UppsalaOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Pagan Center to Christian Stronghold

Uppsala's history spans over a thousand years, starting as a religious and political center during the Viking Age. The original settlement, Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala), held a pagan temple dedicated to Norse gods such as Thor, Odin, and Freyr. This site served as a central assembly place for nearly a millennium, where the Svear people gathered for worship and royal burials. The Royal Mounds of Gamla Uppsala, from the 5th and 6th centuries, are thought to be the burial sites of kings.

With the arrival of Christianity, the temple at Gamla Uppsala was burned in 1087 as part of Sweden's Christianization. By 1164, Gamla Uppsala became the seat of the Swedish Archdiocese. However, as the Fyris River became unnavigable to Gamla Uppsala, a new port city named Aros grew a few kilometers south. In 1273, the Archdiocese moved from Gamla Uppsala to Aros, on the condition that the new city adopt the name Uppsala. This marked the start of modern Uppsala. Construction of Uppsala Cathedral, the tallest in the Nordic countries, began that same year and was consecrated in 1435.

The Birth of Academia and Royal Power

Uppsala's role as an intellectual center was established with the founding of Uppsala University in 1477 by Pope Sixtus IV. This made it the oldest university in the Nordic region. The university transformed the city into a hub for education and scholarship, drawing scholars such as Carl Linnaeus, Anders Celsius, and Olof Rudbeck the Elder. In the mid-16th century, King Gustav Vasa ordered the construction of Uppsala Castle in 1549 as a defensive fortress. This castle, later remodeled into a Renaissance palace, became a site of historical events, including the Sture murders in 1567 and Queen Christina's abdication in 1654.

• —Gamla Uppsala Royal Mounds — These large burial mounds from the 5th and 6th centuries are believed to be the resting places of ancient kings. The Gamla Uppsala Museum nearby displays archaeological finds from the Iron Age and Viking era.
• —Gamla Uppsala Church — This church stands on the site of the former pagan temple, marking the Christianization of Sweden.
• —Uppsala Cathedral — The largest cathedral in the Nordic countries. Built in the late 13th century and consecrated in 1435, it has served as a coronation church and burial site for Swedish monarchs and notable figures.
• —Gustavianum — This historic building, once the main university building, now houses a museum with collections from the university's past, including the Augsburg Art Cabinet and the anatomical theatre.
• —Skytteanum — This medieval building, dating back to the 14th century, houses the world's oldest professorship in political science and has been a residence for the Skytte Professor since 1626.
• —Universitetshuset (University Main Building) — This Italian Renaissance Beaux-Arts style building, completed in 1887, serves as the formal main building of Uppsala University. It contains a grand auditorium and foyer and hosts lectures, conferences, and academic ceremonies.
• —Linnaeus Garden — This 18th-century botanical garden was originally planted in 1655 by Olof Rudbeck and redesigned by Carl Linnaeus in 1745. It displays plants arranged according to Linnaeus's sexual system.
• —Uppsala Castle — This 16th-century royal castle was built by King Gustav Vasa in 1549. It has played a role in Swedish history and now contains museums, a restaurant, and the residence of the County Governor.

The period from June to August offers mild to warm temperatures, averaging between 17°C and 23°C. This time provides long daylight hours and outdoor activities. However, it is also the busiest period, leading to more crowded attractions.

Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September) have fewer crowds and pleasant scenery, with temperatures cooling from 15°C in September. Winter, from November to March, is cold with temperatures often below freezing, averaging -3°C in February. Some outdoor activities may be limited during this time.

Uppsala is 35 km north of Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN). Regional or commuter trains connect Arlanda to Uppsala in about 20 minutes, with tickets from SEK 120 to SEK 210. The UL bus number 801 runs between Arlanda and Uppsala, taking about 40 minutes and costing around SEK 120. These tickets are valid for local buses within Uppsala.

The city center is compact and walkable. Uppsala is a bike-friendly city. For longer distances, local buses operated by UL cover the county. Bus tickets can be bought using the UL app, at ticket machines, or on board with a credit card. Parking is available behind the University Main Building on Övre slottsgatan 7D and along Biskopsgatan 3.