Valborg in Uppsala
Valborg in Uppsala is one of Sweden’s most well-known public celebrations and attracts more than 120,000 visitors each year. The festivities are a living tradition, deeply rooted in both the city’s history and student life, and comprise a wide range of classic and public events characterised by openness and vibrant public life.
Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt.
Bland de mest välbesökta inslagen finns forsränningen i Fyrisån, silluncher runt om i staden, mösspåtagningen vid Carolina Rediviva klockan 15.00, vårsång vid Gunillaklockan och därefter bal på slottet. Därutöver fylls staden av konserter, spontana firanden och arrangemang i parker och på scener.
Studentnationerna spelar en viktig roll under Valborg. Många av deras evenemang kräver nationskort eller särskilt valborgsgästkort och omfattar allt från gasquer till champagnegalopper i nationernas lokaler.
Some of the most popular highlights:
- The River Rafting (Forsränningen) – Students ride down the Fyris River in self-built rafts, cheered on by thousands of spectators.
- The Herring Lunch (Sillunch) – A classic way to start the day! Enjoy a traditional herring lunch at various venues—or bring your own to Ekonomikum Park.
- The Cap Ceremony (Mösspåtagning) at Carolina Rediviva – One of Valborg’s most iconic moments, when students put on their student caps together at 3:00 PM, below the university library.
- Choir Singing at Gunillaklockan – Experience the spring atmosphere as Uppsala University’s choir sings in the season from Gunillaklockan at Uppsala Castle.
- The Castle Ball – A prestigious evening event at the pink Uppsala Castle, open to those lucky enough to get a ticket.
Visitors are an important part of the public celebrations and help ensure that Valborg in Uppsala remains open and inclusive. The aim is to offer a safe and well‑organised celebration for everyone.
Find the full programme here:
Cap ceremony at Carolina Rediviva. Photo: Ashbel Sultan.