Discovering Uppsala with Roommates: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the City

Studying in Uppsala brings with it the joy of discovery – the history, culture, and the picturesque nature of a city that nestles in the heart of Sweden. But when shared with roommates, this joy doubles. Here is a guide to exploring Uppsala with your roommates.

Moving into shared accommodation via Hemavi gives you the unique opportunity to discover these gems with your roommates. Our compatibility-based matchmaking ensures that you'll share your living space with people who have similar interests, increasing the chances of you all enjoying these historical visits together.

Historical Havens: Exploring the Past Together

The rich history of Uppsala unfolds itself in its numerous historical sites and buildings. From the awe-inspiring Uppsala Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Scandinavia, to Gustavianum, Uppsala University’s oldest building, the city offers a journey through time.

Uppsala Cathedral

Uppsala Cathedral, or Uppsala Domkyrka, is the tallest cathedral in Scandinavia and a symbol of Uppsala. Construction of the cathedral started in the late 13th century and was completed in the 15th century. It has undergone several restorations since then, with the most significant one taking place in the 19th century.

The cathedral is the main church of the Church of Sweden and is the seat of the Archbishop of Uppsala, the primate of Sweden. The cathedral is also the burial site for several notable figures in Swedish history, including Gustav Vasa and Carl Linnaeus.

Visitors are often awed by the cathedral's stunning gothic architecture, beautiful stained-glass windows, and richly decorated interior.

Gustavianum

Gustavianum is the oldest standing building of Uppsala University. It was built in the 1620s during the reign of Gustavus Adolphus, after whom the building is named. It served as the main building and auditorium of the university and remained so until the 1880s.

One of the most significant features of Gustavianum is the Gustavianum's anatomy theatre, which was added to the building in the mid-17th century. It was here that public dissections took place. Today, the Gustavianum is a museum that hosts various exhibitions relating to the history of Uppsala University and houses collections of archaeology, art, culture, and history.

While Gustavianum is the oldest standing building, the university itself is older, dating back to 1477, making it the oldest university in Sweden and one of the oldest in Northern Europe. The original building no longer exists, but the university has a rich history, with many historic buildings scattered throughout Uppsala.

The Green Getaway: Uppsala's Botanical Gardens

Uppsala Botanical Gardens is a peaceful retreat nestled within the city. What could be better than having a picnic on a sunny day, exploring the lush greenery, and lounging by the beautiful flora with your roommates?

The Uppsala Botanical Gardens are a vibrant, green oasis situated right in the heart of Uppsala. The garden spans across 34 acres, housing a diverse collection of more than 13,000 species of plants. The area includes everything from flower beds and greenhouses to a beautiful Baroque park and a romantic English-style park.

One of the most notable features of the Botanical Gardens is the Baroque Garden, which was originally designed in the 17th century. The design has been maintained, with boxwood hedges, gravel paths, and a central fountain creating an elegant and stately atmosphere. This part of the garden provides a fantastic view of Uppsala Cathedral.

Visiting the Uppsala Botanical Gardens offers a chance to learn about various plant species, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and gain a deeper appreciation for nature. It’s a great place for a picnic, a leisurely stroll, or a quiet afternoon studying in the sun.

Fika Breaks: A Must-Try Swedish Tradition

Fika is more than just a coffee break; it's a social event and a way of life in Sweden. At its core, Fika is about taking a moment out of your day to slow down, enjoy a hot drink (usually coffee) and something sweet to eat, and most importantly, to spend some quality time with friends, family, or colleagues. The idea of Fika is to relax, talk about everything and nothing, and enjoy each other's company.

As an international student, partaking in Fika with your roommates is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Swedish culture, bond with your roommates, and feel at home in Uppsala. It can be a regular morning tradition, an after-study unwind session, or even a weekend treat.

To host a Fika, you'll need some good coffee and Swedish pastries. Traditional Fika treats include kanelbullar (cinnamon buns), kladdkaka (sticky chocolate cake), or semla (a sweet bun filled with almond paste and cream). Many of these treats can be found at local bakeries or supermarkets. Alternatively, baking your own pastries can be a fun activity to do with your roommates, adding to the sense of shared experience.

Bike Tours: The Eco-Friendly Way to Discover Uppsala

Bike tours are an excellent way to explore Uppsala and its surroundings. Given that Uppsala is known as the city of bikes, this is a particularly fitting activity. The city is compact, flat and has an extensive network of bike paths, making it ideal for cycling.

Taking a bike tour with your roommates not only allows you to explore the city at a leisurely pace, but it also offers a healthy and sustainable mode of transportation. You can follow designated bike routes or create your own path based on your interests.

City Tour

Starting with a tour of the city, you can explore Uppsala's main attractions. From Uppsala University and Gustavianum to the Uppsala Cathedral and Botanical Gardens, you'll see a mix of modern urban life, historic landmarks, and beautiful green spaces.

Nature Trails

For those interested in nature and more tranquil settings, you can follow bike paths leading to the outskirts of the city. Uppsala has a number of beautiful nature reserves like Hågadalen-Nåsten, which offers picturesque trails that are perfect for a leisurely bike ride.

Fjällnora Recreation Area

If you and your roommates are up for a day trip, consider cycling to Fjällnora Recreation Area. This beautiful natural spot is about 20 kilometers east of Uppsala and offers a great place for a picnic, swimming, or canoeing.

Cycling is not just a mode of transportation in Uppsala, it's part of the city's culture and lifestyle. By participating in a bike tour with your roommates, you're immersing yourself in this culture and experiencing Uppsala like a local. Moreover, cycling is an activity that fosters camaraderie. It's about navigating and exploring together, making discoveries, and creating shared memories.

Fyrishov Water Park: A Splash of Fun

Fyrishov Water Park is one of the top leisure facilities in Uppsala and indeed, the whole of Sweden. It's an excellent destination for a fun day out with your roommates, whether you want to enjoy the excitement of the water slides, or just unwind in the relaxation area.

Fyrishov Water Park boasts a wide range of facilities to cater to everyone's tastes. For thrill-seekers, the park features a number of exciting water slides and a wave pool, offering plenty of adrenaline-fueled fun. For those who prefer a quieter experience, the park also has a relaxing whirlpool and a calm swimming pool.

The indoor area features a 50-meter pool for more serious swimming, and there's also a diving pool with different heights for those who want to try their hand at diving. If you're interested in sports, you'll be pleased to know that Fyrishov also has a sports hall for badminton, floorball, basketball, handball, and indoor football.

But the fun at Fyrishov doesn't stop at the water's edge. The park is surrounded by green areas perfect for a picnic during the summer, and there are several jogging tracks for those who want to combine their visit with a bit of exercise.

And after a long day of fun and frolic, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the several eateries available within the facility.

Sailing on Lake Mälaren: An Exhilarating Experience

Lake Mälaren is Sweden's third-largest lake, offering stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and numerous islands to explore. With its vast expanse of water, it is an excellent setting for a sailing adventure. Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete novice, there are plenty of options for everyone.

Sailing schools and charter companies around the lake offer boat rentals and sailing lessons for groups. This means you and your roommates could rent a boat for the day or even enroll in a short sailing course. It's not only a great way to see the area from a new perspective but also an opportunity to learn a new skill together.

During the sailing trip, you can explore the numerous islands scattered across Lake Mälaren. Some of these islands, like Birka, have historical significance, while others like Kärsön and Sigtuna offer beautiful natural landscapes and quaint town centers.

Sailing is not only about the physical activity or the places you can visit; it's also about teamwork and cooperation. Operating a sailboat requires coordination and cooperation, making sailing an excellent team-building exercise for you and your roommates.

Conclusion

Uppsala is a city teeming with opportunities to explore, learn, and have fun. The experiences you share with your roommates in this vibrant city will undoubtedly form some of your most treasured memories.

Choosing to find your accommodation through Hemavi means more than just finding a place to live. It's about making your journey in Uppsala as memorable as possible. By matching you with compatible roommates and placing you in safe and comfortable shared accommodation, Hemavi ensures that your time in Uppsala is filled with shared joys, discoveries, and lasting friendships.