Mösspåtagning (Cap Ceremony)
Thousands of onlookers gather at Uppsala University to witness singing choirs and the cap-placing ritual; spectators join traditional songs celebrating spring.
~15:00
Uppsala Walpurgis Night (Donning of the Caps)
Valborg i Uppsala
Uppsala, Sweden
Apr 30, 2026ConfirmedSource
On the last day of April, the old university city of Uppsala erupts for Valborg, welcoming spring with a day like no other. Students don their white caps at the stroke of three, rafts race down the river, and a great bonfire and choir song crown the night, in Sweden's liveliest celebration of the season's turn.
Key moments
Day 1 · Apr 30
Where it happens
Uppsala slott (Castle grounds)
Uppsala, Sweden
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Dress warmly for outdoor events
Prepare before you go
Bring a flower wreath or traditional gear
Dress for the setting
Wear traditional white student cap
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: very high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Uppsala Walpurgis Night (Donning of the Caps)
Valborg i Uppsala
Uppsala, Sweden
On the last day of April, the old university city of Uppsala erupts for Valborg, welcoming spring with a day like no other. Students don their white caps at the stroke of three, rafts race down the river, and a great bonfire and choir song crown the night, in Sweden's liveliest celebration of the season's turn.
AnchorCultural anchor
Apr 30, 2026Confirmed dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Based on the medieval festival of Saint Walburga’s eve, Valborg historically marks the arrival of spring in Sweden. Uppsala’s long university heritage has made its Valborg celebrations especially prominent: students and locals unite for ritual music and festivities every year. The tradition includes folk songs, academic ceremonies, and lighting of bonfires, reflecting both Sweden’s rural spring rituals and Uppsala’s campus cu...
Key moments to know
Day 1Apr 30~15:00Expected
Mösspåtagning (Cap Ceremony)
Thousands of onlookers gather at Uppsala University to witness singing choirs and the cap-placing ritual; spectators join traditional songs celebrating spring.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Dress warmly for outdoor events
Prepare before you go
Bring a flower wreath or traditional gear
Dress for the setting
Wear traditional white student cap
Photo with care
Learn a few Swedish spring songs
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Apr 30, 2026
Confirmed
City / Area
Uppsala
Swedish Mainland Culture (Uppland)
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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