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Experience Umeå

Panoramavy över Umeå stad och älven.
Image: Fredrik Larsson/ Visit Umeå

Where knowledge meets nature

Umeå is the largest city in northern Sweden – a vibrant, fast-growing hub for education, culture, and nature. With a welcoming international atmosphere and Umeå University at its core, it’s a place where students thrive. From snowy forests to summer coastlines, Umeå offers a unique blend of academic excellence and unforgettable experiences.

Quick facts about Umeå

134,249

Residents in Umeå Municipality

700

Clubs and associations

260 km

Bike and pedestrian trails

Umeå: Key facts & figures

Population: 134,249 (as of December 2024)
City founded: 22 June 1622 
Average age: 39 years (avg. in Sweden is 41.4 yrs.)
Land area: 2,317 square kilometers
Companies: 14,000
# of Birch trees in the city centre: 2,300
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

Living in Umeå

Northern Sweden's largest city

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.

Visit Umeå

City of culture

From museums and opera to sports, festivals, and theatres, Umeå offers a vibrant cultural life that’s easy to dive into – no matter where you’re from.

Culture in Umeå

Sweden's #1 sports city

Umeå has been crowned Sweden’s Best Sports City three times in the last six years – awarded by the Swedish public service television company.

Sweden’s Best Sports City

Sweden's best municipality to live in

Learn why Umeå is the perfect environment for students to thrive both academically and personally.

Why Umeå Is One of Sweden’s Best Places to Live

Why Umeå University stands out

1. World's most satisfied international students

Ranked number one globally by international students for living, support, and overall satisfaction.

World's most satisfied international students

2. Dedicated and supportive teachers

Join a welcoming learning environment where lecturers are committed to help you achieve your academic goals.

3. Breathtaking nature and safe environment

Experience the Northern lights, arctic landscapes and endless summer nights with peaceful surroundings.

4. Highly international

Students, faculty, and staff from over 60 nationalities create a vibrant global community.

5. Top-ranked student life

Including the super popular Buddy Programme – connecting students for a memorable experience of social activities.

6. Modern campus and facilities

Enjoy our beautiful campus and creative learning environments that encourage critical thinking and engagement.

7. City of sports and culture

World-class museums, numerous festivals and sporting events, along with a vibrant restaurant scene.

Discover our campuses

More pages worth checking out

Students with hands in the air looking happy on Campus Umeå.

World's most satisfied international students

#1 globally in the main categories of Living, Support, and Overall Satisfaction.

Several students in winter attire in the warming spring sun on Campus Umeå.

Student voices

Curious about what international student life is really like? Hear others' experience.

Två pratbubblor

Chat with our students

Are you wondering what it's really like to study at Umeå University?