Make the Most of Your Time in Umeå
Whether you’re on your way to start your adventure with us or winding down after days in the wilderness, Umeå is the perfect place for a layover. Young, creative, full of culture and great food, this northern Swedish city blends urban energy with nature right at its doorstep. Here are a few of our personal tips to help you make the most of your time in Umeå, no matter if you stay for the night or have just a few hours to discover the city.
About Umeå: A City Where Urban Pulse Meets Nature
Umeå is one of northern Europe’s fastest‑growing regions, home to two universities, 37,000 students and a thriving innovation scene. It’s a youthful, modern and international city, yet surrounded by forests, rivers and trails that begin just minutes from the centre. Compact and easy to navigate, Umeå has a population of 133,091 and is lined with 2,300 birch trees and threaded with 253 kilometres of cycling lanes. With 400 years of history, award‑winning culture and a strong outdoor spirit, it’s a place where modern creativity meets calm northern nature—perfect for a short layover with plenty to explore.
things to do in Umea sweden
Get the view
If you are looking for something to do in Umeå, a winter walk along the Umeälven is one of the most beautiful ways to arrive in Umeå. The river winds past snowy forests, quiet paths and several bridges that connect directly back into the city. A special highlight is the terrace at Väven — from here you get a stunning panoramic view over wintery Umeå, with the river and rooftops stretching out below you.
umea - The Food Capital of Northern Sweden
Umeå’s restaurant scene has flourished over the past 15 years. You’ll find fine dining, cozy neighbourhood spots, creative cocktail bars and microbreweries—all with a focus on sustainable, local ingredients.
Cafés
Nya Konditoriet
One of Umeå’s oldest cafés, known for classic pastries created by award‑winning pastry chefs. Enjoy world‑class coffee in a historic upstairs salon.
nyakonditoriet.se
Kulturbageriet
A craft bakery and café open from early morning to late evening. Fresh bread, soups, light lunches, fika pastries — and pizza in the evening.
kulturbageriet.se
Espresso House
A well‑known Scandinavian café chain — ideal if you have a longer wait before the airport and want a place to sit, read or work as long as you want.
espressohouse.com
Guilty Pleasure
A dessert‑focused café offering indulgent sweet treats, pastries and creative creations for anyone with a sweet tooth.
guiltypleasure.se/en/umea
Restaurants
Köksbaren
A popular neighbourhood restaurant serving seasonal dishes and tender Swedish meat grilled in a charcoal oven. Close to both the bus and train station.
koksbaren.com
Harlequin
A modern restaurant offering high‑quality dining experiences inspired by seasonal ingredients and Umeå’s curiosity for new flavours.
harlequinumea.se
Bastard Burgers
Street‑food style burgers made with good meat, good bread and bold flavours. A favourite for burger lovers.
bastardburgers.se
Bars
NÒR Rooftop Bar
A spectacular rooftop bar in the centre of Umeå with panoramic views and a stylish atmosphere — perfect for a drink above the city.
umea.restaurant-nor.com
Facit Bar (Emil Åreng)
A unique cocktail bar working exclusively with Swedish spirits and ingredients, created by one of Sweden’s most innovative bartenders.
facitbar.se
Must‑See Cultural Spots in Umea
Umeå was named European Capital of Culture in 2014, and the city continues to offer world‑class cultural experiences. Whether you enjoy art, design, music or history, you’ll find inspiring places within walking distance.
Västerbottens Museum & Gammlia – Northern Swedish heritage, exhibitions and an open‑air museum with 19th‑century buildings. Free entrance.
www.vbm.se
Museum of Women’s History – A modern museum exploring gender, identity and power, located in the cultural centre Väven. Free entrance.
https://www.kvinnohistoriskt.se
Bildmuseet – Contemporary art in a striking riverside building. Free entrance.
www.umu.se/bildmuseet
Guitars – The Museum – A world‑unique collection of vintage electric guitars and rock history. www.guitarsthemuseum.com
Shopping in Umeå
Umeå is a compact city, which makes shopping easy and enjoyable — everything is within walking distance of the centre. Whether you’re looking for Scandinavian fashion, outdoor gear, second‑hand treasures or local souvenirs to bring home, you’ll find plenty of options.
Sports and Winter clothes
Peak Performance
Premium Scandinavian outdoor and sportswear with high‑quality jackets, base layers and winter gear.peakperformance.com
Stadium Umeå City
A large sports store offering clothing, shoes and equipment for training, running, skiing and everyday outdoor activities. stadium.se
Naturkompaniet
Specialists in outdoor gear and technical clothing — perfect if you need reliable winter layers, hiking equipment or high‑quality accessories.
naturkompaniet.se
Books & Papery
Akademibokhandeln Sweden’s largest bookstore chain, offering a wide selection of Swedish titles — and a good range of English books as well.
akademibokhandeln.se
Umeå City Library
A bright, modern library located inside the cultural centre Väven. Perfect for a quiet break, reading, or exploring local literature.
umea.se/bibliotek
–> Tip: Make the most of the view over the Umeälven from the rooftop terrace.
Sandbergs Pappershandel
A classic paper and stationery shop with notebooks, pens, cards and office supplies — ideal if you need some journaling material for your trip.
sandbergspappershandel.se
Shopping & Fashion
For everyday shopping right in the city centre, Utopia Shopping is your easiest stop. It offers a classic mix of essentials, fashion and lifestyle stores — ideal whether you forgot your toothbrush or simply feel like browsing for clothes or accessories.
utopiashopping.se
If you’re looking for affordable winter clothing, second‑hand is extremely popular in Sweden. A great tip is Röda Korset Second Hand, a charity‑run shop located directly on the way from the bus stop to the city centre. It’s one of the best places to find cheap outdoor layers for the colder months.
rodakorset.se
Souvenirs & Godis 😉
Tehörnan
Tea tradition with a northern twist. Tehörnan offers a wide selection of teas, coffee, confectionery and spices, making it easy to find a flavourful gift or a treat for yourself.
tehornan.se
Frukt‑Hörnan Anita Birkeros
A local favourite for fruit, sweets and small edible gifts — ideal if you want something simple and tasty to bring along on your journey.
frukthornan.se/
Godishuset City Umeå
A classic Swedish “godis” shop where you can fill a paper bag with your own mix of colourful candy — a fun, very Swedish souvenir.
godishuset.se
Köksgården
A rustic kitchen‑and‑garden store offering tableware, baking tools, cooking utensils and household items. You’ll also find garden accessories and decorations — perfect for anyone who loves Scandinavian country style.
koksgarden.se
Winter Experiences for a Short Stopover
During winter, Umeå offers accessible outdoor activities that fit perfectly if you stay for a day more. They’re easy to reach, easy to book, and are a perfect addition to your Husky adventure with us.
Winter Activities to Try
Cross‑country skiing at night – Glide through the moonlit forest on wooden skis.
www.granobeckasin.com
Horse‑drawn sleigh rides – A peaceful journey through snowy wilderness, with a chance to spot the northern lights.
www.backforsgard.se
Aurora Borealis & dogsledding tours – Multi‑day guided adventures combining dog sledding and northern lights watching.
www.auroraborealis.nu
Ice skating on Lake Tavelsjön – A 13 km skating trail just outside the city, with cafés along the way.
www.visitskelleftea.se/en/see-and-do/tavelsjo-ice-track
Where to stay in Umeå
Although Umeå is only a small town, there is a wide range of hotels to choose from, and thanks to the short distances involved, none are ever far from the city centre, the bus station or the railway station.
We work with a number of hotels to provide you with accommodation that is as affordable and convenient as possible.
