Umeå

Umeå is a city in eastern Sweden, located in Västerbotten County on the Ume River near its delta at the Gulf of Bothnia. It serves as the seat of Umeå Municipality and functions as a regional center for education, culture, and services in northern Sweden.

Historically a small trading settlement, Umeå received formal town privileges in the 17th century. The city was largely destroyed by a major fire in 1888 and was rebuilt with more durable materials, which gave it a distinct late nineteenth-century urban character. In the late 20th century it expanded with higher education and research institutions.

Umeå is home to Umeå University, founded in 1965 and opened in the late 1960s, a major center for research and higher education in northern Sweden. The city hosts cultural institutions such as Bildmuseet, a contemporary art museum, and an active arts scene. In 2014 Umeå served as European Capital of Culture.

Economically, Umeå combines education, healthcare, public administration, technology, and services. The city is connected by road and rail to other parts of Sweden and hosts the regional airport, Umeå Airport, located close to the city center. It is served by national and international flights.

Umeå experiences a subarctic climate, with cold winters and mild summers. The Gulf of Bothnia moderates temperatures somewhat, and the city receives substantial snow in winter.