Image: Fredrik Larsson / Visit Umeå
Umeå is a city of contrasts. From snowy winters to sunny summer days, from the coast and sea to the deep forests; from the vibrant city life to quiet auroral nights.
The influx from near and far has transformed Umeå into northern Sweden’s largest urban community with an atmosphere characterised by openness partnered with just the right amount of inquisitiveness. Today’s residents of Umeå, both old and new, have an accepting attitude towards new thoughts and ideas, different behaviours, lifestyles and cultures.
All roads may not lead to Umeå, but it's easy to get here anyway – by plane, train, bus or car. Umeå Airport is one of Sweden's busiest, and is so close downtown Umeå that you can actually go there by bicycle. If you want to choose something more climate friendly than air travel, you can catch a train – from Stockholm it's only a 6 hour trip. By car you hit the E4 or E12 and have the chance to discover other nice spots on your way to, and around, Umeå.
Experience the Northern Lights, arctic landscape and endless summer nights. Take the opportunity to go fishing, skiing or hiking. Umeå's proximity to nature offers many possibilities.
In Umeå you're never really far from anything. Walking distance to most things – entertainment, leisure, culture, nature and studies – makes it easy to take part of what the city has to offer. But the typical thing to do in Umeå is not to walk, but to bike, always and everywhere, summer and winter. Over 250 km of paved bicycle paths will guide you right.
Make time for something other than just studying. Go to some of our music festivals like Brännbollsyran, House of Metal or Umeå Jazz Festival.
Image Mattias Pettersson
Experience Bildmuseet, one of the world's most beautiful university museums, which has been ranked highly in several international museum competitions. This is the place for stimulating encounters and conversations about art, society and existence.
Image Mikael Lundgren
Check out Culture on Campus for concerts, theatre and much more. Free culture for students and staff during the lunchtime hour.
Image Alekzandra Granath
Located close to the forest and the sea, Umeå is a great starting point for outdoor recreation that doesn't require a gym membership or an appointment. Lake Nydala is just minutes from the main campus. Here you can swim, run, cycle, fish, barbecue or just hang out. In winter you can cross-country ski on the lake.
Image Umeå kommun
There is a strong link between physical and mental activity. By getting your body moving, your brain can process what you've read or heard more efficiently, opening up new knowledge and exciting insights. Indoors or outdoors. Hard or easy. It's not important. It's the movement that matters.
Image Mattias Pettersson
You can also take a trip to the Gammlia open-air museum and folk park. It's a large area that's just a few minutes walk from campus. At the slalom slope you can take a much-needed break and light a cozy fire by the wind shelters.
Image Mattias Pettersson
Umeå is also home to the 39 km long Tavelsjöleden trail, which offers many great nature experiences and exciting detours. A good tip is to walk in one direction and take the bus home.
Image Johnér bildbyrå AB, Plattform
If you prefer the indoors, you can visit IKSU, the largest indoor gym facility in Sweden. There is something for everyone: workout machines, group training facilities, climbing walls, beach volleyball courts (indoors!), swimming pools, basketball, floorball, volleyball and so much more.
Image Ulrika Bergfors
You can travel almost anywhere within the city limits with the help of the student's best friend: the bicycle. In a flat city with many students and about 253 kilometres of bike paths, most people are out and about on their bikes. Even in the wintertime!
Image Mattias Pettersson
Make time for something other than just studying. Go to some of our music festivals like Brännbollsyran, House of Metal or Umeå Jazz Festival.
Experience Bildmuseet, one of the world's most beautiful university museums, which has been ranked highly in several international museum competitions. This is the place for stimulating encounters and conversations about art, society and existence.
Check out Culture on Campus for concerts, theatre and much more. Free culture for students and staff during the lunchtime hour.
Located close to the forest and the sea, Umeå is a great starting point for outdoor recreation that doesn't require a gym membership or an appointment. Lake Nydala is just minutes from the main campus. Here you can swim, run, cycle, fish, barbecue or just hang out. In winter you can cross-country ski on the lake.
There is a strong link between physical and mental activity. By getting your body moving, your brain can process what you've read or heard more efficiently, opening up new knowledge and exciting insights. Indoors or outdoors. Hard or easy. It's not important. It's the movement that matters.
You can also take a trip to the Gammlia open-air museum and folk park. It's a large area that's just a few minutes walk from campus. At the slalom slope you can take a much-needed break and light a cozy fire by the wind shelters.
Umeå is also home to the 39 km long Tavelsjöleden trail, which offers many great nature experiences and exciting detours. A good tip is to walk in one direction and take the bus home.
If you prefer the indoors, you can visit IKSU, the largest indoor gym facility in Sweden. There is something for everyone: workout machines, group training facilities, climbing walls, beach volleyball courts (indoors!), swimming pools, basketball, floorball, volleyball and so much more.
You can travel almost anywhere within the city limits with the help of the student's best friend: the bicycle. In a flat city with many students and about 253 kilometres of bike paths, most people are out and about on their bikes. Even in the wintertime!
In Umeå, cultural workers and artists have gathered since the 1970s, and when such people come together – stuff happens. Here you find museums, a sculpture park, an opera and a professional symphony orchestra - but also cultural associations, music festivals, several smaller theatres and an international literary festival, among many other events. As proof of the city's vibrant cultural scene, Umeå was named European Capital of Culture 2014.
When Umeå University was inaugurated in 1965 the city had only 40,000 residents. Today more than 130,000 people live here. Thanks to our students, Umeå is a young and energetic city. The city's youth and growth is evident in several ways, including in entrepreneurship and new businesses. Here you find several innovative ventures within biotechnology, medicine, IT, the environment and energy, modern forestry and engineering industries.
Around Umeå you will find outdoor gyms, fitness and ski trails, equestrian facilities, a skate park, ski slopes, training facilities, a curling hall, ice hockey halls and much more.
Population: 133,010 (as of September 2023)
City founded: 22 June 1622
Average age: 39 years (avg. in Swedish is 41.4 yrs.)
Companies: 14,000
Average temperature from January: -9,1˚C
Average temperature from July: +15,2˚C
Sunrise/Sunset on 21 June: 02:13 / 23:07
Sunrise/Sunset on 21 December: 09:27 / 13:45
