Discover What's on Uppsala City

Hello there! How's your day?

Last Saturday, my little sister-in-law just got married with his man. But sadly, we're unable to return home yet and missed out to celebrate it with our families in Malaysia. Anyway, congratulations to both bride and groom. May Allah bless their marriage and last long till Jannah. Ameen.

What to do? Due to some circumstances, we extending our stay in Sweden until end of this year... hopefully everything will be settled successfully soon. So as today, we have about three months more to live in Uppsala before pack up our luggage and set off to Malaysia. 

After almost two years living in Uppsala,Sweden, I couldn't help myself from falling in love with the place and the people. Uppsala is the fourth largest city of Sweden, after Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. It is close to everything and a perfect destination for even a short visit to experience the genuine rustic culture of the Uppland region. Uppsala just located 38 minutes away from the capital Stockholm and 18 minutes from Stockholm Arlanda airport. It is easy and convenient to travel to and from Uppsala, either by direct train (depart twice an hour) or bus. 

Where is Uppsala located on the map? Rather in the center or in the west?

Uppsala Centralstation
 Näckens polska. A masterpiece by sculptor Bror Hjorth.

Uppsala is a town of cyclists.
Bikes are everywhere in bike friendly Sweden.

Well, Uppsala is known as Sweden's most exciting student city and it has received thousands of students each year. Uppsala is home to the Nordic regions's oldest university, Uppsala University which was the first university in Sweden, founded in 1477. In the last number of years, Uppsala University has been in a list of best universities in the world.

Many famous people have lived in Uppsala like Carl Von Linneè ~ a botanisk, physician and zoologist who established the binomial [two-name] system of describing living things and gave the first organization to ecology , Anders Celcius ~ an astronomer, physicist and mathematician who invented the Celcius temperature scale and Niklas Zennström ~ an entrepreneur best known for founding several high-profile online ventures with Janus Friis including Skype and Kazaa.

If you are planning a flying visit to Uppsala city, I have hand picked some of best Uppsala's must-see attractions. Most of the places is within walking distance of the city centre, which makes it easy to explore Uppsala on foot. 

Let's go explore the city!

Uppsala Domkryka

(13th century Uppsala Cathedral)

Uppsala Domkryka is the largest and tallest (at a height of 118.7 metres) cathedral in Scandinavia. The cathedral was built between 1270 and 1435. It contains the shine of Eric IX of Sweden (Eric the Holy) and a Baroque pulpit.

Opening hours: Daily from 8 a.m - 6 p.m.
                         On 30 April and on Midsummer's eve 20 June, the cathedral open from 8 a.m - 12 noon.

Admission fee: FREE.

Museum Gustavianum

Museum Gustavianum is one of Uppsala University's oldest preserved building dating back to the beginning of the 17th century. The museum was opened in 1997, and houses treasures from Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquity as well as from Swedish history. The Augsburg Art Cabinet, with its 1000 objects, miniatures and rich decorations, is an astonishing work of art and one of the most remarkable collections in the world. At the very top of the building is the Anatomical Theater, built in 1660s. The Anatomical Theater was used for public dissections between mid-17th and mid -18th centuries. The archaeological exhibition displays the Vikings and their ancestors.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 11 a.m - 4 p.m.
                          On Summer (June - Aug), from 10 a.m - 4 p.m.

Admission fee: SEK 50 (adult), SEK 40 (student/seniors), 
                        FREE for children under 19 years, staffs and students at Uppsala University. 

Uppsala Slott 
(Uppsala Castle)

The construction of the royal castle was begun by King Gustav Vasa in the 1540s, and has a dramatic events in Swedish history. Many key events in Swedish history have been played out here such as the coronation of King Erik XIV in 1561, the murder of members of the Sture family and Queen Kristina abdicated in 1654 in the Hall of State.

The castle now houses three museums which all of them well worth a visit.

- Vasaborgen Uppsala Slott
Vasaborgen are the ruins of the original castle, which Gustav Vasa began building 1549. Here terrible things happened, including the terrible Sture murders in May 1567. In the summer the museum is open daily and you can also visit the grass courtyard with views of the courtyard and the Botanical Garden.

Opening hours: On summer open daily from 10 a.m - 6 p.m 
                          (11 June - 14 August, 20-21 August, and 27-28 August).

                         

Admission: SEK 50 (adult),
                   SEK 20 for children, students and pensioner.

- Uppsala konstmuseum (Uppsala Art Museum)
The museum - Swedish and international contemporary art, ceramics from the renowned factory Upsala-Ekeby, works of art from the Uppsala Art Museum collection and the art-study collection of Uppsala University.

Opening hours: Tuesday from 12 p.m - 4 p.m
                          Wednesday from 12 p.m - 4 p.m
                          Thursday from 12 p.m - 8 p.m
                          Friday - Sunday from 12 p.m - 4 p.m.

                         
Admission: FREE 

- Fredens Hus (Uppsala Peace Museum)
At the House of Peace you will find exhibitions on human rights issues and challenges that encourage reflection, dialogue and action. The current exhibition that held at Fredens hus is about Prejudice in Sweden.

Opening hours: Wednesday - Friday from 3 p.m - 6 p.m
                         Saturday - Sunday from 12 p.m - 4 p.m.

Admission: FREE 

Carolina Rediviva

Carolina Rediviva is Uppsala University library, and the oldest library in Sweden. Today, the collections hold more than five million books. The exhibition hall displays include the 6th century Silver Bible which is now on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, and some of Mozart's original scores.

Opening hours: Monday - Friday from 8.30 a.m - 9 p.m, 
                         Saturday - Sunday from 9 a.m - 6 p.m.

Admission fee: FREE.

Botaniska trädgården 

(Botanical Gardens)

Botaniska trädgården is one of Uppsala's most popular destinations where you can enjoy the grandiose Baroque Garden and visit over two centuries old Orangery with its beautiful grand halls. There are plants from around the world, and the Garden is open all year round.

Opening hours:
The Park : Daily from 7 a.m - 9 p.m (May - Sept), 7 a.m - 7 p.m (Oct - Apr).
Orangery : Tuesday - Friday from 9 a.m - 3 p.m (Sept - May),
                    Monday - Friday from 9 a.m - 3 p.m (June - Aug).

Admission fee: FREE.

Opening hours:
Tropical Greenhouse :
            Tuesday - Friday from 9 a.m - 3 p.m, Saturday - Sunday from 12 p.m - 3 p.m (Sept - May),
            Monday - Friday from 9 a.m - 3 p.m, Saturday - Sunday from 11 a.m - 4 p.m (June - Aug).

Admission fee: SEK 50

Evolutionsmuseet
(Museum of Evolution)

Uppsala's natural history museum displays Uppsala University's unique collections of minerals, fossils, dinosaur skeletons, plants and animals from around the world. Evolutionsmuseet holds the largest collection of dinosaurs in the Nordic countries.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Thursday from 12 p.m - 4 p.m.
                          Closed on 24 and 25 June.

Admission fee: SEK 50 (adult),                      
                        FREE for children under 18 years, staffs and students at Uppsala University. 

Bror Hjorths Hus

Bror Hjorths Hus is a colourful artist's museum which home and studio of Bror Hjorths, one of Sweden's most important 20th century artists. The museum has filled with sculptures, paintings and drawings from the artist's entire career. The museum presents temporary exhibitions.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 12 - 4 p.m (14 June - 14 August),

                          Thursday - Sunday from 12 - 4 p.m (from 11 August).

Admission fee: FREE.

Biotopia - Biologiska Museet

(The Biological Musuem)

Biotopia is an exciting interactive museum where you can discover and experience a county full of wild and beautiful nature. In the diorama exhibits you can see and hear moose, pool frog, black grouse.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Friday from 9 a.m - 5 p.m,

                          Saturday - Sunday from 11 a.m - 5 p.m.

Admission fee: FREE entry.

Linnemuseet/Linneträdgården

(Linnaeus Garden)

Linnaeus Garden is the first botanical garden in Sweden, and was laid out in about 1655. Approximately 1300 species are grown here today. The beds are arranged according to Linnaeus' sexual system.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 11 a.m - 5 p.m,

                          and the gates to Garden close at 8 p.m (May - Sept).

Admission fee (garden and museum) : SEK 80 (adult), 

                                                              FREE for children under 18 years.

Admission to the Garden:  FREE after 5 p.m - 8 p.m.

Fyrisån
(The Fyris River)

The Fyris river runs through Uppsala and has been the city's flowing heart since time immemorial. The Fyris river banks are lined with charming riverside paths, benches and bridges. It would be nice to walk or sit (eating lunch/picnic) along the river and enjoy the sunshine during warmth spring and in summer days

Upplandmuseet
(Museum of Uppland)

County museum specializing in cultural history, showing Uppland past and present. The Upplandmuseet is housed in the old Academy mill, dating from the 1760s. The museum spreads out over four floors with a mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions. There are also have an exciting corner for children.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 12 p.m - 5 p.m.

Admission fee: FREE.

Stadsträdgården
(City Garden)

Stadsträdgården is Uppsala residents' green living room, and a natural destination throughout the year. The Uppsala's city park is situated beside the Fyris river. This green retreat in Uppsala is a favorite spot for picnics among locals and visitors. There is also a great playground for young kids here.

Gamla Uppsala
(Old Uppsala)

Old Uppsala (Gamla Uppsala) is one of Scandinavian's most important historic areas, with three mythical kings' burial moun dating from the 6th century. During the Viking era, Swedes gathered here for pagan sacrificial ceremonies. 


Gamla Uppsala museum offers a fascinating journey through time. From 6th century pagan kingdoms to the introduction of Christianity. This marked the end of the Viking Age, and the start of construction of the old cathedral in the 12th century.

Opening hours: Daily from 10 a.m - 4 p.m.

Admission fee: SEK 80 (adult), SEK 60 (student),
                         FREE for children under 19 years,
                         SEK 70 per person (group minimum 10 person).


Disgården is an open-air museum showing rural culture in Uppland. Houses and farmyards give a true notion of peasant life in the latter part of the 19th century. The open-air museum is located just behind the royal mounds and the church.

Opening hours: Daily from 10 a.m - 5 p.m (June - August).

Admission fee: FREE 

Uppsala Konsert & Kongress

The building was designed by Henning Larsen Architects of Copenhagen. It has concert and conference facilities, a cafe and a restaurant. There is a magnificent view across Uppsala from the sixth floor.

Fyrishov Water Park

Fyrishov is the largest arena for swimming, sports and events in Uppsala and is Sweden's fourth most visited site. In a tropical setting with a poolside cafe, there are water slides, heated jacuzzis, water toys, jet streams, water canons and waterfalls. Fyrishov is only take 20 minutes walk from the city centre, or a 5 minutes bus ride. The water park is open every day throughout the year 

Opening hours: Monday - Friday from 6.15 a.m - 9.30 p.m,

                         Saturday - Sunday from 7.30 a.m -l 9 p.m.

Admission fee: Check website at fyrishov.se.

For more information and guide, feel free to visit Uppsala Tourist Center which centrally located close to Uppsala resecentrum.

The friendly staffs can offer you helpful tips, advice and aspiration. You can pick up free brochures and maps. Okay guys.. when are you coming to Uppsala?

See you soon!

NOTE: Residence Permits 

If you intend to reside or temporarily stay in Sweden for more than 90 days, you must apply for and be granted a residence permit before entering Sweden. The application must be submit to Visa Chancellery of a Swedish Embassy or a Swedish Consulate in your country or Swedish Embassy close to you.

The Migration Board will decide whether you receive the residence permit. Residence permits may be granted for the purpose of a visit or a permanent stay based on family ties in Sweden, a work or study, or self-employment.

You may refer to Migrationsverket.se for more information

Long-haul Jet Plane with Kids

Travelling solo or with a partner or even a group of friends is easy compared to travelling with kids. It can be great fun adventures but can also seems be difficult and stressful. In last end of May, I had a solo flight for the first time with my girls and little boy to Sweden.

Why we flew off to Sweden? Actually, Shahar had received an offer to further his study in Uppsala Universitet and he has gone over there a year ago. Now, we're followed him. It was a great opportunity for us in order to add valuable life experience by stepping out of our comfort zone, exploring different cultures, learning new language, Swedish and expanding circle of friends.

Although my kids was quite big enough to do thing by themselves, prepared everything needed earlier would makes travel experiences easier. So before hand, I did some research on tips preparing for the flight and what should be in kids carry-on bags. 

Our last family photo for this year. 

There's few persons missing in those pictures. Nevermind, hope we will have another great family photo when we back. 

We got very special assistance on that day, this MH steward escorted us from home all the way to cabin. Siap tolong angkut luggage dari rumah ke airport dan repacked luggage sebab luggage terlebih muatan berat. 

Checked baggage cannot exceed 32 kg in weight, okay!

Thank you, Mr. Daniel @ Uncle Danny

Goodbye Malaysia! 

Please be nice while we're away. We will be back soon. 

 From KLIA, it tooks about 13 hours flight to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, mid way till our final destination, Stockholm.

View in MH16 Business Class cabin
*this picture taken from Google*

The most important thing when travelling with kids, make sure you secure the seats in advance, ask to be seated together and choose one aisle seat, so you don't disturb others. If travelling with a baby, make sure the bassinet is reserved. Check your seat assignments again before the trip and then again at the check-in counter. 

We had very miserable seating allocation at first although I already asked to be seated together once the flight booking was confirmed. Each of us has been allocated seated separately. Pfffttt! Of course my kids refused to sit next to a stranger for 13 hours. Thanks to the crews on that flight for doing job so well with full of courtesy in asking other passengers to switch their seating with us. Pheww! At the end, we got two rows of a pair of window and aisle seats. Adel seated with me, while Auni and Alya together at my back. It was closed to toilet too. The business class cabin consists of a total five rows and in a 2-3-2 configuration.

Pre-departure apple juice and mixed nuts were offered before we had an appetizer, satay with peanut sauce. 

They served us salads before our main course, Grilled Chicken served with potato, carrots and beans. I need to help my boy with his food, so I didn't managed to snap the main course picture.

He was very well-behaved along the journey.

After dinner, we put the seat into sleeping position. The seat controls were pretty intuitive even kids can do it by themselves. My kids slept fine for 6-7 hours, but I just can't seem have a good one even though my body was too tired. Huh! 

Seat controls

Since I'm not sleeping, I keep entertained myself watched movies. At that point, the steward came over and offered something to drink and I requested for hot tea. He also offered some chocolates and cookies. After a while, he came back and told me if I need anything just let him know. Wah! *patut minta Maggi Curry sebab makan tak puas makan masa dinner tadi*

Our early morning breakfast before landed.

Breakfast like a Malaysian on board.., nasi lemak with spicy prawn sambal. *thumbs up*
Lepas ni, nak makan nasi lemak kena masak sendiri.

As we descended, the in-flight supervisor came through the cabin to thank each passenger for flying with Malaysia Airlines, and wished us a nice time in Amsterdam. 

Oh well! We had very pleasant flight with Malaysia Airlines from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam with this boy. =)

On board KLM flight from Amsterdam to Stockholm Årlanda Airport. It took about two hours and right after the flight take-off, all my kids fell asleep until we reached Sweden. 
Nampak sangat penat travel ye anak-anak. 

And finally....

Hej! Välkommen till Sverige!

*jet-lagged*

I would be lying if I said a flight alone with three young kids isn't tricky. The logistics of getting the bag packed and on the plane, getting all four of us through check in, security, loaded off the plane, transit, taking them to toilet, loaded off to another plane, getting bags, etc..... The truth, I am nervous and scared to travel with this young kids without Shahar at the beginning. But Alhamdulillah, we're survived and everything went smoothly. 

I am 'Super Mommy'!