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Gamla Uppsala

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Gamla Uppsala is one of Sweden's most significant archaeological sites, situated just north of the modern city of Uppsala. From the 3rd to the 13th century, it functioned as a major religious, economic, and political hub for the Scandinavian region. The site is most famous for its three massive burial mounds, known as the Royal Mounds, which are traditionally attributed to legendary 6th-century kings of the Yngling dynasty. Archaeological excavations have verified that these mounds were cremation burial sites for elite individuals from the Vendel period, containing rich grave goods and artifacts. In the early medieval era, it was home to the Great Temple of Uppsala, described by Adam of Bremen around 1070 as the central sanctuary of Norse paganism. Following the Christianization of Sweden, the first archbishopric was established here in 1164, remaining until the see was moved to the current Uppsala Cathedral site in 1273. Today, the area is a protected historical landscape featuring a museum and the medieval Gamla Uppsala Church, which incorporates parts of an earlier stone cathedral.

Location: Sweden
Top sights: Gamla Uppsala Högar · Middle Mound · Western Mound
Nearby: Märsta (33 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-4	-4	0	5	11	15	18	17	12	6	2	-2
Rain mm	47	40	40	39	60	83	81	80	53	68	61	54

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The ruins site is freely accessible year-round as it is an open-air area. The three Royal Mounds and remains of the ancient temple can be viewed without any restrictions.

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Typical hours

Being an open-air site, there are no fixed opening hours, but the visitor center typically has seasonal hours. Check locally for current times.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the site, and the mounds provide grand panoramic views. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the full scale of the monumental burial mounds.

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Time needed

Allow about one to two hours to explore the site at leisure and read the information boards. Those wanting to learn more about the history should also visit the museum in Uppsala.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with the city of Uppsala, just a few kilometers away. There you will find Uppsala Cathedral and the Gustavianum Museum with further archaeological treasures.

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Getting there

Gamla Uppsala is about 5 km north of Uppsala, easily reached by bus or car. Parking is available, and a walking path leads from the car park to the mounds.

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Insider tip

Climb the largest Royal Mound - the ascent is worth it for the wide view over the plain. Come in the late afternoon when the light highlights the landscape features beautifully.

Geography

Coordinates

59.89720, 17.63110

Facts

3 massive royal mounds are the most prominent features of the site.
Archaeological evidence dates the burials to the 5th and 6th centuries.
Adam of Bremen documented the site's pagan temple in 1070.
The first Swedish archbishopric was founded here in 1164.
The religious center was relocated to modern Uppsala in 1273.
There are over 250 smaller Iron Age burial mounds in the vicinity.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Uppsala4 km · SExplore →

Uppland Runestone Field7 km · EExplore →

Skokloster Ruins20 km · SExplore →

Skokloster Castle22 km · SExplore →

Sigtuna32 km · SExplore →

Märsta33 km · SExplore →

Rosersberg Palace41 km · SExplore →

Enköping42 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Gamla Uppsala (10)

Gamla Uppsala Högar

Gamla Uppsala Högar are three large Iron Age burial mounds in Old Uppsala.

Middle Mound

Middle Mound is one of the three large burial mounds in Gamla Uppsala.

Western Mound

Western Mound is one of the three large burial mounds in Gamla Uppsala.

Old Uppsala🏛 museum

Old Uppsala is an urban area in Sweden, known for its historic mounds.

🌐 upplandsmuseet.se🕒 Mo-Su 11:00-17:00♿💶

Sockenmuseet🏛 museum

Sockenmuseet in Gamla Uppsala displays local history.

🕒 May-Aug Sa-Su 13:00-16:00

Gamla Uppsala kyrka

Gamla Uppsala kyrka may stand on the site of the Temple at Uppsala, mentioned by Adam of Bremen around 1076.

Disagården🏛 museum

Disagården is an open-air museum in Old Uppsala, Sweden.

Österledskyrkan

Österledskyrkan is a church in Uppsala.

Tunåsen

Tunåsen is a viewpoint in Uppsala.

Kastellparken🌳 park

Kastellparken is a park in Uppsala Municipality, Sweden.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Gamla Uppsala?

A historical center featuring three large royal burial mounds from the 6th century.

Why was the place important in the past?

It was a religious and political center for the Svear kings and the site of a pagan temple.

How do you get there from Uppsala?

By bus or bicycle, it's only about 4-5 km from Uppsala city center.

Is there a museum there?

Yes, the Gamla Uppsala Museum displays finds from the burial mounds and explains the Viking age.

What is the Gamla Uppsala Church?

A stone church that is believed to stand on the remains of the old pagan temple.

Gamla Uppsala: where is it located?

Gamla Uppsala is located in Sweden.

Gamla Uppsala: what is there to see?

Highlights include Gamla Uppsala Högar, Middle Mound, Western Mound.

Gamla Uppsala: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Gamla Uppsala: why is it worth visiting?

Gamla Uppsala is one of Sweden's most significant archaeological sites, situated just north of the modern city of Uppsala.

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