Uppsala Cathedral
Ideal: Good for history, architecture, and a calm culture route outside Stockholm.
At 118.7 metres, its towers make it Scandinavia's tallest church — and interestingly, its height exactly equals its length. Construction began in 1270 and finished in 1435. Inside lie Gustav Vasa, who turned Sweden into a modern state, and Carl Linnaeus, who created the plant classification system. Swedish monarchs were crowned here until 1907. The university beside the church was founded in 1477 and is Scandinavia's oldest.
Quick facts
- Built
- 1287
- Architectural style
- Brick Gothic
- Height
- 119 m
- Length
- 119 m
- Heritage status
- ecclesiastical listed building complex
- Material
- brick
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Why is the cathedral so important?
At 118.7 m it is the tallest church in Scandinavia and the seat of the Church of Sweden. King Gustav Vasa and the botanist Carl Linnaeus are both buried here.
What is Linnaeus's connection to the city?
Linnaeus, who devised modern biological naming, was a professor at Uppsala University. His botanical garden and house in the city are open as museums.
What are the mounds outside the city?
The great royal mounds at Gamla Uppsala date from the 6th century and belong to one of the main centres of pre-Christian Norse religion. The site is free to visit.
Why go?
- To see one of Sweden's most important religious buildings
- To experience Gothic architecture and historic atmosphere
- To add an easy day-trip city route from Stockholm
Travel tip
Don't limit Uppsala to the cathedral; explore the university area and old town walk together.
