Welcome to Umea!

Umeå in the summer isn’t really like other big towns. The Midnight Sun shines over the pavement cafés until late into the night, and the day seems to be a few hours longer than normal.

Renmarkstorget on summer evenings has become something of a hub for young people in Umeå, thanks to its pavement cafés, pubs and restaurants. In the stylish Invito cocktail bar, besuited businesspeople sip on their glasses of white after a hard day in the office, while the football supporters at O’Learys enjoy the atmosphere and camaraderie.

A taste of the world Around the corner, you can partake of top quality coffee culture, served by News’ prizewinning barmen, or visit the charming Schmäck, where you can round off your latte with some designer jewellery or a sweater from Paris. There are restaurants popping up everywhere, serving everything from Indian and Chinese to Italian and Swedish gourmet dishes. This is where you’ll find Restaurang Viktor, the best restaurant in Sweden north of Stockholm, according to the White Guide. And Norrlandsoperan has plenty more than just theatre and symphony orchestras to offer – although of course, those aren’t to be sniffed at! But on weekend evenings, Operan’s restaurant is transformed into a classy club and concert hall.

Shopping
Anyone who enjoys wandering round the shops won’t have any problems finding the cool places to be in Umeå. In the pedestrianised area in the heart of the town, you’ll find shopping centres with little specialist stores, clothes shops, interior design and shoe shops. Boutiques Carizma (named Sweden’s best fashion store in 2005) and Kii, which took the same title a few years ago, are absolute musts for fashionistas, local or otherwise. Here, international and local labels rub shoulders with lots of big-name Swedish designers. And on the periphery of the town, you’ll find two huge shopping centres with the classic Swedish chain stores to visit.

Water and beaches
You’ll find water and beaches within walking distance of the town centre. If you’re not happy to just sit at Café Båten (which is a real boat on the river) or park yourself on the grass next to the Umeälven river, you can take a trip up to Nydalasjön and the recreation area there. This lake, with its sandy beach, adventure pool, sauna rafts and animal farm, makes the area into something of a watering hole for both adults and children alike. The beaches on the coast entice both surfers and beach volleyball enthusiasts, and are just a short drive away.

Rivers and Elks
There’s lots to discover outside the town, too. The summer island of Norrbyskär is just a ferry ride away from Norrbyn and offers a calm contrast to the town, with its leafy pathways and old fashioned sawmill society. At Olofsfors bruk, one of Sweden’s best preserved and genuine ironworks, local artists and craftsmen work in the old smithies over the summer months. If it’s bigger adventures you’re after, there are lots of activity companies offering white water rafting or jetboats on the Vindelälven river, the national river of Sweden. Patting a real, live elk is an absolutely brilliant thing to do, and Älgens hus outside Bjurholm, home to lots of elks, has become a popular place for families to visit