Royal Mounds Gamla Uppsala - A pathway leads to a green, grassy hill.
1 / 10

Royal Mounds Gamla Uppsala

4.5
·1k reviews·, Sweden

Step back in time at Gamla Uppsala, home to legendary Viking Royal Mounds and a site of ancient spiritual significance.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Royal Mounds Gamla Uppsala - A pathway leads to a green, grassy hill.

Royal Mounds Gamla Uppsala

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at Gamla Uppsala, home to legendary Viking Royal Mounds and a site of ancient spiritual significance.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"A beautiful and somewhat magical place, a very pleasant walk with super interesting history!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚲 Bike to Gamla Uppsala

Rent a bike in Uppsala for a scenic ride along the river to Gamla Uppsala.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Mounds

Walk among the ancient Royal Mounds for a spiritual and historical experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Royal Mounds (Kungshögarna)

The Royal Mounds (Kungshögarna)

Gamla Uppsala

Legendary burial mounds of ancient kings and Norse gods, offering a tangible link to Viking history.

Instagram+1
Gamla Uppsala Church

Gamla Uppsala Church

Gamla Uppsala

A historic church built on a significant pagan site, showcasing centuries of Swedish heritage.

Reddit
Open-Air Museum

Open-Air Museum

Gamla Uppsala

Explore reconstructed Viking-era buildings and gain insights into ancient village life.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to the Royal Mounds

To avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more serene experience at the Royal Mounds, consider visiting during weekdays, especially in the late afternoon. Many visitors are day-trippers, so the crowds tend to thin out as the day progresses. Reddit

Getting to Gamla Uppsala

Gamla Uppsala is easily accessible, just a short bus ride from Uppsala city center.Instagram Renting a bike from Uppsala is also a popular and scenic option, with some travelers enjoying the ride along the river. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late Spring/Summer
Why
Lush green landscapes
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Viking Temple Sweden Uppsala #vikingtok #uppsala #sweden #wikingerdorf #norse #village #vikingtales #vikingvillage #vikinglandscape #landscape #vikingprayer #norsepagan #modernviking #mytology #poem #wikingerfrau #traumpaar7986 #rabenderneunwege #asatru #landscape #vikingprayer #norsepagan #village #villagelife #pagan #norse #pagan
@odinsboten
15.2K likes • 272.5K views

🚲 Bike to Gamla Uppsala

Rent a bike in Uppsala for a scenic ride along the river to Gamla Uppsala. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Mounds

Walk among the ancient Royal Mounds for a spiritual and historical experience. Reddit

Gamla Uppsala – A Step Back in Time 🌿🇸🇪 Just 15 minutes by bus from Uppsala city centre, Gamla Uppsala is a must-visit spot full of history, nature, and Swedish heritage. ✨ Here’s what you can explore: 🔸 The Royal Mounds – Walk among the legendary burial mounds of ancient kings from the 5th and 6th centuries. It’s one of Sweden’s most iconic archaeological sites. 🔸 Gamla Uppsala Museum – Dive ...
uppsala_international_hub
30 likes • 803 views
These are the Royal Mounds of Gamla Uppsala, Sweden, dating back to the 5th–6th centuries. Believed to be the graves of Norse gods Thor, Odin, and Freyr—or legendary kings—these ancient burial mounds reveal a fascinating Viking past. Excavations uncovered burned bones, warrior weapons, luxury items, and treasures, showing the mounds’ royal significance and links to old Norse traditions of sending ...
shutterandtravel
0 likes • 861 views

🏛️ Visit the Museum

Combine your visit with the open-air museum for a fuller understanding of Viking life. Reddit

🗺️ Navigate with Your Phone

Use your phone for navigation, but be prepared for a short walk through fields. Instagram

Gamla uppsala kungshögar.."the royal mounds" According to folklore the buralplace for Odin,Tor and Freyr #norse #norsemythology #viking #odin #norsepagan #heathen #vikings #valhalla #vikingstyle #norsegods #asatru #runes #vikingsofinstagram #ragnar #pagan #shieldmaiden #vikinglife #norsepaganism #vikingwarriors #lagertha #vikingwarrior #historyvikings #nordic #bjornironside #norseart #vikinglove ...
minst__official
18 likes • 552 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚲 Bike to Gamla Uppsala

Rent a bike in Uppsala for a scenic ride along the river to Gamla Uppsala. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Mounds

Walk among the ancient Royal Mounds for a spiritual and historical experience. Reddit

🏛️ Visit the Museum

Combine your visit with the open-air museum for a fuller understanding of Viking life. Reddit

🗺️ Navigate with Your Phone

Use your phone for navigation, but be prepared for a short walk through fields. Instagram

☕ Enjoy Nearby Amenities

A restaurant and café are available nearby for refreshments. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Gamla Uppsala for its historical significance, spiritual atmosphere, and beautiful natural setting. The Royal Mounds and the ancient church are highlights, offering a tangible connection to Viking heritage. While some find the historical information limited, most appreciate the opportunity for a pleasant walk and a glimpse into Sweden's past.

"I came here on a rented bike from the city. Found this place a beautiful and somewhat magical, maybe affected from the Vikings series. It was very, very pleasant walk."

Владимир Станев

"Super interesting history! From the church to the mounds it was all so fascinating and I loved it all being outside. We rented bikes in Uppsala to bike here and the ride there along the river was gorgeous!"

Brooklyn Grubb

"Highly recommended to visit when being around Uppsala or as a day trip from Stockholm. You can easily spend a day here exploring the surroundings (you can just walk the main circuit or decide to diverge from it to neighbouring hiking paths or even more to walk back to Uppsala), checking the museum, church and picturesque skansen. A nice restaurant and café is also nearby for your pleasure."

Tomáš Kello

What People Like

Spiritual and historical experience
Beautiful natural landscape
Tangible link to Viking past

What People Dislike

Limited historical detail
Can feel sparse without museum

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can easily reach Gamla Uppsala by taking a short bus ride from Uppsala city center.Instagram Alternatively, renting a bike in Uppsala and cycling along the river offers a picturesque journey. Reddit

Yes, Gamla Uppsala is a popular day trip destination from Stockholm, offering a glimpse into Sweden's ancient history. InstagramReddit

Both public transport (bus) and cycling are excellent options. Cycling provides a more immersive experience with scenic views. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available nearby, making it accessible for those traveling by car. Reddit

The bus ride from Uppsala city center is typically around 15 minutes.Instagram Cycling time will vary depending on your pace. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Royal Mounds themselves are an outdoor historical site and are generally free to access. Reddit However, there may be admission fees for the open-air museum or any specific exhibitions. Reddit

The outdoor historical site is accessible at all times. The open-air museum and church have specific operating hours, which are best checked locally or on their official website. Reddit

Access to the Royal Mounds is free. Reddit Fees may apply to the museum or other facilities within Gamla Uppsala. Reddit

The outdoor mounds can be visited in the evening, offering a peaceful experience. Reddit However, the museum and church will have their own closing times. Reddit

No booking is typically required for general access to the Royal Mounds. Reddit For guided tours or specific events, it's advisable to check in advance. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Gamla Uppsala features the iconic Royal Mounds, the historic Gamla Uppsala Church, and an open-air museum showcasing Viking life. Reddit+1

These large burial mounds are believed to be the resting places of ancient kings and Norse gods like Odin, Thor, and Freyr, dating back to the 5th-6th centuries. Instagram+3

Yes, there is an open-air museum that provides insights into Viking history and village life. Reddit

You can expect pleasant walks around the mounds and through the surrounding landscape. Some paths may be dirt roads or through fields. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Many visitors describe it as a very pleasant and beautiful walk, with opportunities to explore hiking paths. Reddit+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a nice restaurant and café located nearby Gamla Uppsala for visitors to enjoy. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, the scenic surroundings suggest it could be a pleasant spot for a picnic, especially during good weather. Instagram

Typically, local restaurants and cafés in the area offer Swedish cuisine. Reddit

It's a good idea to have a meal or snack beforehand, or plan to dine at the nearby restaurant/café. Reddit

Food options are usually located outside the museum itself, at nearby establishments. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Royal Mounds themselves offer dramatic silhouettes against the sky, especially during sunrise or sunset. The historic church also provides a picturesque backdrop. Instagram+1

Yes, the combination of ancient mounds, historic church, and the surrounding green landscape makes it very photogenic. Instagram+1

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for the mounds and church. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the mounds and the landscape. A standard zoom lens is versatile for details of the church and museum. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Gamla Uppsala offers an engaging outdoor experience for families. The Royal Mounds are perfect for little explorers to run around and imagine Viking adventures.TikTok The open-air museum provides a visual and interactive way for children to learn about historical village life.Reddit Consider renting bikes for a fun family ride to the site, making the journey part of the adventure.Reddit Pack snacks and drinks, as while there are amenities, having your own can be convenient for younger children. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by Viking history and Norse mythology, Gamla Uppsala is a must-visit. The Royal Mounds, believed to be the burial sites of gods and kings, offer a profound connection to the past.Instagram+2 Explore the historic Gamla Uppsala Church, a site of both pagan and Christian significance.Reddit The open-air museum further enriches the experience by detailing ancient life and traditions.Reddit Many visitors find the entire experience deeply spiritual and surreal. Reddit

🌿 Nature Lovers & Hikers

Gamla Uppsala is set in a beautiful, green landscape, making it ideal for a leisurely walk or a more extensive hike. You can explore the main circuit around the mounds and church, or venture onto neighboring hiking paths.Reddit Renting a bike from Uppsala and cycling to Gamla Uppsala along the river is also a highly recommended scenic route.Reddit The open spaces provide a refreshing escape and a chance to enjoy the Swedish countryside. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of the Royal Mounds

The Royal Mounds (Kungshögarna) in Gamla Uppsala are not just ancient burial sites; they are steeped in legend. Folklore suggests these three colossal barrows are the final resting places of the Norse gods Odin, Thor, and Freyr.Instagram+2 Excavations have revealed that these mounds, dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries, indeed contained the remains of high-status individuals, including burned bones, weapons, and precious artifacts, confirming their royal significance.Instagram This blend of historical evidence and mythological tales makes the mounds a powerful symbol of Sweden's Viking past.

Walking among these imposing mounds offers a unique connection to ancient beliefs and practices. Many visitors describe a spiritual or surreal experience,Reddit feeling the weight of history and the echoes of a bygone era. The sheer scale of the mounds, set against the backdrop of the Swedish countryside, is awe-inspiring. It's a place where history, mythology, and nature converge, creating a truly memorable visit for anyone interested in Norse culture and heritage. Reddit

For those seeking a deeper understanding, the nearby open-air museum provides context by showcasing reconstructed Viking-era buildings and offering insights into the daily lives of the people who once inhabited this significant site.Reddit Combining a visit to the mounds with the museum offers a comprehensive picture of Gamla Uppsala's historical importance as a religious, economic, and political center. Reddit+1

Gamla Uppsala: A Historical Hub

Gamla Uppsala, meaning 'Old Uppsala,' was once a pivotal center in Svealand, the historical heartland from which Sweden gradually evolved.Instagram Its establishment dates back to the 3rd century, and for centuries, it served as a crucial religious, economic, and political hub.Instagram The site was renowned for its pagan temple, which was later replaced by the current Gamla Uppsala Church, a testament to the transition from Norse paganism to Christianity in Sweden.

The historical significance of Gamla Uppsala is palpable as you explore the grounds. The Royal Mounds are central to this narrative, but the entire area whispers tales of ancient assemblies, trade gatherings, and the rise of Swedish kingdoms.Instagram It's a place where many movies and TV series have drawn inspiration, further cementing its place in popular imagination.Instagram

Visitors can spend a considerable amount of time exploring the surroundings, not just the main circuit of the mounds and church, but also diverging onto neighboring hiking paths or even walking back to Uppsala city. Reddit This makes it an ideal destination for those who enjoy combining historical exploration with outdoor activity. Reddit

You may also like