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What to do in Uppland - what to see and experience? We've written about the capital Stockholm, cosy Solna, charming Sundbyberg, Gustavsberg with its porcelain factory and Sweden's oldest town Sigtuna. The east coast From Vaxholm, Kapellskär with its Åland boats, Roslagen's capital Norrtälje, the Viking village north of Norrtälje, further north you will find Grisslehamn, Väddö, Öregrund and Gräsö, Ängskär, all the way to Sikhjälma with Lignåre cultural reserve. Here you will also find Vallonbruken in Sweden.

We also have several castles and nature reserves such as Drottningholm Castle, Wenngarn Castle, Görväln Castle, Rosersberg Castle, Skokloster, Bogesund Castle and much more. We go to destinations and write, and you get information to get the best possible experience for your visit! We add to the list when we have found new experiences in Uppland.

Table of contents

Things to do in Uppland

Uppland is a landscape in eastern Svealand in Sweden. It has the Åland Sea to the north and east, Västmanland to the west and Lake Mälaren and Södermanland in the south, and finally Gästrikland in the north-west. Did you know that there are as many as 150,000 rune stones and ancient monuments in the Uppland region?

Göra i Uppland - Sikhjälma
What to do in Uppland

1. Things to do in Uppland: Enjoy Sikhjälma - where the sun sets

The east coast offers wonderful experiences everywhere and like so many wonderful places that we have in wonderful Sweden. Check out Sikhjälma!!! On the Hållnäs headland in Tierp municipality, you can see the sun both rise and set, which is very special. Here you will also find the nature reserve Kapplasse.

Find here: Sikhjälma is located on the Hållnäs headland in the municipality of Tierp, about 100 kilometres north of Stockholm.

Göra i Uppland - Lignåre kulturreservat

2. Walking in Lignåre Cultural Reserve - historical trails in Uppland

Lingnåre cultural reserve is located on the Hållnäs peninsula in Tierp municipality. There are currently a total of 43 cultural reserves in Sweden, and this is one of them. Here you will also find the Viking Trail and the Medieval Trail and a large rune stone from the 11th century. Nearby is Grönlundsbacken with around 50 graves from the Viking Age.

Find here: Lingnåre cultural reserve is located on the Hållnäs peninsula in Tierp municipality, about 17 kilometres north of Stockholm.

Göra i Uppland - Lövstabruk

3. Feel Lövstabruk - ironworks dating back to the 16th century

Lövstabruk in Uppland is one of the so-called 'vallonbruks' in Sweden, a historic ironworks dating back to the 16th century. It was once the largest ironworks in Sweden, owned by the de Geer family for 13 generations. Today, the mill is a popular tourist destination with attractions, exhibitions and an inn.

Find here: Lövstabruk is located in Uppsala County, about 7 kilometres northeast of Uppsala and about 6 kilometres southeast of Gävle.

Göra i Uppland - Forsmark bruk

4. Experience Forsmark Mill in Roslagen - a mill with a long history.

Forsmark's mill in Roslagen is one of the many beautiful Walloon mills in the area. Iron was once produced here, and in the 17th century the Walloons came from Belgium to improve production. Today the mill is a great place to visit with historic buildings, an English park, a restaurant and a café.

Find here: Forsmark Mill is located on the Uppland coast, about one hour south of Gävle and about two hours north of Stockholm.

Göra i Uppland - österbybruk

5. See Österbybruk - manor house and mill environment in Roslagen.

Already in the 16th century, and perhaps even earlier, iron processing was carried out in the area around Österbybruk. Gustav Vasa had Österbybruk's ironworks developed and when it was taken over by Willem de Besche and Louis de Geer in the 17th century, a major industry emerged.

Find here: Österbybruk is located in the municipality of Östhammar in Uppland, about 11 kilometres north of Stockholm and about 8 kilometres southeast of Gävle.

Göra i Uppland - Ängskär

6. Things to do in Uppland: Sunbathing and swimming at Ängskär in the archipelago

What gems there are after the east coast of Sweden and we are soooooo happy that we have found them. Don't miss these!!! Ängskärs havscamping is located in the Ängskärs nature reserve in Tierp municipality and next to it is also the Bondskärets nature reserve. In addition to the campsite, there is another campsite and caravan park within 15 minutes. Here you can spend a day hiking, sunbathing on the rocks and swimming. If you get hungry, there are several restaurants.

Find here: The campsite is located in Tierp municipality, and you get here by turning off in Tierp towards Skärplinge, and then continuing straight east towards the coast.

Göra i Uppland - Gräsö

7. Things to do in Uppland: Camping on Gräsö outside Öregrund

High up in Svealand on the east coast is this gem that you should experience at some point. We have travelled around and stayed on Gräsö, which is the tenth largest island in Sweden. Gräsö is located in Östhammar municipality and can be reached by car ferry from Öregrund. Gräsö church and the wooden bell tower are very charming, next to the church you have Gräsö farm nature reserve and if you go south on the island you will find Aspskär and Idön nature reserve. Roslagsidyll!

Find here: Gräsö is located in Östhammar municipality in Uppland, just outside Öregrund. You can easily get here by a short car ferry from Öregrund.

Göra i Uppland - Öregrund
What to do in Uppland

8. Stroll around Öregrund - an idyllic rowing village

The idyllic Öregrund is one of the towns on the east coast where you can watch the sun set into the sea. Öregrund is absolutely fantastic and we have experienced a real gem here, with wooden houses everywhere. From the 16th century with the shipping of iron to England from the Vallonbruken to the end of the 19th century, the town developed into a health resort with bathhouses and society houses. Sip your beer in large open oaks filled with cushions in the water, sit on a glass veranda facing the sea and eat your food as the sun sets. Head to öregrunds hembygdsförening with the maritime museum. Enjoy the promenade because this is really good. 

Find here: Öregrund belongs to Östhammar municipality and is located in Roslagen, approximately two hours north of Stockholm by car.

Grisslehamn

9. Recovering in Grissleham and going to the spa

Grisslehamn is located on Väddö in Roslagen which has a lot to offer and we went through everything! There is camping with cottages, a marina, the luxury spa hotel Havsbaden and a cosy little fishing port, fish shop with restaurants, or head over to the small island of Singö.

Find here: Grisslehamn is located in the northern part of Väddö, in Norrtälje municipality. You will find the resort about 11 miles north of Stockholm and about 8 miles northeast of Uppsala.

10. visit the Albert Engström museum and studio in Rosemary.

The Albert Engström Museum is located in Grisslehamn in Roslagen and tells the story of the artist Albert Engström. He lived here for much of his life and had his studio by the sea.

Find here: Grisslehamn is located in the northern part of Väddö, in Norrtälje municipality. You will find the resort about 11 miles north of Stockholm and about 8 miles northeast of Uppsala.

Göra i Uppland - Väddö

11. Things to do in Uppland: Exploring Väddö - a beautiful gem

Wow what charm is shown here and what a gem. This is not to be missed... Väddö/Björkö is the eighth largest island in Sweden and is located in Norrtälje municipality. The islands grew together and the island is now just called Väddö, which is connected by three bridges, the most famous being Älmsta. There is a canal between the mainland and Väddö which is very charming and very lively in the summer, with boating and restaurants. Here you will find Grisslehamn, old Grisslehamn, part of Roslagsleden, Rönnskärs udde nature reserve, Simpnäs and a naturist campsite in the south.

Find here: Väddö is located in Nortälje municipality, in northern Roslagen, about 10 kilometres northeast of Stockholm.

Göra i Uppland

12. Discover Uppsala - Roslagen's resident city

See uppsala castle (Wasaborgen) on the kasåsen which is visible from far away and was already started to be built by Gustav Vasa in 1549, stroll around the botanical Linnaeus garden and the Linnaeus museum, old Uppsala museum and old Uppsala of course. Take care of nature and take part in Biotopia biological museum, follow the cultural heritage and learn from Uppsala museum, Disagården open-air museum is a must.

Find here: Uppsala is 70 km north-west of Stockholm

Göra i Uppland - Vikingabyn

13. Go wild at the Viking village north of Norrtälje.

Vikingabyn Storholmen is an archaeological open-air museum located on the eastern side of Lake Erken, about one mile north of Norrtälje in Roslagen. There are six houses built using different Viking Age construction techniques. Among them is a 24 metre long hall with a shingle roof that was completed in 2019. There is also a forge, a cookhouse with a barbecue area, herb gardens, rune stones and two Viking Age boat structures.

Find here: The Viking village of Storholmen is located on the eastern side of Lake Erken, about one kilometre north of Norrtälje in Roslagen.

Göra i Uppland- Norrtälje

14. Holidaying in Norrtälje - the capital of Roslagen

Norrtälje is located seven kilometres northeast of Stockholm and is sometimes referred to as the 'capital of Roslagen'. Central Norrtälje is incredibly charming with beautiful old houses, the old square and town hall from 1700, the old "Café Hörnan" which is 108 years old, stroll along the quay and see old boats or along the canal with all the old wooden houses. Go to Kärleksudden and Borgmästarholmen.

Find here: Norrtälje is 20 miles north-east of Stockholm and is sometimes referred to as the 'capital of Roslagen'.

15. Jump back in history at the Pythagoras Industrial Museum.

Norrtälje is located seven kilometres northeast of Stockholm and is sometimes referred to as the 'capital of Roslagen'. The Pythagoras Industrial Museum in Norrtälje tells, in a very vivid way, about a piece of Swedish industrial history. You step straight into a factory that looks exactly as it once did. Welcome to the promised land of spark plug engines!

Find here: Norrtälje is 20 miles north-east of Stockholm and is sometimes referred to as the 'capital of Roslagen'.

What to do in Uppland

16. Hiking around the Ridderholm nature reserve in Kapellskär.

Riddersholm's nature reserve is very beautiful and you walk along the coast in the beautiful outpost of Roslagen. Walk along the Kvarnudden and Eknäset nature trails and learn more about barnacles and flowers such as tufted saxifrage, which only grows here in Sweden. You can also pick wild garlic here at certain times of the year.

Find here: Kapellskär Camping is located by the sea in Norrtälje municipality. Right next to it is the ferry terminal, where Viking Line, Finnlines and DFDS Seaways, at least usually, depart with ferries to the east.

Göra i Uppland - Kapellskär
What to do in Uppland

17. Take a ferry ride to Åland, Finland or Estonia from Kapellskär.

From Kapellskär, ferries run Viking Line to beautiful Mariehamn on Åland, Finnlines to Naantali in Finland where you can also experience Moominvalley, and DFDS Seaways to Paldiski in Estonia. If you stay at Kapellskär's campsite, a day ticket to Åland is included with transfers to and from the ferry.

Find here: Kapellskär is located by the sea in the municipality of Norrtälje. the ferry terminal, where Viking Line, Finnlines and DFDS Seaways, depart with eastbound ferries.

Göra i Uppland - Sigtuna

18. Take a trip to Sigtuna in Sweden's oldest town

Sigtuna is Sweden's oldest, still existing, town with 630 ancient remains from 1800 BC and therefore a lot of history. Sigtuna is located on Lake Mälaren north of Stockholm and today it is a super cosy town by the water with charming houses, cosy little shops and nice cafés. Holiday in Sweden at its best! The city was founded around 980 by Erik Segersäll, father of the first Christian king in Sweden, Olov Skötkonung. This is where coins were made for the first time in Sweden and where you can walk along Sweden's first pedestrianised street, and it boasts three church ruins: St. Olav's, St. Per's and St. Lars'.

Find here: Sigtuna is located on Lake Mälaren north of Stockholm and 20 minutes from Upplands Väsby.

19. Fascinated by the 11 magnificent royal castles in Sweden?

Did you know that there are 11 beautiful Swedish castles that are considered royal?

  • The Royal Palace in Stockholm
  • Drottningholm Castle
  • Rosendal Castle
  • China Castle
  • Ulriksdal Castle
  • Gustav III's pavilion
  • Haga Castle
  • Rosersberg Castle
  • Tullgarn Castle
  • Gripsholm Castle
  • Strömsholm Castle

Find here: Castles around the Mälardalen valley

20. Taste Paul Talor farm shop at celebrity restaurant in Sundbyberg, Sweden

Paul Taylor Lanthandel in Sundbyberg is a restaurant with climate-smart, modern and above all really good food. The restaurant is run by Paul Svensson and Tareq Taylor, who are known from TV, among other things. We visited the restaurant this weekend and left really, really satisfied.

Find here: Sundbyberg belongs to Stockholm County, is the smallest municipality in Sweden and is located just north-west of the capital Stockholm.

21. Get inspired by Marabou Park's art gallery and park hangout

Marabouparken in Sundbyberg is a park with an art gallery and a large collection of sculptures. Although we've lived in Sundbyberg for a long time, we haven't visited until now. It was a nice visit even though we realise that we don't always understand art.

Find here: Sundbyberg belongs to Stockholm County, is the smallest municipality in Sweden and is located just north-west of the capital Stockholm.

Göra i uppland - Wenngarns slott

22. Things to do in Uppland: Travel back in time to Wenngarn Castle

Wenngarn Castle dates back to the 12th century, but the castle you see today is from the 17th century, once built by Magnus de la Gardie. Here you can stroll in the beautiful castle park, or perhaps have a coffee or lunch at the bakery.

Find here: Wenngarn Castle is located a few kilometres north of Sigtuna, in Stockholm County, in the province of Uppland.

Göra i Uppland - Rosersbergs slott

23. Things to do in Uppland: Take a selfie at Rosersberg Castle

Rosersberg Palace is a royal palace in Sigtuna, north of Stockholm. This castle is one of the eleven royal castles in Sweden and was home to Karl XIV Johan Bernadotte and his wife Desideria, who were the first Bernadottes. Today, the castle is a pleasant destination with beautiful surroundings such as the huge castle park and the English Park, which is like a large nature reserve.

Find here: Rosersberg Castle is located in Sigtuna, just four kilometres north of Stockholm.

24. Venture around the Törnskogen nature reserve

Törnskogen Nature Reserve consists of Södra Törnskogen in Sollentuna and Norra Törnskogen in Upplands Väsby. There is beautiful, and in some places really wild, nature here. Here you will find

  • The Långbro trail
  • Around the Törnstigen
  • Emmylundsmossestigen (3 km)
  • Hällmarksslingan (1.5 km)
  • Törnskogen fairytale trail (0,5 km)
  • Cycle path (1.8 km)

Find here: Sollentuna is located 20 km north-west of Stockton.

25. Stop off at Rönsööslott in Uppland.

Grönsöö Castle is a fine 17th century castle on the island of Grönsö in Lake Mälaren, Uppland. In the summer, the castle is shown inside, but the castle park is open to visitors all year round. We were here with our motorhome last spring, and after the visit we found a cosy free camping site.

Find here: Grönsöö Castle is located at Grönsösundet on the island of Grönsö in Lake Mälaren, about 20 kilometres south of Enköping.

26. What to do in Uppland: Road tripping in Roslagen

Looking for a road trip in Roslagen? We suggest ten great destinations to visit along the way, whether you're travelling by car, motorhome, caravan or motorbike. Hit the road!

Find here: The journey starts in Vaxholm and takes you north to Lövsta Bruk or vice versa.

27. Join us for different things to do in Stockholm

Looking for different things to do in Stockholm? Then you've come to the right place! Here you will find 30 tips for activities and experiences that are a bit out of the ordinary. Here are some...

  • art party
  • Food tours
  • Cooking with chefs
  • antigravity training
  • Solve a mystery
  • The black club where you eat in the dark
  • Skyveiw

Find here: Get to the central station where you have a good starting point in Stockholm.

28. Pass through beautiful Lötsjön and Råstasjön.

Lötsjön and Råstasjön, located in Sundbyberg and Solna respectively, are two fine lakes with a rich bird life. In the area around Golfängarna there are also opportunities to walk, cycle, exercise in the outdoor gym, have a picnic, enjoy a coffee at the Gröna stugan café or perhaps play football or crazy golf.

Find here: Solna belongs to Stockholm County and is located just north-west of the capital. The municipality borders the city of Stockholm and Sundbyberg.

Göra i Uppland- Skokloster

29. Things to do in Uppland - Step inside the amazing Skokloster monastery

Skokloster Castle is a magnificent baroque castle located on Skohalvön by Lake Mälaren, in Håbo municipality, between Stockholm and Uppsala. This is the largest private palace ever built in Sweden. Today it serves as a state museum (50,000 collection items) with a parade hall, large collections of artefacts, castle park and castle café. The castle was built by Carl Gustaf Wrangel in 1654-1676.

Find here: Skokloster Castle is located on Skohalvön by Lake Mälaren, in Håbo municipality, between Stockholm and Uppsala.

30. Smile your way around the film city in Solna, Stockholm.

Filmstaden Råsunda is now a cinema, but it used to be Sweden's Hollywood. Over 400 films were shot here, and the ground was trodden by celebrities such as Ingmar Bergman, Ingrid Bergman and Greta Garbo.

Find here: Solna belongs to Stockholm County and is located just north-west of the capital. The municipality borders the city of Stockholm and Sundbyberg.

Göra i uppland - Salsta slott
What to do in Uppland

31. Get spooked by ghosts at Salsta Castle in Uppland.

Salsta Castle is a beautiful baroque castle from the 17th century, Salsta Castle feels a bit magical somehow. Or maybe that feeling is because we listened to the legends about ghosts? Salsta Castle is located in Uppland, about 2.5 kilometres north of Uppsala. Join us on a castle tour!

Find here: Salsta Castle is located in Uppland, about 2.5 kilometres north of Uppsala.

32. Walk around the Norr malma nature reserve by Lake Erken.

During the last night of the midsummer weekend, we went free camping at Lake Erken in Roslagen, at Svanberga bathing area. Here we had a fantastic view of the beautiful lake, and we were surprised by a nature reserve with impressive oak trees, beautiful terrain and one of the largest Viking graves in Sweden.

Find here: Salsta Castle is located in Uppland, about 2.5 kilometres north of Uppsala.

Göra i Uppland - Noors slott

33. Check out Noor Castle - a wooden Carolingian castle in Uppland, Sweden

Noor's Castle is a wooden Carolingian castle in Knivsta, Uppland. It may be a very small and perhaps unassuming castle, but the ground has been trodden by important people such as Karl XI, Verner von Heidenstam and Steve Jobs. Once upon a time there was also an impressively grand baroque garden.

Find here: Noor's Castle is located in Knivsta in Uppland, about 2.5 kilometres south of Uppsala and almost 6 kilometres north of Stockholm.

Göra i Uppland - Rydboholms slott

34. Get close to nature around the English Park at Rydbyholm Castle.

Rydboholm Castle dates back to the Middle Ages and has been home to members of the older Stureätten, Vasaätten and Braheätten. The castle is located by Kyrkfjärden in Österåker municipality, just north of Stockholm, but is private. What's interesting is the beautiful English park which is open to the public and was laid out in the late 18th century by then owner Magnus Fredrik Brahe, with various memorial stones and gazebos. Don't miss it!

Find here: The castle is located at Kyrkfjärden in Österåker municipality, just north of Stockholm. The easiest way to get there may be to aim for Östra Ryd's church, which is on the same slip road.

35. Try out nature-based excursions around Stockholm.

Tips for 15 excursions in Stockholm! We recommend a number of excursions in Stockholm County - north of the city, in Stockholm city, and south of the city such as

  • Järvafältet nature reserve
  • Forest cemetery
  • Tyresta National Park
  • Key Bay Nature Reserve
  • Lida outdoor centre

Find here: The castle is located at Kyrkfjärden in Österåker municipality, just north of Stockholm. The easiest way to get there may be to aim for Östra Ryd's church, which is on the same slip road.

Göra i Uppland - Bogesunds slott
What to do in Uppland

36. Hike the big castle tour around Bogesund Castle in Vaxholmn, Sweden.

Bogesund Castle was built in the 1640s on the initiative of Per Brahe the Younger and has since been rebuilt several times. Later on, the castle was also owned by the Hamilton, von Rosen and von Lantingshausen von Höpken families. Today you can visit the castle to hike in the beautiful surroundings or have a coffee at the café Parkvillan right next door. Bogesund Castle is located in Bogesundslandet in the municipality of Vaxholm, just north-east of Stockholm,

You come here to enjoy the Bogesundslandet nature reserve and it's really good. Walk the small castle tour of 3.3 km or the large castle tour of 8.5 km in very varied nature. Recommended!

Find here: Bogesund Castle is located in Bogesundslandet in the municipality of Vaxholm, just north-east of Stockholm. Getting here by car from the centre of Stockholm takes around 35 minutes.

Göra i Uppland - Gustavsberg

37. Visit Gustavsberg on Värmdö on the trail of the porcelain factory.

Gustavsberg is a nice little town and is famous for the Gustavsberg porcelain factory. Gustavsberg is located in Värmdö municipality, 22 kilometres east of central Stockholm. The town is located at the far end of Farstaviken, on the western part of Värmdön. Värmdö is located in both Södermanland and Uppland and is the 6th largest island in Sweden.

There is the inn, the stone house, Farsta udde, Farsta Castle and English Park. Then, of course, we have everything about the porcelain factory and Wilhelm Odelberg, who managed the factory from 1869 to 1924 with 800 employees.

Find here: Gustavsberg is located in Värmdö municipality, 22 kilometres east of central Stockholm. The town is located at the far end of Farstaviken, on the western part of Värmdön.

Göra i Uppland - Görvälns slott

38. Stay at Görväln Castle and enjoy the nature reserve

Görwäln Palace, or Görwäln Castle, is located on a bay in eastern Lake Mälaren, and is surrounded by the Görwäln Nature Reserve. The history of the castle dates back to the 15th century and many famous people have owned the castle. Around the castle there is an arboretum, sculpture park and the old world house Görvälns krog.

From here you walk the beautiful Görväln nature reserve around the lake, the mill, the bathing area and then come to the ancient castle Gåseborg which dates back to 3-500 AD.

Find here: Görväln Castle and Görväln Nature Reserve are located in Järfälla municipality, north-west of Stockholm. 

Göra i Uppland - Järvafältets naturreservat
What to do in Uppland

39. Get active in the Järvafältet nature reserve

Järvafältet Nature Reserve, or Norra Järvafältet, is a beautiful natural area in Stockholm County. Here you can hike or cycle, and there are also several large lakes and historic farms.

How to get here: The main entrance to this section is actually at Säby gård, but we chose a smaller entrance. We drove north from Stockholm and turned off at Kallhäll södra. Then we turned left and followed the signs to the nature reserve.

Göra i Uppland - Sundbyberg

40. Things to do in Uppland: Cycling around the lovely town of Sundbyberg

The municipality of Sundbyberg borders the city of Stockholm as well as Solna and Sollentuna. The main street is Sturegatan and the signal factory is very significant.

Grab a coffee at classic patisserie Boulevard or a bite to eat at celebrity chef Paul Taylor Lanthandel which is very good... We know! Take a stroll in charming Duvbo or a walk in Tornparken, or maybe see some art in Marabouparken.

There is also Lötsjön where migratory birds land and perhaps a picnic in the Golf Meadows, or a walk in Urviksskogen and Igelbäckens nature reserve.

Find here: Sundbyberg belongs to Stockholm County, is the smallest municipality in Sweden and is located just north-west of the capital Stockholm.

Solna

41. Have fun in cosy Solna

Solna is a vibrant municipality with great variety. It has everything from nature and royal castles to shopping centres and research institutions. The name probably means 'Sun Island' and that sounds nice, doesn't it? Experience Råstasjön, shop in the Westfield Mall of Scandinavia, see events in Friends arena, stroll in the fantastic Haga Park, see exotic butterflies in the butterfly house in Haga Ocean.

Check out the Olle Olsson Hagalund block, learn about film stars in the film town of Råsunda, visit the Charlottenlund local history museum, see the Karolinska Institute and Hagastaden, stroll around Ulriksdal Castle and Castle Park, holiday at Frösundavik, hang around Huvudstad Farm. Walk along Bällstaviken Bay past Huvudstad Farm, Pampas Marina and Karlborg Castle. What an adventure!

Find here: Solna belongs to Stockholm County and is located just north-west of the capital. The municipality borders the city of Stockholm and Sundbyberg, and with water in between also the municipality of Danderyd.

42. Sneak into Solna Church and see the beautiful Northern Cemetery.

Solna Church is a lovely little round church from the 12th century. Next to the church is Norra begravningsplatsen, which is surprisingly beautiful and peaceful to walk around. There is also Lindhagen Hill, with impressive mausoleums from another era.

Find here: Solna belongs to Stockholm County and is located just north-west of the capital. The municipality borders the city of Stockholm and Sundbyberg.

Göra i Uppland - Drottningholms slott
What to do in Uppland

43. Photographing around UNESCO heritage Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholm Palace in Stockholm. It was a fantastic autumn weekend, and really lovely to walk around the castle park in the November sun. We have seen the castle before, but also took the opportunity to see the theatre, which was really fun. Here are some tips for things to see and do at Drottningholm Palace.

Drottningholm Palace in Stockholm was built in the 17th century and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The palace was built after French models by architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder, on behalf of Queen Hedvig Eleonora. King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia have had their official residence in the south wing of the palace since 1981. The castle got its name in 1579, during the reign of Johan III.

Getting here: Drottningholm Palace is a royal palace located on Lovön in Lake Mälaren, in Ekerö municipality west of Stockholm. 

What to do in Uppland

44. See Stockholm - Europe's most charming capital city

Our capital is a beautiful city, with a number of nice areas such as Södermalm, Kungsholmen and Djurgården. Stockholm is also one of the most museum-rich cities in the world. In summer, it's especially nice to take a boat trip under the city's bridges or out to an archipelago island. Here you will find the Royal Palace, Drottningholm Palace, strolling in the old town, the Vasa Museum, the City Hall, the ABBA Museum, the Photographic Museum, Skansen, the National Museum, the Medieval Museum and much more. Follow us around Stockholm!

All our top tips about Sweden! Click on the image
Uppland's coat of arms on the 17th century Suecia work

Things to see and do in Uppland - facts

  • Part of the country: Svealand
  • County: Uppsala County, Stockholm County, Västmanland County
  • Pin: Uppsala Diocese
  • City of residence: Uppsala
  • Biggest lake: Lake Mälaren, Tämnaren
  • Largest island: Värmdö
  • Highest point: Tallmossen - 118 metres above sea level.
  • Surface: 12 676 km 2
  • Population: 1 686 471 (2019)
  • Titular: Duchy
  • Element: Yttrium
  • Insect: Cinnabar beetle
  • Landscape fish: Aspen
  • Landscape moss: Aspen feather moss
  • Landscape stone: Hellfine
  • Landscape singing: Here lies the land, Upplandssången
  • Landscape flower: King's bed lily
  • Landscape animals: Sea eagle
  • Landscape mushrooms: Stone mushroom
  • Landscape apples: P J Bergius
  • Constellation: Eagles
  • Star: Altair
  • Weapons: Red background with a gold apple and a gold cross above it
  • National Park: Ängsö National Park and Färnebofjädern National Park.
  • Cultural reserve: Lingnåre cultural reserve, located on the Hållnäs peninsula in Tierp municipality, is a 28-hectare area that was designated a cultural reserve in 2004. The aim is to 'preserve a unique, largely preserved cultural landscape from the Viking Age and the Middle Ages and to nurture its cultural, historical and biological values'.
  • Linnés Hammarby in Uppsala municipality, Uppland's landscape with farm environment and agricultural landscape. Linnés Hammarby is one of Sweden's most stylishly preserved 18th century farms. It was bought by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 as a refuge from the unhealthy environment of Uppsala and is located 15 kilometres southeast of Uppsala.
  • Brottö in Österåker municipality in Uppland's landscape with farm environment and agricultural landscape. Walk up from the steamboat pier through a rich archipelago landscape with fields, meadows, oaks, overgrown gardens and exciting buildings, welcome to Brottö.
  • Igelbäcken in the City of Stockholm and Uppland's landscape with an urban agricultural landscape and recreational area. Igelbäcken is an approximately 10.5-kilometre-long watercourse in northern Stockholm that connects Säbysjön in Järfälla with the Edsviken bay at Ulriksdal Castle in Solna, passing through the Igelbäcken nature reserve.
  • Largest centres: Stockholm, Uppsala, Täby, Upplands-väsby, Lidingö
  • Largest watercourse: Fyrisån in Uppsala
  • Landscape law: Uppländsk husmanskost, Ångbåtsbiff or mälargös with broad beans and Upplandskrubbskrisp. More about Swedish food here.
  • Main sights: Royal Palace and Drottningholm Palace, Skansen on Djurgården, Old Town in Stockholm, Vasa Museum, ABBA Museum, Uppsala Cathedral, Old Uppsala, Norrtälje, Sigtuna,
  • Famous people: Ingmar Bergman director, Carl XVI Gustaf King, Anders Celsius astronomer, musician Ted Gärdestad, UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, handball player Staffan Olsson, boxer Paolo Roberto, ice hockey players Håkan Södergren and Mats Sundin, King Gustav Vasa, musician Owe Thörnqvist.
  • Unnecessary knowledge: The Upplanders were considered to be stingy and unhelpful, and their reputation among tramps was particularly bad.

WHAT TO DO IN NORRLAND

DO IN SVEALAND

DO IN GÖTALAND

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