After a long, dark Swedish winter, spring finally arrives—and with it comes Valborg, one of the most famous and beloved traditions in Sweden. In most parts of Sweden, Valborg is all about gathering around a bonfire. These fires symbolize the end of winter and the beginning of spring, historically believed to scare away evil spirits and wild animals.
In Uppsala, it’s not just a holiday and bonfire—it’s a full-blown, city-wide celebration unlike anything else! As an Uppsala Student, it is one of the events you don’t want to miss out.
The Valborg also known as Walpurgis Night or “sista april” (the last day of April), Valborg is deeply rooted in Swedish tradition. Nowhere in the country is it celebrated with more energy, color, and student spirit than in Uppsala, where over 120,000 people gather each year to welcome spring with music, laughter, and unforgettable events.
I am currently on my first year of master’s study and this will also be my first Valborg. I have heard a lot about it, many people have told me Valborg is so much fun, and they told me how crazy and different Uppsala will be. I am curious, and I want to experience it by myself.
Since this is my first Valborg, I did some reach and made some plans for it in case I will miss something. Let’s have a look together.
Champagne Breakfast
The Valborg day usually kicks off early as people gather with friends for a breakfast with champagne. I personally love champagne, but I have never tried to drink it during breakfast. But you know what, it must be a good preparation to start the day. Even if you don’t drink, I think it is also great to gather at a friend’s place and have a lovely breakfast and go to the main celebration together. Below is a photo my friend showed me from her last year’s Champagne breakfast. It looks really cute.
Raft Race
This must be one of the most iconic events on the Valborg day. At 10:00 AM, thousands of spectators line the banks of the Fyris River to watch students in teams ride homemade, hilariously decorated rafts through the city’s rapids. I have heard it is very crowed and kind of chaotic because people are everywhere. This year I will go there early to get a good spot since my friends will have a raft.
The Cap Ceremony
At 3:00 PM, students gather at the iconic Carolina Rediviva library, where the Vice-Chancellor waves their white student cap from the balcony. In unison, thousands of students put on their own white caps—a powerful symbol of unity and the official welcome of spring. I was thinking to buy a Swedish student hat as well, but I checked it on the internet, it is quite expensive. But it would be fun to have one as a memory of the student life.
Champagne Gallop
After the ceremony, it’s time for one of the wildest parts of Valborg. Students head to the nations for high-energy parties, where champagne isn’t just served—it’s sprayed! Expect dancing, loud music, and nonstop fun. And you know what? This year, I will organize the champagne gallop for Kalmar nation since I am their club master. All the past club masters have told me this event is really crazy and wild. I am super excited to see how crazy the Champagne gallop can be. And I must be very pound to organize it even without being experience it before.
Week-Long Celebrations at the Nations
In the days leading up to Valborg, all Uppsala 13 student nations host their own themed parties, live music events, barbecues, and fun activities. Whether you’re looking for club vibes, chill picnics, or cultural events—there’s something for everyone. And this year I will attend most of these events since I have a KK card (this is a very exclusive card for some nation position holders in Uppsala which allow you to enter any nation event for free and skip the line, even you can bring a friend in). Because for Valborg you need to buy a ticket before the event, I know for some nations, you have to queue six, seven hours to buy the ticket and event people be in the queue the night before they start sell the tickets. I know it sounds crazy, but that’s how crazy the nation events could be during the Valborg. I am very privileged to have a KK card so I will make most use of it.
Bonfires
Bonfires are a classic part of Valborg traditions across Sweden. Historically, Valborg bonfires were lit to ward off evil spirits and wild animals at the start of spring, and they became a symbol of light, renewal, and community. In many towns across Sweden, people gather in parks or by lakesides to sing traditional songs and watch the flames rise into the spring night sky. In Uppsala, there will also be bonfires in several spots. I am also very excited to end the day with a bonfire.
I’m thrilled to be joining Uppsala this autumn! After reading about Valborg, I am even more excited for all the amazing experiences and traditions that await me. Can’t wait to be a part of such a vibrant community!
I always benn in love with this culture and community in sweden, especially uppsala surrounding area and uppsala University are Very much attractive to me. Whatever my loves are all-time be there although never i came here.