The complete guide to activities in Uppsala

The complete guide to activities in Uppsala

Looking for something fun to do with family, friends or work colleagues, or have you got a special occasion to celebrate? It's not always easy knowing what to do in a new city, particularly if you're just passing through. We've made the job a little easier for you by gathering together some of the best indoor and outdoor activities in Uppsala in one handy guide. You'll find plenty of fun, thrilling and challenging things to do, but also plenty of tips for cultural and more relaxing activities. Have fun!

In this guide
  1. Indoor activities
    1. EttEvent – Tailormade adventures
    2. Curlingcompaniet – Sweep the floor
    3. Klövern Padel – Trendy sport
    4. Fyrishov – Water park and spa
    5. Krusenberg Herrgård – Treat yourself to a spa day
    6. Bowling
    7. Chocolat – Chocolate and coffee tastings
    8. Ashtanga Yoga – Body and soul
    9. Glashyttan Ulven – Glassblowing
  2. Outdoor activities
    1. Uppsala Flygklubb – Uppsala from the air
    2. GO Adventure – Tree-top adventures and city walks
    3. Uppsala Survival – Obstacle course
    4. Go-karting
    5. Nordic skating
    6. Edbergs Rederi – Floating sauna and swimming platform
    7. Minigolf
  3. Museums and historic places
    1. Uppsala Cathedral – The largest church in Scandinavia
    2. Biotopia – Playful natural history
    3. Evolutionsmuseet – The largest collection of dinosaurs in Scandinavia
  4. Music and theatre
    1. Katalin and all that Jazz – Charming station house with jazz
    2. Uppsala konsert & kongress – Culture in architectural gem
    3. Reginateatern – Entertainment for all
  5. Open-air activities
    1. Viltvattnet i Vedyxa – Grill next to easily-accessible lake
    2. Fjällnora Friluftsområde – Uppsala's largest activity area
    3. All about Linneaus
  6. Free activities

Indoor activities

Fun things to indoors in Uppsala

EttEvent

Tailormade adventures

EttEvent offers a range of unique events with different themes. Do you prefer active adventures, or intellectual problem solving? Either way, there's an event to suit you. All events are created from scratch to ensure every experience is completely unique and tailormade to you. Ideal for conferences, teambuilding and kick-offs, as well as stag and hen dos.

Curlingcompaniet

Sweep the floor

Curling is a perfect sport to enjoy in a group. If you've never tried it, it's harder and more fun than it looks. Combine your curling experience with a picnic, conference or Christmas buffet at this large curling hall in Stenhagen.

Klövern Padel Fyrislund Klövern Padel Librobäck
Klövern Padel Fyrislund
klovernpadel.se/uppsala
Klövern Padel Librobäck
klovernpadel.se/uppsala
Klövern Padel Fyrislund Klövern Padel Librobäck

Trendy sport

Padel, a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, squash and badminton, has become a fast-growing sport that can be played by almost anyone. It's fun and easy to get started. Klövern Padel's two locations have several courts that you can book almost any time of the day or night.


  • Stålgatan 14, Centrum Söderforsgatan 1, Centrum
    Klövern Padel Fyrislund
    Stålgatan 14, Centrum
    Klövern Padel Librobäck
    Söderforsgatan 1, Centrum
  • Klövern Padel Fyrislund
    klovernpadel.se/uppsala
    Klövern Padel Librobäck
    klovernpadel.se/uppsala
    018-10 11 05
  • Klövern Padel Fyrislund Klövern Padel Librobäck

Fyrishov

Water park and spa

Swimming is a fun activity for the whole family. This indoor adventure pool has caves, waterfalls, waves, slides and warm jacuzzis in tropical surroundings with a constant 28 degrees water temperature. The swimming baths are open all year round for fun and games in the water. There's also a relaxing, adults-only spa area.

Krusenberg Herrgård – Activities
Krusenberg Herrgård
Krusenberg Herrgård – Activities
Krusenberg Herrgård
Krusenberg Herrgård – Activities
Krusenberg Herrgård
Krusenberg Herrgård – Activities
Krusenberg Herrgård
Krusenberg Herrgård – Activities
Krusenberg Herrgård
Krusenberg Herrgård – Activities
Krusenberg Herrgård
Krusenberg Herrgård – Activities
Krusenberg Herrgård
Krusenberg Herrgård – Activities
Krusenberg Herrgård
Krusenberg Herrgård – Activities
Krusenberg Herrgård
Krusenberg Herrgård – Activities
Krusenberg Herrgård
Krusenberg Herrgård – Activities
Krusenberg Herrgård
Krusenberg Herrgård – Activities
Krusenberg Herrgård

Krusenberg Herrgård

Treat yourself to a spa day

Treat yourself to a spa day on Lake Mälaren at Krusenberg Herrgård just outside Uppsala. They offer luxurious spa treatments and a wood-fired, lake-view sauna. Combine your spa day with an overnight stay in one of the romantic hotel rooms, or dinner at the award-winning restaurant.

Fyrishov Latitude-59
Fyrishov
fyrishov.se
Latitude-59
latitude-59.se
Fyrishov Latitude-59

Bowling is a fun activity that will bring out your competitive streak. Perfect for families, hen dos, corporate events and an evening out with friends. Hire a lane or book an entire room. Why not try out disco bowling? See below for Uppsala's bowling alleys.

  • Idrottsgatan 2, Centrum/Svartbäcken Svartbäcksgatan 71, Centrum/Svartbäcken
    Fyrishov
    Idrottsgatan 2, Centrum/Svartbäcken
    Latitude-59
    Svartbäcksgatan 71, Centrum/Svartbäcken
  • Fyrishov
    fyrishov.se
    Latitude-59
    latitude-59.se
    Fyrishov
    018-727 49 50
    Latitude-59
    018-24 90 00
  • Fyrishov Latitude-59
Chocolat Chocolat Svavagallerian
Chocolat
chocolat-uppsala.se
Chocolat Svavagallerian
chocolat-uppsala.se
Chocolat Chocolat Svavagallerian

Chocolate and coffee tastings

Uppsala's largest sweet and chocolate shop in Boländerna sells some 250 different kinds of sweets, chocolate and liquorice, along with a wide range of cigars. Chocolat also hosts regular chocolate and coffee tastings, held in the Best Western Hotel close to their sister store in the Svava Gallerian shopping arcade, and private tastings can be arranged for groups of at least 15 people. Leading experts guide you through the tasting, helping you develop your knowledge and appreciation of two of the best things in life: chocolate and coffee.

  • Bolandsgatan 15G, Centrum Dragarbrunnsgatan 50, Centrum
    Chocolat
    Bolandsgatan 15G, Centrum
    Chocolat Svavagallerian
    Dragarbrunnsgatan 50, Centrum
  • Chocolat
    chocolat-uppsala.se
    Chocolat Svavagallerian
    chocolat-uppsala.se
    Chocolat
    018-13 30 20
    Chocolat Svavagallerian
    018-13 30 20
  • Chocolat Chocolat Svavagallerian

Ashtanga Yoga

Body and soul

Take a break from everyday life and strengthen and calm your body and soul. Ashtanga Yoga has Uppsala's largest range of yoga classes and you can book into any of their timetabled classes, which include ashtanga, hatha, yin yang and pregnancy yoga. Groups and corporate parties can book private classes.

Glashyttan Ulven

Glassblowing

Groups and individuals alike can book into Ulven Glassworks, beautifully situated by Ulva Mill, to discover the history of the glassworks and be inspired by the beautiful glass. You can also try your hand at blowing glass, under the guidance of experienced glassblowers. When the glass has cooled you can take it with you or have it sent home to you.

Outdoor activities

Things to do outdoors

Uppsala Flygklubb

Uppsala from the air

Wouldn't it be wonderful to experience Uppsala's beautiful surrounding plains from above? Perhaps in a propeller plane, or silently in a glider? Book in a flight at Sundbro airfield with one of the club's experienced pilots. Try manoeuvring the plane yourself if you dare.

GO Adventure

Tree-top adventures and city walks

Test your nerves on the thrilling tree-top adventure course in Fjällnora, explore the city's rooftops or take a guided walking tour. Follow in the footsteps of the much-loved children's book character and Uppsala native, Pelle Svanslös, a cat with no tail, on the popular Pelle Svanslös tour. GO Adventure organises a range of experiences for both private and corporate clients.

Uppsala Survival

Obstacle course

Jump through old tyres, climb ropes and run across logs. If you want to put your endurance skills to the test, try Uppsala Survival, which combines a tough obstacle course with running. Book the course for a corporate event, hen do or an out-of-the-ordinary birthday party.

Go-karting

Uppsala has two go-karting centres, both of which offer other activities in addition to go-karting. Choose between paintball battles, driving jet-skis or segways, pentathlons and much more. Perfect for a hen or stag do or a fun, fast-paced teambuilding day.

Nordic skating

Skating on untouched natural ice for miles on end is a truly unique, extraordinary experience. There are several spots around Uppsala where areas of frozen lakes are specially cleared for ice skating. Check the ice reports carefully before you head out. If you don't have your own skates you can often hire them by the lake or from Aktivt Uteliv, which rents out all kinds of equipment for outdoor activities. Below you'll find some examples of ice-skating rinks and routes in Uppsala.

Fjällnora Friluftsområde, Fjällnora
Hammarskogs Friluftsområde, Hammarskog
Sunnerstaviken, Sunnersta

Edbergs Rederi

Floating sauna and swimming platform

Edbergs Rederi will transport their floating sauna wherever you want it so you can enjoy a relaxing waterfront sauna and/or swimming session. Take food along with you to barbeque on the grill. If you want to vary the activity a bit they can lend you outdoor games to play on land.

Fyrishov Uppsala Bangolfklubb
Fyrishov
fyrishov.se
Uppsala Bangolfklubb
uppsalabangolf.com
Fyrishov Uppsala Bangolfklubb

Minigolf, or crazy golf as it's sometimes known, is a fun, simple activity to suit most families and groups of friends and you don't need to be a pro golfer to have fun. The only question is can you all agree on the rules?

  • Idrottsgatan 2, Centrum/Svartbäcken Ulleråkersvägen 8, Centrum
    Fyrishov
    Idrottsgatan 2, Centrum/Svartbäcken
    Uppsala Bangolfklubb
    Ulleråkersvägen 8, Centrum
  • Fyrishov
    fyrishov.se
    Uppsala Bangolfklubb
    uppsalabangolf.com
    Fyrishov
    018-727 49 50
    Uppsala Bangolfklubb
    018-12 44 90
  • Fyrishov Uppsala Bangolfklubb

Museums and historic places

Things to see in Malmö

Uppsala Cathedral

The largest church in Scandinavia

Uppsala Cathedral is a truly historic spot and a popular attraction for visitors from Sweden and all over the world. The Gothic cathedral, beautifully situated next to the Fyris river, is filled with fascinating treasures. Next door, the cathedral cafe serves coffee and light lunches.

Biotopia

Playful natural history

This museum is more than 100 years old but still as relevant today. Displays and exhibitions with a natural history theme inspire curiosity about the flora and fauna of Sweden and, more specifically, Uppland. The museum café and surrounding green space with playground also attract plenty of visitors.

Evolutionsmuseet

The largest collection of dinosaurs in Scandinavia

Scientists and researchers from as far back as the 17th century have contributed to the collection of more than 500 million botanical, zoological and paleontological exhibits at this museum of natural history. Small and large dinosaur fans alike will be impressed by the largest collection of dinosaur skeletons in Scandinavia.

Music and theatre

Experience Uppsala's cultural scene

Katalin and all that Jazz

Charming station house with jazz

Over the years, Katalin in Östra railway station has become a much-loved venue for both Swedish and international artists and bands. Well established and up-and-coming artists alike perform here. There's a strong focus on jazz and every Saturday afternoon you can come and listen to jazzy tones accompanied by food and drink.

Uppsala konsert & kongress

Culture in architectural gem

The views over Uppsala from the sixth floor of this colour-shifting architectural cube are spectacular. But the views and building itself are not the only reason to visit, Uppsala Konsert & Kongress hosts a never-ending array of dance, theatre, music and comedy performances, talks and other events. If you're more interested in the architecture you can book in for a guided tour.

Reginateatern

Entertainment for all

One of Sweden's leading theatres with a carefully curated entertainment programme. Theatre, dance, stand-up comedy and poetry all take place on the large stage and there are occasionally performances in English - check the website.

Open-air activities

Viltvattnet i Vedyxa

Grill next to easily-accessible lake

Not far from town, you can park your car on the edge of Vedyxa forest and walk the easy 400-metre path down to this small lake in the middle of the forest. The lake is rich is birdlife and there's always a well-stocked woodbox if you want to bring some food with you to grill. You can walk around the lake in a few minutes, but if you want to walk further there are paths leading on to Skölsta.

Fjällnora Friluftsområde

Uppsala's largest activity area

Whatever the time of year and whatever age you are, there's masses to do in the Fjällnöra outdoor recreational area. Swim, fish, paddle canoes and play beach volleyball during the summer months. In the winter, the frozen lake is cleared and transformed into a skating rink. There are also several kilometres of cross-country skiing tracks and wooden huts (with grills) to warm yourself in. Don't miss the Adventure park, which is open all year round.

Botaniska Trädgårdens Orangeri Linnés Sävja Café Linné Hörnan Linnémuseet Linnés Hammarby
Botaniska Trädgårdens Orangeri
botan.uu.se
Linnés Sävja
campuslinne.se
Café Linné Hörnan
cafelinne.com
Linnémuseet
linnaeus.se
Linnés Hammarby
linneuppsala.se/plats/linnes-hammarby
Botaniska Trädgårdens Orangeri Linnés Sävja Café Linné Hörnan Linnémuseet Linnés Hammarby

Botanist Carl von Linné (or Linnaeus, as he's more commonly known in the English-speaking world) had a huge influence on the world with his scientific work categorising flora. There are several places you can visit in Uppsala where Linnaeus lived and worked: the Linné museum and Botanical Gardens in the city centre, where you can have a coffee in the house Linnaeus lived as a student. You can also visit his country house, Hammarby, outside the city.

  • Villavägen 8, Centrum Carl von Linnés väg 3 Svartbäcksgatan 22, Centrum/Luthagen Svartbäcksgatan 27, Centrum/Luthagen Linnés Hammarby
    Botaniska Trädgårdens Orangeri
    Villavägen 8, Centrum
    Linnés Sävja
    Carl von Linnés väg 3
    Café Linné Hörnan
    Svartbäcksgatan 22, Centrum/Luthagen
    Linnémuseet
    Svartbäcksgatan 27, Centrum/Luthagen
    Linnés Hammarby
    Linnés Hammarby
  • Botaniska Trädgårdens Orangeri
    botan.uu.se
    Linnés Sävja
    campuslinne.se
    Café Linné Hörnan
    cafelinne.com
    Linnémuseet
    linnaeus.se
    Linnés Hammarby
    linneuppsala.se/plats/linnes-hammarby
    Botaniska Trädgårdens Orangeri
    018-471 28 38
    Linnés Sävja
    070-516 90 95
    Café Linné Hörnan
    018-15 55 10
    Linnémuseet
    018-13 65 40
    Linnés Hammarby
    018-471 28 38
  • Botaniska Trädgårdens Orangeri Linnés Sävja Café Linné Hörnan Linnémuseet Linnés Hammarby

Free activities

Free things to do in Uppsala

Outdoor swimming baths
If the weather's good you can easily spend a whole day next to the water. There are plenty of natural open-air swimming spots, as well as more official bathing areas with both showers and toilets. You'll find a few examples of these here:

Lyssnarängen, Sunnersta
Storvad, Gamla Uppsala
wikbadet, Lårstaviken - Wiks slott
Fjällnorabadet, Fjällnora

Playgrounds
Take along a good book to read while the kids take care of themselves for a while, or rediscover your inner child and join in the fun. Playgrounds are a perennial favourite for kids of all ages and there are lots of great ones in Uppsala, for example:

Stadsparken, City
Pelle Svanslösparken, Carolina Redeviva
High Chaparall, Vänge,
Krokodilparken, Stenhagen,
Lilla Uppsala, Gränby Köpstad

Picnics
Pack up some tasty treats, along with a blanket and a good book. There are hundreds of places where you can grab a spot and enjoy a picnic. Parks, forests, grassy areas, jetties or even a balcony. The sky's the limit.

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Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.