Vasaborgen
Summer-only museum in the ruins of the original Uppsala Castle from the 16th century, with guided tours of the place where the Sture murders (Sturemorden) took place.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Bastion Gräsgård is the name of the preserved ruins of the original Uppsala Castle, the fortress that Gustav Vasa began building in 1549. Among other things, the Sture murders (Sturemorden) took place there in 1567, and Gustav Vasa and his children have walked on its floors. After the town fire of 1702 the castle was rebuilt, but the oldest parts became ruins and were not excavated until the mid-20th century.
The ruins were turned into a museum in 1990. Since 2008 the activity has been run under the name Vasaborgen by the company Apostel kommunikation, which rents the premises from the Swedish National Property Board (Statens fastighetsverk). The museum is financed by income from summer visitors, pre-booked tours and events, without state or municipal grants.
Vasaborgen consists of 900 square metres of ruins with a roof but without heating. Visitors can walk around on their own with the help of signs or take part in the guided tour. Groups can book their own tours, ghost walks and weddings all year round. For fire-safety reasons no more than 15 people may be in the premises, so school classes and larger groups can no longer be received.
Highlights
- The ruins of the original Uppsala Castle from the 16th century
- The site of the Sture murders in 1567
- Daily guided tour in Swedish during the season
- Video tour with the Castle Lady (Slottsfrun) via QR codes in several languages
- Pre-booked tours and ghost walks all year round
Permanent exhibition
- Vasaborgen – ruinerna av det ursprungliga Uppsala slott – Visitors walk through 900 square metres of preserved castle ruins with signs and a guided tour about the Vasa era (Vasatiden) and the Sture murders.
- Founded
- 1990
- Operated by
- Apostel kommunikation och affärsutveckling AB (lokalägare: Statens fastighetsverk)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | SEK 120 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | SEK 60Children, students and pensioners |
| Children & teens | SEK 60 |
| Seniors | SEK 60 |
| Students & apprentices | SEK 60 |
| Groups | –Private tours for groups of up to 15 people cost from SEK 2,500 in summer; ghost walks SEK 5,000 for private individuals (including VAT). |
Payment by card or Swish.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Vasaborgen is a ruin and unfortunately not adapted for people with mobility difficulties.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Stroller-friendly: not available
The ghost walk with the Castle Lady is for children from 7 years old, accompanied by an adult. The ruin is not adapted for prams.
Getting there & parking
The visitor address is Kung Jans port (King John's Gate) by Uppsala Castle.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
In summer, souvenirs and gifts from Sweden, Uppsala and Vasaborgen are sold. Museum Bar & Café in Uppsala Castle is nearby.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
Up to 15 guests.
Weddings can be held in the Tornrummet (tower room) for up to 15 people. Companies and groups can book their own tours.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tour in Swedish at 14:00 during the season. The Castle Lady's video tour is accessed via QR codes on site and has subtitles in Swedish, English, German, French and Finnish. Pre-booked tours in Swedish or English (up to 15 people) and ghost walks are offered all year round. School tours are currently not accepted because of fire-safety requirements. |
