Student Blog: Escape into wild, beautiful nature around Umeå

(This blog was originally written by Silei Jiang and is republished with permission.)

As a student at Umeå University, one of the best things is how quickly I can escape into wild, beautiful nature. Within just an hour’s travel, I can be surrounded by forests, lakes, or the open sea. These places always make me feel calm and free — a perfect balance to busy study days and city life. Here are three of my favorite spots near Umeå (within one hour’s travel) — Tavelsjö, Holmön, and Vindeln. Each is unique and worth visiting at different times of the year. I have visited each place a few times and recommend them for one-day or half-day trips. 

Image:Silei Jiang

1. Vindeln & Vindelforsarna - wilderness, rapids & forests 

• Spectacular, powerful rapids (Vindelälven) from high water season (mid-June usually) until autumn. If you like adventures, rafting in the river would be an option.
• There are trails like Tvåälvsleden (Trail of Two Rivers), ~29 km and Isälvsleden, a longer trail (≈ 60 km). If you prefer something lighter, there are easy riverside paths where you can stroll, watch the rapids, and enjoy picnic spots by the water. 

My experience 
I went to Vindeln for a short road trip in the autumn last year. Autumn is one of the best times to visit Vindeln, for the golden forests and wild rapids. This spring, I went there again for a field study with classmates and teachers from my programme Master's Programme in Spatial Planning and Sustainability and the course Local and Regional Development.  

Image:Silei Jiang

By the river, we had a seminar hosted by the Vindeln River UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Organization (https://vindelalvenbiosfar.se/). On the bus back to the city, we were lucky to see a herd of reindeer on the mountain.  

Transportation & how to get there 

• Distance: about 55-60 km northwest of Umeå University.
• By train (Norrtåg): ~55 minutes.
• By bus: about 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on route and schedule.
• By car: ~1 hour. 

Image:Silei Jiang

2. Tavelsjö – calm, scenic & adventurous 

• Tavelsjö is the largest lake in the Umeå municipality, with nearly 10 square kilometers of water.  
• Around the lake, there’s Tavelsjöleden, a hiking trail of ~42 km that starts in central Umeå and leads out through forests, past small roads, up hills with great views. The hills (Tavelsjöberget) by the lake are popular sites to spot Northern Lights (Aurora). 

My experience 
I have taken many beautiful photos around Tavelsjö in different seasons. Summer and winter are my favorites. In summer, the lake area simply becomes breathtaking. In winter, I like to go kick sledding (free rent from the local community) and watch people ice-skating on the lake. In autumn, it can be a little chilly, but the yellow trees and leaves are still attractive. Usually, I spend half a day around the lake area. 

Transportation & how to get there 

• Distance: about 30 km northwest of Umeå University.
• By bus (No. 16): ~40–45 minutes.
• By car: ~30 minutes. 

Image:Silei Jiang

3. Holmön - islands, coast & the sunniest island 

• Holmön is part of an archipelago about 10 km off the mainland. The islands have a mix of nature types: beaches, sea cliffs, forests, little bays, shallow coastal waters, and rich wildlife. It is also known for being “the sunniest island in Sweden”.  

My experience 
I have been to this island in late spring, summer, and early autumn. These are probably the best times to go. In late spring this year, I spent a day there with friends I met in the Swedish course for international students offered by the university. We went hiking and barbecued along the shore and were very lucky to see a couple of wild seals near the shore. The tricky thing is that there are very few buses (171) connecting to this island, so you need to plan carefully ahead.  

Image:Silei Jiang

Transportation & how to get there 

• Distance: about 40 km from Umeå University to the island (including ferry).
• Bus 118 or 171 to Norrfjärden (~1 hour/30 km)
• Then free ferry to Holmön (~45 minutes/10 km). Ferry schedule varies by season and weather (see Holmöleden - www.trafikverket.se). 

Tips: 

• It is very important to check the weather and the corresponding schedules for public transportation (especially the buses and the ferries!) before you plan the trip.
• Invite your friends and plan the trips in groups, so you can share the adventure and take care of each other.
• Since I haven't stayed overnight in these places, I can't offer accommodation recommendations, but staying nearby is feasible.
• For more information about nature reserves around Umeå: https://visitumea.se/en/nature-reserves-around-umea
• Map for reference: