Uppsala

Uppsala is a city with a lot of character, sitting about 70 kilometers north of Stockholm. It's Sweden's fourth largest city but still feels really manageable to explore on foot or by bike. The city is famous for housing Scandinavia's oldest university, Uppsala University, which was founded back in 1477 and gives the whole place a vibrant student atmosphere.

The skyline is dominated by the impressive Uppsala Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Scandinavia. It's a massive Gothic building that towers over everything else. The city is actually split by the Fyris River, with the historic part on one side featuring the cathedral and castle, while the other side has more modern development.

The city has some serious historical credentials. It was once the religious center of pagan Sweden and later became an important Christian site. Uppsala was actually Sweden's capital during the Viking era, which is pretty cool to think about while walking its streets. You can explore this history at Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala), an ancient site with burial mounds from the 5th and 6th centuries.

Swedish culture is strong here, from fika (coffee break) traditions in cozy cafés to seasonal festivals. The city comes alive in spring with locals enjoying the outdoors after the long winter. With its combination of student energy, historical significance, and classic Swedish charm, Uppsala offers a more relaxed alternative to Stockholm while still providing plenty to see and do.