Uppsala Castle (Uppsala Slott)
Uppsala, Central Sweden, 752 37
Uppsala Castle, a 16th-century fortress in Uppsala, Sweden, played a pivotal role in Swedish history. Built during the reign of King Gustav Vasa, it has hosted royal coronations, assassinations, and abdications. Visitors come here to see the original castle ruins at the Vasaborgen and the on-site Uppsala Art Museum exhibits.
The basics
Many visitors opt for a full-day guided tour to delve into Uppsala Castle's history. Frequently starting in Stockholm, these tours showcase the castle and include Uppsala's Old Town and the Cathedral, along with Viking burial sites and local countryside highlights. For those short on time, a private walking tour offers a quick, comprehensive overview of Uppsala—perfect for travelers wanting to experience the city's key sights in an hour.
Things to know before you go
Parts of the castle (including the Uppsala Art Museum) are wheelchair-accessible; however, the rooftop isn't. There is accessible parking and restrooms.
There are on-site baby-changing facilities.
The vaults under the Uppsala Art Museum are home to Cajsa’s Kitchen, a café serving afternoon tea, salads, and lunch specialties.
How to get there
Uppsala Castle can be reached on foot from Uppsala Central Station by walking along Bangardsgatan, crossing the Fyris River, and walking along Slottsgrand, which takes around 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can get the Nos. 2, 7, or 11 bus from Uppsala Dragarbrunn to Uppsala Slottsbacken, which is around a 1-minute walk from the castle.
When to get there
If you’re interested in visiting Vasaborgen (the remains of the original castle), plan your visit around its open months, typically June through August. The Uppsala Art Museum is open throughout the year—usually from mid-morning until late afternoon, with longer hours typically on Thursdays, when it's open until mid-evening. It’s best to check the schedule before planning a visit.
Walking on the Uppsala Castle roof
After exploring the grounds and museum exhibits of Uppsala Castle, adventurous travelers can go one step further and walk on its roof. After climbing the tower’s dome, you put on personal safety equipment, walk along a test track, and then head out onto the castle roof with a guide for views of the city below.
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