Welcome to Uppsala Castle

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.

Residence, museum and banquet hall
Uppsala Castle is the county governor’s residence and living quarters even today. The apartment for receiving guests is used for official visits and the north tower room is used for meetings and receptions.

The castle even contains Uppsala Art Museum. Through the museum visitors are able to enter the castle. Certain parts of the castle are rented as offices.