Nature
Reserves

Nature reserves in the Umeå region

The Holmö Islands (Holmöarna)

Bring the family, board the ferry and visit the Holmö islands. There is much to discover and do here – from the lighthouse at Bergudden to Holmön's boat museum and nice bathing spots. Bicycles can be rented at the museum. Extend your adventure with an overnight stay in the light house keeper’s homes by the Bergudden Lighthouse or book accommodation on the island Stora Fjäderägg.
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Grössjön

The lake Grössjön is located in the outskirts of Umeå and the surrounding nature reserve has several marked trails, barbecue areas and good parking. Hike between dense forest, rocky fields and open bogs. The trails are easy to walk. Don't forget the binoculars as there are many birds as well as a bird tower in the reserve. The Tavelsjöleden is extended into the nature reserve from Broparken, within walking distance of the city.
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Långbergskullarna 

A hiking trail takes you around the area with exciting and varied nature. The caves near the top of the mountain and the cobblestone field are two spectacular features. The trail goes past the large cobblestone field and windbreak at Aldertjärnen. At Aldertjärnen you can choose to deviate from the circular loop and follow the trail towards the top of Sör-Långbergskullen and the caves.
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Tavasten. Photo: Emma Johansson

Tavasten - Skeppsviks archipelago

A beautiful nature reserve for you who want to experience the archipelago. The area offers opportunities for bird watching, swimming, fishing and hiking. Good starting points for the area are the village Skeppsvik or Tavasten. From Tavasten you can hike the 4.5 km long hiking trail out to Tavasten. After 2.5 km you reach a windbreak with barbecue area. In the winter, you can explore the area on skis or with skates.
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Lagnäset

In Lagnäset you are welcomed by bird song and lush forests. Fish, paddle or hike along the Öreälven river. Canoes are available for rent at Öreälvens kanotcenter. During early summer, the golden yellow globeflowers glow and in August the river offers hot baths. Also, do not miss the views from the high slopes and ravines. More about Lagnäset

Combine your visit with a horseback riding at Backfors gård or a visit to the moose calves at Älgens hus.

Torsmyran

The huge bog Torsmyran is easily accessible from the E4 highway north of Nordmaling. It is one of the largest and most diverse marshes of the Norrland coast. The bog is equipped with a ramp, so that everyone can enjoy parts of the reserve. Visit the marsh early in the morning as the fog dances.
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Combine the visit with a trip to the Storrisberg caves. See below.

Storrisbergsgrottorna. Photo: Frida Björkelid

Storrisbergsgrottorna

The Storrisberg caves are a must for those of you who want to experience something different! Several larger caves are to be found here. The most famous cave is Tjuv-Antes grotta. In the cave, stable metal ladders lead down to a 1.5 meter wide crack in the rock. In total, the cave is a full 30 meters long. It can be a bit challenging for smaller children to get into the cave, but the way there is easy. Don't forget the flashlight. More about Storrisbergsgrottorna

In Nordmaling there is much else to see and do. Olofsfors Bruk, Humlebäck Keramik & Möbelsnickeri  and Åbrånets Limousin.

Hjukenåsen 

The wooden paths on the ridges of Hjukenåsen in Vindeln takes you through a breath-taking ridge landscape. On the main ridge there is a barbecue area and the best view of the landscape. If it has rained, take the opportunity to visit Västerbotten's own volcanoes at the Lerfallet Nature Reserve. 
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The area also offers fine hiking trails and white water rafting. Stop by to look at the exhibitions at Konst i Kvarn and have a coffee at Café Mjölnaren.

Orrböle. Guckusko, Orchid that grows wild in Sweden. Photo: Andreas Garbebring

Orrböle

The nature reserve in Orrböle, Vännäs, is best known for its orchids that grow in the nutrient-rich spruce forests. Here you can, among other things, discover the Norna (orchid) and the beautiful Guckusko (orchid), with its large flowers, has no equivalent in the Swedish flora. The orchids bloom from late May until midsummer.
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Mårdseleforsarna

Mårdseleforsen

If you have not yet visited the rapids of Mårdseleforsen, then it is time! Here you will find exciting mountain plants, 250-year-old pine trees and rushing rapids. Suspension bridges take you across the rapids to the rocky landscape with giant pots, which water milled through the millennia. The rapids are most spectacular in June as the water level is usually high at that time. More about Mårdseleforsen

When your get hungry, you can visit the Wild River restaurant (don't forget to book in advance) or Granström's café in Mårdsele, both of which are close to the rapids.

Vännforsen

By the rapid Vännforsen, pine, spruce, and leaf forests grow. In the springs by the rapid, you can find the rare Älvstarr (a type of grass). Take the whole family on a day trip and make sure to have a swim at bathing spot by the rapid. You can also hike along the trail up to the ice cream parlour Glassbonden, where the family rafting tours starts. More about Vännforsen

Don't miss the café Kullar & Klang and Leva Gårdsbutik. Or why not book an overnight stay at cozy Wallhalla B&B?

Klubben

Experience a day by the sea in the nature reserve Klubben, where the river Rickleån meets the sea. Hike along the path across the pebble fields and discover the bath-friendly beaches. Don't forget the coffee basket and bath towel.
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Are you looking for more to discover or do by the area? Visit the beautiful fishing village Ratan or take a trip to Stenfors gård if you are looking for exciting flea markets.