Uppsala Cathedral (Uppsala Domkyrka) | Uppsala

Information

Landmark: Uppsala Cathedral (Uppsala Domkyrka)
City: Uppsala
Country: Sweden
Continent: Europe

Uppsala Cathedral (Uppsala Domkyrka), Uppsala, Sweden, Europe

Uppsala Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral located in the city of Uppsala, Sweden. It functions as the seat of the Archbishop of Uppsala, the primate of the Church of Sweden.

Visual Characteristics

The cathedral is constructed primarily from red brick, characteristic of Baltic Brick Gothic architecture, with some elements of grey limestone. It features two prominent western towers, each reaching a height of 118.7 meters, making it the tallest church building in the Nordic countries. The exterior is adorned with flying buttresses, pointed arches, and intricate tracery. The roof is steep and covered with copper sheeting, which has oxidized to a green patina. Interior dimensions include a length of 118.7 meters and a width of 45 meters.

Location & Access Logistics

Uppsala Cathedral is centrally located in Uppsala, situated on Domkyrkoplan, adjacent to the Fyris River. It is approximately 0.8 kilometers northwest of the Uppsala Central Station, a walk of about 10-12 minutes. Public parking is available in several paid garages within a 0.5-kilometer radius, such as S:t Eriks Parkeringshus or S:t Persgatan Parkeringshus. Local bus lines, including routes 1, 2, 5, and 8, have stops within 200 meters of the cathedral, such as the "Domkyrkan" stop.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of Uppsala Cathedral began in 1272, following the relocation of the archiepiscopal see from Gamla Uppsala. The initial design was influenced by French Gothic cathedrals, with French architects such as Étienne de Bonneuil overseeing early phases. The cathedral was consecrated in 1435. Its original purpose was to serve as the metropolitan church for Sweden, housing the relics of Saint Erik and functioning as a coronation church for Swedish monarchs. It transitioned from Catholic to Lutheran worship during the Reformation in the 16th century.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can view the tombs of notable figures, including Swedish King Gustav Vasa, botanist Carl Linnaeus, and scientist Olof Rudbeck. The Treasury Museum, located in the northern tower, displays medieval textiles and historical artifacts. Guided tours are available at specific times, typically departing from the main entrance. Attending a public service is possible during designated hours. The cathedral grounds offer pathways for walking around the exterior.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available for visitors, typically located near the entrance or within the Treasury Museum area. The interior of the cathedral provides ample seating and shelter from weather. There is no specific outdoor shade infrastructure on the immediate cathedral grounds. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong throughout the cathedral and surrounding area. A gift shop is located within the cathedral, offering souvenirs and literature. Several cafes and restaurants are situated on the streets immediately surrounding the cathedral.

Best Time to Visit

The cathedral is generally accessible year-round. For exterior photography, morning light (9:00-11:00) or late afternoon light (16:00-18:00) often provides optimal illumination, highlighting the red brick and tower details. The summer months (June-August) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the exterior and surrounding area. Visiting during weekdays typically results in fewer crowds compared to weekends. Check the official schedule for specific opening hours of the Treasury Museum and service times.

Facts & Legends

A unique historical oddity is the presence of the Sture family's burial crypt, where the clothes worn by the murdered Sture family members in 1567 are preserved and displayed. These garments are among the best-preserved examples of 16th-century European clothing. Another fact is that the cathedral's bells, named Storan, Tvåan, Trean, Fyran, and Femman, are rung daily for various occasions, with Storan being the largest and heaviest.