Gamla Uppsala Church
Explore a sacred Viking site where a 12th-century church stands over a pagan temple, surrounded by ancient royal burial mounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Longer daylight, pleasant weather
Gamla Uppsala Church
Best Time
Longer daylight, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a sacred Viking site where a 12th-century church stands over a pagan temple, surrounded by ancient royal burial mounds.
"An incredible experience steeped in history, offering a rare glimpse into Sweden's ancient past."
Explore the Mounds
Don't miss the Royal Mounds! They offer incredible views and a sense of ancient history. :athletic_shoe:
Inside the Church
Admire the fading artwork on the walls and ceiling; it's a rare treat steeped in history. :art:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gamla Uppsala Church
Central Gamla Uppsala
A 12th-century stone church built over a pagan temple, showcasing ancient history and fading artwork.
The Royal Mounds
Adjacent to the church
Walk among legendary burial mounds of ancient kings, offering a glimpse into Sweden's rich past.
Runestone
Outside the church wall
Discover a large runestone embedded in the church's exterior wall, a tangible link to Viking heritage.
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Planning Your Visit
Step Back in Time
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Explore the Mounds
Don't miss the Royal Mounds! They offer incredible views and a sense of ancient history. :athletic_shoe:
Inside the Church
Admire the fading artwork on the walls and ceiling; it's a rare treat steeped in history. :art:
Bus Access
Easy to reach by bus from Uppsala city center, making it a convenient day trip. :bus:
Peaceful Grounds
The cemetery grounds are very peaceful and add to the church's charisma. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
Explore the Mounds
Don't miss the Royal Mounds! They offer incredible views and a sense of ancient history. :athletic_shoe:
Inside the Church
Admire the fading artwork on the walls and ceiling; it's a rare treat steeped in history. :art:
Bus Access
Easy to reach by bus from Uppsala city center, making it a convenient day trip. :bus:
Peaceful Grounds
The cemetery grounds are very peaceful and add to the church's charisma. :evergreen_tree:
Historical Context
Read the info plaques to understand its significance as a former pagan temple and royal seat. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Gamla Uppsala Church and its historical grounds incredibly enriching, offering a profound connection to Sweden's Viking and medieval past. The site is praised for its historical significance, peaceful atmosphere, and the impressive Royal Mounds. Some visitors note that the church interior's artwork is fading, and access might be limited outside peak hours.
"Uppsala Cathedral, formerly the old Uppsala church, is located near the historic site of Uppsala, a significant religious and political center in Sweden during the Viking Age and medieval period. Amazing ground to visit!"
Stan Dman
"Sincerely recommend to visit this church and the grave mounds around."
Grigory Martiushenko
"Lovely old church with amazing (fading) artwork on the walls & ceiling.
June to August open 9-5
Large Runestone embedded in the outside wall, near the rounded end.
Info plaque near outside gate explaining this is the remains of C12th cathedral.
Toilet, water fountain & rest bench provided in nearby outbuilding. (Photos)"
Lisbeth Stewart
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gamla Uppsala Church is easily accessible by bus from Uppsala city center, typically taking around 15 minutes. Look for local bus routes heading towards Gamla Uppsala.
While specific parking details aren't widely publicized, the site is well-connected by public transport, making it the preferred method for many visitors.
It's a bit of a distance to walk from Uppsala city center to Gamla Uppsala (approximately 3.5 km), so taking a bus is generally recommended for convenience.
The area is best explored on foot, allowing you to visit the church, the Royal Mounds, and other historical sites at your own pace. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
The church itself has historical architecture, and while the grounds are generally accessible, some areas like the burial mounds might be uneven. Check for specific accessibility information if needed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Gamla Uppsala Church and the surrounding historical grounds is generally free. It's a historical site open for exploration.
The church is typically open from June to August between 9 AM and 5 PM. Hours may vary outside these months, so it's advisable to check locally if possible.
No, the Royal Mounds are an open historical landscape and can be visited freely without any entrance fee.
While the church interior might be closed, you can still admire its architecture and explore the historical grounds and burial mounds at any time.
Information on official guided tours is not widely advertised, but the site has informative plaques that provide historical context.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can see the 12th-century stone church built on a pagan temple site, admire its fading interior artwork, and explore the surrounding Royal Mounds and a large runestone.
The Royal Mounds are ancient burial mounds dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries, believed to be the resting places of Swedish kings. They offer a significant historical perspective.
Kids can enjoy exploring the large burial mounds and imagining the Viking past. The open grounds provide space for them to run around. :child:
Gamla Uppsala was a major religious and political center in Sweden during the Viking Age and medieval period, serving as the seat of Swedish kings and a site for pagan rituals before Christianity.
Yes, there are facilities like toilets, a water fountain, and a rest bench provided in an outbuilding near the church.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the striking architecture of the church, the vastness of the Royal Mounds, and the details of the embedded runestone. The surrounding landscape also offers scenic shots. :camerawithflash:
Photography is generally allowed inside the church, but it's always respectful to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create a magical atmosphere, especially when capturing the church and mounds. Golden hour can be particularly stunning. :sunriseovermountains:
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical and religious sites. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the scale of the Royal Mounds and the surrounding landscape. For details on the church, a standard or telephoto lens can be useful. :camera_lens:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the church interior might be more for quiet contemplation, the exterior, especially the runestone, can spark curiosity. The historical context of a pagan temple turned church is also a fascinating story to share with children. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, making it a full and enjoyable outing. :sandwich:
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
Delve into the stories behind the Royal Mounds, understanding their significance as burial sites for ancient kings. The runestone is another key artifact that connects you directly to the Viking past. Take your time to read the informational plaques and absorb the rich historical narrative that unfolds across the landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Tapestry of Gamla Uppsala
Beyond the church walls lie the Royal Mounds, imposing burial mounds that are among Sweden's most iconic historical landmarks. These ancient tumuli are believed to be the final resting places of kings from the 5th and 6th centuries. Walking among them offers a profound sense of scale and history, allowing visitors to contemplate the lives and legacies of ancient rulers. The presence of a large runestone embedded in the church's exterior further solidifies its deep roots in Viking heritage.
This blend of pagan and Christian history, royal lineage, and ancient burial sites makes Gamla Uppsala a unique destination. It's a place where you can feel the layers of time and gain a deeper understanding of Sweden's formative centuries. The peaceful atmosphere, enhanced by the surrounding cemetery, invites reflection and discovery.
Experiencing Gamla Uppsala Church
Stepping outside, the runestone embedded in the church's outer wall is a striking feature. This ancient stone serves as a direct link to the Viking era, predating the church itself. The church grounds are also home to a peaceful cemetery, which adds to the site's serene and charismatic ambiance. Informative plaques are strategically placed around the area, detailing the history of the pagan temple and the significance of the church.
Visitors often describe the experience as incredible and steeped in history. The combination of the church's architecture, the ancient mounds, and the informative displays creates a comprehensive historical immersion. It’s a place that encourages visitors to slow down and absorb the rich narrative of Sweden's past.
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