About Valborg in Uppsala A Celebration for Everyone
Valborg in Uppsala is one of Sweden’s most famous public festivals, attracting over 120,000 visitors each year. The celebration is a vibrant tradition with deep roots, offering a unique mix of classic events, student culture, and spontaneous festivities. There’s something for everyone—students, Uppsala residents, tourists, and families who want to experience the city at its most festive.
Valborg in Uppsala is packed with traditional events and celebrations that draw both long-time and first-time visitors.
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.
- Concerts & Festivities – A mix of spontaneous and organized events fill the streets, parks, and stages of Uppsala.
The Heart of the Celebration – The Student Nations
The student nations play a central role in Uppsala’s Valborg celebrations. Some events are exclusively for students with a nation card or Valborg guest pass (available for students from other universities). From grand banquets (gasquer) to champagne sprints (champagnegalopp), the nations offer unique experiences in their own venues.
If you plan to attend any nation events, make sure to get your guest pass in advance!
A Celebration Created by Many – Together
There is no single organizer of Valborg in Uppsala. Instead, it’s a collaboration of around 40 organizations, authorities, associations, companies, and student nations. Read more about the collaboration here.
As a visitor, you are an essential part of the celebration. Together, we carry on traditions and ensure that Valborg remains an open and inclusive celebration for all. We want you to feel welcome and well taken care of throughout the festivities.
Our collaboration focuses on:
- Expanded medical services and first aid presence
- Effective waste management and litter collection
- Information campaigns for a safe and sustainable celebration
- Close coordination between all involved parties