The riverside promenade follows the Ume River for about seven kilometres. You can explore it on foot or by bike; for the most part, it runs between Brånsbron in Vännäsby and Marahällabron in Vännäs. In the surrounding area, the Vännforsleden offers a different view of the river landscape: it connects the Vännforsen Nature Reserve with the Långforsen recreational area and follows the Vindel River through hilly, varied terrain. Wildlife in the area includes beavers, foxes and moose.

Trails and nature around Vännäs

Shorter hikes also offer a variety of experiences. In the surrounding area of Vännäs, the one-kilometre Gullhöjsleden leads from the south shore of Gullsjön up Gullhöjsen to a viewpoint with a wind shelter. An approximately 1.2-kilometre, challenging hike leads to the observation tower on Selsknösen. The tower is 15 metres high; on a clear day, the view extends for more than five Swedish miles. The routes are similar in length, but the trail to Selsknösen is specifically described as challenging. This can help you choose if you want to consider both the distance and the stated difficulty level.

Vännäs Municipality has eleven nature reserves and four Natura 2000 sites. Fishing trips are also possible in the surrounding area: fishing is permitted year-round in the Ume and Vindel rivers and in several lakes. Many fishing areas offer boats and overnight cabins for hire, fishing piers and barbecue shelters; some facilities are accessible. Rules and access conditions may change, so it is advisable to check them before your fishing trip.

Military history and architecture

Vännäs Läger, also known colloquially as Lägret, is situated on a wooded rise northwest of central Vännäs. You can stroll among the historic buildings on the grounds. They include barracks, a non-commissioned officers’ mess, an infirmary, a morgue and a residence for the administrator. The barracks were occupied in 1900; all the buildings were designated listed buildings in 1985. Vännäs Läger illustrates an era in the development of Swedish military history.

Another listed building is Vännäs Station House. It is of significant architectural and historical value and is considered a good example of the Nordic-influenced architecture used by the Swedish State Railways for station buildings in the 1880s and 1890s. It has been a state-listed building since 1986. The station house offers a glimpse of a different facet of local history than the former military camp.

The Vännäs Motor Museum is housed in an old aircraft hangar at the former Vännäs airfield, an area shaped by 19th- and 20th-century military heritage. In period settings, the museum presents the history of aviation and engines in the 20th century. The collection includes cars, motorcycles, mopeds, aircraft, boat engines, chainsaws, stationary engines and tractors. Just outside the museum is a fully reconstructed Gulf petrol station from the 1960s.

You can also encounter works of art in everyday life in the town centre: works by Jessica Arevärn are on display in the pedestrian and cycle underpass. They are based on drawings by local children in Vännäs and feature objects, figures and places. The location and subject matter make this art another way to experience the local perspective, alongside the major historic sites.

Leisure and crafts

Vännäsbadet combines swimming and water play with other activities. Facilities include 50- and 25-metre pools, a paddling pool with water play features, a water slide, trampolines, beach volleyball and mini golf. Middagsberget has two lifts and six runs, including a fun park. There is also a sledging hill and a wind shelter with a barbecue area. Opening times and access may vary by season, so check the conditions before your visit.

At Slöjdarnas Hus on the banks of the Vindel River, you can buy work by local artisans in glass, ceramics, textiles, wool and wood, as well as knives, jewellery and art. There is also a café serving coffee and pastries, ice cream and light meals. A baking room can be rented for baking your own bread; tunnbröd is sold there on some days. The selection and opening hours may change, so it is advisable to check before your visit.

In the surrounding area, the Röda Viken disc golf course invites you to play a round on its 9-hole course; use is free around the clock. The course configuration and access conditions may change. Vännäs and its surrounding area thus offer a range of options, from river trails and historic buildings to water-based and leisure activities, crafts and outdoor pursuits.

Discover more destinations: Vännäs, Dorotea, Sorsele, Åsele, Lycksele, Vilhelmina, Umeå, Nordmaling

Go to the main travel overview: Västerbotten.