Hiking with children

Experience an adventure on foot!

Hiking with children is a great way to discover Sweden. Hike through enchanting forests, follow the water’s path through the landscape, and discover exciting birdwatching grounds. Along the way, there are plenty of unique spots to take a break. Enjoy your packed lunch on a clifftop, in a bird tower, or by the water’s edge with breathtaking views. We have gathered 7 hiking trails in and around Umeå that reflect the history of the landscape, perfect for young adventurers and their parents.

Sunset at Mårdseleforsen nature reserve Umeå rapids

1. Hike through an exciting rapids landscape

At Mårdseleforsen Nature Reserve, an adventure awaits where the whole family can walk across hanging bridges, boardwalks, and forest trails, with the sound of the Vindel River right by your side. The dramatic rapids echo with history, and you can still find traces of the log-driving era that tell the story of life in the past. Among giant’s kettles, ancient forests and rushing water, you can pause to enjoy your packed lunch. This popular destination is perfect both as an activity with children and for those wanting to experience one of Sweden's most beautiful places. There are designated fire pits available where you can build a fire.

Distance: 1.5 km

Difficulty: Easy. The ramp leading to the first hanging bridge over the river is ccessibility-adapted and stroller-friendly.

Discover Mårdseleforsen Nature Reserve and explore this exciting whitewater landscape, read more here!

2. Discover a Glacial Erratic from the Ice Age

At Gåstjärnsberget in Dalsjö, Överboda, you will find the large boulder known as "Stora Stenen" ("The Big Rock") — a perfect destination for the whole family. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings and for the children, there are climbing frames and swings. Take a break at the designated fire pits and picnic tables before continuing your exploration of the beautiful surroundings. Don’t miss the chance to check out the ancient rock carvings on "Stora Stenen". They are highlighted with white paint to make them easier to see and interpret.

Distance: 1 km from the parking area.

Difficulty: Easy. The gravel trail is accessibility-adapted and suitable for strollers.

Explore the Stora Stenen outdoor recreation area and head out on a memorable hike with the family, read more here!

Personer som går på spången vid Stora Tuvan

3. Explore the enchanting island of Stora Tuvan

Follow the suspension bridge over the water out to Stora Tuvan, an island in the Ume River Delta. Here, the whole family can hike through lush and enchanting broadleaf forests to a scenic plateau equipped with picnic tables and a birdwatching tower. For those who have more energy and wants to keep exploring, a bird hideout awaits at the far edge of the island, where you are surrounded by the water and the local birdlife. Keep your eyes and ears open during your walk, the island is home to the White-backed Woodpecker, one of Sweden's most endangered species.

NOTE: The ramp is in poor condition and is being renovated this year. Currently, it is not possible to reach the picnic area with a stroller, power wheelchair, or similar.

Distance: 0.9 km from the parking lot to the bird hide. The full loop is approximately 2.5 km.

Difficulty: Easy. The suspension bridge and wooden ramps are suitable for strollers.

Start planning your trip to Stora Tuvan today, read more here!

4. Experience an adventure trail with obstacles

Take the whole family on an adventure along Lake Nydala. Here, you’ll find an adventure trail filled with fun and slightly tricky obstacles to get through or navigate around. It’s a great chance for everyone to test their balance, flexibility, and problem-solving ability. Surrounded by beautiful nature, this trail is one of Umeå’s most popular activities for children.

Don’t miss: The eight-meter-long crawl tunnel and the liana that lets you swing between platforms.

Distance: Approximately 0.8 km. The hiking trail "Äventyrsstigen" begins and in connection with the Kärleksviken bathing area by the Nydalasjön lake. If you want to walk further, the full 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.

Experience the Äventyrsstigen with the whole family, read more here!

6. Walk the "Forsarna runt" loop

There is an easy-walking trail around the Vindelforsarna nature reserve. Here, the whole family can stroll through various types of landscapes, cross small bridges and a unique suspension bridge. You can also discover fascinating cultural remains. Take a pause along the way at one of the picnic areas to enjoy your packed lunch and listen to the powerful sound of the rapids.

Don’t miss: Packing a lunch to enjoy at one of the many scenic rest spots along the loop.

Distance: 5 km hiking trail.

Difficulty: Easy. The entire hiking trail is stroller-friendly.

Explore everything that "Forsarna runt" has to offer, read more here!

5. Follow the winding ramp out to the sea

The winding ramp leading to the birdwatching tower in Villanäs takes you through exciting spruce forests, lush leaf forests, bushlands and across shore meadows. This route is easily accessible and suitable for everyone in the family. From the tower, you have a great view over the shallow areas and islands in the Österfjärden bay. Here, you can experience a rich variety of birdlifeand the best time for birdwatching is between April to June.

Don't miss: To look for the stone figures hidden in the forest.

Distance: 0.9 km hiking trail from the start at the parking lot to the birdwatching tower.

Difficulty: Very easy. The ramp is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

Explore the Villanäs boardwalk with the whole family, read more here!

7. Explore the Storrisberg Caves

An expedition for the whole family through the unique tunnel cave in Nordmaling. Legend has it that this was the hiding place of the notorious thief "Tjuv-Ante" in the 1800s. The cave stretches 30 meters through the mountain, featuring ladders and narrow passages. At the summit of Storrisberget, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the scenic landscape. Within the reserve, you’ll also find hiking trails, mighty cliff walls and shingle fields. An exciting destination for the whole family.

Don’t miss: The cave is equipped with stairs and ladders — Bring a headlamp or flashlight for the best experience.

Distance: 1 km hiking trail to the top of Storrisberget.

Difficulty: Moderate. Certain sections of the trail are steep.

Discover the Storrisberg Caves and the legendary "Tjuv-Ante" Cave! Read more about the trail here.