Uppsala Cathedral
Church Northern Europe's largest medieval cathedral in Uppsala
Uppsala’s cathedral towers above the city as the tallest church in the Nordic countries; inside are royal tombs and the grave of Carl Linnaeus. Visitors come for architecture, guided tours and tower views.
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Uppsala Cathedral (Uppsala domkyrka) is the seat of the Church of Sweden’s archbishop and the country’s largest medieval cathedral, with construction completed in the 15th century and consecration dated to 1435. Its twin towers reach about 119 metres, making it one of the tallest churches in the Nordic countries.
Interior highlights include royal tombs, crypts and richly decorated chapels spanning several centuries, with visible Gothic architecture and later interior fittings. The cathedral remains an active parish church and a venue for national ceremonies.
Construction took place across the 13th to 15th centuries on a site with earlier ecclesiastical buildings; the cathedral evolved over time with restorations and additions to maintain structure and interior decoration.
The cathedral is in central Uppsala, a short walk from Uppsala University and the river Fyrise5; it is a dominant landmark in the city skyline.
- Viewing tip: Climb the south tower for broad views over Uppsala and the cathedral's rooftop details; morning light is good for photography.
How to Get to Uppsala Cathedral #
Uppsala Cathedral is in the heart of Uppsala, a short walk from Uppsala central station (about 10 minutes on foot). Uppsala is served by frequent SJ and regional trains from Stockholm (approximately 35-45 minutes by train) and by road via the E4; driving from central Stockholm is about 70 km north on the E4 (roughly an hour depending on traffic). The cathedral is in the pedestrianised city centre and easy to reach on foot from the station and central bus stops.
Tips for Visiting Uppsala Cathedral #
- Visit Uppsala Cathedral early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid service times and peak visitor groups; the main entrance faces the cathedral square (Domkyrkoplan).
- Don't miss the cathedral's tombs and chapels-several Swedish monarchs and notable figures (including Carl Linnaeus) are interred here, which many visitors overlook amid the architecture.
- If available during your visit, climb the towers for panoramic views of Uppsala; tower access is seasonal, so check opening times in advance.
Best Time to Visit Uppsala Cathedral #
Year‑round access, but early mornings or weekdays outside summer are best to avoid crowds; summer is the busiest.
Weather & Climate near Uppsala Cathedral #
Uppsala Cathedral's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -7°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (576 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. The driest month with just 27 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 72 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
