Panorama of Umeå. Virtual tour of Umeå

Coat of arms of Umeå

The country Sweden
Linen Västerbotten
Agglomeration 114 966
Founded 1622
Coordinates Coordinates: 63°50′00″ s. sh. 20°15′00″ E  / 63.833333° N sh. 20.25° E (G) (O) (I) 63°50′00″ s. sh. 20°15′00″ E  / 63.833333° N sh. 20.25° E d. (G) (O) (I)
First mention 1314
Official site http://www.umea.se/ (Swedish)
Square 33.46 km²
Timezone UTC+1, summer UTC+2
Population 79,594 people (2010)

Umeå (Swedish Ume) - a city in northern Sweden, the center of the county is Västerbotten.

The population is almost 115.0 thousand inhabitants (2010), of which about a third are students.

The city has the largest university in northern Sweden. The university has a hospital. Umeå is the center of medical research in Sweden.

There are two day schools and one evening school in the city (for teaching emigrants the Swedish language and advanced training). Umeå has been chosen European Capital of Culture for 2014.

City `s history

The first mention of the city dates back to 1314. The 14th century is the time of active expansion of Sweden to the north. Initially, the city was a small parish, the center of which with a wooden church, a market and a port was located in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bmodern Bakken (). In the 15th century, Swedish influence on the lands of modern Västerbotten increased significantly. In 1443, the first mentions of the villages of Sevara () and Tefteo (), which are now part of the municipality of Umeå, appear.

In 1501-1508, instead of a wooden church, a stone one was built. And in 1526, the community accepts Protestantism after the Lutheran Bo Warniksson (Swed. Bo Warniksson) becomes its pastor.

In 1588, at the direction of King Johan III, the first charter of the city was drawn up. Johan wanted to strengthen control over trade with the northern regions of the country, so he intended to relocate all merchants from the communities of Umeå, Bygdeo (), Løvonger () and Skellefteo () to a new city, which was supposed to grow around the church on the Ume-Elv River. However, interest in this undertaking quickly cooled, and the city disappeared in the 1590s. The new city charter was adopted only in 1622. This year is considered the date of foundation of the new city. In 1638, the county of Västerbotten was formed, which, in addition to Umeå, which became the center of the county, included about 40 more urban settlements.

In 1652, the first school appeared in the city. Umeå at this point was inhabited by about 200 people. The city had two long, narrow streets and several small lanes. The city was surrounded by a fence with three entrances, at which taxes were collected for goods transported.

Due to its remote location, the city often became the subject of aggression by Swedish enemies. In 1720, at the end of the Great Northern War, the city was captured by a landing of Russian sailors and burned to the ground. In 1723 the city was visited by Carl Linnaeus, who described it as:

In 1735, the first pharmacy appeared in the city. And in 1764, the first hospital in the upper Norrland () was built in the city.

By 1740, Vestebotten accounted for 10% of Swedish tar exports and 100% of timber processing.

During the Finnish War, the sick and wounded were exiled to Umeå. There were at least 3,000 soldiers in the city and surrounding villages. Food was scarce in the city and epidemics were rampant. In March 1809, Russian troops approached the city on the ice of the Gulf of Bothnia and freely captured the already half-empty and defenseless city. The troops, however, left the city after a few days of occupation due to the upcoming peace negotiations. However, the signing of the peace agreement was delayed, and in May the Russian army launched a new offensive in northern Sweden. On June 1, the troops enter Umeå again. In July, they clash with the Swedes near Hernefors (). As a result, the Swedish troops are forced to retreat to the south. In August, 7,500 Russian soldiers under the command of General Kamensky advanced from Umeå to the south of Västerbotten. Outnumbered detachments of the Swedish army led by General Gustav Wachtmeister were sent to meet them through the village of Ratan (). The battle of the two armies took place on August 19 in the area of ​​​​the village of Sevar. According to its results, the Swedes were forced to retreat, and the next day they were attacked by the Russians already near the village of Ratan. These battles, which went down in history as the battle of Ratan and Sevara (), were the last on Swedish soil in that war. Russian troops left Umeå already on August 23, having problems obtaining supplies of food and weapons, but under the terms of the concluded Russian-Swedish peace, Russia still gained control over

In northern Sweden is the city of Umeå, where a third of the population is students, and the total number is 114 thousand.

Also in this city is the largest university in the country, in which the hospital operates. By the way, Umeå is a city with a very developed medical research center. The city has two day schools and one evening school for expats who want to learn and improve the Swedish language. By 2014, Umeå will be the European Capital of Culture.

The first time the city is mentioned dates back to the 14th century. Since the city was located far from Swedish territory, it was subjected to constant attacks. In 1720, when the Great Northern War ended, Russian sailors captured the city. In the Finnish war, he was again captured by Russian troops, and Sweden could not do anything, fearing to lose the southern part of the land. But everything worked out, in 1809 peace was concluded between Russia and Sweden and the city was liberated.

You can also visit Umeå because of the unique fun and excitement of the city. Every year the administration throws out something new: music festivals, competitions, theatrical performances and more.

Umeå is also famous for its cultural life, there are several theaters, including the Norrland Opera. Modern extraordinary troupes put on extraordinary performances, and entertainment for children can be found right on the street and in the city square.

In Umeå you can also spend time with extreme sports, especially for those who love skiing, sledding and snowmobiling. In summer, you can swim in the sea and sunbathe on excellent beaches, go to the Umelagun water park or sit on the river while fishing. When you are in Umeå, you cannot miss the amazing mountainous areas where you can feel the beauty of nature, look at the crowns of trees and mountains while riding the funicular.

Another excursion that should be visited is the Holm Islands, which are located 10 kilometers from Umeå. Even on the road to the islands, you can enjoy an unforgettable sight - Swedish nature. On the islands there is a museum of ships, which is a must-see, you can just swim in the sea and buy souvenirs in a special shop.

About a third of the inhabitants of Umeå, as mentioned, are students, since the largest university in northern Sweden is located in the city. The status of the European Capital of Culture since 2014 is another proof that Umeå is an excellent city with its own cultural life and atmosphere.

The small town of Umeå, the first mention of which dates back to the 14th century, is considered the student and cultural capital of northern Sweden. One of the largest universities in the country is located here. In 2014, Umeå was elected European Capital of Culture.

Sights in Umea

The Town Hall Square, the Norrland Opera and numerous city parks are of interest here, for which Umeå is called the "city of birches". You can visit the museum of modern and visual art (Bildmuseet), the museum of skiing (Svenska Skidmuseet) and the local history museum of the Västerbotten region, which includes an exhibition on the history of fishing and navigation. In the open-air museum, located in the Gamlia region, you can see costumes and household items of the 17th-20th centuries, visit old buildings, including wooden houses, utility rooms and a church built in the classical northern European style, and even try fresh bread made according to old recipes.

Since 1968, Umeå has hosted an annual jazz festival; it can be visited traditionally in the second half of October. And in November, guests of Umeå can visit the annual light festival.

City of Sweden -

Umea is a young, pleasant city in Sweden with friendly and sociable people. The saturation of cultural and sports life, wonderful nature and a variety of recreational activities - all this is so mesmerizing that you want to come back here again.

There are about 30 thousand students per 114 thousand inhabitants, because the city has not only the largest university in Sweden, but also three schools, including an evening school, where immigrants study the Swedish language. On the basis of the university, opened in 1965, there are many scientific laboratories conducting research in the field of medicine, as well as a hospital.

In February, it is worth seeing the Winter Festival of Snow and Ice Figures, in May there is a Swedish lapta tournament, in June - a chamber music festival, and in July - a ballad festival. In the autumn, jazz, swing and blues festivals will delight connoisseurs, and Umeå simply attracts creative and interesting people who can create a rich and vibrant life at any time of the year.

Opera connoisseurs have the opportunity to visit the Norrland Opera. Every year, hundreds of jazz music lovers come to the largest festivals. Umeå has become fertile ground even for such genres as hardcore punk (Refused) and metal rock (Meshuggah, also Cult of Luna and some others). Against the background of classical music trends, they do not become dissonant, but, on the contrary, fully complement the diversity of urban creative life.

You can see a jazz concert, magicians, or an art performance on the Town Hall Square, and the next day, Umeå turns into the capital of women's football in Sweden. Sculpture park, art galleries, opera house - and all this in a city with a population of 100,000 people!

Umeå will provide you with more active entertainment. In the summer, they will be the Umelagun water park, a museum of traditional Swedish life, islands in the sea, to which you will be taken by a cute little boat or steamer.

In winter, guests are greeted by excellently equipped ski slopes and slopes in the mountains, which are not inferior in height to the Alpine. In winter, you can go sledding on the thick ice of the frozen sea bay. Fans of an active lifestyle will be happy to overcome river rapids, ride snowmobiles, dog sleds, or reindeer. The city has gyms, swimming pools, ice skating rinks, golf courses, and an excellent equestrian centre. So in Umeå it is worth relaxing with the whole family, especially with small children.

In summer, an open-air museum, the Gamlya Museum, is provided for children's and adult leisure. Here you can see ancient rural buildings and various animals. Back in the 20s of the last century, ancient buildings were moved here - houses, cowsheds, barns and even a church. Visitors will immerse themselves in Umeå's rural past, look at the costumes and household items of that time, and even try fresh bread made according to old recipes.

Also, in the warm season, you can have a great time and have fun with the whole family in the Umelagun water park. And next to the water park there is a lake where places for recreation and swimming are equipped.

You can fish in the river, lake or sea: here you can find salmon, pike, trout, perch, whitefish, grayling, and char. And the catch can be cooked right there, and have a picnic in the fresh air. In Sweden, nature, even private property, belongs to everyone. Most importantly, don't leave trash behind. In this case, the Swedes will show themselves as hospitable guests.

Residents of Umeå will certainly advise you to visit the longest funicular in the world, which travels for two hours through the most beautiful mountains above the treetops. And at the Bergrum Buliden Museum, you will not only learn about mines and minerals, but also feel a real earthquake.

Umeå is a commune (Umeå kommun) located in northern Sweden. It is the center of the Västerbotten county, and in 2014 it is also the European Capital of Culture, chosen annually at the initiative of the European Union.

And this new acquaintance will begin with a video presentation of the city of Umeå.

The city of Umeå is a developed industrial and university city with its own centuries-old history. The first mention refers to 1314, and the adoption of the charter in 1622 served as the birth of this remote northern town. The trials that befell Umeå during the wars and burned down almost completely in 1888 allowed him to "reborn from the ashes" and become one of the 134 cities in Sweden, which was given historical status. Now the city has a population of about 115,000 people.

Study - Umeå University

A large number of academic programs and individual courses allows 35,000 students to receive education at two universities in the city, one of which is Umeå University opened in 1965. Along with universities, there are other educational institutions in Umeå:

  1. architectural school
  2. Institute of Design and Academy of Fine Arts
  3. School of Business
  4. Institute of Technology
  5. School of Restaurant and Culinary Arts
  6. Sports Research Center.

The city has many cultural and memorable places that allow you to get closer to the history of this wonderful region: churches, museums, palaces, an art gallery and simply historical buildings.

Attractions of the city of Umeå

You are waiting for acquaintance with such sights as:

  • Iron foundry (1762), well preserved to this day, can tell a lot about ferrous metallurgy
  • The museum of the region presents an exhibition of skis in one of the sections, the exhibits of which include the oldest skis in the world
  • An energy center that tells how Umeå became one of the electrified (in 1899) cities in Sweden
  • Museum of the History of Medicine, which allows you to get acquainted with medicine more than two centuries ago and compare it with modern medicine
  • Visiting the observatory of the city, with the help of a telescope you will see the beauty of the sky, and visiting the planetarium you will find out what is happening in outer space
  • The Norrland Opera and the Jazz Festival, which takes place every year in the city, will allow you to join the world of music and art. Umeå is the birthplace of Refused, a famous Swedish hardcore punk band.

There are a huge number of enterprises in Umeå, one of them is the enterprise of the Volvo concern - this is Volvo Trucks for the production of cabs for trucks. This was started in 1929 by the world invention of the Swedish entrepreneur Gösta Nyström (1906-1988) - an unusual car body made of steel. And the European headquarters of Komatsu Forrest is also located here.

Large scientific developments are being carried out in the field of medical and biotechnologies, information and engineering technologies. Norrland's University Hospital - is the main hospital in northern Sweden, operates at the University of Umeå, which employs 5,600 employees.

The coat of arms of the city, which appeared in 1642, depicts three heads of reindeer. This animal is of great importance here. And you can get to know the moose better in the "Moose House". In this museum-elk farm, they will tell interesting things about the life of animals: their habits, how they tame very small elks, what they eat. Visiting this intimate corner with your children, you will get the best emotions from communicating with nature!

Like everyone else, Umeå is also immersed in greenery, sometimes it is called the city of birches. Numerous parks, gardens, protected areas - everything invites you to relax and spend interesting leisure time. One of them is the Northern Arboretum. Here you can not only get acquainted with the nature of the northern region, walking in the fresh air, but also barbecue in specially designated places or have a bite to eat in a restaurant.

Both children and adults will find something to their liking at any time of the year: skiing and dog sledding, playing on numerous sports grounds, rafting on the most beautiful rivers with their beauty and rapids, and much more.

Visit Norrbyskär, an archipelago of twenty-two islets. At the Mini-Norrbyskär playground, your children will be able to plunge into the life that took place on the island in the 20s of the last century and presented on a scale of 1:3. Funny and exciting! In the Museum Life on the Island of Norrbyskär 1892-1952 you will learn about one of the largest sawmills in Europe, the work of craftsmen and the original cuisine of this region; in the cafe you can taste lunch, very tasty and original; visit the art gallery and shop. You can get to know the island by walking, cycling, canoeing, sightseeing train. And the journey to the fur seals is impressive and leaves a great memory!

Another interesting place is Lake Nydala! Everything you need for a pleasant stay: boat rental, playgrounds for children and mini golf, tennis, outdoor swimming pool, water slides, and places to stay - camping, etc. at your service.

And you can bring original glass products as a souvenir by visiting the “Glödheta Glassblowing Studio” (which means “red-hot”), where you will see how these beautiful glass products are created.

Airport in Umeå
Umeå City International Airport was built in 1961. From the capital of Sweden, the flight will take only one hour. From Umeå City Airport, Umeå city center can be reached by shuttle bus (only 4.5 km away).

It is worth coming and getting to know the young, open and so diverse city of Umeå for yourself!