Uppsala International Guitar Festival & Competition
Uppsala, Sweden · Classical guitar competition
- Location
- Uppsala, Sweden
- Type
- Competition
- Event dates
- 10 October 2026 – 10 October 2026
- Application deadline
- 10 October 2026
- Frequency
- annual
Official website
http://www.uppsalagitarrfestival.se/
Enter the pieces you play and Guitar Events instantly shows how your repertoire matches this competition's rounds, and which other events you qualify for.
Check your repertoire matchVisiting? A guitarist's guide to Uppsala
Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Uppsala, a distinguished university city in Sweden, offers a sophisticated backdrop for the Uppsala International Guitar Festival & Competition. Though it sometimes stands in the shadow of Stockholm, Uppsala maintains its own vibrant identity, shaped by centuries of academic tradition and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere. Here, the annual guitar festival brings together international talent for a week of concerts and competition in a setting rich with history, from its 15th-century Gothic cathedral to 11th-century rune stones.
Getting there
Uppsala is conveniently located just 70 km (43 miles) north of Stockholm, making Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (ARN) the most practical gateway. Direct trains from Arlanda connect to Uppsala in a swift 17 minutes. From Stockholm Central Station, regular trains complete the journey to Uppsala in about 40 minutes, offering easy access to the city. Once in Uppsala, the city center is compact and highly walkable, with major landmarks and festival venues all within easy reach.
Compare trains, buses & flights to Uppsala on Omio →
Sweden runs on Type F sockets, standard across most of Europe, so you will only need a travel adapter if you are coming from the UK, Ireland, or beyond Europe.
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Where to stay
The city's historical 'town and gown' divide means that most university campuses, student nations, and historic landmarks, including the Cathedral and Castle, are concentrated on the western side of the Fyris River. This area, known as Fjärdingen, makes an ideal base, placing you close to the festival's likely venues and many of Uppsala's key attractions. Despite its size as Sweden's fourth-largest city, Uppsala retains a charming small-town feel, and its regular street patterns make orientation straightforward. Book accommodation in advance, especially during the festival period, to secure a spot in this popular academic hub.
What you'll hear
The Uppsala International Guitar Festival & Competition draws a global roster of talented young guitarists and established artists, making it a significant event in the classical guitar calendar. The competition rounds showcase a diverse repertoire, while the festival's broader program often includes recitals, masterclasses, and orchestral concerts, offering a comprehensive immersion in the instrument's current landscape. It is an opportunity to hear both emerging stars and seasoned masters in a city that values intellectual and artistic pursuits.
While Uppsala does not have a direct historical connection to a specific classical guitar composer, its long-standing tradition as a center of learning and culture provides a rich, fertile ground for the arts. As home to the oldest university in Scandinavia, Uppsala has nurtured countless scholars, poets, and artists, including Carl Linnaeus and Ingmar Bergman. This academic and artistic heritage imbues the city with an atmosphere conducive to serious musical study and performance, making it a fitting host for an international guitar festival.
If you play as well as listen, explore J.S. Bach, a staple of the Nordic guitar recital in our repertoire finder, where you can hear each piece and find the sheet music.
The local table
Embrace the local Swedish cuisine during your stay. While specific dishes are not tied to Uppsala in the sources, you can expect to find traditional Swedish fare, perhaps focusing on local produce and seasonal ingredients. Look for restaurants offering hearty meat dishes, fresh fish from nearby waters, and classic Swedish pastries. Given the city's university population, there are also likely to be a variety of international and contemporary dining options, from casual cafes to more formal establishments.
Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Uppsala →
While you're there
Uppsala offers a wealth of historical and cultural sites to explore. Begin with the majestic Uppsala Cathedral, Scandinavia's largest Gothic church, and then ascend to Uppsala Castle, a 16th-century fortress offering panoramic views from its position atop the Uppsalaåsen esker. Stroll through the grounds of Uppsala University, the oldest in Scandinavia, and visit the preserved house and garden of Carl Linnaeus, the renowned botanist. A short 5 km (3.1 mi) trip north will take you to Gamla Uppsala, the ancient Viking-era political and religious center, where you can explore monumental burial mounds and the site of a famous pagan temple. For a glimpse into Sweden's Bronze Age, visit the Håga burial mound, 4 km southwest of the city. The central Stadsskogen (City Forest) provides ample opportunities for leisurely walks. And, for a change of pace, the vibrant capital city of Stockholm is only a 40-minute train ride away, offering world-class museums, dining, and shopping.
Tours, tickets and day trips in Uppsala →
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This map centers on Uppsala in general, so the venue may be elsewhere in town. Check the competition's official website before booking.
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