Uppsala Castle has a dominant position high upon Beacon Ridge and can be seen from afar as one approaches the city. The castle’s construction began in the middle of the 16th century as a fortification and was included in the series of citadels that Gustav Vasa and his sons erected as protection against both international and domestic enemies. Erik XIV, Johan III and Karl IX remodelled and expanded the citadel into a representative renaissance palace. One of it’s most important functions was to provide a place for the coronation festivities after the ceremony of the Uppsala Cathedral.
In 1702 Uppsala suffered a great city fire and with even the castle was damaged. Although the damages were probably relatively minor, the whole castle was condemned. Parts of the main building, known as the cross castle, were torn down to be used ac material for other buildings. During the rebuilding in 1744 the cross castle was shortened and the whole castle was rebuilt in a French classical style. The construction work halted in 1762 due to a lack of money. The planned north wing was never built, and that is how we still see the castle today.
Through the Uppsala Art Museum visitors are able to enter the castle. Art and architecture tours in Swedish and English arranged daily during the summer.
Price/admission
Guided tour (entrance fee to the Uppsala Art Museum included) SEK 80, 6-19 years SEK 15
Guided tours
The castle is open in connection with the art and architecture tours in Swedish Feb 21, March 21, April 18, May 16 and June 20.
Regular tours in English June 28–Sep 2, 2010
Mon–Fri 12:45pm and 2:45pm. Sat–Sun 12:45pm and 3:15pm.
Audio guides in English, German and French can be borrowed in connection with the tours. For tours for groups or information about tours during other parts of the year, phone Uppsala Art Museum or see the website.
Contact
Phone 018-727 24 82, 018-727 24 85, fax 018-727 06 50
E-mail konstmuseum(at)uppsala.se
Bus number: Uppsalabuss buses 4, 6, 7, 18, 20, 22
.