Vasaborgen Uppsala Castle Ruin
Explore the atmospheric ruins of Uppsala Castle's Vasaborgen, a historical site blending archaeology and preservation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler in summer heat
Vasaborgen Uppsala Castle Ruin
Best Time
Cooler in summer heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the atmospheric ruins of Uppsala Castle's Vasaborgen, a historical site blending archaeology and preservation.
"The guided tours are highly recommended for bringing the history of this atmospheric ruin to life."
🎯 Join a Guided Tour
Highly recommended for context & stories! Guides are knowledgeable & entertaining.
📱 Use Google Translate
Some signs lack English translations, but Google Translate is a helpful companion.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Collapsed Tower Base
Upper levels
Ascend to the base of the collapsed tower, now featuring a new wooden roof, offering a unique perspective on the ruin's past.
Royal Apartments
Upper levels
Explore the remnants of the royal apartments, imagining the lives of the castle's former inhabitants amidst the historic brickwork.
Archaeological & Construction Site Feel
Throughout the ruin
Experience the unique blend of an archaeological site and ongoing preservation efforts, feeling the true age of Uppsala.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seasonal Access & Tours
Imagination Required
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Join a Guided Tour
Highly recommended for context & stories! Guides are knowledgeable & entertaining. +1
📱 Use Google Translate
Some signs lack English translations, but Google Translate is a helpful companion.
☀️ Visit in Summer
The ruins are open seasonally, primarily during the summer months.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through rough passageways and uneven surfaces.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Join a Guided Tour
Highly recommended for context & stories! Guides are knowledgeable & entertaining. +1
📱 Use Google Translate
Some signs lack English translations, but Google Translate is a helpful companion.
☀️ Visit in Summer
The ruins are open seasonally, primarily during the summer months.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through rough passageways and uneven surfaces.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Vasaborgen to be an interesting historical site, offering a unique glimpse into the past with its exposed ruins and the remnants of royal apartments. The guided tours are consistently praised for their informative and engaging nature, bringing the history to life. However, some feel the site could benefit from more extensive displays and that the ticket price might be high if certain areas are closed. +1
"Uppsala castle has many uses today. But it’s great to see the actual historical castle looking old and neglected. The rough passageways are cool in the summer heat, and one can ascend to the base of the collapsed tower, with a new wooden roof. It is like an archaeological site and a construction site combined.
There are tours offered, which may help to further bring it to life. The whole place was staffed by one very helpful and conversational guy who tells great stories.
It’s a great place to visit to feel the true age of Uppsala."
Adam Schwartz
"Cool museum with a reasonable admission price, enjoyed roaming the ruins and reading up on its history."
Sarah Hartman
"The Vasaborgen is open seasonally and encompasses the ruins of the old castle. It's part of a bigger complex (you'll see the art museum as you enter and there's also a new museum I think slated to open in 2025).
The ruins themselves are not quite what you'd expect- there are various rooms but they've been covered over to create it's own structure. Over various floors (the second is closed off due to I think fire safety) you'll learn more about the castle and its inhabitants starting with the kind of basement t level and working your way up to the royal apartments. There are a few bits of furniture however for the most part it's lots of brick with some original stucco and floor tiles so a bit of imagination is required!
Some of the signs do have translations however not all do but I found Google Translate helpful!
I would say if you're interested in history, its worth a visit. With the second floor closed, it is a bit expensive and I think possibly needs a bit of TLC with its displays to really bring out the history a bit more. That said- they do also do guided tours which I think is the best way to see the site and understand it's significance so I'd recommend checking out the times and planning around that!"
Natalie D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Vasaborgen is located within the Uppsala Castle complex. You can reach Uppsala Castle by public transport within the city or by car. From the city center, it's a pleasant walk or a short bus ride.
There are parking facilities available near Uppsala Castle, though they can get busy. It's advisable to check for the most convenient parking options upon arrival.
Yes, it's a walkable distance from Uppsala train station to Uppsala Castle, approximately 15-20 minutes. The route offers scenic views of the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Vasaborgen is typically open seasonally, mainly during the summer months. It's crucial to check the official Uppsala Castle website for the most up-to-date opening hours and dates, as they can vary.
Admission prices are generally reasonable, especially considering the historical significance. However, some visitors have noted it might feel a bit expensive if the second floor is closed. Check the official website for current ticket prices.
While advance booking might not always be mandatory, it's a good idea, especially during peak season or if you plan to join a specific guided tour. This ensures your entry and secures your spot on popular tours.
At times, certain sections, like the second floor, may be closed for safety reasons (e.g., fire safety). It's best to inquire about current accessibility upon arrival or check the official website.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended and often available in both Swedish and English. These tours significantly enhance the visitor experience by providing historical context and engaging stories. Check the schedule in advance. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the ruins of the old castle, including rough passageways, the base of a collapsed tower with a new roof, and remnants of royal apartments. It feels like an archaeological and construction site combined.
Children might find the ruins interesting, especially with a guided tour that can make history engaging. However, the uneven surfaces and historical nature might be more appealing to older children or those with an interest in history.
A self-guided visit might take around 10-20 minutes if you're not deeply engaged. However, with a guided tour and time to explore, you could spend 45 minutes to an hour.
Restroom facilities are generally available within the Uppsala Castle complex. It's advisable to locate them upon entering the site.
Photography is usually permitted for personal use within Vasaborgen. However, always be mindful of any specific restrictions or areas where photography might be prohibited.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Uppsala Castle and its surrounding areas offer dining options, from cafes to restaurants. You can find places to eat within the castle complex or in the nearby city center.
While there might not be designated picnic areas within the immediate ruin site, you can often enjoy food in the broader castle grounds or nearby parks. Check for specific rules regarding food consumption within the historical structures.
📸 📸 Photography
The base of the collapsed tower, the exposed brickwork, and the remnants of the royal apartments offer unique photographic opportunities. The interplay of old stone and new structures is particularly striking.
While the ruins themselves are fascinating, access might be limited outside of opening hours. The surrounding castle grounds might offer better opportunities for sunrise/sunset photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for uneven surfaces and encourage children to use their imagination to picture the castle in its prime. While there aren't specific play areas, the historical exploration itself can be a fun and educational outing. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for navigating the site.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Take your time to appreciate the architectural details, the exposed brickwork, and any original stucco or floor tiles that remain. The site's dual nature as an archaeological and preservation project also provides insights into historical conservation practices.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring the broader Uppsala Castle grounds and the surrounding city, which are free to access and offer plenty of historical sights and beautiful scenery. Pack your own snacks and water to save on costs within the immediate vicinity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Vasaborgen
Today, Vasaborgen is preserved as a historical site, offering a tangible connection to Sweden's past. The site is managed to showcase its archaeological significance while also incorporating modern elements for visitor access and preservation, such as the new wooden roof over the collapsed tower. This blend of ancient stonework and contemporary additions creates a unique atmosphere, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine the castle in its former glory.
Understanding the historical context, including the lives of its inhabitants and the events it endured, greatly enhances the visitor experience. This is where guided tours become invaluable, as they bring the silent stones to life with narratives and insights that go beyond the basic signage.
Experiencing the Ruins: What to Expect
The site is often described as a combination of an archaeological dig and an active construction site due to ongoing preservation efforts. This unique blend offers a fascinating perspective on how historical sites are maintained and presented to the public. The rough passageways can be particularly appealing during warmer months, offering a cool respite.
While some signs provide information in multiple languages, including English, Russian, and German, many visitors find that the printed information is limited. This is why opting for a guided tour is frequently recommended. The guides provide detailed stories and historical context that truly bring the ruins to life, making the visit far more engaging and informative than exploring independently.
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