Visit Umeå
Umeå is not only a cosmopolitan city, but also the cultural heartbeat in northern Sweden. It's a gateway to Scandinavia's polar wilderness and Sami settlement zone.
Welcome to the elk farm
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Sweden's Umeå is Christer Johansson's elk farm, "Älgens Hus." Given its size, you wouldn't think that the bull elk Isaac - being fed carrots in the picture above - is only five years old. Elk bulls only carry their powerful set of antlers to impress the ladies.
Elk cheese delicacy
Christer Johansson has raised most of his elks himself. They are so tame that he can milk the females, called cows. He uses the milk to make elk cheese, which is one of the most expensive types of cheeses in the world.
City of birch trees
In 1888, a massive fire destroyed large parts of Umeå. As a result, entire avenues of birch trees were planted in order to prevent similar tragedies. Birch trees absorb a great amount of water, making them more resistant to fire.
Sweden's natives
Above, Swedish crown princess Victoria poses with indigenous Sami women. Umeå is Europe's northern-most Capital of Culture for 2014 and is located in the settlement zone of Sami natives.The area extends far beyond Sweden's Lapland region.
Nature's light shows
It gets very cold in Umeå in the winter. Record temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit) have been measured . But at least residents and visitors can admire nature's impressive light shows, known as the Northern Lights.
Furry athletes
They are approximately 60 centimeters (nearly 24 inches) tall, have radiant blue eyes and seem to never tire. Sled tours with Huskies are not only a leisure and sporting activity, but part of Swedish folklore.
Fighting winter blues
The beach volleyball courts at IKSU, a non-profit sports organization and fitness center, are usually booked out during the long winter months. Why? Because it's easier to forget the depressing darkness outside when your feet are stuck in sand, and you can admire the painted sunny sky in the background.
Older than the pyramids
The Västerbotten museum in Umeå exhibits regional history and art. Here you can find the oldest sets of skis in Sweden. Some of them are said to be even older than the Egyptian pyramids.
Sport legends
Anki Berg, head of communications at the Västerbotten museum, proudly presents the equipment of two of Sweden's superstar skiers, Anja Pärsson and Ingemar Stenmark. Next to tennis legend Björn Borg, they are two of Sweden's most successful athletes.
Center for opera and rock
This is the entrance to Umeå's opera house, the NorrlandsOperan. With its daring installations, the cultural center has made a name for itself far beyond the city of Umeå. Internationally renowned opera stars and dancers, as well as rock and pop musicians have performed at the NorrlandsOperan.
Multi-purpose bench
Two halos function as lighting for this bench in the city center of Umea. It is not just a piece of art, but the bench is equipped with LAN connections on either side and offers wireless internet access. Remember those freezing temperatures? In winter, the bench is even heated.