What makes Umeå so special
What's there to do in Umeå?
It's both a large city with the vibe of an international metropolis, yet it also offers the warmth and charm of a close-knit small town.
Umeå gives the impression of being a vibrant urban hub, with a thriving cultural scene, top-tier restaurants, and tech companies that are helping to shake up the world. On the streets, you'll hear languages from all over the globe. The city is in constant growth.
The nature
Beneath the surface, however, you'll find a different city – a small town. People are friendly and greet each other warmly, even strangers. At the same time, there's that typically northern Swedish toughness in the way folks carry themselves. What perhaps makes Umeå feel most like a small town is the closeness to nature.
Nowhere in Umeå are you more than a 15-minute bike ride away from leaving the city behind and suddenly finding yourself alone in the forest.
There's even a hiking trail, the Tavelsjö Trail, that starts right in the middle of the city.
In other words, you can step out of your internationally acclaimed, 4-star hotel and immediately begin a two-day hike.
Talk about getting the best of both worlds.
Activities
More activity tips from central Umeå include paddling on the river, fishing, and of course – cycling: gravel, MTB, and road biking. Talk about a true outdoor city!
Once you've left the city's buzz behind, you'll quickly find peace and quiet just around the corner. Not far from Umeå's city center lies the Grössjön Nature Reserve, with untouched forest, beautiful trails, and – of course – a charming little lake. Perfect for an easy day hike.
Also close to the center is Hamptjärnsberget and the Hamtjärns cabin. At certain times of the year, the cabin serves waffles and traditional Swedish fika. There are also several fire pits with magnificent views over the city.
More into experiencing the sea than the forest? No problem – the Strömbäck-Kont Nature Reserve, with its stunning rocky shoreline, is also not far away.
Another thing that makes Umeå so unique is the variety of landscapes within reach – forest, plains, mountains, and sea. Just pick what you feel like that day – it's all close by.
A big city, with a small-town feel and immediate access to a diverse natural world – that's what makes Umeå so special!
If you need help getting out and experiencing all that the nature around Umeå has to offer, check out our tours and packages.
We continuously update our guided experiences throughout the year and adapt them to the seasons.
If you're looking for more inspiration and tips on what to explore in Umeå, we warmly recommend checking out Visit Umeå.