Uppsala between coastlines, forests and culture

The Upplandsleden trail crosses the eight municipalities of Uppsala County, stretching from the bays of Lake Mälaren in the south to the Dalälven archipelago in the north. Across 45 stages, the trail passes settlements, through deep forests and across open spaces, past forest lakes and through landscapes shaped by industrial history. The region is therefore not a single hiking experience, but a series of sections with different impressions. Some stages and sections are accessible by public transport.

Forests, coasts and islands

On Bryggholmen, a cultural landscape on an island in Lake Mälaren, numerous paths and the mistletoe for which the island is known come together. Idön in the archipelago has a different character: open pastures, grazed woodland and natural forest shape the landscape there, which also has numerous paths. At Billudden, the Uppsalaåsen ridge disappears into the sea. Wide beaches, calcareous pine forests and sea buckthorn thickets make this stretch of coast a distinctive nature experience.

The Hållnäskusten also tells the story of a coastline shaped by land uplift, which has created shallow bays alongside old-growth forests. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing spots, fire pits and trails, as well as a shelter for resting or spending the night. Norra Lunsen is a wilderness close to the city, with coniferous forests and wetlands. Its extensive trail network includes several trails marked as ski tracks; overnight stays are possible at Raststuga Lunsentorpet. Up to 50 rare animal and plant species have been recorded there. Forest birds include capercaillie, stock doves and several woodpecker species.

At Hjälstaviken, accessible boardwalks and paths lead to birdwatching towers and hides. Fishing offers another way to experience nature: fishing is possible year-round in Uppsala County, for example for zander in Lake Mälaren, trout in forest lakes, pike and perch along the coast, and salmon or grayling in the Dalälven. Fishing spots are also among the facilities mentioned at Hållnäskusten and on Bryggholmen.

Plan routes and excursions

Two hiking trails differ in their length and routes. The Hågavandringen is 6 kilometres long, has four junctions and starts at Carolina Rediviva. It passes through Rickomberga backar and Flogsta ängar before reaching Håga by. The 8-kilometre Jumkilsvandringen starts outside the city at Jumkils kyrka, heads west via Örnsätra into the vast Jumkilsskogarna and ends at a barbecue spot at Studentvilan. In summer, you can still see flowering twinflower there. At 6 kilometres, the Hågavandringen passes through Rickomberga backar and Flogsta ängar; the 8-kilometre Jumkilsvandringen heads west into the Jumkilsskogarna.

As a digital visitor guide, Naturkartan brings together information about nature reserves, other recreation areas, places to visit and hiking trails in the county. It also includes information about swimming spots, bus stops, car parks and fire pits. An excursion programme is also published in spring and autumn, with activities such as hikes, family events, and birdwatching and mushroom excursions. Individual activities may change. Bus routes 2, 110 and 115 serve Disagården; free parking is available for cars and buses. Checking the timetable before travelling can help with planning.

Cultural history in Uppsala

Uppsala Cathedral makes a striking landmark, with towers 119 metres high. Inside are the tombs of Swedish kings, saints and scholars, including Carl von Linné. The Upplandsmuseet, housed in the old Akademikvarnen by the Fyrisån, presents cultural history from the Viking Age to 20th-century children’s rooms. Religious history and everyday life thus offer different perspectives on the past.

The gardens also tell stories of nature and history. The Botanical Garden is home to plant species from around the world and changes with the seasons. Linnéträdgården is Sweden’s oldest botanical garden and preserves its 18th-century appearance, from the time when Linné himself walked there. A visit can be combined with the Linnémuseet. Uppsala Castle houses an art gallery, museums and a café with sweeping views over the city and the Botanical Garden.

In Gamla Uppsala, you encounter another historical era: the site was a centre of power in prehistoric times, marked by impressive royal mounds, pagan rituals and Viking culture. Disagården offers a glimpse of rural life in the 19th century; red wooden houses, pigs and green pastures are part of its landscape. The museum in Gamla Uppsala presents the history of the site. Apps such as Visir Uplandia also let you explore the area in augmented reality, including its former buildings and life during the Vendel period. An interactive museum explores the landscapes of Uppland—from forest and mountain tundra to water—and combines animal sounds and habitats with a nature quiz and craft areas.

Whether you focus on trails and coastlines, birdwatching or cultural sites, specific destinations and stages can give your trip direction. You can use them to help choose where to stay, starting by deciding which experiences matter most during your visit.

Discover more destinations: Enköping, Håbo, Östhammar, Knivsta, Tierp, Heby, Uppsala, Älvkarleby.

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