Umeå

Umeå, even called the Birch Town, is the largest town in Norrland and the capital of Västerbotten’s province. The name `Umeå´ originates from the name of the river `Uma´ and is probably connected to the roaring river `Umeälven´ which runs through the town.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Umeå became a garrison town which resulted in its predominant, military character. The remainder of the military activities in Umeå is the Total Defence Security Centre. Umeå was awarded the first university in Norrland in 1965 and today the town is mostly known as an important students’ town with Umeå University and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

The cultural life of Umeå ranges within both distinction and scope. Umeå has room for everyone, both for producers and consumers. Umeå has applied to be Europe’s cultural capital in 2014. The European Cultural Capital is an annual EU-event aiming to elucidate the joint cultural heritage and stir up interest for cultural riches within the EU countries.

Nextjet operates the route Östersund – Umeå – Luleå with 20 flights every week.