Umea is the largest city in northern Sweden. Once just the unassuming capital of the Vasterbotten province, this university-town has recently gained international prominence after it was named as the European Capital of Culture for 2014. Umea is set in picture-postcard natural surroundings and has a vibrant and diverse culture, thoroughly justifying its selection to the coveted European title. A visit to Umea will make you wonder how a city so beautiful and with so much to offer could stay out of the tourist radar for so long. Umea, Sweden - Culture - Location & Orientation - Climate & When to Visit - Sightseeing Highlights - Day Trip to Umea - Two Day Trip to Umea - Umea University - Umea University Library - Bildmuseet Picture Museum - Umea Town Hall - Umea City Church - Kyrkbron Bridge & Unknown Graveyard - Storgatan (Main Street) - Old Hospital (Gamla lasarettet) - Lt. Grahn's Yard - Dyers Hoglanders Yard - Court of Appeal, Upper Norrland - Gamla Bankhuset (Butter Dish) - Umea Old Prison - Guitars, The Museum - Umedalen Sculpture Park - Vasterbottens Museum - Elk House (Algens Hus) - Olofsfors Ironworks - Norrland's Opera - Recommendations for the Budget Traveller - Places to Stay - Best Western Hotel Botnia - Hotel Gamla Fangelset - Hotell Dragonen - Comfort Hotel Winn - Scandic Umea Syd - Places to Eat - Guitars - Allstar - Koksbaren - Scandic Restaurant & Bar - Great Eastern - Places to Shop - Shopping Centers - Handicrafts - Antique & Second-Hand Shopping - Uniquely Swedish - Food & Farm Shops