Holiday apartments in Uppsala: culture, nature and hiking trails

The Upplandsleden brings the vast landscapes of Uppsala to life: the trail runs through the eight municipalities of Uppsala County, from the bays of Lake Mälaren in the south to the Dalälven archipelago in the north, and is divided into 45 stages. In addition to settlements, it passes 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

Hågavandringen is a 6 km hiking trail with four loop sections. It begins at Carolina Rediviva, passes through Rickomberga backar and Flogsta ängar, and ends in Håga by. Jumkilsvandringen is 8 km long and begins outside the city at Jumkils kyrka. Via Örnsätra, it heads west into the extensive Jumkil forests and ends at Studentvilan, where there is a barbecue area; in summer, you can still see Linnaea borealis in bloom there.

Nature

The natural attractions in the county range from the islands of Lake Mälaren to the Baltic Sea coast. Bryggholmen is a cultural landscape on an island in Lake Mälaren, known for its mistletoe and offering numerous paths. It also has bathing spots, fire pits, fishing spots and a rest area. Idön is a cultural landscape in the archipelago that combines open pastures, grazed woodland, natural forest and numerous paths.

At Billudden, the Uppsalaåsen ridge disappears into the sea. There are extensive beaches, lime-rich pine forests and sea buckthorn bushes. Public transport connections, parking spaces, a café, accessibility features, toilets and a campsite are also part of the facilities available there. Hållnäskusten is a coast formed by land uplift, with shallow bays and unspoilt forests; it offers bathing spots, fishing spots, fire pits, paths and a rest or overnight cabin.

Norra Lunsen is a wilderness area close to the city, with numerous paths through coniferous forests and wetlands. The extensive network of paths includes several routes marked as cross-country ski trails; overnight stays are possible at Raststuga Lunsentorpet. Up to 50 rare animal and plant species have been identified in Norra Lunsen. The forest birds found there include capercaillie, stock dove and several species of woodpecker. At Hjälstaviken, accessible boardwalks and paths lead to bird towers and observation huts.

Activities

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 also provides information as a digital visitor guide about nature reserves, other recreational areas, excursion destinations and hiking trails in Uppsala County. The service includes information on bathing spots, bus stops, parking spaces and fire pits.

The excursion programme in Uppsala County includes hikes, family celebrations, and bird- and mushroom-watching trips, and is published every spring and autumn.

Culture

In Uppsala, this diversity continues with distinctive cultural attractions. The cathedral has towers that are 119 metres high. Its interior contains the tombs of Swedish kings, saints and scientists, including Carl von Linné. The Uppland Museum is housed in the old Akademikvarnen building on 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 all over the world and changes with the seasons. The Linnéträdgården is Sweden's oldest botanical garden and recreates its 18th-century appearance, when Linné himself used to walk there; a visit can be combined with the Linnémuseet. Uppsala Castle houses an art gallery, museums and a café offering extensive views over the city and the Botanical Garden.

History

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; there are 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. An interactive museum presents the landscapes of Uppland – from forest and mountain to water – and offers animal sounds, the opportunity to explore various biotopes, as well as nature quizzes and craft areas.

Regional pages

You can find more regional pages under Enköping, Håbo, Östhammar, Knivsta, Tierp, Heby, Uppsala and Älvkarleby.

For the higher-level travel overview: Sweden.