Umeå – a cultural hotspot immersed in nature

A city of culture and design   

Umeå was named the European Capital of Culture 2014, and for good reason. The city has an entrepreneurial, innovative spirit and a number of highly regarded museums. Väven, which first swung open its doors in 2014, is Umeå’s buzzing cultural centre. This architectural landmark – with its abstract, birch-inspired aesthetic – houses museums, an eminent library, a cinema and several restaurants and cafés. It also hosts events and activities year-round, from concerts to vintage fashion markets. Upstairs, you’ll find the hip hotel U&Me, whose bar and restaurant are popular with the locals.  

Elsewhere in the city, contemporary art and design museum Bildmuseet is another cultural highlight. Located within the so-called “arts campus” near the river, it’s actually part of Umeå University. Housed in a standalone building, spectacularly clad in wood panels, Bildmuseet puts on world-class exhibitions across design, architecture and photography. It was awarded European Museum of the Year in 2014. 

Umeå's science centre Curiosum opened in 2020 and is a part of the university. Curiosum invites kids and grown-ups to explore science and technology, hands-on, via a range of experimental workshops. 

Västerbottens Museum is another notable, interactive museum featuring exhibitions and participatory experiences on cultural history, art, photography and textiles. A good family option, it regularly offers arts and crafts workshops. Don’t leave without taking a look at the world’s oldest skis, dating back to 3400 BC.

The Women’s History Museum (Kvinnohistoriskt Museum) is one of a kind. Housed within Väven cultural centre, it inspires action and debate via exhibitions on different themes across “gender and power, identity and history”. 

Sami Week – or Ubmejen Biejvieh as it’s known in the Sami tongue – is a celebration of Sweden’s indigenous population. Held once a year (dates TBA), this vibrant festival plays host to the Sami summit as well as a range of activities centring on art, music, culture and language.

A city embedded in nature

Surrounded by mountains, forest and endless coastline – Umeå is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are numerous natural adventures to embark on. Tavelsjöleden hiking trail starts at Väven and will have you trekking over mountains and lakes, discovering caves and other natural highlights along the way – perhaps even the mythical Tavelsjö lake monster. The trail is about 42 km long, linking up with Vindelälvsleden and Vännforsleden. 

There are several nature reserves to explore in and around Umeå. Grössjön Nature Reserve is located near the city and offers plenty of variation. The idyllic walking trail circling the lake is about 4.5 km long, and there’s an observation tower for bird watching. Also take the opportunity to explore the beautiful forest and cloudberry-yielding marshland. These nutritious amber-hued berries ripen at the end of summer, and you’re free to pick them as part of Sweden’s right of public access. 

Known as Umeå's Central Park, the area around Lake Nydala is located 6 km from the city centre. You’ll find a 12 km hiking trail as well as mini golf, a boules court and an animal farm – providing perfect family entertainment. There is also a camping site and cabins to hire.

Umeå’s culinary identity  

Umeå, like much of Sweden, takes pride in locally sourced ingredients. In Umeå’s case, that translates to reindeer and elk meat, char, whitefish, lingonberry and arctic raspberries. Traditional food products of the region include Västerbottensost – a delicious sharp cheese. Västerbottenpaj – a quiche made with Västerbottensost - is a popular dish, while ’Brännland Cider’ is a locally made drink enjoyed around the world from the USA to Hong Kong. 

DUÅ, run by twin brothers Per and Lars Åkerlund and located in Väven cultural centre, is a deli serving up carefully sourced charcuterie products and cheeses as well as a well-curated selection of kitchen accessories. 

Hunger och Törst bases its recipes on seasonal, organic local produce. In this atmospheric high-end restaurant, you’ll get to choose between menus of three, five or seven courses. 

The unique restaurant Gotthards Krog – housed within the historic landmark hotel Stora Hotellet – is another must-visit restaurant. In this elegant and warm environment, you’ll be able to sit down for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday afternoon tea. There’s a cocktail bar, too. 

Umeå has many strings to its bow. It respects and celebrates its surrounding nature and local culture – including its culinary heritage – while looking to the future and pushing innovation via its thriving educational institutions and entrepreneurial spirit.