Top 10 Things To Do In Umeå, Sweden

1. Explore local heritage at Västerbotten museum

Västerbotten museum is one of the most popular tourist spots in the country, welcoming thousands of guests every year. The museum is responsible for collecting, guarding, and displaying various items that are a vital part of Västerbotten cultural heritage. The information is relayed to visitors’ seminars and programs organized throughout the year including cultural history talks, documentary photography, art, and more. Over four million photos, along with the world’s oldest ski, are some of the important displays that await you here. Other features of the institution include children’s workshops, a shop, and an upscale cafe.

Västerbotten museum

Address: Helena Elisabeths väg 3, 903 42 Umeå, Sweden

Website: Västerbotten museum

Price: Free

2. Go for a picnic at Bölesholmarna

If you love relaxing in the outdoors, Bölesholmarna has a lot to offer. The calm area features two islets. The larger island called Gröna oxen features a sizable beach and lots of opportunities to enjoy fishing and swimming. You can also enjoy picnicking on the beautiful green areas on site with barbecue grills. The kids are not left behind as there is a playground for them to have fun with other toddlers. This scenic location also comes with changing rooms, toilets, and a shower for your convenience.

Bölesholmarna

Address: Lektorsgränd 2, Umeå Sweden

3. See vintage musical instruments at Guitars the Museum

Music fans can’t miss the sight of Guitars the Museum featuring the largest collections of privately owned guitars. The musical instruments were donated to the institution by Umeå brothers, Michael and Samuel Åhdén, through a long-term agreement. You will find many vintage displays here, including electric and bass guitars, amps, and other music equipment. Two of its famous exhibitions include a 1958 Gibson Flying V and a 1959 Les Paul Standard. The museum opened its doors to the public in 2014 and offers guided tours daily, from 1pm to 3pm which is included in the entrance fee.

Guitars the Museum

Address: Skolgatan 59, 903 29 Umeå, Sweden

Website: Guitars the Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 6pm; Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sun)

Price: From 12 - 15 USD

4. Enjoy the great outdoors at Arboretum Norr

Experience the beauty of the outdoors in Arboretum Norr, a 39.5-acre (16-hectare) natural landscape perched on the southern part of Ume River, 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) from Umeå’s center. The area features over 2,800 plants of over 400 species, mustered from different parts of the globe with a similar climate as Sweden. Relax on the hammock close to the river, or hike the well-paved roads and explore trees and shrubs with information tags on them in Swedish. Baggböle Manor, which is close to the location, has a restaurant where you can dine and enjoy a cup of coffee during summertime.

Arboretum Norr

Address: Baggböle 115, 905 92 Umeå, Sweden

Website: Arboretum Norr

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Explore different contemporary artworks at Bildmuseet

If you’re a lover of arts, an unforgettable encounter awaits you in Bildmuseet. It’s an international contemporary art venue housed in a spectacular seven-story structure close to Umeå University’s art campus. It presents temporary exhibitions created in collaboration with universities, museums, and artists from all over the world. These items are displayed in graffiti, drawings, sculptures, paintings, photography, and more in the building’s 7 halls covering 2965.3 acres (1200 hectares). Also, creative workshops and guided tours including lectures, debates, artists talks, and film screenings are held regularly. What’s more, admission is free.

Bildmuseet

Address: Östra Strandgatan 30B, 903 33 Umeå, Sweden

Website: Bildmuseet

Price: Free

6. Participate in guided tours at Umeå Energicentrum

Umeå Energicentrum has something for everyone, from history enthusiasts to nature lovers. It’s located around the city’s first power plant in Klabböle, just a few minutes drive from Umeå’s center. Here, you can enjoy guided tours of the old power plant museum during the summer. The museum features a sledge mill, a 150-year-old working frame store, and more to enlighten you about the town’s past energy and sustainability strategy. If you are coming with kids, they can play on the playground or unwind in the barbecue or green areas. The venue also boasts an electric car track to play, and a cafe serving lunch and snacks.

Umeå Energicentrum

Address: Unnamed Road, 905 87 Umeå, Sweden

Website: Umeå Energicentrum

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free

7. See staggering sculptures at Umedalen skulpturpark

The ground for a mental health hospital was formerly transformed into an internationally revered sculpture park, welcoming thousands of visitors every summer. Umedalen skulpturpark was constructed in the 1930s by Fort Knox who bought the spot from Västerbotten County Council. With Knox funding the project and Galleri Andersson/Sandström supplying art contents, Umedalen skulpturpark was born. Every summer, art enthusiasts come to admire the many sculptures displayed by professional local and foreign artists with over 44 works acquired by Knox as permanent collections. Aside from free admission, the award-winning park also features stunning northern pines, pharmacies, libraries, and kindergartens.

Umedalen skulpturpark

Address: 903 64 Umeå, Sweden

Website: Umedalen skulpturpark

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

8. Learn more about local history at Kvinnohistoriskt Museum

If you want to know the significant roles women play in Sweden’s history, present, and even future, Kvinnohistoriskt Museum is a must-visit. The institution was established in 2014 with its venue set on the fourth floor of Väven Cultural Centre. It features a gift shop to purchase interesting souvenirs and two spaces highlighting temporary exhibits. They also offer public events regularly. Check their website to learn about current displays and upcoming programs.

Kvinnohistoriskt Museum

Address: Storgatan 46a, 901 78 Umeå, Sweden

Website: Kvinnohistoriskt Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 6pm; Sat: 11am - 4pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Free

9. Marvel at the glowing Konstverket "8 11"

Konstverket “8 11” is one of the 13 artworks that grace the 217.5-mile (350-kilometer) long art exhibition park, stretching from the west in the southern Lapland mountains to the east in Holmsund. The sculpture, which looks like that of Buddha, sits on a water mirror in an abandoned power plant’s old turbine house. The light rays reflecting on the statue’s red-orange colors make it glow, while the water from the dam waving around it is a beauty to behold. Aside from the historical and cultural sights, the location also features an elegant Japanese garden.

Konstverket "8 11

Address: Baggböle 115, 905 92 Umeå, Sweden

Website: Konstverket “8 11

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

10. Satisfy your cravings at Pinchos

Thanks to Pinchos’ ideas, you can choose, order, and pay for various delicacies from around the world via its in-house app. The restaurant features an inviting dining room with circus-inspired decor. Compared to other restaurants here, you will be notified by the app once your order is ready. The foods are offered in small portions, allowing you to eat different specialties from around the globe in one sitting. It would be best if you tried their buffalo wings, pork dumplings, and Spanish tapas. The eatery also offers a good number of hard and soft beverages.

Pinchos

Address: Kungsgatan 48, 903 26 Umeå, Sweden

Website: Pinchos

Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 4pm - 9pm; Tue - Sat: 4pm - 10pm

Enjoy a lovely getaway in Umeå

This beautiful city has a good mix of everything, from nature’s gifts to great urban life. Whether you love the outdoors or seeing stunning artworks, this capital has something to offer. These top things to do in Umeå, Sweden, are aimed at giving you a lovely getaway.

Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of Bildmuseet and Pinchos may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.