Things to see and do Uppsala

The summer residence of the botanist, built by him in 1758. This mansion is one of the best preserved in Sweden and reflects both the private life of this man and his scientific work. It was bought by Carl von Linné in 1758, as a refuge from the unhealthy environment of Uppsala. Many plants, cultivated by Linnaeus himself, grow in this lush park. From the hill overlooking the farm, one can enjoy the view and dream of the ^18th century landscape.

It is the largest church in Scandinavia. Gothic in style, with a renovated interior after the fire that ravaged it in 1702, it is a curious mixture of medieval architecture, Art Nouveau (most of the frescoes were done in the early ^20th century) and Baroque, with the largest pulpit in the country. Behind the altar lies King Gustav Vasa with two of his wives, in a majestic azure chapel. A chapel is also dedicated to St. Brigid.

This superb library contains countless priceless treasures, some of which are on display in the small museum at the entrance: a hand-drawn map of Mexico City by Alonzo de Santa Cruz in 1555, Mozart's scores, and beautifully illuminated medieval manuscripts, including the Codex Argenteus, or Silver Bible, dating from the ^sixth century, whose fabulous story can be told by a guide in French. Reservations can be made at the tourist office.

Named after Gustav Adolphe, this remarkable building is the oldest in Uppsala. The museum presents an exhibition on the history of Uppsala University since 1477, as well as archaeological collections. The highlight of the visit is the Theatrum Anatomicum, an astonishing little wooden amphitheatre built according to the wishes of Professor Olof Rudbeck, where dissections of dead criminals were performed in front of assemblies of surgical students until 1766.

Different graphic arts exhibitions from the th century to the present. Regional paintings and permanent ceramics expo of the famous Uppsala-Ekeby factory.

From Islandsbron, in Uppsala, you can take a boat (m/s King Carl Gustav) that will first along the Fyris river, famous for its waterfalls, before reaching the lake Mälaren and the magnificent castle Skokloster built in the 17th century. The chateau has a rich library of old books and a collection of weapons of the time.

Uppsala has eight Info Points throughout the city, recognizable by their green signs with a big "I" and the words "Tourist information". You'll find maps and brochures, and the staff will be able to advise you on what's going on, what to see and what to do. If you are coming by train, it is best to stop at the information point in the main station before starting your visit. You will find a complete list on the Destination Uppsala website.

Housed in the house where Linnaeus lived from 1744, the museum reconstructs the library and study of the great Swedish naturalist and displays many of his personal objects. The museum's garden contains some 1,300 different plant species. For guided tours, visit the website.

Of note : Carl von Linné's birthday is celebrated here every May 23 (free admission).

On August 16, cultural night with the garden illuminated by candles.

The castle, which was ordered built by Gustav Vasa in 1549, is today the residence of the governor and the seat of the regional administration. The Rikssalen, or State Hall, where Queen Christine renounced the crown, is worth a visit. It was also here that Erik XIV, in a fit of madness, had influential nobles executed in 1567 (history remembers this event as the "Sture murder"). The castle also houses several museums, including the Uppsala Museum of Fine Arts (Uppsala konstmuseum).