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Umeå

Things to do in Umeå

  1. A

    Norrbyskär

    The island of Norrbyskär, 40km south of Umeå, is a worthwhile destination. It has an interesting history - a sawmill community was built up here from nothing in less than 10 years, only to disappear just as suddenly 10 years later. There is a museum as well as other attractions; buses run to and from Umeå to Norrbyn, to connect with ferries - inquire at the tourist office for times.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Gammlia

    Don’t miss Gammlia, a cluster of museums 1km east of the town centre. They include cultural and historical exhibits and Sami collections at the regional Västerbottens Museum; the modern art museum, Bildmuseet; and the Maritime Museum. These are surrounded by Friluftsmuseet, an open-air historic village where staff wear period clothes and describe traditional homestead life.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Holmön

    Holmön, which calls itself the sunniest place in Sweden, is a 15km-long offshore island with a boat museum and a collection of traditional craft, plus a good quayside restaurant and swimming beaches. In July there's a rowboat race to Finland, which is only 36km away. Free ferries depart two to three times daily from Norrfjärden, 26km northeast of Umeå (bus 118 or 119).

    reviewed

  4. D

    Museums

    Gammlia, 1km east of the town centre, has several museums and shouldn't be missed. Attractions include the modern art museum, Bildmuseet, and the Maritime Museum. The surrounding Friluftsmuseet, featuring old houses and staff wearing period clothes, is also worth a look. The museums are open daily June to August (closed Monday for the rest of the year).

    reviewed

  5. E

    Vindeln

    Many activities are based at Vindeln, 54km northwest of Umeå. Adventures on offer include fishing, white-water rafting, jet-boating and canoeing on the local rivers, plus horse riding and a variety of walking trails (from two hours to three days). The tourist office can help organise these. Bus 16 connects Vindeln and Umeå.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Teatercafe

    Part of the Folkets Hus performance hall, across from the Royal Hotel, is this upmarket garden-party restaurant and terrace bar, where classy-looking people linger in a fenced-off patio over salads and chic reinventions of traditional Swedish food.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Blå

    This is a large, shiny, trendy place, with a nightly all-you-can-eat Thai buffet in winter and a regular menu of fashionable fare like risotto, gnocchi and baked salmon. Unsurprisingly, Blå turns into a nightclub as the evening progresses.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Schmäck

    Next to Maxim is this funky, laid-back coffeeshop-chocolaterie, where you can sample the latest chocolate decadence, sip fair-trade coffee and browse the little design boutique adjoining the cafe.

    reviewed

  9. I

    Lottas Krog

    This is a friendly pub-restaurant with an extensive menu featuring something for everyone - from fish and chips or a veggie burger to chicken tandoori or even a fillet of wild boar.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Maxim

    This popular and fashionable pub-restaurant specialises in pizza and beer package deals, but it also does upmarket pub grub. It’s handily located near the STF hostel.

    reviewed

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  12. K

    Rex

    This place, at the back of the town hall, offers an excellent cocktail list and a menu of favourites served up in bright and breezy surrounds.

    reviewed

  13. L

    Greta

    Upmarket, stylish Greta at the Royal Hotel offers well-prepared Swedish and international dishes, with especially good fish and seafood.

    reviewed

  14. Boat Museum

    This boat museum is on Holmön, a 15km-long offshore island that is known as the sunniest place in Sweden.

    reviewed

  15. M

    Rost Mat & Kaffe

    This teeny industrial-chic coffeeshop is covered in tiles and doles out good espresso and light meals.

    reviewed

  16. N

    kiosks

    You'll find plenty of kiosks selling burgers, pizzas and kebabs on busy Rådhustorget.

    reviewed

  17. O

    Sushi & Wok

    This is a sleek restaurant and bar serving good Asian dishes, including sushi.

    reviewed

  18. P

    Gourmet Ica Supermarket

    Self-caterers should try the Gourmet ICA supermarket.

    reviewed

  19. Q

    Systembolaget

    You can buy alcohol from Systembolaget on Kungsgatan.

    reviewed

  20. R

    Naturkompaniet

    Sells outdoor gear.

    reviewed