The Uppland Foundation
The Uppland Foundation (Upplandsstiftelsen) is a Swedish nonprofit foundation established in 1972 that manages approximately 10,700 hectares of nature across Uppsala County, integrating nature conservation, outdoor recreation, and outdoor education. It is owned by Region Uppsala and eight municipalities, operating as a publicly mandated nature management organization.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1972
- HeadquartersUppsala, Sweden
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Uppland Foundation does
The Uppland Foundation (Upplandsstiftelsen) is a Swedish nonprofit foundation established in 1972 in Uppsala, Sweden, that integrates nature conservation, outdoor recreation, and outdoor education under a single operating mandate for Uppsala County. The foundation is owned by Region Uppsala and the eight municipalities of Uppsala County (Enköping, Heby, Håbo, Knivsta, Tierp, Uppsala, Älvkarleby, and Östhammar), which provide base financing and serve as members of the foundation. It manages approximately 10,700 hectares of nature across roughly 50 natural areas and nature reserves, maintains the 55 km Upplandsleden hiking trail with ~40 rest areas, and operates 22 cabins and 2 campgrounds including Rävstens stugby.
The foundation's core technology is applied ecology and ecosystem management — including biotope restoration (fish passages, stream habitat recreation, de-culverting of culverted streams, re-meandering), wetland management (using Asian water buffalo for grazing on Gräsö), meadow and pasture restoration (Roslagshagar initiative since 2001, covering ~5,000 hectares with ~50 red-listed species discovered), invasive species management, habitat protection for threatened species, and GIS-based landscape planning. The organization also delivers structured outdoor pedagogy programs for schools, universities, seniors, people with disabilities, and newly arrived immigrants (Ny i svensk natur), integrating nature experiences with public health outcomes.
The foundation operates on a hybrid revenue model combining public base financing from Region Uppsala and the eight municipalities, project-based grants from EU, LONA, LOVA, WWF, Allmänna Arvsfonden, Jordbruksverket, Naturvårdsverket, Skogssällskapet, and Leader programmes, and modest fee income from cabin and campground rentals. Its go-to-market is direct public access — all nature areas are open to the public free of charge, with organized activities distributed through partnerships with schools, municipalities, disability organizations, and immigrant integration providers. Marketing is conducted via the foundation's website, Naturkartan digital guide, the annual Utflyktsprogrammet excursion programme, Facebook, and Instagram.
The Uppland Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Uppland Foundation
- Legal name
- Upplandsstiftelsen
- Website
- https://upplandsstiftelsen.se
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1972
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Uppland Foundation (Upplandsstiftelsen) is a Swedish nonprofit foundation established in 1972 that manages approximately 10,700 hectares of nature across Uppsala County, integrating nature conservation, outdoor recreation, and outdoor education. It is owned by Region Uppsala and eight municipalities, operating as a publicly mandated nature management organization.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Uppland Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Nature Conservation & Outdoor Recreation Services
- NAICS
- Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)
- SIC
- Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Forestry (800)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Recreation & Activity Services (Hiking, Boating, Climbing, Fishing—Guided/Authorized) (THAAAGAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Parks, Recreation & Protected Areas Administration (BPAIAMAH), Campground & Overnight Facilities Operations (Campsites, Cabins, Backcountry Huts) (THAAAGAE), National Park & Protected Area Tours (THAJAIAA), Facilities Maintenance & Environmental Services (Waste, Water, Trail Maintenance, Restrooms) (THAAAGAI)
Keywords
Where The Uppland Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Uppsala
- HQ country
- Sweden
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Uppland Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Public Funding (Base Financing): The foundation receives base funding from Region Uppsala (regional council) and the eight municipalities in Uppsala County. These public bodies constitute the foundation's members and owners, providing the majority of operational financing.
- Cabin and Campground Rentals: Revenue from renting out 22 cabins and 2 campgrounds managed by the foundation. Rävstens stugby (Rävsten cabin village) is a notable facility. Fees support the maintenance of outdoor recreation infrastructure.
- Project-based Grants: The foundation secures external project funding from multiple sources including EU programmes, LONA (Local Nature Conservation Initiative), LOVA (Local Water Conservation Initiative), WWF, Allmänna Arvsfonden (Public Inheritance Fund), Jordbruksverket (Swedish Board of Agriculture), Naturvårdsverket (Swedish Environmental Protection Agency), Skogssällskapet (Forest Society), and Leader rural development programmes.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cabin rental - approximately 22 stugor and 2 camping sites available for public booking |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
The Uppland Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Upplandsstiftelsen manages nearly 10,700 hectares of nature areas, approximately 50 nature reserves, and the 55-kilometre Upplandsleden trail with about 40 rest areas, 22 cabins, and 2 campgrounds in Uppsala County, Sweden. It delivers nature conservation services (waterway restoration, wetland grazing, meadow and pasture restoration, threatened species management) and runs outdoor education and public health programmes for schools, seniors, people with disabilities, and newly arrived immigrants. Its offering combines physical outdoor recreation infrastructure with structured conservation and education services for the residents and visitors of Uppsala County.
Product overview
Upplandsstiftelsen (The Uppland Foundation) is a nature conservation and outdoor recreation organization managing approximately 10,700 hectares across 50 nature areas in Uppsala county, Sweden. The organization operates as a unified service platform combining physical outdoor infrastructure with educational and conservation services. Core offerings include Upplandsleden (a 55 km hiking trail network), nature area management (50 reserves), and accommodation facilities (22 cabins and 2 campgrounds). Supporting services include the Naturkartan digital guide, Utflyktsprogrammet excursion calendar, Naturbiblioteket resource library, and specialized programs like Roslagshagar for grazing conservation, Utomhuspedagogik for outdoor education, and Tillgängliga naturutflykter for accessibility-inclusivity. The organization also provides nature conservation services including stream restoration, fish migration infrastructure, and endangered species protection.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Upplandsleden
Quantifiable outcome
- Approximately 5,000 hectares of overgrown meadow and pasture inventoried since 2001, with around 50 red-listed species discovered through the Roslagshagar initiative
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use The Uppland Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
The Uppland Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
The Uppland Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Världsnaturfonden WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature)coreWWF is a key financier and strategic partner in Uppland Foundation's conservation work, particularly for grazing and nature pasture projects. WWF has summarised several of the grazing projects in a published report and provides ongoing funding for biodiversity work including nature pasture restoration, coastal landscape management (Roslagshagar), and forest restoration at Dalälven.
- Centrum för naturvägledning, CNV (SLU)coreThe Centre for Environmental Guidance at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a key partner in nature conservation, outdoor education, and ecological landscape planning. The foundation collaborates with CNV on outdoor pedagogy, species management, and landscape ecology.
- Uppsala universitet (Uppsala University)coreUppsala University collaborates with the foundation on student outdoor activities, including the 'Studenter på tur' project that reached 500 students with nature activities in 2025. The university also participates in landscape ecology research and fish conservation projects.
- BiotopiacoreBiotopia is a key partner in nature education in Uppsala County. The foundation cooperates with Biotopia on the Utflyktsprogrammet (excursion programme), hosting activities in Biotopia's calendar, and collaborating on the accessibility project 'Tillgängliga naturutflykter'. Biotopia also collaborates on predator animal activities.
- Naturskyddsföreningen (Swedish Nature Protection Association)coreNaturskyddsföreningen co-authored a debate article with the foundation and others on the importance of nature pastures for biodiversity. The association also participates in pollinator conservation projects (e.g., at Gryttjoms airfield) and collaborates on nature education activities.
- FortumminorFortum has partnered with the foundation on forest restoration at Dalälven, where over 1,000 hectares of forest have been created on land owned by the power company. The collaboration contributes to habitat creation for species such as the white-backed woodpecker.
- Naturvårdsverket (Swedish Environmental Protection Agency)coreNaturvårdsverket is a key regulatory and funding partner. The foundation participates in dialogue groups and submitted proposals to Naturvårdsverkets national nature restoration plan. The agency also funds specific projects including coastal actions and hiking trail coordination.
- Länsstyrelsen i Uppsala län (County Administrative Board of Uppsala)coreLänsstyrelsen is a key partner in nature conservation, providing funding through LONA and LOVA programmes, and collaborating on species management, coastal conservation, and accessibility projects. The foundation works with Länsstyrelsen on management of nature reserves and threatened species programmes.
- Jordbruksverket (Swedish Board of Agriculture)minorJordbruksverket provides EU and national funding for agricultural landscape conservation, including nature pastures, grazing projects, and rural development. The foundation collaborates on projects such as creating new flowering areas and small biotopes, and supporting visitor infrastructure.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights7 records
The Uppland Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Biotopia: Uppsala-based nature education center and documented partner (Utflyktsprogrammet, accessibility projects). Comparable in nature education mission and Uppsala presence, but operates as a museum/education center rather than managing a nature reserve network.
- WWF Sweden (Världsnaturfonden WWF): Swedish arm of WWF and a documented core partner of the foundation (funding grazing and pasture projects). Comparable thematically in biodiversity conservation and species protection, but operates as an international funder rather than a regional service provider.
Broad incumbents
- Naturskyddsföreningen: Sweden's largest environmental organization covering nature conservation, biodiversity, and outdoor recreation advocacy nationwide. Comparable in conservation mission and target audiences (nature enthusiasts, policymakers) but operates at national scale rather than regional service delivery.
- The Nature Conservancy: Global nonprofit conserving lands and waters for biodiversity and people. Comparable in mission (private land conservation, public access, nature-based education) and in maintaining large nature reserves, though at vastly larger scale and with different funding model.
- Naturvårdsverket (Swedish Environmental Protection Agency): Sweden's national environmental agency responsible for nature conservation policy, national park oversight, and major conservation funding. Comparable as the national authority governing the foundation's operating environment and as a key funding partner.
- Länsstyrelserna (County Administrative Boards of Sweden): Government bodies that manage nature reserves, allocate LONA/LOVA funds, and coordinate conservation across Swedish counties. Comparable as institutional partners/funders and as operators of nature areas, though they operate as regulators and funders rather than as direct service providers like the foundation.
- Skogsstyrelsen (Swedish Forest Agency): Swedish government agency responsible for sustainable forest management and woodland conservation. Comparable in forest management, threatened species habitat work, and landowner coordination — overlapping with the foundation's Skog, ekologisk landskapsplanering work.
Direct peers
- Stiftelsen Nordens Ark: Swedish foundation operating a wildlife park and breeding center for endangered Nordic species in Bohuslän. Comparable as a Swedish nature foundation combining conservation work (species protection, captive breeding) with public outdoor experiences and education.
- Stiftelsen Tyresta: Swedish nature foundation managing Tyresta National Park near Stockholm. Directly comparable nonprofit foundation model operating a national park with visitor services, cabins, and nature conservation programs.
- Stiftelsen Skånska Landskap: Swedish regional foundation managing nature areas, trails, and outdoor recreation in Skåne county. Directly comparable in mission, governance structure (municipally owned), and service mix — nature conservation plus cabin/campground operations plus outdoor education.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Uppland Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceThe Uppland Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Uppland Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
The Uppland Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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The Uppland Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Uppland Foundation
What does The Uppland Foundation do?
Upplandsstiftelsen manages nearly 10,700 hectares of nature areas, approximately 50 nature reserves, and the 55-kilometre Upplandsleden trail with about 40 rest areas, 22 cabins, and 2 campgrounds in Uppsala County, Sweden. It delivers nature conservation services (waterway restoration, wetland grazing, meadow and pasture restoration, threatened species management) and runs outdoor education and public health programmes for schools, seniors, people with disabilities, and newly arrived immigrants. Its offering combines physical outdoor recreation infrastructure with structured conservation and education services for the residents and visitors of Uppsala County.
Is The Uppland Foundation a public or private company?
The Uppland Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Uppland Foundation founded?
The Uppland Foundation was founded in 1972. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Uppland Foundation based?
The Uppland Foundation is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden, in the Europe region.
How does The Uppland Foundation make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Public Funding (Base Financing) is the primary driver. The others are cabin and Campground Rentals and project-based Grants.
Who are The Uppland Foundation's main competitors?
Others on record are Biotopia and WWF Sweden (Världsnaturfonden WWF). Broad incumbents are Naturskyddsföreningen, The Nature Conservancy, Naturvårdsverket (Swedish Environmental Protection Agency), Länsstyrelserna (County Administrative Boards of Sweden) and Skogsstyrelsen (Swedish Forest Agency). Direct peers are Stiftelsen Nordens Ark, Stiftelsen Tyresta and Stiftelsen Skånska Landskap.
Does The Uppland Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Uppland Foundation.
What industry is The Uppland Foundation in?
The Uppland Foundation's product category is Nature Conservation & Outdoor Recreation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAAGAF, Recreation & Activity Services (Hiking, Boating, Climbing, Fishing—Guided/Authorized), with a secondary code of BPAIAMAH, Parks, Recreation & Protected Areas Administration. Its NAICS code is 71219 and its SIC code is 7000.