Views of top things to do in Umeå, Sweden.

Top 11 Things To Do in Umeå, Sweden

If you are wondering if Umeå is worth visiting, this is an article for you. As a person who was born and raised in this northern eastern city of Sweden, I have my fair years of experience around the town. Even though small and not the number one choice for travelers aiming for a Swedish trip, Umeå has some interesting experiences to offer tourists around the world.

This list of top 11 things to do in Umeå Sweden is based on my experiences from growing up and now visiting my hometown, together with what I heard other people enjoyed while visiting. With that, I hope to inspire you to come up North and embrace Norrland!

1. Take a bike along Umeälven

Sunset along Umeälven with views of birches

Views of Umeälven at sunset with birches (photo: wanderwut.com)

Let’s be honest, the town is placed right on it so you have to make the most of that flow. The Ume River is 470 km (292 miles) in total, so of course I don’t expect you to roll the whole way. But, starting at the center and going up towards the west will make up for an enjoyable tour of the river and nature alongside.

Unless you managed to pack along your own trusty bike, I would recommend Cykel och Mopedhandlaren, it’s close to the center and offers bikes for 150 SEK per day (around €13, $14 and £11.) or if you want to go electronic, 300 SEK per day. Check out their website to see location and current deals for rents longer than one day.

Don’t forget! In Sweden, we drive our bikes on the right side of the road and walk on the left.

2. Explore Nydalasjön

Different views by Nydalasjön in Umeå

Views around Nydalasjön (photo: wanderwut.com)

  • Locations: Nydalasjön, 906 52 (North side, close to Umelagun)
  • Price: Free, unless going into Umelagun
  • Google rating: 4.5 ⭐

This lake which is about 3 km long and 0.5 km wide has offered a lot of good memories to me while growing up. From simply walking around the whole lake, late-night barbeques or swimming by the beach, jetty, or water park – there is a lot to offer in one area.

If you have kids then the waterpark Umelagun should be your main point to start, or the playground, Nydala äventyrslekpark, which is located on the opposite side of the lake. For those who wish to make things a bit more floaty, try the online renting service for kayaks or SUP-board called KAYAKOMAT (also available along the Umeläven).

The best option to reach the North side of the lake is either by bus (line 1, direction Östra Ersboda) or by bike. Nowadays electric scooters are also a popular solution to get around town.

Local tip! Go over the so-called China Bridge to Hällan. There are plenty of barbecue areas with (usually) free firewood and a lovely view over the Nydala lake.

3. Visit Västerbottens Museum

A bird’s-eye view of Västerbottens museum and an inside history figure (photo: vbm.se)

If you want to dig deeper into the history of Northern Sweden, Västerbottens Museum should be included in your list of things to do in Umeå. Apart from the inside Museum, you can get a real taste of the good old days outside which is set up as a small town.

During the summer season, you will experience people dressed up and living out the life of the period by crafts and taking care of farm animals. If you are there close to Christmas, you might get a chance to go to the yearly market which is sure to bring out some jolly vibes.

You can easily reach the area, a bit on the top of the hill, by either walking, bike or bus. To get as close as possible by bus, you can take line 5 or 7, both available from the center.

4. Swim at Bölesholmarna

Walk path at Bölesholmarna and two people swimming

A road next to the Ume River and two people swimming at Bölesholmarna (photo: wanderwut.com)

  • Location: 903 20
  • Price: Free
  • Google rating: 4.3 ⭐

Swimming in the Ume River is not a top choice due to the harsh and cold currents. But, if you make your way to Bölesholmarna you can be right on it and avoid both the shivers and the danger. This pretty little “island” is located around a 30-minute walk from the center or 10 minutes by bike.

Even though taking a dip up in the North isn’t always the most enjoyable experience, I must say that Bölesholmarna is one of the best choices for Umeå. The area is well taken care of and apart from enjoying a splash, there are also plenty of places set up for barbequing. And there is no need to let it go in the water or find a hideable bush, toilets are present.

5. Discover Umedalen Sculpture Park

Two art pieces at Umedalen Sculpture Park (photo: visitumea.se)

The city is filled with sculptures, and if you wish to see a lot of them in one go, the sculpture park is your savior. Once a mental hospital, the abandoned area of around 20 stone houses was bought up by the Västerbotten region in 1987 and turned into a top attraction for art lovers. In total, you will find around 40 art pieces made by artists such as:

  • Anish Kapoor
  • Tony Cragg
  • Jaume Plensa
  • Louise Bourgeois
  • Antony Gormley

For a map of the area and the sculptures, go near the restaurant Bistro Le Garage (also recommended for eating) and look for a white box. There, you should be able to access a free map.

The “park” is located in an area called Umedalen, a bit more on the edge of the city. The smoothest way to get there is to take the bus line 1 (direction Umedalen) from the center. It should take you about 20 minutes.

Apart from the park, the overall area doesn’t have that much to offer, to be honest. It’s more for residents and schools. But, you can easily combine your river bike ride with a visit to the sculpture park for a full day of rolling around.

6. Umeå Energicentrum

Café and green open space at Umeå Energicentrum

Café and green open space at Umeå Energicentrum (photo: umeaenergi.se)

For even more places to add to your bike ride, Umeå Energicentrum (energy center) is a lovely location for both adults and children. It’s a museum built around the first hydroelectric power plant in Klabböle, a village in the Umeå region located around 8 km (5 miles) upstream on the southern side of the river.

Apart from enjoying the beautiful Swedish nature in the area, the center offers a playground, guided tours and experiments connecting to energy and sustainability. In the open area, you also have the option for a picnic or a barbeque. If you forgot to pack some snacks, you also have the option to grab a bite at the café.

7. Taste Cocktails with a Nordic Touch at Facit Bar

Drink and bartender at Facit bar

Drink at Facit Bar (photo: wanderwut.com)

Generally speaking, drinking in Sweden is overall quite expensive, but still worth it if you go to the right places. For cocktails and drinks in Umeå, Facit Bar is a top choice if you want to try something unique and Nordic. All their original drinks are made out of ingredients from Sweden and their menu has a nostalgic touch to it.

Located right in the center with a view over Rådhustorget, it’s a great place to visit if you feel thirsty after a day of shopping or biking along the river. From my experience, the bartenders are on top of their game and happy to create something that matches your boozy needs.

Other top bars worth visiting in Umeå for drinks and cocktails

  • NÒR Umeå (3.6⭐): Placed on top of Clarion Hotel you will find the restaurant (and bar) NÒR. Standard drinks with high quality overlooking the Ume River. Why the low score? Some people are not satisfied with the food, along with the long wait. 
  • Rådhuskällaren (4.2⭐): Wander down the basement of Rådhuset to find a cozy bar filled with craft beer and wine. If you are more of a cocktail drinker you can stick to the upper floor which is further connected to a hot spot on the weekend for dancing and hosting events.
  • Gotthards Krog (4.3⭐): Connected to the modern community center Väven and Stora Hotellet Umeå you will find a golden spot for drinks with a classic touch. Place yourself close to the bar in one of many comfortable chairs or wander out in the inner garden for a more open experience.
  • Sjöbris (4.1⭐): One of the most popular places during summer in Umeå for a drink or a bite is without a doubt Sjöbris. You can sit right on top of the river, enjoying the scenic views while you order everything easily with a QR code. And while you’re there, don’t miss out on trying their delicious räkmacka, a shrimp sandwich that’s considered one of the top Swedish foods to try.
  • GP’s -Guilty Pleasure Café (4.1⭐): Amazing service and the best prices for cocktails. Well located next to the main bus street with a modern and comfortable interior both out and inside.

8. Visit Bildmuseet

Bildmuseet building over the river and an exhibition

Bildmuseet building over the river and an exhibition (photo: bildmuseet.umu.se)

Bildmuseet (translated directly as “the picture museum”) is a top Swedish art gallery connected to Umeå University. The beautiful building right next to the river blends art and science over seven floors. The exhibitions, often in collaboration with global artists and institutions, get noticed both around Sweden and the globe.

Since it’s free entry, you don’t need to be an active art enthusiast to feel it’s worth a visit. If you go there from the center, which is a 15-minute walk, you can on the way enjoy a delicious meal at Tonka Strandgatan.

9. Get a Grand View From Hamrinsberget

Stone sculpture of a troll and sunset view from Hamrinsberget

Stone sculpture and sunset from Hamrinsberget (photo: wanderwut.com)

Even though not the grandest mountain on earth, or even Sweden, it’s easy to reach this fir tree-filled top offering a nice view of Umeå city. If lucky, you may occupy the barbecue area for a nice and memorable evening with a fire to keep you warm. You can easily get your snacks and alcohol-free drinks at the nearby ICA Nära Berghem.

So, how to get there? It’s a bit hidden but if you can get to the hospital (Norrlands Universitetssjukhus) and click on the location noted in this article, it should be a piece of cake. It takes only a few minutes to reach the top, but I still recommend some comfy shoes.

10. Visit Guitars the Museum

Different guitars found at Guitars The Museum in Umeå

Collection at Guitars the Museum (photo: guitarsthemuseum.com)

If you’re a musician or a guitar fan, the entire trip to Umeå might be worth it solely because of Guitars the Museum, or as we call it in Swedish, Gitarrmuseet. It all started in the 1970s with a collection created by twin brothers Michael and Samuel Åhdén. Today, the museum has caught international attention and is now known as the largest of its kind.

The collection predominantly consists of electric guitars from the 1950s to the 1960s, totalling over 500 guitars. Among the more exclusive guitars in the collection are a 1958 Gibson Flying V, a 1960 Les Paul, and a 1950 Fender Broadcaster.

To ensure that the experience truly rocks, I highly recommend booking a guided tour.

11. Be active at Zip Adventure Park

Person climbing at Zip Adventure Park in Umeå next to available seatings.

One of the climbing courses next to available seatings (photo: zipadventurepark.com)

  • Location: Gotlandsvägen 10
  • Price: 370 SEK per person (adults, for climbing)
  • Opening hours: 12:00-18:00 (may change depending on the month)
  • Website: zipadventurepark.com
  • Google rating: 4.7 ⭐

If you are feeling adventurous while visiting Umeå and don’t mind heights, the Zip Adventure Park located next to First Camp is a perfect addition to your trip. Climb up in the trees with 8 different courses – the first one starting at 3 meters and the last reaching up to 9 meters. Altogether, depending on how monkey-like you are, it should keep you occupied for around 3 hours.

Climbing is not the only activity in the park. There are more options such as soccer, archery, and nerf wars. It is a popular spot to celebrate birthdays and bachelorette parties. There is a small shop on-site where you can buy treats, ice cream and drinks (non-alcoholic), and there is also a barbecue free to use – just bring your choice of meat and wanted accessories.

Bonus: Brännbollsyran Festival

Brännbollsyran Cup final played at Mariehemsängarna

Brännbollsyran Cup final played at Mariehemsängarna (photo: wanderwut.com)

  • Dates: 2-4 June
  • Website: Brannbollsyran.se
  • Price: 1299 SEK – 3799 SEK (depending on package and days)

Apart from family and friends, my main reason for visiting Umeå nowadays after moving abroad is Brännbollsyran. This festival combining brännboll games (a cup anyone can sign up for) and a musical event has grown huge over the years. Famous artists and DJs who have been there include Axwell, The KID Laroi, Martin Garrix and Macklemore.

So if you are planning to visit Umeå during the summer, have this event in mind. Just note that it has a tendency to rain during this time of the year and that tickets get more expensive the closer to the festival it is, based on different price phases.

To Summarize – What To Do in Umeå and When

Northern lights in Umeå by the Ume River

Northern lights in Umeå (photo: Thomas Eng)

As you might have noticed, when it comes to things to do and things to see in Umeå, the city has mostly something to offer for people who are into the cultural scene of some sort. Even so, a lot depends on the season in which you plan to visit.

During the summer season, June to August you will be able to experience the most with an average daily temperature of 17 C (63°F). With that said, still bring your jacket and don’t expect the sun to shine every day.

On the other hand, if you want to experience real snow, skiing and true enjoyment of hot chocolate, then December or January might be worth scheduling.

Visiting between September and April offers a chance to experience the breathtaking Northern Lights. Going as close as Nydalasjön actually can offer you a view of a beautiful green sky. You can find more locations along with guides at Visitumea.

A brief history of Umeå – what you need to know

Umeå is the capital of the county Västerbotten and is placed on the so-called “Umeälven” (Ume River). It is mainly known for two things. Firstly, for its cultural scene, which made it into the European Capital of Culture in 2014. Secondly, it is a youthful student city thanks to the largest institution of higher education in northern Sweden, Umeå University.

Umeå is also known as “Björkarnas Stad,” meaning The City of Birches, a title you’ll surely agree with upon visiting. The history behind the large amount of birches is linked to a fire in 1888 that ravaged the eastern parts of the city, leaving nearly 77% of the residents homeless. To swiftly rebuild the town, a decision was made to plant 3000 silver birch trees (known for their rapid growth) and widen the streets, aiming to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.

Add your suggestion of what to do in Umeå

Do you think that I missed something among the top things to do in Umeå? If so, you are more than welcome to reach out and suggest more to add to the list. If you have your own high-quality images, I will gladly post them together with a link to your social page.

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Jessica
Jessica

A travel enthusiast who always has the next destination in mind. Happily having had the opportunity to visit over 20 countries and 50 cities.

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