Umeå, however you want it

Welcome to Umeå - a vibrant and innovative city that is home to 75,000 people, with over 35,000 students making up more than 40% of the population. As one of Sweden's most important student towns, Umeå boasts a rich cultural scene, with festivals, lectures, and concerts happening almost every day. From jazz recitals to rock concerts, there is something for everyone, and the jazz festival is one of the oldest in Europe. The Norrland Opera, working with the Umeå Symphony Orchestra, satisfies the need for classical music. Umeå is also a hub for innovative companies in biomedicine and IT, creating a tangible sense of new thinking, belief in the future, and confidence in "the town of the silver birches". But it's not just about the city - the surrounding countryside is also an adventurer's paradise. The Vindel River, one of the country's largest unexploited rivers, offers fishing and paddling, while the nearby wilderness is perfect for Beaver Safari and River Rafting. And if you're a sports enthusiast, you'll be pleased to know that Umeå is home to the largest sport and exercise facility in the Nordic region - IKSU.