Uppåkra Arkeologiska Center

About the museum

Uppåkra outside Lund was a settlement and centre of power that lived for over 1,100 years, from the Roman Iron Age to the Viking Age. It was one of northern Europe’s largest centres of power, and only about 0.2 per cent of the area has so far been excavated. The finds from the site, among them a blue-patterned glass vessel and a bronze figure with horn-like projections on its head, show that Uppåkra had contacts with a wide world.

Stiftelsen Uppåkra Arkeologiska Center (the Uppåkra Archaeological Centre Foundation) works to preserve and develop the site and runs the visitor centre in Staffanstorp. There visitors can see the exhibitions Mimers rum (Mimer’s Room), Midgård and Underjorden (the Underworld), take part in guided tours and activities with archaeologists, and access digital resources such as Uppåkra Play and a find platform.

In Underjorden visitors go below ground to the excavation of the cult house, which was used from the 3rd century until around 900. It is shown with a large cultural-layer wall and four finds, including a gold figure from around 600. Mimers rum shows finds that visitors themselves found in the topsoil during the excavation of the chieftain’s hall. During the summer half-year guided tours are held, while the rest of the year is dominated by school visits and special arrangements.

Highlights

• The exhibition Underjorden at the cult house
• Mimers rum with finds from the excavation of the chieftain’s hall
• Guided tours and archaeological excavation for visitors
• The art exhibition Midgård
• Gravel walkway over the ancient monument, with signs in Swedish and English

Permanent exhibitions

• Underjorden – Underground exhibition at the excavation of the cult house, with a large cultural-layer wall and four finds, including a gold figure from around 600.
• Mimers rum – Display room with finds that visitors have discovered in the topsoil during the excavation of the chieftain’s hall, shown in security-rated cases.

Operated by

Stiftelsen Uppåkra Arkeologiska Center

Admission & discounts

The visitor centre has free admission. A ticket is required for guided tours and activities and is bought in advance online (limited number of places), or on site as space allows. On site, payment is only by card or Swish. Prices are given on each tour’s page. Companions are free but must register. The exhibition Midgård has free admission.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is a ramp and a lift to the visitor centre, and an accessible toilet. Accessibility varies between the tours, so check the individual tour page. Guiding archaeologists use a voice amplifier when needed. Service dogs are welcome; please say so when buying tickets. Leashed dogs are allowed on outdoor tours but not indoors or in the visitor centre.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Stories in Iron Age Uppåkra are aimed at children from about 5 years old, accompanied by an adult, and in the guided archaeological excavation families sift soil together with an archaeologist. Workshops for children are available, for example a gold-figure workshop. Children’s chairs and changing tables are in the visitor centre.

Getting there & parking

From the E22 take the exit Lund södra towards Sturup–Trelleborg (road 108) and follow the white signs to Uppåkra. There is a cycle path along Gamla Lundavägen.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Uppåkra Kafé and Museibutik in the visitor centre serve home-baked goods, lighter lunches and drinks, usually open Wednesday–Sunday 10:00–16:00 during the summer half-year. Bicycle parking at the visitor centre.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Conference rooms can be booked via the visitor centre.

Plan your visit