Uppsala between the Upplandsleden and cultural history

The Upplandsleden runs through the eight municipalities of Uppsala County, from the bays of Lake Mälaren in the south to the Dalälven archipelago in the north. The long-distance hiking trail is divided into 45 stages and passes settlements, through deep forests, across open areas, past forest lakes and through historic landscapes with an interesting industrial history. Some stages and sections can be reached by public transport.

Hiking

At the heart of Uppsala’s hiking options is the 6 km-long Hågavandringen. The trail has four junctions, starts at Carolina Rediviva, passes through Rickomberga backar and Flogsta ängar, and ends in Håga by. The Jumkilsvandringen is 8 km long and starts outside the city at Jumkils kyrka. Via Örnsätra, it leads west into the expansive Jumkilsskogarna and ends at Studentvilan by a barbecue area; in summer, Linnea may still be in bloom there.

Nature

Bryggholmen is a cultural landscape on an island in Lake Mälaren, known for its mistletoe and offering many trails. There are also opportunities for swimming, fire pits, fishing spots and a picnic area. Idön is a cultural landscape in the archipelago and includes open pastures, grazed woodland, natural forest and numerous trails.

At Billudden, the Uppsalaåsen ridge disappears into the sea. The landscape includes broad beaches, lime-rich pine forests and sea buckthorn thickets. Public transport, parking, a café, accessible facilities, toilets and a campsite are available for visitors.

Norra Lunsen is a wilderness area close to the city, with many trails through coniferous forests and wetlands. The extensive trail network includes several routes marked as cross-country ski trails; it is possible to stay overnight at the Lunsentorpet rest cabin. Up to 50 rare animal and plant species have been recorded there. Forest birds found in the area include capercaillie, stock dove and several species of woodpecker.

At Hjälstaviken, accessible boardwalks and trails lead to bird towers and observation shelters. Hållnäskusten is a coast formed by land uplift, with shallow bays and primeval forests. Along the coast there are opportunities for swimming, fishing spots, fire pits, trails and a rest or overnight cabin.

Fishing is possible year-round in Uppsala County: zander in Lake Mälaren, trout in forest lakes, pike and perch along the coast, and salmon or grayling in the Dalälven. Naturkartan is a digital visitor guide to the nature reserves, other recreational areas, excursion destinations and hiking trails in Uppsala County. Among other things, it provides information about bathing areas, bus stops, parking areas and fire pits. The county’s excursion programme includes hikes, family festivals, and bird- and mushroom-watching outings, and is published every spring and autumn.

Culture and history

Uppsala Cathedral has towers that are 119 metres high. Inside are the tombs of Swedish kings, saints and scientists, including Carl von Linné. The Upplandsmuseet is housed in the old Akademikvarnen by the Fyrisån and conveys cultural history from the Viking Age to 20th-century children’s rooms.

The Botanical Garden in Uppsala is home to plant species from around the world and changes with the seasons. Linnéträdgården is Sweden’s oldest botanical garden and recreates its 18th-century appearance, when Linné himself used to stroll there. A visit can be combined with the Linnémuseet.

Gamla Uppsala was a centre of power in prehistoric times, with impressive royal burial mounds, pagan rituals and Viking culture. Disagården in Gamla Uppsala offers an insight into rural life in the 19th century; it features red wooden houses, grunting pigs and green pastures. Disagården can be reached by buses 2, 110 and 115; free parking is available for cars and buses.

The museum in Gamla Uppsala presents the history of the site. With apps such as Visir Uplandia, the area can be experienced in augmented reality, including former buildings and life during the Vendel Period. Uppsala Castle houses an art gallery, museums and a café with expansive views over the city and the Botanical Garden.

An interactive museum presents the landscapes of Uppland – from forest and the fells to water. Its offerings include animal sounds, the exploration of various biotopes, as well as nature quizzes and craft areas.

Geographical classification

The subregions of Uppsala include Håbo, Enköping, Knivsta, Tierp, Heby, Uppsala, Älvkarleby and Östhammar.