Uppsala day trip from Stockholm is one of Sweden’s most-popular tourist day trips — 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 (Viking-era burial mounds). 40 minutes by SL pendeltåg train from Stockholm Central. 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 (40 min, ~120 SEK return) or SJ regional train (35 min, ~250 SEK return).
Time needed: Full day (8–10 hours).
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 1287; completed 1435. 119-meter twin towers — tallest church in Scandinavia.
Hours: Daily; check current schedule.
Cost: Free entry.
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: ~120 SEK adult.
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 Codex Argenteus on display (oldest surviving Gothic manuscript).
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
Viking-era burial mounds and museum 5 km north of Uppsala center. The seat of Swedish royal power before Stockholm.
What’s there: Three large Viking burial mounds, Gamla Uppsala Church (12th century), archaeological museum.
Access: Bus 2 from Uppsala Central (15 min) or 25-min cycle.
Cost: Free outdoor visit; museum 80 SEK.
Linnaeus Garden (Linnéträdgården)
Carl Linnaeus’ restored 18th-century garden where he developed his classification system. Museum in his former residence.
Hours: May–September daily; reduced winter.
Cost: ~80 SEK.
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.
How to get to Uppsala from Stockholm
SL pendeltåg (recommended for budget)
40 minutes Stockholm Central to Uppsala C. Frequent service.
Cost: ~120 SEK return adult. Covered by SL travelcard with regional add-on.
SJ regional train (faster)
35 minutes Stockholm Central to Uppsala C. Slightly faster.
Cost: ~250 SEK return adult. Online booking discounts.
By car
1 hour Stockholm to Uppsala via E4 motorway. Free parking near Uppsala Cathedral.
By bus
FlixBus and other coaches. 1.5 hours typical journey. 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.
Saluhallen Uppsala: Uppsala food hall with multiple vendors.
Café Storan: Heritage café in city center.
Akademiska Bokhandeln: Academic bookstore café.
Uppsala day trip itinerary
Standard 8-hour itinerary
09:00: SL pendeltåg from Stockholm Central. 09:40: Arrive Uppsala C. 10:00: Uppsala Cathedral visit. 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. 16:30: Walk Fyrisån river path. 17:00: Café fika before return. 17:30: SL pendeltåg back to Stockholm. 18:10: Arrive Stockholm Central.
Extended 10-hour itinerary with Gamla Uppsala
Add Gamla Uppsala in afternoon. Bus 2 from Uppsala Central (15 min). 2 hours at burial mounds and museum. 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 (Viking burial mounds), 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. Bror Hjorth’s Hus, Uppsala Botanical Garden, Linné’s Hammarby (Linnaeus’ summer estate, 15 km from Uppsala).
Best time to visit Uppsala
April–October: Optimal weather for outdoor attractions (Linnaeus Garden, Gamla Uppsala, Uppsala Castle terrace).
April 30 (Walpurgis Night): Uppsala’s largest annual celebration. 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?
40 min via SL pendeltåg. 35 min via SJ regional train.
Is Uppsala worth a day trip from Stockholm?
Yes — Sweden’s oldest university (1477), largest cathedral, Viking burial mounds at Gamla Uppsala, 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 (Viking burial mounds), Linnaeus Garden.
How much is the train to Uppsala from Stockholm?
SL pendeltåg ~120 SEK return. SJ regional ~250 SEK return. Online booking 10–15% discount.
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?
Yes — free entry. 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?
Viking-era burial mounds and museum 5 km 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 (45 min between them). 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 → 09:40 arrive Uppsala → Cathedral → Castle → lunch → Carolina Rediviva → Linnaeus Garden → 17:30 return → 18:10 Stockholm. 8 hours including travel.
Is Uppsala expensive?
Mid-range. Cheaper than Stockholm. Cathedral free; Castle 120 SEK; Linnaeus Garden 80 SEK; 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.
