If there’s one place I want everyone to visit when exploring Uppsala, it’s this cathedral!
⛪️The Largest Cathedral in the Nordics, with Around 750 Years of History!
French architect Étienne de Bonneuil was involved in its construction, and the cathedral was built under the influence of French Gothic architecture.
Here’s something amazing: both its height and length are approximately 119 metres!
The cathedral’s present-day pointed twin spires, stained-glass windows and interior murals largely date from a major neo-Gothic restoration carried out between 1885 and 1893.
So, rather than looking exactly as it did in medieval times, this magnificent building has evolved throughout its long history.
🪟 Sweden’s Largest Stained-Glass Church Window!
Officially called Sonens fönster (The Son’s Window), this magnificent stained-glass window depicts the life of Jesus Christ.
Location: South side of Uppsala Cathedral
Theme: The life of Jesus Christ
Height: Approximately 14 metres
Glass area: Approximately 50 m²
Created: During the cathedral’s restoration in the late 19th century
I’ve visited quite a few cathedrals across Europe, but the beauty of this stained-glass window moved me even more than the windows of Barcelona’s famous Sagrada Família!
The incredible world of light created by this traditional stained glass was beyond anything I had imagined. Personally, I think it’s the most beautiful stained-glass window I’ve ever seen.
Perhaps living in the Nordics, where the days are so short for much of the year, has made me much more sensitive to the beauty of light than I used to be.
🤴🏼 King Gustav Vasa!
King Gustav Vasa was a 16th-century Swedish monarch who is widely regarded as one of the founders of the modern Swedish state.
The paintings I’m about to introduce tell the story of his life, from the years before he became king through Sweden’s struggle for independence and the Protestant Reformation. Together, they offer a fascinating glimpse into Swedish history through the life of one remarkable figure.
What’s particularly interesting is that although the events depicted took place in the 16th century, the paintings themselves were created in the 19th century.
It’s fascinating to see how artists from a later period chose to portray Gustav Vasa. Some of the stories about his time in hiding even combine historical events with legends passed down through generations.
The Battle of Brännkyrka (1518)
“Slaget vid Brännkyrka” in Swedish.
This painting depicts a scene from the Battle of Brännkyrka in 1518, during the conflict involving Sweden and Denmark.
It’s part of a series of paintings portraying Gustav Vasa as a heroic figure in Swedish history.
Events in Lübeck
“Inför rådet i Lübeck” in Swedish.
This painting depicts Gustav Vasa’s relationship with the German city of Lübeck, highlighting the importance of international diplomacy and economic cooperation in Sweden’s struggle for independence.
Gustav Vasa’s Escape to Rankhyttan
“Episoden i Rankhyttan” in Swedish.
This one looks like a scene straight out of a movie!
It illustrates the story of Gustav Vasa taking refuge in Rankhyttan, in Sweden’s Dalarna region, while concealing his identity.
Before becoming king, he is said to have hidden among local farmers, blending into their everyday lives.
Gustav Vasa Addresses the Farmers in Mora (Around 1520)
“Gustav Vasa talar till dalkarlarna i Mora” in Swedish.
This painting tells a particularly dramatic historical story.
It depicts Gustav Vasa addressing farmers in Mora, in the Dalarna region, around 1520, calling on them to rise against Danish rule.
The event became an important part of the historical narrative surrounding Sweden’s struggle for independence.
Gustav Vasa’s Entry into Stockholm
“Gustav Vasas intåg i Stockholm” in Swedish
On the eve of Midsummer in 1523, King Gustav Vasa makes his grand entrance into the capital.
The painting shows him riding a white horse as citizens and soldiers gather to welcome him.
Receiving the Swedish Bible Translation
“Mottagandet av bibelöversättningen” in Swedish
The Protestant Reformation progressed during Gustav Vasa’s reign, and in 1541, the Swedish Bible known as the Gustav Vasa Bible was published.
This painting depicts the king receiving the Bible translation.
🪦The Final Resting Place of Famous Figures in Swedish History!
The Vasa Chapel: Where King Gustav Vasa and His Family Rest
At the far end of Uppsala Cathedral is the Vasa Chapel.
At its centre stands an elaborate Renaissance-style tomb monument commemorating Gustav Vasa and two of his queens. The monument was created during the 16th century, while the actual coffins are housed in burial chambers beneath the chapel.
Carl Linnaeus
The famous Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, also known as Carl von Linné, is buried here too!
He is renowned for his contributions to the classification of plants and animals, particularly for popularising the system of scientific names that combines a genus and a species name.
And they’re not the only famous people buried here. The cathedral is also the final resting place of other important historical figures, including Archbishop Nathan Söderblom, who received the Nobel Peace Prize.
🤱Wait… Is That the Virgin Mary Standing Next to Anders?!
Maria (Återkomsten)
Mary (The Return) / 2005
The chapel where King Gustav Vasa is buried was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Following the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, the chapel became Gustav Vasa’s burial place.
In 2005, artist Anders Widoff created this sculpture to symbolise Mary’s return to the cathedral. She stands outside her former chapel, gazing towards the burial place of the king whose reign was closely associated with Sweden’s Reformation.
There’s a fascinating historical meaning behind this contemporary artwork, but what surprised me most was how incredibly ordinary and lifelike she looks!
She could easily be mistaken for a real person. I certainly wasn’t expecting to find the Virgin Mary standing there!
And there’s plenty more beautiful and intriguing artwork to discover throughout the cathedral.
A Mural Featuring Christ
A Mural Featuring Christ
At the centre of this beautiful mural is Christ, raising his right hand in a gesture of blessing while holding a book marked with the Greek letters Alpha (Α) and Omega (Ω) in his left hand.
Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. In Christianity, they symbolise God’s eternal nature.
The surrounding figures appear to represent saints.
I particularly love how the paintings blend so beautifully with the cathedral’s architectural details!
Bible Stories Told Through Wooden Sculptures
These wooden figures are the work of Swedish woodcarver Eva Spångberg.
They depict Jesus carrying the cross, surrounded by other figures from the biblical story.
According to the cathedral’s official website, her works are displayed in one of the chapels, with different scenes exhibited according to the Christian liturgical calendar.
🛍️Souvenirs from Uppsala Cathedral!
I found these adorable little fabric dolls inspired by famous figures from Swedish history in the cathedral’s souvenir shop.
Of course, I couldn’t resist buying them! One for a friend and one for myself.
Brand: Två Stintor
When I looked into the brand, I discovered that it was founded by two women who share a passion for preserving and celebrating Sweden’s traditional culture through their designs.
👨🏻 Left: Carl Linnaeus
The famous Swedish botanist I mentioned earlier, who is buried right here in Uppsala Cathedral!
👩🏻 Right: Saint Birgitta of Sweden
One of Sweden’s most celebrated saints, Saint Birgitta was a 14th-century religious figure who founded a religious order.
And that’s my little tour of Uppsala Cathedral, my number-one recommendation for anyone visiting Uppsala!
Even if you’re not particularly interested in history or architecture, there’s so much to discover here, from breathtaking stained-glass windows to fascinating contemporary artwork.
If you’re planning a trip to Uppsala, make sure you don’t miss this incredible cathedral!
⛪️ Uppsala Cathedral – Visitor Information
⛪️ Name: Uppsala domkyrka (Uppsala Cathedral)
🌐 Official website: Uppsala Cathedral
📍 Address: Domkyrkoplan, Uppsala, Sweden · Google Maps
🌍 Location: Uppsala, Sweden
🏰 Known for: The largest cathedral in the Nordic countries
📅 History: A Gothic cathedral consecrated in 1435
🎟️ Admission: Free entry to the cathedral
🚆 Getting there: Approximately a 15-minute walk from Uppsala Central Station
📸 Highlights: Stained-glass windows, the Vasa Chapel, historical paintings and contemporary art
🕒 Cathedral Opening Hours
Daily: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Please note: On April 30 (Walpurgis Night) and Midsummer Eve, the cathedral is open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM only.
※Access may be restricted during religious services and concerts.
🛍️ Cathedral Souvenir Shop
May – September: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sundays & public holidays: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
October – April: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sundays & public holidays: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Closed on Good Friday, April 30 and Midsummer Eve.
🏛️ The Treasury (Skattkammaren)
Located inside the cathedral’s north tower, the Treasury is a museum displaying historical treasures, including medieval textiles, royal objects and ceremonial garments.
Opening Hours:
May – September: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sundays & public holidays: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
October – April: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sundays & public holidays: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: Adults 80 SEK / Under 18 free
Closed on Good Friday, April 30 and Midsummer Eve.
This is how we make our Nordic Life Colorful! Enjoy your day!