Valborg in Uppsala
Guide to Celebrating the Last Day of April
Valborg in Uppsala
New Orleans has Mardi Gras. Rio has its Carnival. Uppsala has Valborg. The last day of April is a sacred celebration for everyone in Uppsala – even if you’re not a student and just visiting.
Does your Valborg (Walpurgis) Night usually mean standing and shivering by a weary bonfire? In Uppsala, Valborg is so much more! On the last day of April, the city’s streets and parks transform into a celebration that takes over the entire town. Many of the traditional events and activities are closely tied to Uppsala’s vibrant student life, but Valborg is far from being just a student affair. If there’s one day of the year to visit Uppsala – make it Valborg.
New to Valborg and eager to experience the celebration firsthand? Here are the key times to keep track of for the ultimate Valborg experience.
- 09:00 – Start the day with a champagne breakfast
- 10:00 – River Rafting in the Fyris River
- 11:30 – Classic Herring Lunch
- 12:30 – Festival Atmosphere in Ekonomikum Park
- 13:30 – Sweet Sounds of Wijkmanska Blecket at Carolina Rediviva
- 15:00 – Cap Ceremony at Carolinabacken and Concert with the male choir OD (Orphei Drängar)
- 15:30 – Catch a Glimpse of the Champagne Gallop
- 17:00 – A Fairytale Ball at Uppsala Castle
- 21:00 – Cozy Bonfire or Night Out?
You’ll find the complete schedule for the Valborg weekend—both for students and everyone else—at www.valborgiuppsala.se. There, you can also find information on the best ways to get around the city.