Umea Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
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With cold, snowy winters bright, long summer days and big investments in culture and entertainment, Umeå attracts tourists from all over Sweden. Welcome to the City of Birches!

In Umeå, the biggest city in Norrland, life is governed by the seasons. In the winter, temperatures easily drop below -20°C and the city is covered in thick snow, whilst the summers are warm with long, bright nights. The sun only dips below the horizon for three hours every night at the height of the summer. There are lots of fun outdoor activities to pursue all year round, and the city is also the central hub for culture and entertainment for the whole of Norrland.

During your visit to Umeå, you will be struck by how young the city is. Thanks to the big university, the city is filled with students. You won't find any really old houses either, as nearly all of Umeå burnt down in 1888. When the city was rebuilt, long rows of birch trees were planted in order to prevent fire from spreading between houses, giving Umeå its name as the "City of Birches".

A popular destination in Umeå is Västerbottens museum, which also houses the Gammlia outdoor museum. Take a trip here and experience the olden days of Västerbotten County. You can then explore the Umedalens skulpturpark (Umedalen Sculpture Park), or go see a production in the city's pride and joy, NorrlandsOperan (The Norrland’s Opera). The vast amount of students in Umeå has had an important influence on the city's music and theatre life. Why not attend a student comedy show (“studentspex”) for a wild and lively evening?

If you are travelling to Umeå, you shouldn't miss out on the city's surrounding area. Follow the Blå vägen (Blue Road) along the Umeälven River towards the northwest and discover part of Västerbotten's inland region. Pet a tame moose in Älgens hus (The Moose House) and taste some delicious moose cheese. Near Vindeln, you can experience the Vindelälvens forsar (Vindel River rapids) by going on wonderful hikes or kayaking down the calmer parts of the river.

Getting to Umeå is easy by car (via the E4 motorway, if you're coming from the south) or by train. Thanks to excellent flight connections, it's also simple to travel to Umeå for a shorter weekend trip.

If you want to experience the best of Norrland, a holiday in Umeå is the perfect choice. This is where the beautiful nature of Norrland is combined with a lively entertainment scene and, as Norrland's biggest city, Umeå is also a splendid place for shopping, culture and great restaurants.

Comfort Hotel Winn
Comfort Hotel Winn
3.5 out of 5
Skolgatan 62, Vasaplan, Umea
The price is ฿2,254 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
฿2,254
฿2,525 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Umea. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Literally right next door to a shopping mall and several good food places. I recommend Ramen Kafé!"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2023

Comfort Hotel Winn
Clarion Hotel Umea
Clarion Hotel Umea
3 out of 5
Storgatan 36, Umea
The price is ฿3,517 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
฿3,517
฿3,939 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Umea. Enjoy free breakfast, a full-service spa and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (739 reviews)
Weekend trip
"God breakfast Fine beds"

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2024

Clarion Hotel Umea
Comfort Hotel Umea City
Comfort Hotel Umea City
2.5 out of 5
Storgatan 47 B, Umea
The price is ฿1,837 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
฿1,837
฿2,057 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this hotel in Umea. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Great stay, great staff that was very helpful. Breakfast was great. I was in a room with no windows, best sleep I got so far. I would book it again."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2024

Comfort Hotel Umea City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Tallbacken Camping
Tallbacken Camping
2 out of 5
Tallbacken Camping, Vannas, Västerbotten
Stay at this beach campsite in Vannas. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and a beach locale.
8.8/10 Excellent! (9 reviews)
Quirky & unique, in a very beautiful setting
"A great find, off the beaten track. Very quirky and full of charachter. Will definately return one day and explore this beautiful part of the world more."

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2019

Tallbacken Camping
4 Person Holiday Home in Nordmaling
4 Person Holiday Home in Nordmaling
2 out of 5
Nordmaling, AC
Stay at this holiday home in Nordmaling. Enjoy free parking and balconies. Popular attractions Klas Engman Museum and Nordmaling Assembly are located ...
4 Person Holiday Home in Nordmaling
7 Person Holiday Home in Bjurholm
7 Person Holiday Home in Bjurholm
2 out of 5
Bjurholm, AC
Stay at this holiday home in Bjurholm. Enjoy free parking and balconies.
7 Person Holiday Home in Bjurholm
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Umea

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
" "5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Be sure to visit the Art centre, sculpture park, and the boat restaurant!