Umeå travel guide

Nestled on the eastern coastline of Sweden, the city of Umeå boasts a rich and compelling history. Established in 1588, Umeå's early existence was marked by several devastating fires, the most catastrophic of which occurred in 1888, eradicating most of the town.

In the aftermath, the city was painstakingly rebuilt with wide avenues, earning it the nickname 'City of Birches'. Umeå's growth accelerated in the 20th century, particularly after World War II, with a significant population increase and urban expansion.

Umeå's history is also deeply intertwined with the indigenous Sami people, whose presence in the region dates back thousands of years. Today, Umeå is a vibrant and bustling city, known for its rich cultural scene. It was declared the European Capital of Culture in 2014, a testament to its historical significance and enduring cultural heritage.

Here on this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Umeå, Sweden. Check out the cheapest and most popular flights offered by 296 airlines that fly to Sweden. Compare the rates and services of the 2 types of places to stay in Umeå and the 2 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage. We make it easy for you to find and book the top services in Umeå.

Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Umeå, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place. Book with Guide to Europe to get an expertly-curated and fully-customizable itinerary and experience the best of Umeå on your vacation in Sweden.

Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Umeå from our free 24/7 customer support. Continue reading to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Umeå!

The best time to explore Umeå, Sweden would be during the summer months from June to August. The weather is pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, providing a comfortable climate for sightseeing and outdoor activities. These months also coincide with the annual Umeå Jazz Festival in October, a can't-miss event for music lovers. If you're keen on winter sports, consider visiting between December and March, when Umeå becomes a snowy wonderland perfect for skiing, ice fishing, and northern lights viewing. However, do keep in mind, winter in Umeå can be quite chilly with temperatures often below freezing. Avoid the peak tourist season in July if you prefer a less crowded experience. For budget-conscious travellers, the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) offer relatively mild weather and fewer tourists.

One insider tip for a unique and authentic experience in Umeå, Sweden, is to visit during the Sami National Day on February 6th. The indigenous Sami people's culture is deeply ingrained in Umeå, and their National Day is a remarkable celebration not typically experienced by tourists. These festivities offer an exceptional opportunity to delve into the rich Sami culture, with traditional music, food, crafts, and even a reindeer race in the town center. Locals advise tourists to dress warmly for the outdoor activities and to book accommodations and restaurants in advance, as this is a popular event among residents. This insider tip will ensure you experience an aspect of Umeå that many visitors overlook, but which significantly contributes to understanding the local culture and history.

There are many reasons to visit the city of Umeå, but a trip to Sweden needs no explanation.

Exploring Sweden, which spans 528,861 square kilometers, is an adventure of a lifetime. Sweden offers an abundance of truly magical places to discover, including cultural, historic, and scenic sites of significant value to both locals and travelers.

As the home country of many world-famous attractions like the spectacular Västerbotten museum, Bildmuseet, and the Guitars the Museum, you’re all set for a unique and memorable travel experience in Sweden.

Click or tap the link below to discover more about Sweden.

Umeå has something for everyone. Regardless of age and interest, travelers have the best time exploring every corner of the city.

Read on to discover the best places to visit and find out what to expect from the city of Umeå.

Enrich your travel experience in Umeå by joining tours and activities. Umeå offers an exciting selection of top-rated tours and it's easy for every traveler to find something to their liking. Take the opportunity to catch the top attractions on a tour, stay active with an adventurous excursion, or learn something new about the local history or culture of the city.

Discover the most popular experiences in Umeå below.

The best and easiest way to visit Umeå is by booking a vacation package. A vacation package includes everything you need for a worry-free and perfectly planned holiday in Sweden.

Booking a vacation package to Umeå means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accomodation, and a rental car, to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Umeå to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing you with everything you need to travel comfortably, your vacation package to Umeå is also fully customizable. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience, to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

On our website, you will find 45 unique vacation packages to Umeå, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and recommendations for the best sightseeing spots, restaurants, bars, and activities.

Continue to the next section to learn more about what types of vacations you can book in the city of Umeå.

To get to the city of Umeå the fastest way possible, travelers from outside Sweden can travel by plane. International travelers can fly to Umeå by booking flights with any of the 8 airlines that offer direct flights to Umeå airport. Some airlines that operate flights to Umeå airport are Air China, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Ryanair, and Delta Air Lines. Go to this page to compare all flights to Umeå.

To reach the city of Umeå, travelers can choose from various airport transfer options available at Umeå airport.

If you're looking for the best flight ticket deals to Umeå, knowing the cheapest travel time and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we have this information for you. Discover more about the cheapest and most popular flights to Umeå airport and Umeå below.

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a city as fantastic as Umeå is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience.

The best place to stay in Umeå usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodation in downtown Umeå offers a ton of benefits.

Staying at the heart of the city allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Umeå and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally-located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Umeå planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

In Umeå, you'll find 2 different types of places to stay catering to every taste, budget, and reason for travel. For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Sweden can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the 5-star or 4-star hotels in Umeå. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range hotels to budget-friendly accommodations in the city, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Umeå.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Umeå in the next sections.

Experience the freedom and convenience of a self-drive vacation by renting a car for your adventures in Umeå. Umeå has 2 car rental companies ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Umeå start from 53.77 EUR per day or 376.4 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Renault Captur Auto.

If you prefer driving a manual car, you’ll find multiple options for rent in Umeå, starting from 58.96 EUR per day or 412.72 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Seat Ibiza 1.2.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Umeå, Sweden, below.

Reaching and moving around Umeå, Sweden is quite seamless due to its well-developed transportation network. The city's public transportation system primarily consists of buses, operated by Umeå Lokaltrafik, that cover the entire city and surrounding areas. These buses are reliable, punctual, and equipped with modern amenities like WiFi.

For those who prefer private transportation, numerous taxi companies operate in the city, offering convenient and quick service. Car rentals are also an option, with several major companies offering services in the city.

Umeå is a bike-friendly city, boasting an extensive network of cycling paths. Bicycles can be rented from various locations in the city. An additional unique feature is the boat service operating during summer months, linking the city center with surrounding islands. Moreover, walking can also be a pleasant way to explore the city, given its pedestrian-friendly design and beautiful landscapes.

The city of Umeå is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Sweden. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Sweden has it all.

Sweden is calling, and the country is asking you to experience its culture and diversity to the fullest! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Sweden that are as magical as the city of Umeå. The most popular travel destinations in Sweden are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

A taste of Sweden through a visit to Umeå can often reignite a traveler's passion for adventure. When this happens, the best way to satisfy this wanderlust is to book a domestic flight from Umeå to another remarkable destination in Sweden.

To begin your search for the best or cheapest flights from the city of Umeå to other spectacular locations in Sweden, jump to the last section of this travel guide.