Umeå

Umeå brothers Samuel and Michael Åhdén possess one of the world’s largest privately owned collections of guitars. In 2014, the whole world got a chance to see it. You can visit the experience-based, interactive exhibition of electric guitars, basses, amps and music accessories at Umeå Guitar Museum. The museum houses about 500 exhibits altogether. Alongside the permanent exhibition, the museum arranges lectures, temporary exhibitions and presentations of new developments. World stars will also visit the museum during the year and hold ‘clinics’ — open guitar lessons.

In recent years, Bildmuseet has established itself as one of the country’s leading museums for photography and the visual arts. Painting, sculpture, drawings, graffiti, video and installations, but also photojournalism, design, architecture and the world of scientific images are presented in about 15 exhibitions per year. The museum's new seven-story building enjoys phenomenal views. Along with its shop and café the museum is by the Ume river.

The permanent exhibitions at the Västerbotten Museum delve into the county's ancient history, cultural heritage, settler life and reindeer husbandry. It also houses a remarkable photographic collection of Sune Jonsson, capturing the essence of the Norrland agricultural landscape. In the summer, the outdoor museum at Gammlia buzzes with activity. Historical buildings, relocated from various parts of the county, together with period-costumed cottage hosts and farm animals, create an authentic atmosphere. Three different Sami settlements have been recreated at Gammlia. In the winter, visitors can explore the permanent exhibitions and wander through the grounds.

Skulpturparken, which is located in the former hospital compound in Umedalen, is considered to be one of Europe’s most distinguished sculpture parks and is also one of Västerbottens most visited sites in the summer. More than 150 Swedish and international artists has since the start in 1994 exhibited their works in Umedalen Skulptur, an exhibition that is organized every summer. Today there are also 26 permanent works in the park. Skulpturparken also has a garden landscape in connection with the IKSU Spa, Umeå’s so-called cultural spa. The garden is created by one of Sweden’s famous landscaping artists, Ulf Nordfjell.

Vindel River is one of the world's premier destinations for white-water rafting. Various companies offer everything from tranquil half-day excursions to extreme adventures, with prices varying greatly depending on the activity. For more information, visit one of their websites. This is a summer activity.

Olofsfors Ironworks is one of Sweden's most authentic and well-preserved ironworks environments. The foundry, forges, the manor house and residential buildings are in excellent condition and open for tours year-round. In the summer, the area is open daily, and several artists and craftsmen are at place in their workshops. The manor house now serves as a restaurant, and the old school building houses a café and shop.

The Moose Safari is an extraordinary opportunity to get up close with the 'king of the forest'. You'll have the chance to approach the moose closely and photograph it. Since there are bears are in the area, there's a chance the dogs might track one of them, turning it into a bear safari, too.

Holmöarna consists of a group of larger and smaller islands. The nature here is unique, with large areas of land and water protected as nature reserves. The birdlife is particularly abundant, especially around Stora Fjäderägg, which is also home to a bird station. The archipelago is also renowned for boat building.

Build your own raft out of timber and rope and let it take you downstream along the serene Ume River. Experience nature up close and personal. Let the endlessly bright summer nights of the north create a lifetime memory. Feel free to go ashore whenever you wish, wander through the forest, or rest in a picturesque clearing. Pull up on a beach for a swim, or fish whenever the mood strikes. Your guide will assist in building the raft. Choose to embark on a one, two, or seven-day rafting adventure. Sleep on the raft or in a tent, and if you like, a box packed with typical Västerbotten food can be provided for you. You'll cook your own meals over an open fire or on a portable stove.