Thousands of migratory birds stop in the Umeälven Delta in spring. This natural area is also protected in three ways: it is a nature reserve, a Natura 2000 site and a Ramsar site. Together with forest trails, islands and art venues, it makes Umeå a destination where you can explore nature and culture in many different ways.

Birdwatching in the delta, forest trails at Grössjön

During the annual spring migration, birds stop in the Umeälven Delta; the exact timing can vary. Guided birdwatching tours are also offered there at this time of year. Birdwatching towers and other facilities provide more ways to discover the birdlife. Seasonal access restrictions apply in the protected area—please take these into account when planning your visit.

On Stora Tuvan, a suspension bridge leads from the car park to a birdwatching hide and shelter. It is suitable for wheelchairs and prams. An accessible ramp also leads from the car park to the hide and can be used by people with visual impairments. Check locally that the facilities are accessible before your visit.

If you would rather experience old-growth forest and wetlands than the river delta, Grössjön Nature Reserve offers a sense of wilderness close to Umeå. A blue-marked circular trail is four kilometres long and has several rest areas. In the old-growth forest, you may spot capercaillies, short-eared owls and three-toed woodpeckers; sightings are not guaranteed. Trail conditions can change with the seasons.

Trails and challenges in Nydala

A lit walking and cycling path, approximately nine kilometres long, runs around Lake Nydala. For a shorter activity more focused on cycling, Nydala cykelpark has two pump tracks for mountain bikes and BMX bikes. The tracks are open to everyone and are approximately 200 and 70 metres long. The facility is open and accessible 24 hours a day, every day.

Nydala is also home to Äventyrsstigen, an 800-metre forest trail with eleven challenges of different types and difficulty levels. A wheelchair-accessible ramp runs about 75 metres into the forest alongside the trail. The trail lengths offer a practical guide for different routes: the circular trail at Grössjön is four kilometres long, while the lit path around Lake Nydala is approximately nine kilometres long.

Art, science and regional history

Bildmuseet is an exhibition venue for international contemporary art at Umeå University’s Arts Campus. It brings art and science together. Since 2012, the museum has been housed in a building on the banks of the Umeälven. Its programme includes openings, guided tours, an open art studio, artist talks, debates and lectures, as well as film, music and other events. Admission is free; the programme may change, so check current dates in advance.

At the Curiosum Science Center, children and adults can explore science and technology together through activities such as experiments, programming, design and play, or by visiting the Wisdome Umeå dome theatre. The programme may change here too, so check the current listings. The Gammlia open-air museum presents regional history in around 30 buildings that were moved here from various locations in Västerbotten. Summer events include Midsummer celebrations and dance evenings. These events are seasonal; check the dates before your trip.

Other cultural experiences offer different perspectives: Väven cultural centre is home to the Kvinnohistoriskt museum, considered the first museum of its kind in Sweden. Its exhibitions focus on women in the present, the past and the future. Guitars – The Museum displays a collection of electric guitars, basses, amplifiers and musical memorabilia assembled by the Åhdén brothers. Umedalens Skulpturpark features around forty works, including pieces by Tony Cragg, Louise Bourgeois, Anthony Gormley, Jaume Plensa and Anish Kapoor. It is open 24 hours a day year-round, and admission is free. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Islands and cultural landscapes

Holmöarna Nature Reserve can be explored on foot, by paddle, by bike or while swimming. The islands also preserve traces of former hunting and fishing communities. There are hiking trails on Ängesön, Kammen and Trappudden; conditions can change with the seasons. The free Holmö ferry from Norrfjärden, north of Umeå, takes about 45 minutes. As schedules may change, check departure times before you travel.

For a longer excursion, Ume Älvdal runs through a cultural landscape along the Umeälven. The area can be explored by bike or on foot, with historical, artistic and cultural attractions along the way. Whether you choose birdwatching, a forest trail, a museum visit or island nature, there are plenty of ways to discover Umeå according to your own interests.

Discover more destinations: Holmsund, Umeå, Tavelsjö, Sävar, Nordmaling, Malå, Bjurholm, Åsele.

View the main travel guide: Västerbotten.