UmeåSweden · Ferry Destinations

All About Umeå

The capital city of the Västerbotten region in northeastern Sweden is called Umeå. It lies on the mouth of the river Ume, bordering the Gulf of Bothnia. While settlements in the area go back to the pre-historic times when the Sámi tribe lived here, the city came into existence in 1647 under the rule of King Gustav II Adolphus. The following centuries though, were quite tragic for the people of Umeå as the town was constantly under attack by the Russians. After that, in 1888, a city-wide fire completely devastated thousands of homes.

The reconstruction of Umeå, following the fire, included excessive plantation of birch trees, to the extent it is now known as Bjorkarnas Stad or the ‘City of Birches’. The past 100 years have seen Umeå develop tremendously, especially as a medical, educational, and economic hub of North Sweden. Having a population of 127,000, Umeå is, to an extent, a student town famous for its university and hospital. However, tourists visit Umeå for its raw natural beauty, museums, cultural events, and thriving music scene.
 

Routes and Ferries to Umeå

Frequent ferries between Vaasa and Umeå make it easy to reach the city from Finland for an eventful weekend trip. Wasaline operates 12 scheduled sailings a week on this route. Their 800-passenger ferry with two cargo decks, the Aurora Botnia, is among the most environmentally friendly vessels on the planet. For a journey that takes roughly four hours, ferry tickets to Umeå cost around €165 per adult and are available to book via Ferryscanner.

Umeå Airport, located 4km from the center, is the next best option to reach the city. Flights land here from Helsinki, Gothenburg, and Stockholm. The airport shuttle to downtown costs €3.70 per passenger. Having two railway stations, Umeå has adequate rail connections with different parts of the country. The train from Stockholm runs regularly and covers the distance in six hours. Similarly, one can travel to Umeå easily by bus from various towns in North Sweden.
 

Port of Umeå

Among the largest harbors in Sweden’s northern region, the Port of Umeå plays an essential economic and commercial role in Sweden. The docks at the port cater to container ships, cargo, and passenger vessels all year round. Different quays of the harbor accommodate various types of boats, from those trading timbers to ships carrying a specific load. Furthermore, the port has excellent rail and road connections with the rest of the province.

The ferry pier at the Port of Umeå has two RoRo modes with a length of 170 meters. Its modern terminal welcomes passengers with ferry tickets to Umeå throughout the year. However, it is essential to know that the harbor and ferry dock are technically in the locality of Holmsund. Thus, the harbor is sometimes known as the Port of Holmsund. Tourists arriving with ferry tickets to Umeå can take a 25-minute taxi or a 40-minute shuttle bus from the dock to the town center.
 

Best Beaches of Umeå

Since Umeå has cold weather for most of the year, days on the beach are all the more special whenever it’s pleasant and sunny. The city and its neighboring areas have plenty of waterfront locations. Idyllic for a lounge under the sun and a splash around with the family, beaches in Umeå are a lively escape to enjoy the region’s untamed beauty.

Bölesholmarna

Bölesholmarna comprises two interconnected islets in the Ume River that link to the mainland via the Lundabron bridge. Come summer, this natural refuge is extremely popular with city residents looking to enjoy a walk among nature, go fishing, and swim. The main beach of Bölesholmarna is on the larger island of Gröna oxen. The sandy seaside has a playground, barbeque areas, changing rooms, toilets, and a swimmer’s jetty. Moreover, a tiny kiosk operates only during the warmer months. Located close to the city center, visiting Bölesholmarna is a must during your stay in Umeå.   

Bettnessands havsbad

One of the most popular beaches in Umeå, Bettnessands, is a long sandy strip with rocky outcrops 30 minutes south of the city center. The water at Bettnessands is clean, inviting beachgoers to enjoy a refreshing swim. Famous for having several volleyball courts, the beach also comes with a large parking area, changing rooms, kiosks, toilets, and barbeque stations.

Norrmjöle havsbad

Boasting incredible rocky and green surroundings, Norrmjöle is a child-friendly sandy beach leading into the warm shallow waters of the Gulf of Bothnia. Situated inside a deep bay, the beach is about a 30-minute drive from Umeå center. Quieter than the nearby Bettnessands havsbad, it doesn’t hold back on amenities, including a playground, changing rooms, toilets, parking, and a couple of kiosks in the summers.

Ljumviken havsbad

A family-friendly waterfront in Holmsund, the drive to Ljumviken from the center takes roughly 25 minutes. Located close to the port, you can watch passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Umeå in the distance while relaxing on the sandy strip. Although a small beach, Ljumviken offers fun activities like mini golf, volleyball, a playground, a skate ramp, barbeque areas, and a kiosk. There’s also the opportunity to go hiking in the forest that borders the seaside. The water at the beach is clean and shallow. Beach lovers looking for excitement can make the most of the jetty and dive straight into the deep end.

Love Creek

An hour-long walk or a 20-minute drive from Umeå takes you to this beautiful spot on the quiet eastern shore of Nydalasjön lake. While there aren’t any kiosks here, you can access facilities like toilets, changing rooms, and barbeque pits. The beach at Love Creek is sandy, and the water gets deep quickly. It is thus a lovely place for swimming or paddleboarding. Moreover, a swimmer’s jetty with a gazebo makes for a beautiful, covered, romantic spot over the water.
 

Places to Visit in Umeå

Umeå is naturally and culturally fascinating, welcoming visitors to immerse themselves in its vibrant atmosphere. So, no matter the time of the year you arrive, places to visit in Umeå offer something exciting to see or partake in, events that are indeed one-of-a-kind.

Bildmuseet

A part of Umeå University, Bildmuseet is among Sweden’s most iconic buildings. A venue spread over seven floors, it hosts a variety of contemporary exhibitions ranging from paintings and architecture to photography and film. With local, national, and international artists participating, visitors can indulge in spectacular showings covering all variables of the art world. Furthermore, you can attend exhibitions, talks, guided tours, film screenings, and music events at Bildmuseet for free. Not to miss out, the architecture of the building, constructed by Henning Larsen Architects, is also worth appreciation.

Nya Konditoriet

Operational since 1927, Nya Konditoriet is the oldest patisserie in Umeå. Located conveniently in the center of the city, it makes for a cozy interlude during a day full of retail therapy and sightseeing. The café serves delicious cakes, desserts, and other sweet delights as a treat for gourmands. It is particularly known for its pralines, made from scratch, in flavors like butterscotch, salted caramel, and blood orange. Those who enjoy savory delicacies with their coffee can pick one of many baked goods at this atmospheric café.

Guitars – The Museum

Guitars – The Museum takes up space on the top floor of Umeå Folkets Hus, a popular venue in the city for musical performances. The museum consists of twin brothers Michael and Samuel Åhden’s private guitar collection, one of the most impressive in the world. Visitors can expect hundreds of classic and rare electric guitars on display, mainly from the 1950s and 1960s. Additionally, there are amps, bases, and other musical accessories on the show. Entry into the museum, open on all days except Sundays, costs €13.75.

Tavelsjön

Tavelsjön is a beautiful lake 30 minutes north of Umeå. This natural escape presents travelers with numerous adventurous possibilities during summer and winter. Among the most fun excursions in the area is hiking to the ten peaks of Tavelsjö, each having a different level of difficulty. In the colder months, you can do ice fishing and cross-country skiing. However, for a truly exhilarating, unique experience, don’t miss out on isvak – an ice bath. Taking a dip in cold water surrounded by ice is a favorite local pastime and an experience that instantly rejuvenates the body.

Granö Beckasin

An hour north of Umeå, Granö Beckasin is an all-year retreat alongside the Ume River. Promising an adventurous stay, it’s a great family weekend destination to indulge in some of North Sweden’s alluring treasures. During a break at Granö Beckasin, you can relish dog sledding, bonfires in the snow, snowshoe hiking, and take tours to see the Northern Lights.
 

Transportation Around Umeå

Most tourist attractions in Umeå are close to one another in the downtown area. Therefore, walking is the ideal way to explore the city’s central location. At the same time, Umeå has excellent bicycle tracks and bridges. You can rent a cycle easily, which is a better option than renting a car. However, if you plan to explore further than Umeå, hiring a car is not an issue with several rental agencies operating in town.

Although Umeå has an excellent public transport system, using the bus can be tricky, especially during the colder months. It’s best to double-check the schedule before heading out to the bus stand during winter. Moreover, payment for a bus ride is only via credit card or a phone app. On the other hand, you can book a taxi online or via smartphone applications at any time.