Umeå Town of Birches
We look back 5,000 years to when the first people of Umeå were hunting and fishing. You can still see stone carvings from this time just outside the town. The local community starts developing in the 14th century with a church, marketplace and harbour.
The city was founded in 1622 by King Gustav II Adolf. The last war on Swedish ground 1808-1809 reaches the region around Umeå which is ravaged by fire several times.
1888 almost all 3,000 inhabitants are left homeless after the fire. Several thousand birch trees are planted to form a fire barrier.
Umeå today is a town that is full of life, wellbeing and fun. A town that, under the waving tops of its birch trees and along its ever rolling river is growing, changing and boiling over with confidence in its future. Umeå is the most densely populated municipality in northern Sweden. It is also one of Sweden's largest university towns.
Shore Excursions
Gammlia - a culture and countryside experience
In the summer, Gammlia's luscious green surroundings provide the setting for a lively open-air museum. Learn about woodwork and handicrafts, taste freshly baked Swedish flat bread and listen enthralled to the guides who, dressed in period costumes, take you around the historical buildings.
At Gammlia, you will also find Västerbotten's county museum, the fishing and maritime exhibitions and the Swedish Ski exhibition. The county museum's permanent exhibitions not only cover prehistoric times in the area, but also explore the lives of the settlers and the culture of the Sámi people.
As a group, you can book a visit to the Sámi summer settlement. Here, you will meet Anna-Marja Kaddik and Sophia Rehnfjell, two Sámi ladies with fascinating stories that illustrate Sámi culture. Focusing on reindeer, food, handicrafts and landscapes, these stories also take you through the eight seasons of the Sámi people. Inside a traditionally furnished tent, you will sit on reindeer skins around a crackling fire. Sámi food will be served.
Bildmuseet ("the museum of the image") is also at Gammlia. Offering international contemporary art and art history exhibitions, it is one of Sweden's foremost art museums. The forms of artistic expression include photography, film, installations and paintings.
Walking tour of Umeå
On a walking tour of Umeå, you will see many of the city's historic buildings, monuments and cultural attractions. For visitors and residents alike, these have all contributed to making Umeå such a popular place and the largest city in northern Sweden.
Your qualified guide will show you the sights and explain the significance of the different periods in the city's development. The founder of the city, King Gustavus Adolphus the Great, wisely chose this site in 1622. From that time, the city has played a strategic role in the economic and cultural development of northern Sweden.
Learn about the early trade with the Sámi people and the River Ume's role in the development and growth of the timber industry, ship building and hydroelectric power. You will hear how, from a sleepy town of a few thousand people, Umeå has grown into a city that boasts an opera company with a symphony orchestra (Symfoniorkestern vid NorrlandsOperan). Umeå is the most dynamic and innovative city in northern Sweden.
Elk House
Stroking a living elk is a truly unforgettable experience for most people. Fortunately, you can do just that and much more at Elk House. You can see how an elk cow is milked and sample one of the delicacies produced from the milk, elk cheese!
Umedalen Sculpture Park
The Umedalen area of Umeå provides a unique cultural environment. Northern Europe's most important sculpture collection has evolved here. Visitors have more than 40 works of art to look at in a captivating outdoor setting. The sculpture park welcomes over 200,000 visitors each summer and is open around the clock.
Olofsfors Ironworks Museum
Olofsfors Ironworks Museum (Olofsfors Bruksmuseum) is one of Sweden's most authentic and best-preserved historic iron mill communities. Being here is like travelling back in time. Almost all the buildings date from the ironworks' glory days of the 1700s. Although the past pervades the mill, the present also makes itself felt through the many artists and craftspeople who work in the old buildings.
Vindelälven's nature reserve
Taking the scenic road to the municipality of Vindeln is a real treat. Not only do you pass through typical Swedish farmland, you will also see and experience the majestic rapids in Vindeln. The area's nature reserve features both dramatic stretches of rapids and pleasant walks for quiet enjoyment of the scenic beauty. You can also visit the nature information centre (naturumet) and learn about the countryside and culture surrounding Vindelälven, one of Sweden's national rivers.
Norrbyskär - part of the Nordic archipelago
At the end of the 19th century, one of Europe's largest sawmills developed on Norrbyskär, a beautiful island just south of Umeå. The history of the island is now interwoven with art, handicrafts, the culinary traditions of Västerbotten and outdoor adventure activities. You simply have to visit Norrbyskär!
Water activities
Because Umeå is close to rivers, lakes and the sea, water activities are a natural part of the recreational scene. Enjoy the thrill of white-water rafting on Vindelälven (one of Sweden's national rivers) or take a leisurely canoe trip and search for beavers. Far off the coast, there is one of Sweden's largest seal colonies. Join an unforgettable seal safari! There is every chance that you will also see many birds such as razorbills, common guillemots and sea eagles.
Port Information
| Pilot Station | Umeå | Anchorage | 0.5NM from quay |
| Port charges | According to tariff | Tugs | Yes |
| Bunker | Yes | Water | Yes |
| Garbage disposal | Yes | Ships handler | Yes |
| Customs/Immigration | Yes | Berths | 155m and 172m |
| Port open | 24h | Ice period | December - April |
| Meeting point | Outside lighthouse Väktaren N 63 36,6 E 020 26,0 | VTS | +46 26 64 71 51 |
| VHF | 16 and 12 | Swedish Chart | 512 and 5121 |
| Fairway Channel | Max ship length 215m | Distance | 6NM |
| Tide | No | Time restrictions | No |
| Air draught | No restrictions | Website | www.umeahamn.se |
Public Information
| Local population | 110 000 | Taxi | Yes |
| Coaches | Yes | Guide service | Yes |
| Shopping | City centre 20km | Emergency | Hospital |
| Airport | 18km | Contact | +46 90 16 34 20 +46 70 647 62 57 anita.sandberg@umea.se |
| Website | www.visitumea.se |
Photo Gallery
