Here you will find practical information and answers to the most common questions about Uppsala Light Festival – Allt ljus på Uppsala – 2024.
When are the light artworks illuminated?
The light artworks are illuminated between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM every day from November 8th to 24th. Any changes will be announced here on the website.
Which light artworks are included in the light festival?
This year’s light festival consists of 11 artworks located in Uppsala’s city center. Read more about the light artworks here.
Is there a cost to visit the light festival?
No, it’s free to walk around the city and enjoy all the light artworks! However, there is a fee if you choose to book a dinner at Villa Anna, participate in Uppsala Light Run, or join the public guided tours for instance. Read more in our program.
Where can I find a map?
From the end of October, a digital map with all the artworks will be available here on the website. An interactive map and the artworks can also be found in the app Uppsala Art and Cultural Heritage, which shows where the artworks are and follows your position in real time. In the app, you can also read more about the individual artworks. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store. Don’t forget to enable notifications to be informed when you are near a light artwork and easily find your way. Once you’ve started the guide in the app and allowed it to access your location and notifications, you will receive a notification when you are near a light artwork. You will only receive a notification for each artwork once. If you have already viewed the page of an artwork and seen the image and text, you will not receive another notification for that artwork. To reset the guide, press “clear” before restarting it.
You can also borrow a printed map from the pink festival mailboxes, which will be placed around the city during the festival. These mailboxes will be located in the city center, at;
You can also pick up a map at the at one of Uppsala’s InfoPoints. After using the map, you can return it to a mailbox or pass it along to someone else. The maps are regularly replenished. If the maps run out, you can use the digital map, download the Uppsala Art and Cultural Heritage app, or take a picture of one of the large maps located at Stora Torget or on the pedestrian street, one at the intersection with Bregränd and one at the City Library.
Why are the artworks numbered?
The numbering suggests a walk of approximately 3 km. You don’t need to follow the numbering, as the artworks are independent. Visit all or choose your favorites!
How far apart are the light artworks?
The distance between the artworks varies. On the map, which you can find digitally on the website or in one of the pink festival mailboxes in the city, you can see where the artworks are placed this year.
Are there other events besides the light artworks during the festival?
Yes! Uppsala offers many concerts, art, and exhibitions as usual. Take the opportunity to combine your visit to Uppsala Light Festival with a meal at a restaurant, a visit to a café, an exhibition, or a concert.
This year, we are also organizing a specially composed dinner with Villa Anna, the Uppsala Light Run, concerts with Luminous Storefront Sessions, and a meeting point with coffee — keep an eye on the calendar here on the website.
Regarding the heightened security situation
We have long been working systematically with security and safety issues. We cooperate with authorities and regional actors to ensure safety in society and at our event. We actively monitor developments and are in continuous dialogue with the police.
A more sustainable light festival
Sustainability is an important part of our work with Uppsala Light Festival and we are actively working to make the festival as sustainable as possible.
You, as a visitor, can also contribute. We encourage you to cycle, walk, or use public transportation to Uppsala Light Festival. Please use the waste bins provided to help reduce litter during the festival. Take active responsibility and sort your waste when possible.
If you use our printed map, pass it on after visiting all the artworks or return it to the pink festival mailboxes. If you can’t pass it on, make sure it is recycled.
We also urge you to be extra mindful of turning off electronic devices at home during your visit. This way, Uppsala Light Festival can help reduce electricity demand during the festival.
Sustainable artworks
Sustainability is part of the selection criteria for the artworks on display. The selection is based on the creativity of the artworks, how they fit the chosen location, and an account of what happens with the materials and how much energy is used.
Reduced energy consumption
As last year, this year the light artworks will be illuminated between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Uppsala Light Festival aims to keep the total energy consumption below 2,000 kWh, which is comparable to the monthly consumption of a typical Swedish house.
Greentimes Sustainable Event
We use Greentimes’ planning tool Sustainable Event. The tool is based on the global goals and covers social, environmental, and economic aspects. The aim is to make as small an ecological footprint as possible during the event through sustainable planning, orders, and execution. Read more about Greentime.
We are actively working to reduce litter and encourage our co-organizers to do the same when they host activities.
Uppsala:2030
Together, we can build a sustainable future for all of us. In collaboration with Uppsala:2030, we aim to create opportunities for conversations and meetings that spark new ideas, provide new knowledge, and motivate change. Let the light show the way! Read more at uppsala2030.com. Take their quick and thought-provoking future test to see if Uppsala is a sustainability champion.
Who organizes and funds Uppsala Light Festival?
Uppsala Light Festival, or Allt ljus på Uppsala as it is known in Swedish, is a collaboration between Uppsala Municipality, Uppsala City, and local businesses. Destination Uppsala leads the event’s execution and is responsible for communication. Sponsors cover about half of the funding.
Why is a light festival organized?
The aim of Uppsala Light Festival (Allt Ljus på Uppsala) is to contribute to a safe and attractive Uppsala to live, work, and visit. It also aims to increase visitor spending in Uppsala.
We promote the festival and invite visitors from nearby municipalities to Allt ljus på Uppsala, as well as encourage Uppsala residents to explore the city during one of the darkest months of the year.
Together with businesses and organizations, visitors are invited to experience the light artworks, participate in organized activities, and enjoy the city’s offerings.
Will accessibility be limited?
In connection with the installation days leading up to the festival and the dismantling of the light artworks afterward, there may be some limited accessibility. Follow on-site signs, show consideration, and drive carefully.
Are there any transportation recommendations?
We encourage you to walk, cycle, or use public transport to Allt ljus på Uppsala.
Fault reporting
If a light artwork appears broken or is not functioning properly, please report it to alltljuspauppsala@uppsala.se.
Where are the light artworks located this year?
Are the areas around the light artworks accessible?
Yes, as much as possible. Many of the artworks can be viewed from a distance, or even better from afar. We advise caution in certain areas, such as Slottsbacken and Bleke Backe, if there is ice or freezing temperatures. These areas are sanded regularly.
When did Allt ljus på Uppsala start?
Allt ljus på Uppsala has been organized since 2008. Initially, it was held every two years, but since 2018 it has been an annual event. The festival was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Which artworks have been displayed in previous years?
You can see the artworks from previous years in the gallery on the website.
Do you have questions and want to contact us?
Send an email to alltljuspauppsala@uppsala.se.