The complete guide to activities in Uppsala

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Floating sauna and swimming platform

Edbergs Rederi will transport their floating sauna wherever you want it so you can enjoy a relaxing waterfront sauna and/or swimming session. Take food along with you to barbeque on the grill. If you want to vary the activity a bit they can lend you outdoor games to play on land.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.