion Hotel Gillet: Features a gym and small pool or relaxation section for guests.
  • Private Spas/Massage Therapists: Several smaller operations offer various treatments.

Yoga & Natural Therapy

Hot Springs & Natural Therapy

Uppsala and immediate surroundings do not have natural hot springs. Traditional healing practices are not a prominent feature.

Yoga & Meditation

Some local yoga studios provide drop-off-in classes. Larger retreats are more likely found in rural Sweden.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Fyrishov Adventure Bath

Major complex with indoor and based on the season outdoor pools, slides, and relaxation area.

Sunnerstabadet

Public swimming area and beach on Lake Mälaren, popular in summer.

Outdoor Swimming

Designated spots along the Fyrisån river also offer refreshing dips on warm days.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Uppsala’s dynamic student population drives a lively and diverse nightlife scene.

Live Music Venues

  • Uppsala Konsert & Kongress: Hosts larger concerts across genres.
  • Reginateatern: Features live music, often jazz or folk, in a cozy setting.
  • Student Nations: Many have their own pubs/clubs featuring live music or DJ nights.

Theater & Performances

Reginateatern

The main theater in Uppsala, presenting plays, dance, and stand-up comedy.

Uppsala Stadsteater Uppsala City Theatre

Produces its own plays and hosts touring performances, offering diverse theatrical experiences.

Nightclubs & Dancing

  • Student Nations: Main centers for evening entertainment and dancing.
  • Especially Wednesday and Saturday nights during semester.
  • Each nation has a distinct character and music style.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

  • Area around Stora Torget and Dragarbrunnsgatan has many bars.
  • Student nations form their own "bar district" for unique pub crawls.

Late-Night Options

  • Nightclubs and student nations usually open until 2-3 AM.
  • Late-night eateries are mostly kebab and pizza places.

Flustret

Venue Type
  • A large, popular nightclub.
  • Hosts events.
Location
  • Located near the Fyrisån river.
  • Often hosts bigger parties.

Booking Experiences

For activities and special encounters, consider GetYourGuide to reserve tours and excursions.

Shopping & Markets

Markets & Workshops

  • Bondens Egen Marknad (Farmers' Market): Seasonal market for local produce.
  • Christmas Markets: In December, for festive goods and treats.
  • Artisan Workshops: Independent boutiques for artisan products.
  • Viking-inspired crafts: Shops in Gamla Uppsala concentrate on these.

Shopping & Ethics

  • Souvenirs: Dalecarlian Horse (Dalahäst), Swedish Design, Fika items, local crafts, Viking-themed items, Swedish candy.
  • Luxury/Boutique: Stora Torget and Dragarbrunnsgatan for chain shops and Swedish brands.
  • Ethical Shopping: Look for "Fair Trade" labels; support local artisans and sustainable materials.
  • Shipping/Customs: PostNord or international couriers. Understand home country's customs regulations and VAT refunds.