Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala)

About Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala)

Gamla Uppsala was a seat of the early Swedish kings and the most important cult center of the pagan Svear. The chronicler Adam of Bremen wrote around 1070 of a golden temple here housing statues of Thor, Odin and Freyr, and of a great feast every nine years with sacrifices hung in a sacred grove. Three huge royal burial mounds from the 6th century dominate the landscape.

Archaeologists have found traces of large hall buildings and posts that may relate to the temple, while the medieval stone church beside the mounds may stand on or near the old cult site. Modern Swedish heathens of the Forn Sed movement hold blóts and gatherings here. A museum explains the mounds, myths and Iron Age society.

What to see

• Three royal mounds
• Gamla Uppsala Church
• Gamla Uppsala Museum
• Thing mound and cemetery fields
• Walking trails through the burial landscape

Visiting Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala): practical guide

Best time

May to September

Hours

Outdoor area open at all times; museum usually daily 10:00 to 16:00 in summer

Entry

Grounds free; museum about 100 SEK

Dress code

Weather appropriate layers

Nearest airport

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), 35 km

Tips from experienced pilgrims

• Reach it by city bus from central Uppsala
• Do not climb the mounds, which are protected
• Visit Uppsala Cathedral the same day

Festivals and special days

• Dísablót and Disting (early February)
• Midsummer

Etiquette for visitors

Guidance drawn from Old Norse Religion tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.

• Do not climb burial mounds unless paths invite it; they are graves.
• Leave rune stones untouched, as lichen removal and rubbing cause damage.
• Respect modern Heathen offerings you may find at some sites.
• Dress for changeable weather at outdoor sites in Scandinavia and Iceland.
• Follow museum rules when viewing ship burials and grave goods.

Location map

Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions

Frequently asked questions