Carolina park - 'Engelska Parken'

Imagine a corner of tranquility in the heart of academic life: the English Park (or Carolinaparken) is a historic oasis stretching behind the famous Carolina Rediviva library in Uppsala. Created in the early 19th century, it was one of the first public parks to open in Sweden, offering residents a retreat in the style of natural English landscapes.

The park is famous for its majestic flora: it is home to more than 300 large deciduous trees, which create a dense canopy and the atmosphere of an ancient forest. Since the late 1950s, this place has been inextricably linked to popular culture thanks to the famous song "Rumba in the English Park," which made its name a household word for all Swedes.

The English Park. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Today, the park is an integral part of the Uppsala University campus. It is a place where the rigor of academic architecture meets freely growing grasses and flowers, creating the perfect space for a stroll along the Slottsstråket tourist route.

To plan your visit to the English Park in Uppsala, it's useful to have the exact coordinates on hand. The park is a public space and does not have a dedicated reception desk; however, you can always navigate using the university campus address.

In the English Park, everyone will find something to their liking, whether seeking solitude or family leisure. While strolling along its winding paths, be sure to notice the bust of King Karl XIV Johan and the Folke Bernadotte monument—these landmarks are important attractions for history buffs and photography enthusiasts.

For travelers with children, the unique Pelle Svanslös lekplats (Pelle Svanslös playground) is a must-visit. It is inspired by the adventures of the famous tailless cat Pelle—a character from Gösta Knutsson’s stories, whose name is closely linked to Uppsala. The playground allows young guests to literally immerse themselves in the world of their favorite books.

If your visit falls in August, you might witness a rare sight—traditional grass mowing using old-fashioned horse-drawn mowers. At other times, the park is ideal for a small picnic on the grass or simply observing Swedish student life against the backdrop of the historic Faculty of Humanities buildings.

The English Park is exceptionally well-located in the western part of the city center, right behind the majestic Carolina Rediviva university library building. This makes it easily accessible for tourists exploring the historical heart of Uppsala on foot.

If you are in the city center or near the main station, the walk to the park will take no more than 15–20 minutes. The route passes through picturesque streets and allows you to see other iconic university landmarks. The park is also part of the popular Slottsstråket tourist route, which connects it with Uppsala Castle.

For those who prefer public transport, city buses run in the vicinity of the library, and a taxi ride from the central station will take only a few minutes. Most paths inside the park are pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to comfortably enjoy the surrounding architecture and natural beauty.

Established in 1825, the English Park (officially known as Carolinaparken) was one of the first public parks in Sweden. Its creation marked a departure from strict, geometrically precise Baroque gardens in favor of more natural landscapes where nature appears untouched by man.

A special place in the park's history is held by the year 1854, when a bust of King Karl XIV Johan by sculptor Bengt Erland Fogelberg was installed here. Until 1905, this location served as the primary venue for ceremonial events for university students celebrating Union Day.

Interestingly, the park earned its unofficial but most popular name through culture. In 1955, Swedish composer Owe Thörnqvist released the hit song "Rumba in the English Park". The song became so popular that it cemented the name Engelska parken for Carolinaparken in the everyday speech of locals and tourists alike.

In the early 21st century, the park's significance to the city was officially recognized: in 2004, the Uppsala University Center for the Humanities, located directly on its grounds, was named after the park.

To leisurely stroll through the shaded alleys and see the monuments of the English Park, 1–2 hours is sufficient for most visitors. This time allows you to appreciate the landscape design and stop by the Pelle Svanslös playground.

If your goal is to fully experience the academic atmosphere of Uppsala, including a visit to the Carolina Rediviva library and exploring the neighboring university buildings, you should set aside about 2–3 hours for the area. For a short break and a midday recharge, 30–45 minutes will be quite enough.

The English Park in Uppsala is an open urban space accessible at any time of day or night. According to official data, the park is open 24 hours a day throughout the week (Monday through Sunday), allowing you to enjoy a walk in the morning sun or the mysterious evening twilight.

It is important to note that entry to the park itself is completely free. However, university buildings located around the campus perimeter operate on their own specific schedules, usually limited to business hours on weekdays.

The English Park is located in the heart of the cultural and historical quarter, so a visit can easily be combined with exploring other iconic city landmarks. Its proximity to university buildings and the castle creates a unique atmosphere where every step opens a new page of history.