Umeå – where creativity meets northern nature

Culture around every corner

Culture plays a central role in life in Umeå. At the heart of the city is Väven, a lively cultural centre on the banks of the Ume River. Inspired by the surrounding birch trees, the striking building brings together museums, a library, cafés, restaurants and a cinema, while hosting everything from exhibitions and concerts to markets and festivals throughout the year.

Housed in a former fire station, Norrlandsoperan is northern Sweden’s leading venue for opera, dance, music and contemporary art. Just outside the city centre, Umedalen Sculpture Park occupies the grounds of a former psychiatric hospital and features 43 permanent sculptures by Swedish and international artists. Open year round and free to visit, it's one of Sweden's leading sculpture parks.

Four museums not to miss

• Bildmuseet: A riverside museum on Umeå Arts Campus presenting internationally acclaimed exhibitions in contemporary art, design, architecture and photography.
• Museum of Women's History: Sweden's first museum dedicated to women's history, exploring themes of gender, identity and power through changing exhibitions.
• Västerbottens Museum: Discover the history and traditions of the Västerbotten region through interactive exhibitions, arts and crafts. Don’t miss the world's oldest preserved skis, dating back around 5,400 years.
• Guitars – The Museum: Home to one of the world's finest collections of electric guitars from the 1950s, alongside stories of rock music and popular culture.

A city close to nature

With forests, rivers, lakes and the Gulf of Bothnia coastline on its doorstep, Umeå makes it easy to combine city life with outdoor adventures. Four distinct seasons bring changing landscapes and new ways to enjoy the city throughout the year.

Winter transforms the city into a snowy playground. Go cross-country skiing, take a dog sledding tour, skate on natural ice, and if you’re feeling adventurous, take a refreshing winter dip at Umeå Kallbad. On clear nights, you may even spot the Northern Lights.

Summer brings long, light evenings perfect for riverside walks, hiking and cycling. Several nature reserves are within easy reach of the city, while forests and marshlands invite berry picking when cloudberries ripen towards the end of summer. Thanks to Sweden’s Right of Public Access, you're free to explore and forage responsibly.

For a change of scenery, head to the island of Holmön, where coastal landscapes, nature and local history await.

Trails and nature to explore

• Lake Tavelsjö: The 42-kilometre Tavelsjöleden trail starts in central Umeå and winds on paths through forests and over hills, linking up with several long-distance hiking routes. Keep an eye out for the legendary Tavelsjö lake monster along the way.
• Grössjön Nature Reserve: Just outside Umeå, this peaceful reserve features a 4.5-kilometre walking trail around the lake and a birdwatching tower overlooking the surrounding wetlands.
• Isälvsleden Trail: This 60-kilometre trail winds through glacial landscapes shaped by the last Ice Age, passing ancient pine forests, gravel ridges and lakes in the Umeå region.

Taste the flavours of Umeå and Västerbotten

Umeå's food scene is rooted in the flavours of northern Sweden, where local ingredients take centre stage. Expect dishes featuring reindeer, elk, Arctic char, whitefish, berries and wild herbs.

No visit is complete without trying Västerbottensost, the region's famous hard cheese with its distinctive sharp flavour, often served in the classic Västerbotten cheese pie ('Västerbottenpaj'). Pick up some to take home from the local delicatessen DUÅ or the farm shop Gårdshem.

For something to sip, head to Brännland Iscider, just outside Umeå. Made using Swedish apples and the natural winter cold, its award-winning ice cider has gained an international following. Join a tasting at the winery to learn more about the craft.

Restaurants to try

• Tornhuset: Once Umeå’s first steam turbine-powered power plant, Tornhuset is now home to three restaurant concepts. Among them is Ateljé Vita Duken, with ambitions to make Umeå one of the world’s northernmost Michelin destinations.
• Gotthards Krog: Set in the historic Stora Hotellet, Gotthards Krog champions local ingredients, home-grown vegetables and seasonal greenhouse dinners, showcasing northern gastronomy at its freshest.
• Lilla Krogen: A relaxed bistro serving sharing dishes with bold flavours and carefully crafted cooking in a historic setting.
• Wild River: Around 60 kilometres northwest of Umeå, this destination restaurant is easily reached by public transport and serves seasonal menus inspired by the forests, rivers and fields of the surrounding nature reserve.
• Facit Bar: An acclaimed cocktail bar where every drink is crafted using only Swedish ingredients, served alongside modern takes on classic dishes, including the Swedish favourite plank steak.

Where to stay in Umeå

Whether you prefer a stylish city hotel or a nature escape, Umeå offers accommodation to suit every type of traveller.

• Stora Hotellet: A characterful boutique hotel where historic maritime interiors meet contemporary comfort in one of Umeå's best-loved buildings.
• U&Me: A young and trendy hotel in the heart of Umeå, located in Väven cultural centre and offering panoramic views of the city.
• Hotel 1861: Stay in Umeå’s former prison, a historic building dating back to 1861 that has been carefully restored.
• Elite Hotel Mimer: Housed in a beautifully restored school building dating from 1897, this centrally located hotel blends historic architecture with modern amenities.
• Granö Beckasin: Around an hour from Umeå, spend the night in this tree hotel’s distinctive Bird's Nests overlooking the Ume River.
• Berguddens Fyrvaktarbostäder: On the island of Holmön, stay in former lighthouse keepers' cottages run by the Swedish Tourist Association (STF), where life without electricity or running water is part of the experience.

Family-friendly experiences

With its mix of outdoor adventures, interactive attractions and plenty of space to play, Umeå is a great destination for families.

• Curiosum: Umeå University's science centre invites curious minds of all ages to explore science through hands-on experiments and to watch immersive films in the Wisdome theatre.
• Navet: A family-friendly adventure pool with water slides, a wave machine, climbing walls and wellness facilities.
• Husky House: Meet friendly huskies, cuddle puppies and learn about life with sled dogs on a guided family-friendly tour in nearby Granö.
• Adventure Trail Nydala: An 800-metre forest trail with climbing and balance obstacles, perfect for active children.
• Zip Adventure Park: Climb among the treetops, try bungee trampoline or play soccer mini golf at this outdoor adventure park, open during the snow-free season.

Creative, welcoming and surrounded by nature, Umeå is a city where contemporary culture and outdoor adventures go hand in hand. Whatever the season, there's always something new to discover.