Upplands Museum

If you want to truly experience the atmosphere of the region, the Upplandsmuseet (Uppland Museum) is the perfect place to start. Located in the heart of Uppsala, this museum occupies the historic Akademikvarnen water mill, built back in 1768. Here, on the picturesque banks of the Fyris River, Sweden reveals its secrets, spanning several millennia.

Uppland Museum. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Today, the museum houses an impressive collection of around 800,000 items, including unique archaeological finds. Permanent exhibitions invite you on a journey through 5,000–7,000 years of history: from the Stone Age to the vibrant modern student life and the mysteries of Uppsala Cathedral. Notably, the exterior of the mill building is so authentic that Ingmar Bergman used it for filming his Oscar-winning movie Fanny and Alexander.

The museum serves as the primary center for preserving the cultural heritage of Uppland province. In addition to the main building on Kvarnholmen island, it oversees fascinating branches: the museum in Gamla Uppsala near the ancient mounds, the Disagården open-air museum, and the Walmstedt Professor’s House, all of which allow guests to see the lifestyle of different eras in great detail.

Planning your visit to the Upplandsmuseet is easy, as it is located right in the heart of the historic center. Below is the essential contact information to reach the administration or confirm visiting details.

Inside the main museum building, an exciting exploration of the four floors of the old mill awaits you. Here you can see permanent exhibitions dedicated to the evolution of life in the region: from the daily lives of ancient people to the traditions of students at Scandinavia's oldest university. Be sure to check out the interactive elements and temporary exhibitions, which often focus on relevant modern themes and global art.

The branches of the Upplandsmuseet are of particular interest. By heading to Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala), you can dive into the myths and reality of the Viking Age, seeing finds from 6th-century royal mounds. In summer, it's worth visiting Disagården—an open-air museum where you can stroll among authentic 19th-century farm buildings and even take part in traditional Midsummer celebrations.

Those who appreciate a more intimate atmosphere will enjoy Walmstedtska gården—a late 19th-century professor's home where time seems to have stood still. The museum also frequently hosts public lectures, craft demonstrations, and educational programs for children, making it an excellent spot for family leisure.

The museum's central location makes it exceptionally accessible. Upplandsmuseet is situated on Kvarnholmen island, just a 10–15 minute leisurely walk from the Uppsala Centralstation. If you are arriving from Stockholm, the train journey takes about 40 minutes, making Uppsala an excellent choice for a day trip.

For those preferring public transport, the St Eriks torg bus stops are located in the immediate vicinity of the building. The city is very cyclist-friendly, so renting a bike is a pleasant and fast way to get around. If you are traveling by car, there are parking spaces near the square, though they can be busy during peak hours.

To reach the museum's branches, such as Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala), it is most convenient to take bus No. 110 from the city center—the ride takes no more than 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can use local taxi services to get quickly to any point in the city, right to the doors of Akademikvarnen.

The history of this site began long before it housed museum collections. The building itself, known as Akademikvarnen (the Academy Mill), was built in 1768 as a water mill for Uppsala University and remained operational until 1946. It wasn't until the late 1950s, after extensive restoration, that it opened its doors to history enthusiasts.

The idea of creating a county museum was first proposed in 1907 by local editor Alex Johansson. In the early decades, the collection was housed in the premises of Uppsala Castle and the Gustavianum. Significant contributions from patrons helped develop the collection, and today the museum boasts a unique archive of 16,000 glass negatives by the renowned photographer Henry Osti.

The museum's particular historical pride lies in the archaeological finds from Gamla Uppsala. Fragments from the 6th-century burial mounds displayed in the exhibitions are considered the final resting places of the Iron Age elite. In this way, the museum is not just a repository of objects, but a living link between the modern day and the legendary past of the Uppland region.

For a quick tour of the main exhibitions in the museum's primary building at Akademikvarnen, you will need approximately 1.5–2.5 hours. This is enough time to walk through all four floors of the former mill and get acquainted with the most significant artifacts from the history of the city and the university.

However, if you plan to visit the branches, such as the archaeological site in Gamla Uppsala or the Disagården open-air ethnographic museum, it is better to set aside a full day (about 4–6 hours). Consider the travel time between sites and allow for a relaxed walk by the famous royal burial mounds.

The main building of the Upplandsmuseet generally welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Monday is traditionally a closing day. Please note that there is an entrance fee for the main building (around 150 SEK for adults), but admission is free for those under 19 years old.

The museum's branches have their own specific schedules: for example, Disagården is open primarily during the summer months, while the museum in Old Uppsala operates on a reduced schedule during the winter. We strongly recommend checking the official website before your trip to confirm opening times during holidays and the schedule for temporary exhibitions.

A stroll around the museum allows you to see many other iconic sites, as it is located at the epicenter of the city's cultural life. Exploring the surroundings will help you gain a complete picture of the history and architecture of old Uppsala.