Looking for something fun to do with family, friends or work colleagues, or have you got a special occasion to celebrate? It's not always easy knowing what to do in a new city, particularly if you're just passing through. We've made the job a little easier for you by gathering together some of the best indoor and outdoor activities in Uppsala in one handy guide. You'll find plenty of fun, thrilling and challenging things to do, but also plenty of tips for cultural and more relaxing activities. Have fun!
The complete guide to activities in Uppsala
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Indoor activities
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1The Melody Club
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2Interpool Uppsala
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3Fyrishov Water park and spa
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4Filmstaden Luxe
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5Every Sportcenter Trendy sport
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6EttEvent Tailormade adventures
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7Curlingcompaniet Sweep the floor
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8Cube of Art
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9Funplays Fun and games for children
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10Krusenberg Herrgård Treat yourself to a spa day
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11Bowling
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12Bryggeriet Ångkvarn
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13Chocolat Chocolate and coffee tastings
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14Ashtanga Yoga Body and soul
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15Glashyttan Ulven Glassblowing
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16Spas
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- Outdoor activities
- Museums and historic places
- Music and theatre
- Open-air activities
- Free activities
Jump to
Indoor activities
Fun things to indoors in Uppsala
Water park and spa
Swimming is a fun activity for the whole family. This indoor adventure pool has caves, waterfalls, waves, slides and warm jacuzzis in tropical surroundings with a constant 28 degrees water temperature. The swimming baths are open all year round for fun and games in the water. There's also a relaxing, adults-only spa area.
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Idrottsgatan 2, Centrum/Svartbäcken
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Website
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Fyrishov
018-727 49 50 - Read more on Thatsup
Trendy sport
Padel, a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, squash and badminton, has become a fast-growing sport that can be played by almost anyone. It's fun and easy to get started. Klövern Padel's two locations have several courts that you can book almost any time of the day or night.
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Stålgatan 14, Centrum
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Website
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Every Sportcenter
018-10 11 05 - Read more on Thatsup
Tailormade adventures
EttEvent offers a range of unique events with different themes. Do you prefer active adventures, or intellectual problem solving? Either way, there's an event to suit you. All events are created from scratch to ensure every experience is completely unique and tailormade to you. Ideal for conferences, teambuilding and kick-offs, as well as stag and hen dos.
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Website
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EttEvent Uppsala AB
070-294 97 75 - Read more on Thatsup
Sweep the floor
Curling is a perfect sport to enjoy in a group. If you've never tried it, it's harder and more fun than it looks. Combine your curling experience with a picnic, conference or Christmas buffet at this large curling hall in Stenhagen.
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Naturstensvägen 13
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Website
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Curlingcompaniet
018-46 80 70 - Read more on Thatsup
Fun and games for children
At Funplays, anything can happen - in your imagination. The floor can become a rolling sea, the walls can turn into the walls of a robber's castle, and the nets can transform into large pirate sails. Children with energy to burn can play and have fun here in a colourful environment complete with trampolines, slides, climbing frames, and cycling paths. When energy levels start to drop, pay a visit to the café, where they serve food, drinks, and snacks.
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Rapsgatan 8, Centrum
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Website
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Funplays
070-216 944 05 - Read more on Thatsup
Treat yourself to a spa day
Treat yourself to a spa day on Lake Mälaren at Krusenberg Herrgård just outside Uppsala. They offer luxurious spa treatments and a wood-fired, lake-view sauna. Combine your spa day with an overnight stay in one of the romantic hotel rooms, or dinner at the award-winning restaurant.
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Krusenberg
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Website
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Krusenberg Herrgård
018-18 03 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Bowling is a fun activity that will bring out your competitive streak. Perfect for families, hen dos, corporate events and an evening out with friends. Hire a lane or book an entire room. Why not try out disco bowling? See below for Uppsala's bowling alleys.
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Idrottsgatan 2, Centrum/Svartbäcken Svartbäcksgatan 71, Centrum/Svartbäcken Marknadsgatan 1, Centrum Dragarbrunnsgatan 36, CentrumFyrishov
Idrottsgatan 2, Centrum/SvartbäckenLatitude-59
Svartbäcksgatan 71, Centrum/SvartbäckenO'Learys Gränbystaden
Marknadsgatan 1, CentrumO'Learys Uppsala
Dragarbrunnsgatan 36, Centrum -
fyrishov.seLatitude-59
latitude-59.seO'Learys Gränbystaden
olearys.se/uppsala-granbystadenO'Learys Uppsala
olearys.se/uppsalaFyrishov
018-727 49 50Latitude-59
018-24 90 00O'Learys Gränbystaden
018-12 22 03O'Learys Uppsala
018-12 22 03 -
Fyrishov Latitude-59 O'Learys Gränbystaden O'Learys Uppsala
Chocolate and coffee tastings
Uppsala's largest sweet and chocolate shop in Boländerna sells some 250 different kinds of sweets, chocolate and liquorice, along with a wide range of cigars. Chocolat also hosts regular chocolate and coffee tastings, held in the Best Western Hotel close to their sister store in the Svava Gallerian shopping arcade, and private tastings can be arranged for groups of at least 15 people. Leading experts guide you through the tasting, helping you develop your knowledge and appreciation of two of the best things in life: chocolate and coffee.
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Bolandsgatan 15G, Centrum Dragarbrunnsgatan 50, CentrumChocolat
Bolandsgatan 15G, CentrumChocolat Svavagallerian
Dragarbrunnsgatan 50, Centrum -
chocolat-uppsala.seChocolat Svavagallerian
chocolat-uppsala.seChocolat
018-13 30 20Chocolat Svavagallerian
018-13 30 20 -
Chocolat Chocolat Svavagallerian
Body and soul
Take a break from everyday life and strengthen and calm your body and soul. Ashtanga Yoga has Uppsala's largest range of yoga classes and you can book into any of their timetabled classes, which include ashtanga, hatha, yin yang and pregnancy yoga. Groups and corporate parties can book private classes.
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Sysslomansgatan 8, 4 tr, Centrum/Luthagen
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Website
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Ashtanga Yoga
072-341 39 26 - Read more on Thatsup
Glassblowing
Groups and individuals alike can book into Ulven Glassworks, beautifully situated by Ulva Mill, to discover the history of the glassworks and be inspired by the beautiful glass. You can also try your hand at blowing glass, under the guidance of experienced glassblowers. When the glass has cooled you can take it with you or have it sent home to you.
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Ulva kvarn
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Website
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Glashyttan Ulven
018-32 28 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Outdoor activities
Things to do outdoors
Uppsala from the air
Wouldn't it be wonderful to experience Uppsala's beautiful surrounding plains from above? Perhaps in a propeller plane, or silently in a glider? Book in a flight at Sundbro airfield with one of the club's experienced pilots. Try manoeuvring the plane yourself if you dare.
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Sundbro Flygfält
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Website
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Uppsala Flygklubb
018-35 70 13 - Read more on Thatsup
Tree-top adventures and city walks
Test your nerves on the thrilling tree-top adventure course in Fjällnora, explore the city's rooftops or take a guided walking tour. Follow in the footsteps of the much-loved children's book character and Uppsala native, Pelle Svanslös, a cat with no tail, on the popular Pelle Svanslös tour. GO Adventure organises a range of experiences for both private and corporate clients.
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Fjällnora friluftsgård, Centrum
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Website
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GO Adventure
018-12 18 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Obstacle course
Jump through old tyres, climb ropes and run across logs. If you want to put your endurance skills to the test, try Uppsala Survival, which combines a tough obstacle course with running. Book the course for a corporate event, hen do or an out-of-the-ordinary birthday party.
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Uppsala Survival IF c/o Studenternas IP Ulleråkersvägen, Centrum
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
City Escape Games
SponsoredCity riddles
City Escape Games is like an escape room, but outdoors, where you solve challenges, missions and riddles on a tour through Uppsala before finally (hopefully) finding your way out through the secret doorway. The game can be played against the clock, split into multiple sessions, and can be solved as a group or individually.
Uppsala has two go-karting centres, both of which offer other activities in addition to go-karting. Choose between paintball battles, driving jet-skis or segways, pentathlons and much more. Perfect for a hen or stag do or a fun, fast-paced teambuilding day.
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Website
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Gokartcentret
018-10 61 20 - Read more on Thatsup
- Gokartcentret
Nordic skating
Skating on untouched natural ice for miles on end is a truly unique, extraordinary experience. There are several spots around Uppsala where areas of frozen lakes are specially cleared for ice skating. Check the ice reports carefully before you head out. If you don't have your own skates you can often hire them by the lake or from Aktivt Uteliv, which rents out all kinds of equipment for outdoor activities. Below you'll find some examples of ice-skating rinks and routes in Uppsala.
Fjällnora Friluftsområde, Fjällnora
Hammarskogs Friluftsområde, Hammarskog
Sunnerstaviken, Sunnersta
Minigolf, or crazy golf as it's sometimes known, is a fun, simple activity to suit most families and groups of friends and you don't need to be a pro golfer to have fun. The only question is can you all agree on the rules?
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Idrottsgatan 2, Centrum/Svartbäcken Ulleråkersvägen 8, Centrum Svartbäcksgatan 71, Centrum/SvartbäckenFyrishov
Idrottsgatan 2, Centrum/SvartbäckenUppsala Bangolfklubb
Ulleråkersvägen 8, CentrumLatitude-59
Svartbäcksgatan 71, Centrum/Svartbäcken -
fyrishov.seUppsala Bangolfklubb
uppsalabangolf.comLatitude-59
latitude-59.seFyrishov
018-727 49 50Uppsala Bangolfklubb
018-12 44 90Latitude-59
018-24 90 00 -
Fyrishov Uppsala Bangolfklubb Latitude-59
Museums and historic places
Things to see in Malmö
The largest church in Scandinavia
Uppsala Cathedral is a truly historic spot and a popular attraction for visitors from Sweden and all over the world. The Gothic cathedral, beautifully situated next to the Fyris river, is filled with fascinating treasures. Next door, the cathedral cafe serves coffee and light lunches.
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Domkyrkoplan 2, Centrum
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Website
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Uppsala Domkyrka
018-430 35 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Playful natural history
This museum is more than 100 years old but still as relevant today. Displays and exhibitions with a natural history theme inspire curiosity about the flora and fauna of Sweden and, more specifically, Uppland. The museum café and surrounding green space with playground also attract plenty of visitors.
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Vasagatan 4, Centrum/Luthagen
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Website
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Biotopia
018-727 63 70 - Read more on Thatsup
The history of Uppland
Uppland Museum, right next to the Fyris river, is full of interesting subjects and discoveries from the region surrounding Uppsala. Archeology, restoration, photography, crafts and education are just a few. Much of the history of Uppland has been preserved here for future generations.
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S:t Eriks Torg 10, Centrum
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Website
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Upplandsmuseet
018-16 91 01 - Read more on Thatsup
The largest collection of dinosaurs in Scandinavia
Scientists and researchers from as far back as the 17th century have contributed to the collection of more than 500 million botanical, zoological and paleontological exhibits at this museum of natural history. Small and large dinosaur fans alike will be impressed by the largest collection of dinosaur skeletons in Scandinavia.
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Norbyvägen 16, Centrum
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Website
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Evolutionsmuseet
018-471 27 39 - Read more on Thatsup
Music and theatre
Experience Uppsala's cultural scene
Charming station house with jazz
Over the years, Katalin in Östra railway station has become a much-loved venue for both Swedish and international artists and bands. Well established and up-and-coming artists alike perform here. There's a strong focus on jazz and every Saturday afternoon you can come and listen to jazzy tones accompanied by food and drink.
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Roslagsgatan 1, Centrum/Fålhagen
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Website
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Katalin and all that Jazz
018-14 06 80 - Read more on Thatsup
Culture in architectural gem
The views over Uppsala from the sixth floor of this colour-shifting architectural cube are spectacular. But the views and building itself are not the only reason to visit, Uppsala Konsert & Kongress hosts a never-ending array of dance, theatre, music and comedy performances, talks and other events. If you're more interested in the architecture you can book in for a guided tour.
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Vaksala torg 1, Centrum/Fålhagen
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Website
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Uppsala konsert & kongress
018-727 90 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Entertainment for all
One of Sweden's leading theatres with a carefully curated entertainment programme. Theatre, dance, stand-up comedy and poetry all take place on the large stage and there are occasionally performances in English - check the website.
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Trädgårdsgatan 6, Centrum
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Website
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Reginateatern
018-727 83 40 - Read more on Thatsup
Open-air activities
Grill next to easily-accessible lake
Not far from town, you can park your car on the edge of Vedyxa forest and walk the easy 400-metre path down to this small lake in the middle of the forest. The lake is rich is birdlife and there's always a well-stocked woodbox if you want to bring some food with you to grill. You can walk around the lake in a few minutes, but if you want to walk further there are paths leading on to Skölsta.
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Vedyxaskogen
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Uppsala's largest activity area
Whatever the time of year and whatever age you are, there's masses to do in the Fjällnöra outdoor recreational area. Swim, fish, paddle canoes and play beach volleyball during the summer months. In the winter, the frozen lake is cleared and transformed into a skating rink. There are also several kilometres of cross-country skiing tracks and wooden huts (with grills) to warm yourself in. Don't miss the Adventure park, which is open all year round.
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Fjällnora Friluftsgård
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Website
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Fjällnora Friluftsområde
018-727 06 10 - Read more on Thatsup
Botanist Carl von Linné (or Linnaeus, as he's more commonly known in the English-speaking world) had a huge influence on the world with his scientific work categorising flora. There are several places you can visit in Uppsala where Linnaeus lived and worked: the Linné museum and Botanical Gardens in the city centre, where you can have a coffee in the house Linnaeus lived as a student. You can also visit his country house, Hammarby, outside the city.
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Villavägen 8, Centrum Carl von Linnés väg 3 Svartbäcksgatan 22, Centrum/Luthagen Svartbäcksgatan 27, Centrum/Luthagen Linnés HammarbyBotaniska Trädgårdens Orangeri
Villavägen 8, CentrumLinnés Sävja
Carl von Linnés väg 3Café Linné Hörnan
Svartbäcksgatan 22, Centrum/LuthagenLinnémuseet
Svartbäcksgatan 27, Centrum/LuthagenLinnés Hammarby
Linnés Hammarby -
botan.uu.seLinnés Sävja
campuslinne.seCafé Linné Hörnan
cafelinne.comLinnémuseet
linnaeus.seLinnés Hammarby
linneuppsala.se/plats/linnes-hammarbyBotaniska Trädgårdens Orangeri
018-471 28 38Linnés Sävja
070-516 90 95Café Linné Hörnan
018-15 55 10Linnémuseet
018-13 65 40Linnés Hammarby
018-471 28 38 -
Botaniska Trädgårdens Orangeri Linnés Sävja Café Linné Hörnan Linnémuseet Linnés Hammarby
Free activities
Free things to do in Uppsala
Outdoor swimming baths
If the weather's good you can easily spend a whole day next to the water. There are plenty of natural open-air swimming spots, as well as more official bathing areas with both showers and toilets. You'll find a few examples of these here:
Lyssnarängen, Sunnersta
Storvad, Gamla Uppsala
wikbadet, Lårstaviken - Wiks slott
Fjällnorabadet, Fjällnora
Playgrounds
Take along a good book to read while the kids take care of themselves for a while, or rediscover your inner child and join in the fun. Playgrounds are a perennial favourite for kids of all ages and there are lots of great ones in Uppsala, for example:
Stadsparken, City
Pelle Svanslösparken, Carolina Redeviva
High Chaparall, Vänge,
Krokodilparken, Stenhagen,
Lilla Uppsala, Gränby Köpstad
Picnics
Pack up some tasty treats, along with a blanket and a good book. There are hundreds of places where you can grab a spot and enjoy a picnic. Parks, forests, grassy areas, jetties or even a balcony. The sky's the limit.