Uppsala Cathedral

Sweden's largest and tallest cathedral, located in the historic university city of Uppsala about an hour north of Stockholm. The Gothic masterpiece is one of Scandinavia's most important religious and architectural landmarks, attracting history and architecture enthusiasts worldwide.

Things to do

• Explore the Cathedral Interior — Walk through the soaring Gothic nave, see the ornate royal chapels, and view the reliquaries of Swedish saints including St. Erik.
• Climb the Cathedral Tower — Ascend the 119-meter bell tower for panoramic views of Uppsala and the surrounding landscape.
• Visit Uppsala University Museum — Located nearby, explore the university's history and collection of Nordic artifacts in one of Europe's oldest universities founded in 1477.
• Tour the Cathedral Crypt — Descend into the medieval crypt beneath the cathedral to see burial chapels and historical foundations dating back to the 15th century.
• Walk Gamla Uppsala Archaeological Site — Visit the ancient Viking royal burial mounds and pagan temple site just north of the cathedral, one of Sweden's most significant archaeological locations.
• Attend a Cathedral Concert — Experience classical music or organ performances often held in the cathedral, taking advantage of its exceptional acoustics.

Food to try

• Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar) — Tender ground beef and pork meatballs served with lingonberry sauce and creamy mashed potatoes, a traditional Swedish comfort dish found in local restaurants.
• Gravlax — Cured salmon prepared with dill, sugar, and salt, typically served with mustard sauce and rye bread at Uppsala's traditional restaurants.
• Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar) — Soft cardamom and cinnamon-swirled pastries with pearl sugar topping, best enjoyed fresh from local bakeries near the cathedral.
• Pickled Herring (Sill) — Traditional Swedish herring preparations served as appetizers or snacks, often available at local cafes and markets in Uppsala.
• Fika Experience — Participate in Sweden's traditional coffee break ritual with coffee and pastries at a local café, a cherished social custom in Uppsala.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Appropriately for the Cold — Sweden experiences long, cold winters, so bring warm clothing, waterproof jackets, and sturdy footwear even in shoulder seasons.
• Respect Cathedral Etiquette — Remove hats indoors, keep noise levels low, and be mindful that the cathedral is an active place of worship with occasional services and ceremonies.
• Learn About Swedish Midsummer — If visiting in June, understand that midsummer celebrations are central to Swedish culture and many businesses may have reduced hours.
• Use Public Transportation — Uppsala has an efficient bus system and is well-connected by train to Stockholm; Swedes prefer public transport and cycling over cars in the city center.