Things to do in Uppland – 43 tips, attractions and experiences

Writer: Peter Bergström

What to do in Uppland - what to see and experience? From historic mill sites and Viking Age attractions to scenic excursions and charming small towns - Uppland offers a wealth of experiences for both weekend travelers and holidaymakers.

Uppland

In this guide, we have collected hand-picked tips on attractions, activities and places to discover, whether you want to walk in beautiful nature, visit castles and churches or find cozy cafes and excursion destinations for the whole family.

1. Enjoy the sunset in Sikhjälma

The east coast offers wonderful experiences everywhere and like so many wonderful places that we have in lovely Sweden. Check it out Sikh helmet! On the cape Hållnäs in Tierp municipality you can see the sun both rise and set, with beautiful views. Here you will also find the Kapplasse nature reserve.

2. Walk in Lignåre Cultural Reserve – historic trails in Uppland

Lingnåre Cultural Reserve is located on the Hållnäs peninsula in Tierp municipality. There are currently a total of 43 cultural reserves in Sweden, and this is one of them. Here you will also find the Viking Trail and the Medieval Trail, as well as a large runestone from the 11th century. Nearby is Grönlundsbacken with about 50 graves from the Viking Age.

3. Experience Lövstabruk – an ironworks dating back to the 16th century

Lövstabruk in Uppland is one of the so-called Walloon ironworks in Sweden, a historic ironworks dating back to the 16th century. Once upon a time, this was Sweden's largest ironworks, owned for 13 generations by the de Geer family. Today, the mill is a popular tourist destination with attractions, exhibitions and inns.

4. Experience Forsmark's mill in Roslagen – a Walloon mill with a long history

Forsmark Mill in Roslagen is one of the most beautiful Walloon mills in the area. Once upon a time, iron was manufactured here, and in the 17th century, the Walloons came from Belgium and improved the production. Today, the mill is a nice place to visit with historic buildings, an English park, restaurant and café.

5. See Österbybruk – manor house and mill environment in Roslagen

As early as the 16th century, and perhaps even earlier, iron processing was carried out in the areas around Österbybruk. Gustav Vasa had the Österbybruk ironworks developed and when it was taken over by Willem de Besche and Louis de Geer in the 17th century, a large-scale industry grew.

6. Sunbathe and swim at Ängskär in the archipelago

Ängskärs havscamping is located in Ängskär nature reserve in Tierp municipality and next door is Bondskäret nature reserve. In addition to the campsite, there is a campsite and a motorhome site within 15 minutes. You can go here for a day of hiking, sunbathing on the rocks and swimming. If you get hungry, there are several restaurants.

7. Camping on Gräsö outside Öregrund

At the top of Svealand on the east coast lies this gem that you should experience at some point. We have traveled around and lived on Gräsö, which is the tenth largest island in Sweden. Gräsö is located in Östhammar municipality. and you get here by car ferry from Öregrund. Gräsö church and bell tower made entirely of wood are very charming, next to the church you have Gräsö farm nature reserve and if you go south on the island you will come to Aspskär and Idöns nature reserve. Roslagidyll!

8. Stroll around Öregrund – a rose-filled idyll

The idyll of Öregrund is a picturesque gem with wooden houses, an archipelago feel and plenty of restaurants. Drink your beer on a glass veranda with a view of the sea and eat your food as the sun sets. Finish with a lovely walk along the promenade.

9. Recover in Grissleham

Grisslehamn is located on Väddö in Roslagen, which has a lot to offer. There is a campsite with cabins, a marina, the luxurious spa hotel Havsbaden and a cozy little fishing harbor, fish shop with restaurants, or you can go over to the small island of Singö.

10. Visit the Albert Engström museum and studio in Roslagen

Albert Engström Museum is located in Grisslehamn in Roslagen and tells the story of the artist Albert Engström. He lived here for a large part of his life and here, by the sea, he also had his studio.

11. Explore Väddö – a beautiful gem

Väddö is one of the largest islands in Roslagen and attracts with beautiful archipelago nature, bathing coves, fishing harbors and genuine coastal environments. Here you can discover idyllic places such as Grisslehamn, Älmsta and the popular Väddö Canal, while the proximity to the sea is always present.

12. Discover Uppsala – Roslagen's residence city

See Uppsala Castle (Wasaborgen) on Kasåsen, which can be seen from afar and was already started to be built by Gustav Vasa in 1549, stroll around the botanical Linnaeus Garden and the Linnaeus Museum, the Old Uppsala Museum and of course Old Uppsala. Be careful of nature and take part in the Biotopia biological museum, follow the cultural heritage and learn from the Uppsala Museum, the Disagården open-air museum is a must.

13. Go wild at the Viking village north of Norrtälje

Viking village Storholmen is an archaeological open-air museum and is located on the eastern side of Lake Erken, about ten kilometers north of Norrtälje in Roslagen. Here are six houses built in various Viking Age building techniques. Among other things, there is a 24-meter long long hall with a chipped roof that was completed in 2019. There is also a forge, a cookhouse with a barbecue area, herb gardens, rune stones and two Viking Age boat structures.

14. Vacation in Norrtälje – the capital of Roslagen

Norrtälje is located seventy kilometers northeast of Stockholm and is sometimes said to be the “capital of roses”. Central Norrtälje is incredibly charming with beautiful old houses, the old square and the town hall from 1700, the old ”Café Hörnan” which is 108 years old, stroll along the quay and see old boats or along the canal with all the old wooden houses. Go to Kärleksudden and Borgmästarholmen.

15. Jump back in history at Pythagoras Industrial Museum

Pythagoras Industrial Museum in Norrtälje tells, in a very vivid way, about a piece of Swedish industrial history. You step straight into a factory building that looks exactly as it was once left. Welcome to the promised land of spark-ignition engines!

16. Hike around Ridderholm Nature Reserve in Kapellskär

Riddersholm Nature Reserve is very beautiful and you walk along the coast in the beautiful outpost of Roslagen. Walk along the nature trails of Kvarnudden and Eknäset and learn more about barnacles and flowers like tufted sedge that only grow here in Sweden. Here you can also pick ramsons at certain times of the year.

17. Take a ferry ride to Åland, Finland or Estonia from Kapellskär.

From Kapellskär, ferries run Viking Line to beautiful Mariehamn on Åland, Finnlines to Naantali in Finland where you can also experience Moominvalley, and DFDS Seaways to Paldiski in Estonia. If you stay at Kapellskär's campsite, a day ticket to Åland is included with transfers to and from the ferry.

18. Take a trip to Sigtuna, Sweden's oldest city

Sigtuna is Sweden's oldest, still existing, city with lots of ancient remains and history. Sigtuna, located on Lake Mälaren north of Stockholm, is a super cozy city with charming houses, inviting little shops and nice cafes.

19. Be fascinated by the 11 stately royal palaces in Sweden

Did you know that there is 11 beautiful Swedish castles that are usually considered royal?

• The Royal Palace in Stockholm
• Drottningholm Castle
• Rosendal Castle
• China Castle
• Ulriksdal Castle
• Gustav III's pavilion
• Haga Castle
• Rosersberg Castle
• Tullgarn Castle
• Gripsholm Castle
• Strömsholm Castle

20. Be inspired by Marabou Park's art gallery and park hangout

Marabouparken in Sundbyberg is a park with an art gallery and a large collection of sculptures. Even though we have lived in Sundbyberg for a long time, we have not visited until now. It was a nice visit even though we realize that we do not always understand art.

21. Travel back in time to Wenngarn Castle

Wenngarn Castle has a history from the 12th century, but the castle you see today is from the 17th century, once built by Magnus de la Gardie. Here you can stroll in the beautiful castle park, or perhaps have a coffee or lunch at the bakery.

22. Take a selfie at Rosersberg Castle

Rosersberg Castle is a royal castle in Sigtuna, north of Stockholm. This castle is one of the eleven royal castles in Sweden and here, among others, Karl XIV Johan Bernadotte and his wife Desideria have lived, who were the first Bernadottes. Today, the castle is a nice destination with beautiful surroundings such as the enormous castle park and the English Park, which is like a large nature reserve.

23. Stroll around Törnskogen Nature Reserve

Törnskogen nature reserve consists of Södra Törnskogen in Sollentuna and Norra Törnskogen in Upplands Väsby. There is beautiful, and in places really wild nature here. Here you will find several different trails and paths, including a fairy tale path.

24. Stop at Grönsöö Castle in Uppland

Grönsöö Castle is a fine 17th-century castle on the island of Grönsö in Lake Mälaren, Uppland. In the summer, the castle's interior is on display, but the castle grounds are open to visitors all year round. We were here with our camper van last spring, and after the visit we found a cozy free camping spot.

25. Things to do in Uppland: Road trip in Roslagen

Keen to make one road trip in Roslagen? We recommend ten wonderful destinations to visit along the way, regardless of whether you are traveling by car, camper, caravan or motorcycle. Hit the road!

26. Find different things to do in Stockholm

Are you looking for different things to do in Stockholm? Then you've come to the right place! Here you will find 30 tips for activities and experiences that are a little out of the ordinary.. How about food tours, art parties, mysteries or sky views?

27. Relax at Lötsjön and Råstasjön

Lötsjön and Råstasjön, located in Sundbyberg and Solna respectively, are two beautiful lakes with a rich birdlife. In the area around Golfängarna there are also opportunities to walk, cycle, work out at the outdoor gym, have a picnic, have a coffee at the Gröna stugan café or perhaps play football or miniature golf.

28. See the stunning Skokloster Castle

Skokloster Castle is a magnificent baroque palace and is located on the Skohalvön peninsula on Lake Mälaren, in Håbo municipality, between Stockholm and Uppsala. This is the largest private palace ever built in Sweden. Today it functions as a state museum (50,000 collection objects) with a state apartment, large collections of objects, a palace park and a palace café. The palace was built by Carl Gustaf Wrangel 1654-1676.

29. Get nostalgic in the film city in Solna

Filmstaden Råsunda Today it functions as a cinema, but in the past this was Sweden's Hollywood. Over 400 films were shot here, and the ground was trodden by celebrities such as Ingmar Bergman, Ingrid Bergman and Greta Garbo

30. Get spooked by ghosts at Salsta Castle

Salsta Castle is a beautiful baroque castle from the 17th century, Salsta Castle feels a bit magical in some way. Or maybe that feeling is because we listened to the legends about ghosts? Join us on a castle tour!

31. Walk around Norr Malma Nature Reserve by Lake Erken

Lake Erken in Roslagen, at Svanberga badplats, is a beautiful place. Here you have a fantastic view of the beautiful lake, and right next door is a nature reserve with impressive oaks, beautiful terrain and one of the largest Viking graves we have in Sweden.

32. Check out Noor Castle – a Carolingian wooden castle

Noor Castle is a Carolingian wooden castle in Knivsta in Uppland. It may be a very small and perhaps unassuming castle, but the grounds have been trodden by important people such as Charles XI, Verner von Heidenstam and Steve Jobs. Once upon a time there was also an impressive, powerful baroque garden here.

33. Stroll in the English Park at Rydbyholm Castle

Rydboholm Castle, at Kyrkfjärden in Österåker municipality, dates back to the Middle Ages and has been home to members of the older Sture, Vasa and Brahe families. The castle is private and cannot be visited, but the English park is open to the public.

34. Try nature excursions around Stockholm

Tips for 15 excursions in Stockholm! We recommend a number of excursions in Stockholm County – north of the city, in the city of Stockholm, and south of the city, such as:.

• Järvafältet nature reserve
• Forest cemetery
• Tyresta National Park
• Key Bay Nature Reserve
• Lida outdoor centre

35. Walk the big castle tour at Bogesund Castle in Vaxholm

Bogesund Castle was built in the 1640s on the initiative of Per Brahe the Younger and has later been rebuilt several times. Today you can visit the castle to walk in the beautiful surroundings or have a coffee at the Parkvillan café right next door. Walk the small castle tour of 3.3 km or the large castle tour of 8.5 km in very varied nature. Recommended!

36. Visit Gustavsberg on Värmdö – in the footsteps of the porcelain factory

Gustavsberg is a nice little town, known for the Gustavsberg porcelain factory. The town is located in Värmdö municipality, 22 kilometers east of central Stockholm, and here you can discover everything from factory history to castles and manor houses.

37. Stay at Görvälns Castle and relax in the nature reserve

Görväln Castle, or Görvälns slott is located by a bay in eastern Mälaren, and is surrounded by the Görvälns nature reserve. The castle's history dates back to the 15th century and many famous people have owned the castle. Around the castle there is an arboretum, a sculpture park and the old world house Görvälns krog.

38. Get active in Järvafältets Nature Reserve

Järvafältet nature reserve, or Norra Järvafältet, is a beautiful natural area in Stockholm County. Here you can hike or cycle, and there are also several large lakes and historic farms.

39. Cycle around lovely Sundbyberg

Sundbyberg Municipality borders the city of Stockholm as well as Solna and Sollentuna. Here you will find charming Duvbo, Tornparken and Marabouparken. Here is also Lötsjön where migratory birds land and perhaps a picnic in Golfängarna, or a trip to Urviksskogen and Igelbäckens nature reserve.

40. Have fun in cozy Solna

Solna is a vibrant municipality with great variations. Here you will find everything from nature and royal castles to shopping centers and research institutions. Experience Råstasjön, shop in the Westfield Mall of Scandinavia, see events in Friends Arena, stroll in the fantastic Hagaparken, see exotic butterflies in the butterfly house in Haga Ocean or stroll by Ulriksdal Castle.

41. See the beautiful Northern Cemetery

Solna Church is a nice little round church from the 12th century. Next to the church is the Northern Cemetery, which is surprisingly beautiful and peaceful to walk around. Here is also Lindhagens Hill, with impressive mausoleums from another time.

42. Photograph around the UNESCO heritage site Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholm Castle in Stockholm was built in the 17th century and was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991. The palace was built after French models by architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder, on behalf of Queen Hedvig Eleonora. Today, this is a beautiful and interesting place to visit.

43. Visit Stockholm – Europe’s most charming capital

Our capital is a beautiful city, with many nice areas such as Södermalm, Kungsholmen and Djurgården. Stockholm is also one of the world's most museum-dense cities, with popular museums such as the Vasa Museum and the ABBA Museum. In the summer, it is especially nice to take a boat trip under the city's bridges or out to an archipelago island.

READ MORE: Here you will find all our reports about Uppland.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about Uppland

What is Uppland known for?

Uppland is known for its rich history, its Viking remains, the university city of Uppsala and several beautiful castles and natural environments.

What shouldn't be missed in Uppland?

Some of the most popular sights are Uppsala Cathedral, Old Uppsala, Skokloster Castle and the coastal town of Öregrund.

How many days do you need in Uppland?

Two to four days is enough time to experience Uppsala, the castles, nature and some of the smaller towns in the landscape.

When is the best time to travel to Uppland?

Summer is perfect for excursions, the archipelago and small towns on the coast, while spring and autumn are good for culture, nature and historical sights.

Do I need any documents to study or work in Sweden?

If you are moving to Sweden for studies, work or a longer stay, you may need official documentation such as a degree certificate, birth certificate or other documents. In some cases, authorities or institutions may require certified translations of these documents.

Are there good nature experiences in Uppland?

Yes, there are plenty of nature reserves, hiking trails and coastal environments in Uppland. Färnebofjärden National Park and the Roslagskusten Coast are two popular areas for nature experiences.

Is Uppland good for a weekend trip?

Absolutely. The combination of history, nature, cozy small towns and proximity to Stockholm makes Uppland perfect for a weekend or shorter road trip.

More landscape guides nearby

Want to discover more of Sweden? Here are more guides to nearby landscapes that are perfect for more excursions, road trips and holidays at home.

• Things to do in Varmland
• Things to do in Harjedalen
• Things to do in Hälsingland
• Things to do in Västmanland
• Holidays in Sweden