Västerbotten County Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and where to eat in Västerbotten County, Sweden. Get tips for a safe and enjoyable trip to this scenic Nordic region.


Introduction to Västerbotten County

Västerbotten County is located in the northern part of Sweden, a region known as Norrland. It is a place where nature meets culture, and travelers can enjoy breathtaking views of forests and lakes as well as explore vibrant cities and towns. Västerbotten is a land of contrasts, with long summer days and short winter days, a peaceful countryside, and a bustling nightlife. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will show you the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and where to eat in Västerbotten County.

List of Places to Visit in Västerbotten County

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

One of the must-see attractions in Västerbotten County is the Västerbottens Museum in Umeå. Here, visitors can learn about the history and culture of the region, from ancient times to the present. Another popular museum is the Bildmuseet, a contemporary art museum that features collections from around the world. If you are interested in outdoor cultural experiences, visit the Skellefteå museum for an exploration of Sami culture and Skellefteå City’s history.

Natural Attractions of Västerbotten County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Västerbotten County boasts a diverse landscape, including forests, lakes, mountains, and islands. If you enjoy hiking, don’t miss the breathtaking views from the top of Mount Åreskutan or Padjelanta National Park. For a unique experience, paddle through the archipelago of Holmön, located in the Gulf of Bothnia, where you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the coast and its wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Västerbotten County

Västerbotten County offers some of the most scenic hiking and biking routes in the world. If you are looking for a challenging hike, try the 80 km long Kungsleden trail or the shorter but steep trail up to Norra Storfjället mountain. For leisurely biking trips, the 26 km long bike trail from Hörnefors to Hällnäs or the 70 km trail from Umeå to Vindeln are both beautiful.

Best Things to Do in Västerbotten County: Activities and Tours

There is no shortage of things to do in Västerbotten County. Book a wild cooking and wilderness tour with Västerbottensguiderna for an authentic Sami cultural experience, or be daring and try a dog sledding experience in the Björkliden mountains. Visit the charming coastal city of Skellefteå and take a kayak tour of the Skellefteå River or book a fishing tour for a chance to catch freshwater salmon and trout.

Week-Long Itinerary for Västerbotten County

If you have a week to spend in Västerbotten County, here’s a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1: Explore Umeå and visit the Västerbottens museum and the Bildmuseet.
  • Day 2: Go hiking in Padjelanta National Park and spend the night in the park.
  • Day 3: Take a kayak tour of the Skellefteå River and explore the town of Skellefteå.
  • Day 4: Visit the mountains of Björkliden and try dog sledding.
  • Day 5: Tour the Sami settlements around Sorsele and visit the Sami cultural center.
  • Day 6: Go fishing in Vindel River and enjoy the quiet countryside.
  • Day 7: Visit Holmön Island and paddle through the archipelago. End the day by dining in Umeå and experience the local cuisine.

Food and Drink Scene of Västerbotten County

Must-Try Dishes

Västerbotten County is famous for its local cuisine, and one of the most famous dishes is the Västerbotten cheese pie. This savory pie is made from milk, butter, flour, and the cheese produced in the county. Another must-try dish is the Arctic char, a freshwater fish found in Vindel River.

Local Beverages

Beer lovers will enjoy trying the local brews from Norrland’s Bryggeri and Gotlands Bryggeri, while those seeking a unique herbal beverage should try the wormwood schnapps produced locally.

Where to Stay in Västerbotten County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Västerbotten County offers an array of accommodations that adapt to your trip’s purpose, travelers can find comfortable budget hotels, backpacker hostels, and luxury hotels to complement their stay. For those seeking a unique experience, you can stay in a tree house in Treehotel, with stunning views of the forest and Northern Lights.

What to Buy in Västerbotten County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When staying in Västerbotten County, take a bit of the local culture back home with you. Consider buying reindeer hides, jewelry made by the Sami people, and handcrafted knives and tools from the area’s workshops.

Local Culture and Customs of Västerbotten County

The Sami way of life is a significant part of Västerbotten County’s cultural heritage. Respect their way of life and their customs by practicing “do not disturb” guidelines, which include not touching any object without permission, asking permission before taking a photo, and keeping a reasonable distance.

Best Time to Visit Västerbotten County

The best time to visit Västerbotten County depends on your interests. Summer is best for enjoying outdoor activities, while winter provides the opportunity of Christmas markets, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and ice skating. Whatever the season, each one provides an excellent experience to enjoy An authentic Nordic atmosphere.

Do’s and Don’ts of Västerbotten County

Do:

  • Respect the Sami culture.
  • Try the local cuisine.
  • Explore the outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty.

Don’t:

  • Approach wildlife.
  • Litter and disrespect nature.
  • Ignore the “Do Not Disturb” guidelines regarding the Sami culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Västerbotten County

Västerbotten County is a safe area to travel, but visitors need to follow basic rules, watch for wildlife, and pay attention to the weather.

Health in Västerbotten County

Swedish healthcare is of high quality and accessible for everybody. Get a valid travel insurance policy covering medical emergencies before considering embarking on your trip.

Getting to Västerbotten County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Västerbotten County

The nearest international airport to Västerbotten County is Umeå Airport. Travelers can book a flight directly to Umeå from Stockholm, London, and Helsinki.

Bus Stations Near Västerbotten County

Buses run regularly from Stockholm and other Swedish cities to Västerbotten County. There are also local bus services between towns and villages.

Other Options

Various trains and high-speed trains run from Stockholm to the other cities. Mini cruises are available from Finland, which connects to larger cruises to other cities.

How to Get Around in Västerbotten County

To get around Västerbotten, travelers can rent a car, use public transports, and other means available near your location. Options include buses, taxis, and boats, amongst others.

Where to Go Next from Västerbotten County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Västerbotten County is ideally situated for exploring Northern Europe. Visitors can take a boat trip down the Gulf of Bothnia to Finland, get on the train to explore other parts of Sweden, head towards Oslo in Norway or St. Petersburg in Russia.

Conclusion

From breathtaking natural beauty to rich cultural heritage, Västerbotten County of Sweden provides an unforgettable Nordic experience. Hope, our comprehensive guide provides an excellent starting point for planning your trip to Västerbotten County.

Västerbotten County. Västerbotten County.


    Hemavan
    Lycksele
    Skellefteå
    Storuman
    Umeå