Gunillaklockan, Bell tower at Uppsala Castle, Sweden
Gunillaklockan is a bell housed in an open tower above the Styrbiskop bastion at Uppsala Castle, ringing twice daily to mark the time for the surrounding city. The tower stands elevated on the castle grounds and is visible from various points throughout town.
The original bell was a gift from Queen Gunilla Bielke in 1588 for the castle church, though it was later recast to change its appearance and sound. The recasting in the 1700s ensured the bell could continue its role as a time signal for the city.
The bell's daily rings create a shared rhythm that connects people to the castle and city around them. This regular sound marks time in a way that feels personal and present, woven into how residents experience their day.
The bell rings automatically through a mechanical system that has operated reliably since the 1980s, signaling at consistent times each day. You can hear it best from the castle grounds or higher points around the city, especially on clear days.
The bell's identity was confused during the 1800s when people mistakenly called it Kristinaklockan instead of by its true name. A researcher named Fredrik Clason published proof in 1911 that corrected this long-standing error and confirmed Queen Gunilla as its proper namesake.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
