Engraving of the church at Gamla Uppsala from 1694

Old Uppsala Church

Old Uppsala Church: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: The Legacy of Old Uppsala Church

Old Uppsala Church (Gamla Uppsala kyrka) is one of Sweden’s most significant spiritual and historical landmarks. Located in Gamla Uppsala just north of modern Uppsala, the church stands on sacred ground that has been a center of religious, political, and cultural power since the Viking Age. From its beginnings near the legendary pagan Temple of Uppsala—once Scandinavia’s most revered Norse religious center—to its transformation as Sweden’s first archbishopric in the 12th century, Old Uppsala Church encapsulates over a millennium of Swedish history. Its proximity to the monumental Royal Mounds, believed to be burial sites of ancient Swedish kings, further highlights its enduring importance (World History Encyclopedia; thecrazytourist.com).

Today, Old Uppsala Church offers visitors a window into Sweden’s religious transition from paganism to Christianity, and provides access to centuries-old architecture, remarkable medieval art, and a landscape rich in archaeological treasures. This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know about visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, guided tours, and nearby attractions for a rewarding experience at this iconic site (IBN Battuta Travel; Lonely Planet).

Historic Church of Old Uppsala surrounded by trees, circa 1885

Old Uppsala Church in Sweden as seen in 1912

Original floorplan of Gamla Uppsala kyrka (Old Uppsala Church) in Sweden from 1912 book

Gamla Uppsala Church in Old Uppsala, Uppland, Sweden, historic 11th-century church

Historic Gamla Uppsala Church in Sweden under a bright blue sky

Ancient Gamla Uppsala Church surrounded by greenery under a blue sky

Exterior view of Gamla Uppsala Church with surrounding landscape

Architectural floor plan of an old church building from Monumenta Uplandica by Peringskiöld

Old photograph of Gamla Uppsala Church from the 1600s showing its exterior

Exterior view of Gamla Uppsala Church from the 1100s

Historic view of Gamla Uppsala Church exterior from the 1600s copper engraving

Old church exterior in Gamla Uppsala, Sweden, viewed from southwest

Exterior view of Gamla Uppsala Church and surrounding area from southwest

Gamla Uppsala Church exterior view from southwest

Exterior view of Gamla Uppsala Church facing southeast

Gamla Uppsala Church exterior view towards southeast under clear sky

Old historic church Gamla Uppsala Church exterior view towards the east

View of Gamla Uppsala church from the southeast showing its historic stone architecture

Exterior view of Gamla Uppsala Church from the southeast

Southern part of Gamla Uppsala Church exterior

Southern exterior view of Gamla Uppsala Church with surrounding environment

Exterior view of Gamla Uppsala Church and surrounding cemetery buildings

Gamla Uppsala Church exterior view with wooden bell tower in the background

Winter view of Gamla Uppsala Church from the southwest

Winter view of Gamla Uppsala Church exterior toward northeast with snow-covered surroundings

Winter view of Gamla Uppsala Church exterior from the west

Winter view of Gamla Uppsala Church with part of the bell tower in the foreground, southwestern perspective

Exterior view of Gamla Uppsala Church from southeast

Exterior view of Gamla Uppsala Church porch towards northwest

Exterior view of Gamla Uppsala Church with historical architecture and clear sky

Southeastern view of Gamla Uppsala Church, a historic stone church surrounded by trees under a cloudy sky

Exterior view of Gamla Uppsala Church towards southeast with clear sky

Exterior view of Gamla Uppsala Church and surroundings towards southeast

Historic Gamla Uppsala Church exterior view from southeast

Southwest view of Gamla Uppsala Church, a historic stone church with a tall tower and green surroundings

Exterior view of Gamla Uppsala Church with wooden bell tower element

Southern view of Gamla Uppsala Church in Sweden

Exterior view of Gamla Uppsala Church and surroundings from southwest

Old Uppsala Church exterior view from southeast with historic architecture

Exterior view of Gamla Uppsala Church facing south

Historical Overview
Visiting Old Uppsala Church: Essential Information
Architectural and Artistic Highlights
Visitor Experience and Practical Tips
- Photography and Preservation
- Facilities and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions and Complementary Visits
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected
Sources

Historical Overview

From Pagan Temple to Christian Church

The site of Old Uppsala Church has been sacred for centuries. Before Christianity, Gamla Uppsala was home to the famed Temple of Uppsala, described by chroniclers as a grand, gold-adorned sanctuary dedicated to the Norse gods Odin, Thor, and Freyr. Major pagan festivals and sacrifices drew worshippers from across Scandinavia, reinforcing its role as the region’s spiritual heart (thehiddennorth.com; World History Encyclopedia).

Following Sweden’s gradual Christianization, the temple was replaced in the 12th century by a stone church, symbolizing a new era. Old Uppsala Church became the seat of the Swedish archbishopric in 1164, solidifying its ecclesiastical authority (thehiddennorth.com).

The Royal Mounds and Swedish Identity

The landscape surrounding Old Uppsala Church is dominated by three monumental Royal Mounds, believed to be the burial sites of legendary kings from the semi-mythical Yngling dynasty. These mounds highlight the site’s ancient political significance and its deep connection to Norse mythology. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area once held thousands of burial mounds and ritual sites, underlining its central role in early Swedish society (thecrazytourist.com; explorsweden.com).

Medieval Transformations

After a destructive fire in 1240, the church was reduced in size, with only the choir and central tower remaining from the original cathedral. By 1273, the archbishopric moved to modern Uppsala, but Old Uppsala Church continued to serve as a parish church and a destination for pilgrims. Its centuries-old frescoes, runestones, and wooden sculptures reflect its layered history (trip101.com; SpottingHistory).

Visiting Old Uppsala Church: Essential Information

Visiting Hours

Typical hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily (may be extended during summer or for special events).
Recommendation: Confirm current opening hours on the official Upplandsmuseet website before visiting.

Tickets and Entry

Admission: Free entry to the church.
Guided tours: May require advance booking and a ticket fee, especially for groups or special exhibitions (Veronika’s Adventure).
Nearby museum: Entry to the Gamla Uppsala Museum is ticketed (150 SEK for adults, 120 SEK for students/seniors, free for children under 19).

Accessibility

Facilities: Ramps, accessible toilets, and automated doors are available at the nearby museum.
Considerations: Some areas inside the church have uneven floors; outdoor paths around the mounds may be challenging.
Assistance: Contact the church or museum in advance for specific mobility needs (IBN Battuta Travel).

Guided Tours and Events

Guided tours: Highly recommended for historical context, can be booked via the museum or tourism office.
Events: Look for medieval festivals, concerts, and religious ceremonies, especially in summer (Secret Attractions).

Getting There

Location: Ärnavägen, 754 40 Uppsala, about 5 km north of central Uppsala.
Transport: Reachable by local bus from Stora Torget, by bicycle along Eriksleden pilgrims’ path, or by car (free parking available nearby).

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

Exterior and Interior Features

Romanesque architecture: Thick stone walls, rounded windows, and a sturdy, fortress-like silhouette mark its 12th-century origins (SpottingHistory).
Gothic vaults: 15th-century vaults with preserved chalk paintings add to the church’s visual richness.
Interior: A single nave, central tower, and wooden furnishings create an atmosphere of serene antiquity.

Medieval Artifacts and Tombs

Crucifixes: Three medieval wooden crucifixes from the 12th, 13th, and 15th centuries are among the church’s treasures.
Tombs: Burial place of Archbishop Valerius and formerly King Eric IX (Saint Eric), with a churchyard containing graves over a millennium old (Living Nomads).

Archaeological Context

Runestones: The Uppland Runic Inscription 979, with a ship motif, is displayed near the church entrance.
Artifacts: Medieval liturgical vessels and fragments of earlier furnishings are sometimes shown during tours.
Museum displays: The adjacent Gamla Uppsala Museum houses Viking-age jewelry, weapons, and interactive models (Upplandsturen; Life in Norway).

Visitor Experience and Practical Tips

Photography and Preservation

Photography: Allowed inside the church; be respectful during services. Flash and artifact handling are prohibited (Veronika’s Adventure).
Preservation: Do not touch artifacts to ensure their continued protection.

Facilities and Accessibility

Amenities: Restrooms, a café, and a museum shop are available nearby.
Accessibility: Most indoor facilities are accessible, but some outdoor paths may be uneven.

Nearby Attractions and Complementary Visits

The Royal Mounds

Explore three large 6th-century burial mounds, believed to be the graves of ancient Swedish kings—icons of Swedish national identity (Gamla Uppsala Museum).

Gamla Uppsala Museum

Offers exhibitions on burial mounds, the transition from paganism to Christianity, and Viking Age life. Tickets required (Upplandsmuseet).

Disagården Open-Air Museum

Open in summer, displaying traditional Uppland farmsteads and hosting seasonal events (Upplandsmuseet).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Old Uppsala Church’s visiting hours?
A: Generally 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but check the official site for seasonal or event-related changes.

Q: Is there a fee to visit Old Uppsala Church?
A: No, entry is free. Guided tours and museum visits may require tickets.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, book through the Gamla Uppsala Museum or tourism offices.

Q: Is the church accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps and accessible toilets at the museum; some paths may be uneven.

Q: How do I get to Old Uppsala Church from central Uppsala?
A: By local bus, bicycle, or car; parking and bike racks are available.

Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Before you go: Confirm visiting hours and tour availability.
Travel apps: Download the Audiala app for audio guides and interactive maps.
Stay informed: Follow official tourism and museum sites for updates on events and exhibitions.
Explore more: Combine your visit with walks among the Royal Mounds, a stop at the museum, and, if time allows, other Uppsala historical sites like the Uppsala Cathedral.

Visuals and Media

Images: Use high-quality photographs of the church’s exterior, interior frescoes, and surrounding mounds.
Alt text: Ensure alt tags include keywords like “Old Uppsala Church visiting hours” and “Uppsala historical sites.”
Map: Include a map pinpointing Old Uppsala Church, the Royal Mounds, and nearby attractions.

Internal Links Suggestions

Articles on Uppsala Cathedral for ecclesiastical history.
Guides to Viking Age archaeology in Sweden.
Travel guides to Uppsala city and surrounding regions.

Summary

Old Uppsala Church is not only an architectural relic but a living narrative of Sweden’s journey from Norse paganism to Christian medieval society. Its layered history, rich archaeological context, and vibrant cultural legacy make it one of Scandinavia’s most treasured historical sites. With free admission, accessible facilities, and proximity to other key attractions, Old Uppsala Church offers every visitor a profound connection to Sweden’s past. Plan your visit today, and immerse yourself in the myths, faith, and history that converge in the heart of Uppsala.