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Uppsala Cathedral
Uppsala Cathedral is the largest and tallest church in Scandinavia, serving as the seat of the Archbishop of Uppsala. Construction of the Gothic cathedral began around 1272 and continued for over 150 years until its consecration in 1435. Its twin towers reach a height of 118.7 meters, a measurement that notably matches the church's total length. For centuries, the cathedral was the traditional coronation site for Swedish monarchs and remains the final resting place of several historical figures, including King Gustav Vasa, John III, and the world-renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus. The building suffered significant damage during the Great Fire of 1702, leading to major restorations, most notably the late 19th-century Neo-Gothic overhaul led by Helgo Zettervall. Inside, the cathedral houses the gilded shrine of Saint Erik, the patron saint of Sweden. As a national monument and religious center, the cathedral stands as a profound symbol of Swedish history and cultural identity.
- Location: Sweden
- Top sights: Uppsala Cathedral · Uppsala domkyrkas skattkammare · Gustavianum
- Nearby: Märsta (29 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
Geography
Facts
- The cathedral's height of 118.7 meters equals its length.
- Construction began in 1272 and the church was consecrated in 1435.
- It houses the burial site of King Gustav Vasa and his three wives.
- The cathedral treasury contains one of Europe's finest collections of medieval textiles.
- The current towers were added during the Zettervall restoration in the 1880s.
- Archbishop Nathan Söderblom, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, is buried here.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Uppsala Cathedral (10)
Gustavianum🏛 museum
A university building in Uppsala, housing the university museum and an anatomical theatre.
Upplandsmuseet🏛 museum
The regional museum of Uppland in Uppsala, covering the area's history.
Gustav Adolph-bautan
A monument in Uppsala, commemorating Gustavus Adolphus.
Gotlandsparken🌳 park
A park in Uppsala, named after the island of Gotland.
Reginateatern
A theatre in Uppsala, located in a historic building.
Grand
An arts centre in Uppsala, hosting cultural events.
Klosterparken🌳 park
A park in Uppsala, on the grounds of a former monastery.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Uppsala Cathedral?
Which famous people are buried here?
Does it cost anything to enter the cathedral?
What is special about the treasury?
Can you attend services?
Uppsala Cathedral: where is it located?
Uppsala Cathedral: what is there to see?
Uppsala Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
Uppsala Cathedral: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
