Uppsala is a city that offers more than just its famous cathedral and university. It’s a place where history, Viking remnants, and Swedish culture blend into a walkable, fascinating landscape. Unlike larger cities, Uppsala rewards visitors with intimate experiences—whether it’s strolling through lush botanical gardens or uncovering stories of medieval intrigue. We especially like the Uppsala: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour, which dives deep into local stories and boasts a stellar 4.8/5 rating. This tour’s combination of iconic sights and lesser-known treasures makes it perfect for those wanting an authentic feel of Uppsala.
If you’re pressed for time but still want a rundown, the Uppsala Must See 2h city walk offers a quick, well-paced glance at the city’s highlights. For travelers eager to explore more thoroughly, the 3h Uppsala city walking tour provides a flexible private experience with in-depth visits. And if you’re planning a day trip from Stockholm, the Uppsala city and Sigtuna city 8h tour combines two historic towns in one day, offering a great value for history and scenery.
Below, we explore each tour in detail, helping you decide which one best matches your interests and schedule.
1. Uppsala: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour
At number 1 on our list, this Uppsala: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour stands out for its mix of well-known landmarks and off-the-beaten-path stories. Priced at $134 per person and rated 4.8/5 from eight reviews, it’s a favorite for those who want a comprehensive, engaging introduction to the city in just 2.5 hours. Led by a local guide, the tour begins at Uppsala C and takes you through historic sites with plenty of photo stops.
The tour’s highlights include the Uppsala Cathedral, where you’ll learn about its architectural grandeur and medieval origins. You’ll also explore the Botanical Gardens, where Carl Linnaeus studied and classified plants — a must-see for plant lovers. The Uppsala Castle, often called the world’s largest pink castle, offers stories of military history and royal intrigue. Walking alongside the canals and student neighborhoods, you’ll feel the city’s youthful energy. The itinerary also uncovers myth-laden tales tied to Uppsala’s ancient past.
Guests have praised the tour for its depth and friendliness, with one reviewer calling their guide “very informative.” This tour suits travelers wanting a rich taste of Uppsala’s layers—perfect for history buffs and curious explorers alike.
Bottom Line: A lively, well-rounded walk that balances major sights with lesser-known stories, ideal for visitors who want to get the lay of the land quickly.
2. Uppsala Must See 2h city walk
Coming in at number 2, the Uppsala Must See 2h city walk is designed for those with limited time but big curiosity. For around $105.84, this tour packs Uppsala’s top sights into a brisk 2-hour session, making it perfect for travelers on a tight schedule or those who prefer a quick overview.
Led by an experienced guide, the tour covers the Uppsala Cathedral from the outside, giving you a sense of its size and importance. You’ll also walk past the Uppsala Castle, hearing about its darker history—murder stories and royal secrets that add a layer of intrigue. The highlight for many is the Viking runestones near the cathedral, where you get to see tangible remnants of the region’s Viking past. If the university library or botanical gardens are open, your guide might include brief visits or exterior views, providing a taste of the city’s academic and natural highlights.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want an efficient, guided walk that hits all the major points without the time commitment of longer tours. Its reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and the compact, engaging format.
Bottom Line: Excellent for a quick, informative introduction that covers Uppsala’s main attractions and historical highlights, especially for first-timers.
3. 3h Uppsala city walking tour
At number 3, the 3h Uppsala city walking tour offers a slightly longer, flexible experience for $212.47 per person. Rated 5/5 from a single review, this private tour provides a paced exploration of Uppsala’s most iconic sites, perfect if you prefer a more personalized experience.
This tour includes visits to the Uppsala Cathedral, Uppsala Castle (with stories of historic murders), and the university buildings, including the famous Carolina Rediviva Library with its historic collection and the Viking-era ruins. Your guide spends about 10-20 minutes at each site, allowing time for questions and photos. The tour also stops at the Botanical Gardens, where you can learn about Carl Linnaeus’s work and see hundreds of plant species. Its private format means you can tailor the pace and ask detailed questions about Uppsala’s history, culture, or academic life.
This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, private introduction and aren’t rushed. The guide’s passion and knowledge shine through, making it a memorable, in-depth exploration.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who appreciate a more personalized, flexible approach and want to learn about Uppsala’s top attractions at their own pace.
4. Uppsala city and Sigtuna city 8h tour from Stockholm
Finally, at number 4, the Uppsala city and Sigtuna city 8h tour from Stockholm offers a full-day experience for roughly a 8-hour adventure. This tour is perfect for travelers staying in Stockholm who want to see two historic towns in one trip.
Your guide takes you through Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town with charming medieval streets, Viking runestones, and ancient church ruins. You’ll also visit Uppsala, exploring its cathedral, castle, and university. The tour emphasizes guided visits with knowledgeable guides who make history come alive, giving you the feeling of experiencing the towns as a local rather than a tourist. This tour’s price is competitive considering the full-day itinerary, and reviews note the guides’ passion and attention to detail.
This option suits travelers with a full day to spare, seeking a mix of culture, Viking history, and scenic village life. The transportation logistics are handled for you, making it easy and stress-free.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want a thorough look at Uppsala and Sigtuna with guided insight—ideal for history lovers and day-trip adventurers.
How to Choose the Right Uppsala City Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your time, budget, and interests. If you’re short on time but want an overview, the 2-hour walk offers unbeatable value. For a more detailed, customized experience, the 3-hour private tour is ideal. Meanwhile, if you’re curious about local legends and hidden stories, the highlight and hidden gems tour balances major sights with lesser-known tales.
For those planning a day trip from Stockholm, the full-day Sigtuna and Uppsala tour makes the most of your time with guided visits to both towns. Budget considerations, the pace you prefer, and your specific interests in Viking history, medieval architecture, or university life should all influence your choice.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred times and guides.
In summary, Uppsala offers a range of city tours that cater to different interests and schedules. Whether you want a quick overview or an in-depth private experience, the options above help you make the most of your visit. For history lovers, the city highlights tour and the full-day trip stand out. If time is limited, the 2-hour walk offers a solid snapshot. Whichever you choose, early booking ensures you won’t miss out on exploring this historic Swedish city.