Gamla Uppsala museum
Museum by the Kungshögarna (royal mounds) telling the story of Gamla Uppsala’s Iron Age, with original finds, a model, rune stones and a children’s play exhibition.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Already in the 6th century Gamla Uppsala was an important political and religious centre, and it counts as one of Scandinavia’s most interesting historic sites. A royal estate stood here, and the Svear gathered here to worship their gods. The site kept its importance long after Sweden had been Christianised, and when the new cathedral in Uppsala was built, Gamla Uppsala church became an ordinary parish church. For a long time the myth lived on that the great mounds held ancient gods, until the Eastern Mound (Östhögen) was excavated in 1846 and the Western Mound (Västhögen) in 1874; both proved to contain cremation graves.
Gamla Uppsala museum lies beside the royal mounds and is run by Stiftelsen Upplandsmuseet. The museum also serves as the visitor centre for the ancient monument area. The permanent exhibition Myt, makt och människa opened in 2022 and follows the site’s history from the Late Iron Age until 1164, when Gamla Uppsala became the seat of the archbishop. It contains original finds from archaeological excavations, a large model of the area and newer research results, for example on the much-discussed post rows (stolpraderna).
On the upper floor the original finds are shown alongside the exhibition Tyde den som kan, which opened in January 2024 and deals with runes and rune stones. Uppland has more rune stones than anywhere else in the world. For children there is the play exhibition Frejs hall, where families can try on Viking Age clothes and hear stories.
Highlights
- The permanent exhibition Myt, makt och människa with original finds
- Large model of the royal mounds and the area
- The exhibition Tyde den som kan on runes and rune stones
- Frejs hall, a play exhibition about the Viking Age for children
- The ancient monument area with royal mounds outside the museum
Permanent exhibitions
- Myt, makt och människa – The permanent exhibition shows original objects, a large model of the area and stories about the kings and their graves at Gamla Uppsala, from the Late Iron Age until 1164.
- Tyde den som kan – Exhibition on runes and rune stones with original inscriptions, where visitors can learn to read runes and raise a rune stone of their own.
- Frejs hall – Play exhibition for children where families can try on Viking Age clothes and helmets, read sagas and cook food in the world of the Vikings.
- Founded
- 2000
- Operated by
- Stiftelsen Upplandsmuseet
Admission & discounts
| Adults | SEK 150 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | SEK 120Students and pensioners |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 19 · Free admission for children and young people aged 0–19. |
| Seniors | SEK 120 |
| Students & apprentices | SEK 120 |
| Groups | –Groups can book a tour during the day or in the evening, including tailored programmes. |
| Annual pass (also valid for Upplandsmuseet) | SEK 280Valid for one full year from the date of purchase, for both Gamla Uppsala museum and Upplandsmuseet. |
Free admission: Free admission on Museum Day (8 November 2026).
Admission includes the museum’s regular guided tours.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum has a lift with an automatic door, an accessible toilet with a baby changing table, and two disabled parking spaces with a 15–20 metre walk over stone paving and gravel to the entrance. The exhibition can be navigated by wheelchair. Stairs are marked and tactile signs are provided for the lift, cloakroom and toilet. A pushchair can be left unattended on the entrance level. Dogs may not be brought in, except guide dogs; sheepskins and reindeer hides are present in the children’s corner.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 19 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
The play exhibition Frejs hall suits children aged 0–12 in the company of adults, requires no booking and is included in admission. Family activities are held at weekends. Children and young people up to 19 have free admission.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Kungshögarna · 100 m
Bus 2 from central Uppsala to the terminus Kungshögarna, about 100 metres from the museum. From Uppsala central station, buses 110 and 115 also run towards Storvreta, stop Regins väg.
By car
Free parking
Free parking for cars and coaches near the museum; the main car park is east of the old railway embankment (banvallen).
- Accessible parking
By car from the E4: follow the signs towards Gamla Uppsala and Gamla Uppsala church.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Coat check
Museum shop on the entrance level with literature on history, archaeology and Norse mythology, as well as jewellery, including replicas of archaeological finds.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours are included in admission: Saturdays and Sundays at 13:00 in Swedish, a family activity at 14:00 and a tour in English at 15:00. Groups can book tours of the exhibition and the ancient monument area, ideally combined with historical archery and mock battle games (kämpalekar). |
