7 reasons to visit Umeå this summer

Experience Umeå this summer

The colorful and creative coastal city with world-class activities and experiences. From Sweden's first women's history museum to unique accommodation in the treetops, restaurants with a northern touch, acclaimed hip hop - and not least spectacular nature experiences. Here are seven reasons to visit Umeå this summer.

With its many attractions, wilderness around the corner and rich cultural life, Umeå is the perfect city for a weekend getaway. Hike in untouched nature, visit an art museum, feel the big city pulse at one of the city's many outdoor cafés, swim on Sweden's sunniest island or experiment at the new science center Curiosum.

kultur Umeå, som 2014 blev utsedd till Europas Kulturhuvudstad, erbjuder flera evenemang och festivaler för den kulturintresserade. Foto: Pressbild, Visit Umeå

1. A rich cultural life

Umeå has a long history of an exciting and broad cultural life. In 2014, the city was named European Capital of Culture and today Umeå offers everything from classical opera to award-winning hip hop. It is home to Sweden's first women's history museum, a literature festival, a film festival, a jazz festival and one of the country's most acclaimed art museums. Umeå also has the world's largest collection of privately owned guitars at Guitars - The museum. Longing to go to a concert in the balmy summer night? On July 8th, the RIX FM Festival comes to Umeå – a free festival featuring well-known artists.

unikaboenden Spend the afternoon in a kayak and stop for a swim or a picnic. Photo: Bea Holmberg, Visit Umeå

2. Close to nature experiences

In Umeå, stunning nature is always close by and there's little that beats the peaceful feeling of walking on small paths in the forest or gliding along on mirror-smooth water. Pick up a kayak or SUP at one of the kayak rentals along the Ume River or Lake Nydala, take a trip to the picturesque and scenic archipelago island of Norrbyskär, or try fast-paced rafting in one of Europe's last untouched rivers - the Vindel River. Umeå also has several peaceful nature reserves that are ideal for summer activities such as swimming, picnick, fishing, bird watching and hiking.

Enjoy the peaceful nature of Umeå – stay among the treetops with fantastic views.
Photo: Bea Holmberg, Visit Umeå.

3. Unique accommodation

In and around Umeå there are several unique accommodation options that attract both the comfortable traveler and the camper. Stay in lighthouse keeper's houses on the island of Stora Fjäderägg, move into an old prison cell at Hotell Gamla fängelset or spend the night among pines and spruces in a bird's nest at Granö Beckasin. At Granö you can also live like a real adventurer - build your own log raft to glide down the Ume River and sleep in a hammock tent between the trees. Are you one of those people who think the hotel breakfast is the best part of traveling? Then you should stay at Stora Hotellet, which has been praised both nationally and internationally for their first-class breakfasts.

stränderochhavsbad Holmön – one of the gems of Umeå’s archipelago. Foto: Philip Avesand, Visit Umeå.

4. Beaches and sea bathing

Sand between your toes and cooling dips are part of summer. The Umeå area is a real treasure trove when it comes to sea bathing, beaches and cliffs. Gather your friends for a volleyball tournament at the popular Bettnessands havsbad or take the kids to the family-friendly bath in Norrmjöle. Another tip is to take the 40-minute ferry across to Holmön - Sweden's sunniest island. In addition to swimming, you can go exploring, rent a bike and visit the island's boat museum.

matstad Med sina prisade restauranger och barer benämns Umeå ofta som norra Sveriges främsta matstad. Foto: Philip Avesand, Visit Umeå.

5. The best food city in the north

It's no wonder that Umeå is often referred to as northern Sweden's premier food city. Here you'll find high-quality food and service that will create food memories you'll never forget. Enjoy cocktails from one of Sweden's best bars to American barbecue with a northern touch. If you're a real foodie, don't miss one of the various guided food tours on foot or by bike. Extend the summer into September and plan a visit during the Umeå Taste Festival. The city's restaurants take over the city center with their tents where selected specialties, local beers and a great atmosphere are served.

I Umeå finns det gott om vandringsmöjligheter - både för barn och vuxna. Foto: Pressbild/Visit Umeå.

6. Hiking opportunities

If you prefer an active vacation, the Umeå region has many hiking opportunities. There are both longer trails for established hikers and easier hikes for beginners and families with children. Walk on pristine trails in Umeå's peaceful nature reserves, explore the gorge landscape on a dragon's back along the Lögde River Trail, climb 10 mountain peaks in Tavelsjö, or hike on the unique Isälvsleden trail created by the ice sheet. The possibilities are many and no matter where you choose to hike, you will be met by breathtaking nature and exciting adventures.

familj Ta med familjen till Zip Adventure Park för nervkittlande zipline, höjhöjdsbana och femkamp. Foto: Pressbild, Visit Umeå.

7. Family activities

Keeping the kids entertained during the holidays can be a challenge. Fill your days with fun family activities, both indoors and outdoors. Challenge each other at Zip Adventure Park - the adventure park with an exciting high ropes course among the treetops, ziplines and pentathlon. Pet a moose at Älgens farm or feed camels and alpacas at Mickelbo Farm. Visit the family-friendly and interactive exhibition - Hamnstaden Umeå. Here, young and old can try out activities in true 19th century spirit. For the curious family who like science and experimenting, Umeå University's science center Curiosum is a must - perfect if the weather fails.