Uppsala Day Trip from Stockholm (Full Guide 2026)

Uppsala day trip from Stockholm takes you to Sweden’s fourth-largest city, home to Uppsala University (founded 1477, oldest in the Nordic countries), Uppsala Cathedral (Sweden’s largest cathedral), and Gamla Uppsala (royal burial mounds from the Vendel period, before the Viking Age). Allow about an hour by SL pendeltåg train from Stockholm Central, via Arlanda. This Uppsala day trip guide covers transport, what to see, restaurants, walking routes, and recommendations for first-time visitors.

Uppsala day trip essentials

Distance from Stockholm: 70 km north.

Transport: SL pendeltåg train (about an hour, 166 SEK return on two adult UL+SL singles) or SJ regional train (~250 SEK return; journey times on SJ’s timetable).

Time needed: Plan on a full day for the itinerary below, less if you pick fewer sights.

Best season: Year-round; April–October optimal.

Highlights: Uppsala University, Uppsala Cathedral, Gamla Uppsala, Linnaeus Garden, Carolina Rediviva library.

Top Uppsala attractions

Uppsala Cathedral (Uppsala domkyrka)

Sweden’s largest cathedral. Construction began around 1270, and the cathedral was consecrated in 1435; the towers were built several decades later. Its twin spires rise to about 118.7 meters.

Hours: Daily; check current schedule.

Cost: Check current admission on the cathedral’s website before you go.

Highlights: King Gustav Vasa’s tomb, Saint Erik’s reliquary, Carl Linnaeus’ grave, beautiful Gothic architecture.

Uppsala Castle (Uppsala slott)

16th-century royal castle with art museum, restaurant, panoramic views over Uppsala.

Tickets: Uppsala Castle Museum is free, except for some exhibitions.

Highlights: Vasa Hall, art museum, summer outdoor terrace.

Uppsala University and Carolina Rediviva

Sweden’s oldest university (1477). Carolina Rediviva is the main library, with a double-page spread of the Codex Argenteus on display: an early-sixth-century manuscript and the main source for the extinct Gothic language.

Carolina Rediviva: Free entry to library; rotating exhibits including Codex Argenteus.

University main building (Universitetshuset): Late 19th-century academic building, open during business hours.

Gamla Uppsala

Royal burial mounds from the Vendel period (550–800 AD), before the Viking Age, and a museum north of Uppsala center. The seat of Swedish royal power before Stockholm.

What’s there: Three large royal burial mounds, older than the Viking Age, Gamla Uppsala Church (12th century), archaeological museum.

Access: Bus 2 from Vaksala torg towards Kungshögarna (about 15–20 min) or about 20 minutes by bike from central Uppsala.

Cost: Gamla Uppsala Museum 150 SEK, free for visitors aged 0–19. The royal mounds themselves are normally closed to visitors, apart from selected guided tours.

Linnaeus Garden (Linnéträdgården)

Carl Linnaeus’ restored 18th-century garden where he developed his classification system. Museum in his former residence.

Hours: the garden is closed October–April.

Cost: 120 SEK adult, including the Linnaeus Museum; the garden alone is free after 16:00. The garden is closed October–April and opens again on 1 May 2027, while the Linnaeus Museum takes pre-booked tours all year.

Other Uppsala attractions

Fyrisån river: Walking paths along river. Fyrishov outdoor pool (summer).

Uppsala Botanical Garden: 18th-century botanical garden.

Bror Hjorth’s Hus: 20th-century Swedish artist museum.

Disagården: Open-air museum at Gamla Uppsala, open in summer. It is closed for the season now, though you can walk into the grounds when the gates are open.

How to get to Uppsala from Stockholm

SL pendeltåg (recommended for budget)

About an hour Stockholm Central to Uppsala C, via Arlanda. Trains run every half hour through the day and evening.

Cost: 166 SEK return adult (two UL+SL single tickets at 83 SEK). An SL travelcard alone doesn’t cover the Uppsala section, so add a UL ticket for it.

SJ regional train (faster)

Stockholm Central to Uppsala C. Check journey times and fares on SJ’s site when you book.

Cost: ~250 SEK return adult. Online booking discounts.

By car

Take the E4 motorway north from Stockholm; driving time depends on traffic and where you start. Free parking near Uppsala Cathedral.

By bus

FlixBus and other coaches. FlixBus journeys take from 1 hour 5 minutes, so check the duration of your departure. Cheaper than train.

Uppsala restaurants

Domtrappkällaren: Heritage cellar restaurant near cathedral. Traditional Swedish cuisine.

Hambergs Fisk: Strong fish-focused restaurant.

Café Linné: Café next to Linnaeus Garden, open May–September and closed for the season until May.

Saluhallen Uppsala: Uppsala food hall with multiple vendors.

Akademibokhandeln: Bookshop in the city center.

Uppsala day trip itinerary

Standard day itinerary

09:00: SL pendeltåg from Stockholm Central. About 10:00: Arrive Uppsala C and walk to Uppsala Cathedral. 11:30: Uppsala Castle and panoramic views. 13:00: Lunch at Domtrappkällaren or Saluhallen. 14:30: Carolina Rediviva library + Codex Argenteus. 15:30: Linnaeus Garden (May–September). 16:30: Walk Fyrisån river path. 17:00: Café fika before return. 17:30: SL pendeltåg back to Stockholm. About 18:30: Arrive Stockholm Central.

Extended itinerary with Gamla Uppsala

Add Gamla Uppsala in afternoon. Bus 2 from Vaksala torg (about 15–20 min). Visit the museum and the church; the royal mounds are normally open only on selected guided tours. Return for late lunch in Uppsala center.

Uppsala by traveler type

For first-time Sweden visitors

Uppsala is essential — Sweden’s oldest university, largest cathedral, Viking heritage all in one accessible day trip.

For history enthusiasts

Gamla Uppsala (royal mounds from the Vendel period), Carolina Rediviva (Codex Argenteus), Uppsala Cathedral (King Gustav Vasa’s tomb) make Uppsala Sweden’s history capital.

For families

Uppsala Castle (panoramic views, museum), Gamla Uppsala (Viking heritage), Fyrisån river walks, Linnaeus Garden.

For couples

Heritage cathedral, cobblestone streets, Domtrappkällaren cellar restaurant, romantic Linnaeus Garden.

For repeat visitors

Combine with Sigtuna in same day if driving. Uppsala Botanical Garden, Linné’s Hammarby (Linnaeus’ summer estate, a short drive south of Uppsala).

Best time to visit Uppsala

April–October: Optimal weather for outdoor attractions (Linnaeus Garden from May to September, Gamla Uppsala, Uppsala Castle terrace).

April 30 (Walpurgis Night): Uppsala’s largest student festival of the year. University traditions, bonfires.

December: Christmas Markets at Uppsala Cathedral.

Summer (June–August): Linnaeus Garden in full bloom. Uppsala Botanical Garden best.

Winter (December–February): Cathedral and library focus. Outdoor attractions reduced.

Uppsala tips

Comfortable shoes: Cobblestone streets and walking circuits.

Buy SL pendeltåg + Uppsala add-on online: Slight discount.

Cathedral free, audio guide cheap: Worth it for context on royal tombs.

Reserve restaurant: Domtrappkällaren books ahead for lunch.

Combine Stockholm + Uppsala in 2 days: Stockholm pillar attractions + Uppsala day trip is strong 2-day combination.

Photography: Cathedral exterior, Uppsala Castle panoramic views, Linnaeus Garden, Gamla Uppsala mounds all photogenic.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the train from Stockholm to Uppsala?

About an hour via SL pendeltåg, which runs through Arlanda. For SJ regional trains, see SJ’s timetable.

Is Uppsala worth a day trip from Stockholm?

Yes — Sweden’s oldest university (1477), largest cathedral, royal burial mounds at Gamla Uppsala that predate the Viking Age, all reachable in single day from Stockholm.

What’s there to do in Uppsala?

Uppsala Cathedral (Sweden’s largest), Uppsala Castle, Carolina Rediviva library (Codex Argenteus), Gamla Uppsala (pre-Viking royal mounds), Linnaeus Garden.

How much is the train to Uppsala from Stockholm?

SL pendeltåg 166 SEK return for an adult (two UL+SL singles; an SL ticket alone doesn’t reach Uppsala). SJ regional ~250 SEK return.

What’s the best Uppsala restaurant?

Domtrappkällaren (heritage cellar restaurant near cathedral, Swedish cuisine). Hambergs Fisk for fish. Saluhallen Uppsala for casual food hall.

Is Uppsala Cathedral free?

Admission details are on the cathedral’s own website, so look there before your visit. Audio guide available for small fee. Sweden’s largest cathedral with royal tombs (King Gustav Vasa, Saint Erik) and Carl Linnaeus’ grave.

What is Gamla Uppsala?

A burial ground from the Vendel period (550–800 AD), older than the Viking Age, with a museum, north of Uppsala center. Three large royal burial mounds and Gamla Uppsala Church (12th century). Sweden’s pre-Christian royal seat.

Can I combine Uppsala with Sigtuna in one day?

Possible by car, as the two towns are a short drive apart. Tight but doable. By train alone is harder — Sigtuna requires bus from Märsta.

What’s the best Uppsala day trip itinerary?

09:00 Stockholm departure → about 10:00 arrive Uppsala → Cathedral → Castle → lunch → Carolina Rediviva → Linnaeus Garden (May–September) → 17:30 return → about 18:30 Stockholm. A full day including travel.

Is Uppsala expensive?

Mid-range. Cheaper than Stockholm. Uppsala Castle Museum free except for some exhibitions; Linnaeus Garden 120 SEK adult (garden only free after 16:00); Carolina Rediviva free. Restaurants similar to Stockholm prices but with more budget options.

For Stockholm day trips, see our day trips from Stockholm. For other excursions, see Sigtuna day trip.