6 reasons to visit Västerbotten County in Sweden

As Lapland’s unique charm continues to attract more and more Santa-seeking visitors each year, look to Sweden, Finland’s friendly and fascinating neighbor, for your next sub-zero getaway. With just as much snowy fun to offer, Västerbotten County, in the country’s subarctic north, offers a quieter winter adventure.

The northern county of Västerbotten stretches from the Norwegian border in the west to the Gulf of Bothnia in the east, with its northernmost part being part of Swedish Lapland. The county’s two main towns, Umeå and Skellefteå, are both about an hour’s flight from the Swedish capital, Stockholm, providing easy access to northern Sweden’s vast wilderness of icy lakes, snow-capped mountains, isolated valleys and dense forests. Umeå, the largest city in Västerbotten, was named European Capital of Culture in 2014 and remains a cultural hotspot for visitors with a number of highly regarded museums and Sami Week, an annual celebration of Sweden’s indigenous population . The second largest city, Skellefteå, is a modern gateway to the snowy subarctic and a hub for outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing and ice skating.

1. Trek through the snowy taiga forest

In the village of Svansele, just under an hour’s drive from Skellefteå, Horses of Taiga offers an extraordinary experience: a horseback ride through the ethereal taiga forest. Also known as the boreal forest, the taiga forest is found only in the subarctic region and is distinguished by its types of conifers adapted to long, frigid winters. The Icelandic horses at Horses of Taiga are also well accustomed to the cold climate, providing a relaxed ride through the deep snow that lines the forest. A treasured breed, Icelandic horses are small – almost the size of a pony – and have a gentle, patient nature, making them ideal for all levels of rider. As you pass through the quiet, snow-covered taiga, you may even spot reindeer or elk through the trees. Tours of one and a half hours to five days are available and group sizes are limited to a maximum of five people to minimize environmental impact.

2. Drive a snowmobile on a frozen river

Just down the road from Horses of Taiga, the Svansele Wilderness Center offers guided snowmobile tours in the forest surrounding Svansele, a river valley where the Malån and Skellefteå rivers meet. Here you can slalom through the trees, then speed across the snow-covered frozen water. After your adrenaline-filled snowmobile adventure, return to the center’s rustic wooden cabin for a feast of locally sourced reindeer and moose meat, fish and potatoes cooked over the huge indoor fire and Hear the stories of the center’s original owner and founder, Thorbjörn Holmlund — affectionately known as “the moose man.”

3. Admire the spectacular Northern Lights

During the colder months, Sweden should be on the radar of those looking for the elusive Northern Lights, thanks to the country’s proximity to the Arctic Circle and the North Magnetic Pole. When the sky is clear, the swirling streams of green-blue light dancing across the sky can be seen in northern Sweden from early September to late March, and due to very high solar activity this year there has potential for the best aurora. in 20 years. For a chance to observe the phenomenon, spend the night in a teepee with Aurora Borealis Adventures (about an hour and a half drive from Umeå) where large windows in the roof and walls of the teepee offer a first-hand view class about the night sky. Granö Beckasin, just over an hour’s drive from Umeå, also offers guided tours where you can learn how to capture the Northern Lights with a camera.

4. Stay in one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world

At the end of a freezing day in the snow, the Wood Hotel By Elite in Skellefteå offers you a warm welcome. One of the tallest wooden buildings in the world, constructed from 12,000 cubic meters of locally sourced timber, the hotel is bright and modern and its comfortable Scandinavian-style rooms have large windows overlooking the city . Equipped with solar panels and batteries, the building uses an innovative “smart” energy system, which detects the number of people inside to adapt electricity and heating/cooling needs. Dine at one of three on-site restaurants, such as Asian fusion Miss Voon, before heading to the hotel’s luxurious spa on the top floor, which offers picturesque 360-degree views of Skellefteå. While you relax in the outdoor hot tub, you might even be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights.

5. Taste regional specialties

The strong, salty Parmesan-like cheese Västerbottensost from Västerbotten is a must-try. It is still made according to an original recipe from 1872 and is widely available regionally in delicatessens, such as Duå Umeå. Also grab a bottle of the famous local dessert wine Brännland Iscider, which in 2022 became the first Swedish wine to be served at the Nobel Prize banquet. There are many upscale restaurants in Västerbotten County, as well as casual cafes such as Tonka Strandgatan, where you can stop for fika (a traditional coffee and cake break).

Named after the Mandel potato (also known as almond potato), a northern Swedish staple, Mandel Restaurant in Skellefteå serves Swedish reindeer with a rich sauce, carrots, broccoli and salted beets. And don’t overlook the pike: this flavorful fish is served with toasted nuts and seeds, ancho chile and chipotle salsa, and lime mayonnaise. In downtown Umeå, star bartender Emil Åreng serves inventive cocktails at his lively bar Facit. As well as offering a range of local beers and wines, the bar serves cocktails using Swedish-produced spirits and mixers. Try the britt-martini, a sweet combination of Hernö Slow Sloe Gin shaken with blackcurrants and red and rosé vermouth.

6. Visit unusual museums in Umeå

With a large student population, thanks to Umeå University, Umeå is home to a number of fun art galleries and museums. One of the must-sees for music fans is the eccentric Guitars – The Museum, run by twin brothers Samuel and Michael Åhdén. Their passion for guitars began in the mid-1960s and they now proudly display their collection of hundreds of vintage and rare guitars on the top floor of Umeå Folkets Hus in the city center. The museum also has a bar and regularly hosts concerts.

If you prefer art, Umeå’s modern art museum, Bildmuseet, will appeal to you. There are seven floors to explore, as well as stunning views of the Umeälven River through the contemporary building’s huge windows.

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