Summary
Capital of Västerbotten County in northern Sweden, Umeå is situated along the Ume River, near its outlet into the Gulf of Bothnia. Notably, Northern Sweden’s largest university resides in this culturally vibrant city, surrounded by pristine nature.
The Gulf to the east features numerous islands, such as the Holmön and Norrbyskär archipelagos, which serve as summer getaways. The enchanting Nydalasjön lake is also nearby, complemented by fresh wooded parkland along the banks of the Ume River. Additionally, Umeå boasts remarkable attractions like the Outdoor County Museum and the Guitar Museum. The riverfront is adorned with innovative architectural marvels, including the contemporary art museum Bildmuseet, as well as the uniquely designed Kulturväven cultural center.
Let us delve into the most noteworthy activities in Umeå:
1. Guitars – The Museum
Despite its unassuming exterior, this former schoolhouse dating back to the early 1900s represents a paradise for enthusiasts of rock, blues, and jazz.
Established during Umeå’s tenure as Capital of Culture, this museum hosts an extensive collection of over 500 electric guitars, primarily from the 1950s and 1960s.
Experts will appreciate rare instruments such as a 1960 Les Paul, a 1958 Gibson Flying V, and a 1950 Fender Broadcaster. This meticulously organized musical treasure trove was cultivated from the 1970s onward by two brothers, many of whom owned iconic guitars.
2. Västerbottens Museum
Located on the eastern border of Umeå, this museum showcases the history and distinct culture of Västerbotten County, offering insights into the Sami people and their traditional dwellings (kåtan), constructed from timber and peat moss.
The museum features around 40 historic buildings that have been deconstructed and reassembled in an outdoor setting, including a threshing house, a farmhouse, and a bakery.
During the summer, the museum transforms into a lively village with domestic farm animals and costumed interpreters sharing knowledge about historical life and crafts.
Finally, the ski museum explores the extensive history of this Nordic mode of transport, displaying a preserved ski older than the Egyptian pyramids.
3. Umedalen Sculpture Park
Once home to a psychiatric hospital in the Umedalen suburb, this site has been transformed into Sweden’s largest outdoor art gallery.
After its closure in the 1980s and subsequent sale, the hospital and its sprawling grounds were selected by Balticgruppen for a recurrent outdoor art exhibition, now hosted biannually.
The company has acquired a sculpture from each exhibition, gradually building an impressive collection of over 40 works permanently showcased in this captivating landscape.
Prominent artists represented in the park include Jaume Plensa, Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Louise Bourgeois, and Tony Cragg.
4. Bildmuseet
It is difficult to avert your gaze from this extraordinary museum situated along the Ume River.
This newly established facility, inaugurated in 2012, is part of the Umeå Arts Campus and is characterized by its distinct square lines and variably positioned windows, designed by Henning Larsen Architects, which has gained international acclaim.
Spanning six split-level floors dedicated to short-term contemporary art exhibitions, each level provides sweeping views of the river.
The exhibitions change every few months, ensuring a novel experience with each visit that could feature anything from contemporary Chinese art to architectural photography or industrial design from renowned creators such as Charles and Ray Eames.
Additionally, a dedicated art corner for children offers engaging art-related activities and games.
5. Umeå Rådhus
Following a devastating fire that ravaged much of Umeå in 1888, architect Fredrik Olaus Lindström was commissioned to design the city’s new significant structures.
One of the most crucial projects was the Town Hall, completed merely two years post-catastrophe.
This striking red-brick building occupies the same site as a former 17th-century structure and overlooks the river harbor, which historically served as a primary transport route before the railway was introduced.
Lindström’s design embodies Neo-Renaissance architecture, blending Dutch influences in its crow-stepped gable and mullioned windows.
Notably, the towers exhibit asymmetrical designs, contributing a playful aspect to the overall silhouette.
6. Nydalasjön
The nearest lake to Umeå is bustling with activity during sunny summer days.
During this time, amenities such as pools, playgrounds, sunbathing lawns, and the UmeLagun café are available to visitors.
Moreover, a nearby campsite features a holiday village with an adventure golf course.
The lake’s waters are strikingly clear, and it boasts a sandy beach on the northern shore for swimming enthusiasts.
As the seasons shift, there are various activities to enjoy at the lake, whether foraging for lingonberries, blueberries, or mushrooms in autumn or engaging in cross-country skiing and ice fishing when the lake freezes over in winter.
7. Kulturväven
Spanning over Strandgatan in central Umeå alongside the Ume River, the city’s newly designed cultural center offers a complex assortment of services and attractions.
This center essentially consists of two buildings seamlessly integrated over the street, presenting a surprising array of amenities, tourist attractions, and performance spaces.
Facilities include the city library, theatre, art house cinema, and market, along with a café on the waterfront and exhibition gallery.
Additionally, a museum focusing on women’s history explores gender dynamics throughout Sweden’s past.
8. Umeå City Church
Umeå’s largest religious structure was completed within two years, concluding in 1894, and is enveloped in verdure.
A predecessor to the church was demolished by the Russian Army in 1770, while another succumbed to the fire in 1888. This Neo-Gothic structure, designed by Fredrik Olaus Lindström, was constructed following guidelines established by Helgo Zettervall, who designed and restored churches and cathedrals across Sweden at the close of the 19th century.
Two notable features to observe include the colorful rose window adorning the western facade and the 19th-century organ crafted by the distinguished Åkerman & Lund company.
9. Arboretum Norr
Located a short distance up the River Ure lies the village of Baggböle.
In the 19th century, this location was the site of a vast water-powered sawmill that dramatically impacted the surrounding woodland.
Presently, the term “Baggböleri” signifies reckless deforestation in Swedish vernacular.
Since the 1970s, this area transformed into a place for tree appreciation, with an arboretum established along the left bank of the river.
The arboretum now boasts 1,600 trees and shrubs representing around 280 species, sourced globally.
These plants are being evaluated to understand their resilience to northern climates.
10. Umevatoriet
Situated in former military barracks, this engaging science museum has operated since 2006 during the academic year.
Exhibits focus on topics such as space, mathematics filled with brain teasers, puzzles, and games, and a planetarium featuring three evening shows, including one in English.
Highlighting the attraction is its observatory, equipped with a 35-cm optical telescope with a CCD camera for guided stargazing on clear nights.
11. Olofsfors Ironworks
This worthwhile trip leads you to an industrial site located in Normaling, less than half an hour along the coast.
Visitors will uncover an operational ironworks dating back to 1762, distinguished by the preservation of much of its original equipment, including a water-powered trip hammer, a blower, an 18th-century blast furnace, and a forge where iron was shaped into various items.
Beyond the factory, one can explore workers’ residences, a coachman’s house, an elegant manor house now functioning as a restaurant, and a schoolhouse housing the museum’s café and shop.
12. Älgens Hus
Another enticing excursion lies to the west of Umeå, just outside Bjurholm.
This location features Europe’s inaugural moose-themed attraction.
At Älgens Hus, visitors can explore a farm, a museum, and a café managed by Christer Johansson, a former ski champion.
The museum includes ancient rock carvings of moose and collections of enormous antlers, alongside displays detailing the moose’s seasonal life.
At the farm, the moose are friendly and approachable, with opportunities for visitors to get close and even touch them.
These animals are also milked, providing ingredients for some offerings at the café, which include cheese available for purchase.
13. Norrbyskär
In the 1890s, a fascinating development took place on this small archipelago near Umeå.
Timber industrialist Frans Kempe established a Utopian working community on previously uninhabited islands, surrounding the largest steam-powered sawmill in Europe.
Life for the residents of Norrbyskär was made as comfortable as possible to diminish union influences.
Many of the spacious homes built for these workers remain today and serve as summer holiday accommodations.
A museum recounts the island’s history while offering train excursions, activities for children, and breathtaking natural scenery.
14. Holmön
During the summer months, this archipelago is an ideal escape, accessible solely by ferry from Norrfjärden.
The ferry ride takes approximately 45 minutes, and in winter, when the waters freeze, a hydrofoil service operates.
Holmön has about 70 permanent residents; however, it becomes a sanctuary in summer with its pristine nature and charming homes.
Bicycles are available for hire, allowing exploration of secret beaches, fragrant woodlands, and hidden lakes and ponds.
Sailing traditional sloops—boats historically connecting these secluded communities with the mainland—is also an experience.
Visitors can also view the archipelago’s lighthouse, established in 1896, or explore historical vessels at the boat museum.
15. Music Festivals
Sweden’s indie music scene has long been thriving, and during spring, Umeå Open showcases the latest talent.
This festival celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2018, having initially featured international bands before shifting its focus towards domestic acts such as Peter Bjorn & John, Little Jinder, and Säkert! who headlined the event in 2017. Meanwhile, the Umeå Jazz Festival, occurring in October, is approaching its 40th anniversary and features around 30 concerts at various venues across the city.
Widely regarded as Sweden’s premier jazz event, it attracts notable figures from the jazz community annually.
One of the headliners in 2016 included New York-based guitarist and vocalist DIDA.
