Hiking with children is a great way to discover Sweden. Make it an adventure and hike the mythical forests of Umeå, listen to the wildlife and enjoy the fresh air. Here are our best suggestions on family friendly hiking trails in Umeå.
Mårdseleforsen Nature Reserve. Photo: Amanda Sveed
Exciting River Rapids Landscape
At the Mårdseleforsen Nature Reserve, the whole family can explore hanging bridges, boardwalks, and forest trails in a scenic area along the Vindel River. Discover dramatic rapids, impressive giant's kettles, ancient forest, and remnants from the old log driving era. This popular destination is perfect for a family outing or for anyone looking to experience one of Sweden’s natural gems. There are designated fire pits where you can build a fire.
Distance: 1.5 km
Difficulty level: Easy. The ramp leading to the first hanging bridge over the river is accessibility-adapted and stroller-friendly.
Learn more about the Mårdseleforsen Nature Reserve here
Discover a Glacial Erratic from the Ice Age
At Gåstjärnsberget in Daljsjö, Överboda, you'll find the large boulder known as "Stora Stenen" ("the Big Rock"). It's a great destination for a family outing, offering beautiful nature and fun activities for kids. There’s a climbing frame, swings, designated fire pits, picnic tables, and more.
Don't miss: Be sure to check out the ancient rock carvings on *Stora Stenen*. They’ve been highlighted with white paint to make them easier to see and interpret.
Distance: 1 km from the parking area
Difficulty level: Easy. The gravel trail is accessibility-adapted and suitable for strollers.
Learn more about the Stora Stenen outdoor recreation area here
Discover the island Stora Tuvan
Follow the suspension bridge over the water out to the island Stora Tuvan, which is part of the Umeälven delta nature reserve. Continue on the nature trail through the enchanting and lush forest to a plateau with a rest area and a bird tower. For those who have energy for some more hiking and discovering, a hideout for bird watching awaits at the edge of the cape.
Don't miss: Listening and looking for the white-backed woodpecker that lives on the island.
Distance: 0.9 km from the start at the parking lot and out to the bird hide. The entire hiking trail around is about 2.5 km.
Difficulty: Easy. Suspension bridge and wooden ramp suitable for prams.
Learn more about the island Stora Tuvan here
Stora Tuvan. Photo: Amanda Sveed
Hiking on an adventure trail
By the lake Nydalasjön there is a forest trail (Äventyrsstigen) with fun and somewhat tricky obstacles that you need to get through or past. Here, the whole family gets to test both their balance, flexibility and problem-solving ability.
Don't miss: The eight-meter-long crawling tunnel and the liana that you can swing between platforms with.
Distance: Approximately 0.8 km. The hiking trail Äventyrsstigen begins and ends in connection with the Kärleksviken bathing area by the Nydalasjön lake. If you want to walk further, the trail around the lake is about 10 km long.
Difficulty: Easy. If you don’t want to or can´t manage an obstacle, it can easily be passed.
Learn more about Äventyrsstigen here
Winding ramp out to sea
The winding ramp out to the bird watching tower in Villanäs is easily accessible and runs through exciting spruce forests, lush leaf forests, bushlands and over shore meadows. From the tower you have a good view over shallow areas and islands in the Österfjärden bay.
Don't miss: To look for the stone figures that are hidden in the forest.
Distance: 0.9 km hiking trail from the start at the parking lot and out to the bird tower.
Difficulty: Very easy. Ramp fits both strollers and wheelchairs.
Learn more about the ramp at Villanäs here
Vindelforsarnas nature reserve. Photo: Calle Bredberg
Forsarna runt - around the rapids
In the Vindelforsarna nature reserve, an easy-walking trail runs through different types of nature and past exciting cultural remains. The trail passes over several small bridges and a different suspension bridge.
Don't miss: To pop up a lunch bag at one of the picnic areas along the hiking trail.
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: Easy. The entire hiking trail is accessible with a stroller.
Learn more about Forsarna runt here