Welcome to Umeå, Cultural Capital of the north — and of Europe 2014!

beauty creativity heritage See you in Umeå — The singular spirited city our northern Known in as The City of In Umeå, a wide variety of attractive shopping, Birches, Umeå is a town where you truly restaurants, cafés, nightlife and cultural venues have every opportunity to combine the are available within just a few minutes walking pleasures and allures of a dynamic distance through the friendly city center by the cultural hotbed city, conveniently sized, with the spec- Umeälven river. tacular beauty, poetry and adventure We are ready and eager to welcome the that Stieg Larsson, the author of the globally of the great northern wilderness, often Umeå offers an array of cultural attractions world into a year of excitement, creativ- bestselling series and a local of referred to as the last in Europe. that might be expected of a metropolis. One ity and inspiring cultural exchange. Umeå, is said to have modeled his iconic char- of these is Norrlandsoperan, Europe’s north- acter, , on a typical Umeå girl. ernmost opera ensemble, internationally Umeå is the largest city in Northern Scandina- renowned for its boldly innovative interpreta- via. Founded in 1622 by Gustavus Adolphus, the It‘s a great honor and tribute to the cultural tions of classic and novel opera pieces. There warrior king, splendidly set at the mouth of the magnitude of our proud northern hometown are several vital theatre scenes and a number great river Umeälven and its outlet into the ar- that Umeå has won the honor of being named of attractive arenas for live rock, jazz and a chipelago seascape, the city is a main hub for the European Capital of Culture 2014 by the spectra of other musical genres. The range of access to the vast northern expanses of unique European Union. We anxiously look forward nightclubs is diverse. and magnificent natural beauty, wilderness and with to welcoming you here in 2014 — or better adventure. Umeå is frequently referred to as the yet, even before that! As might again be expected in a metropolis, gateway to Lapland. Umeå has its own fashion week staged in october and featuring shows, seminars, events Umeå’s distinction as Sweden’s great northern and exhibitions. university seat has given the city its very own characteristic vibrant atmosphere. The soul www.umea2014.se, [email protected] of Umeå is creativity and expressive intellect- Bottom left: The new Arts Campus is wonderfully set by the ual culture. Umeå has made a name for itself Umeå river in a spectacular new wooden complex designed by Danish global-star architect Henning Larsen. internationally due to its youthful population, freedom of spirit, progressive-mindedness and Bottom right: During the winter, each year, a sculpture animated creative scenes. Perhaps this says www.visitumea.se, [email protected] park of temporary character, with elaborately enlightened something about the singular spirit of Umeå art works crafted in snow and ice, is built in the Rådhus- esplanaden area.

Photographers: 1. Snögrafitti, Peter Steggo 2. Jimmie Schmoranz 3. Patrick Trägårdh, Agnes Karbin, Johan Gunséus/Synk 4. Snöhetta, Per Lundström, Västerbottens Muséum, Galleri Andersson/ Sandström 5. Per Lundberg. 7. Andreas Nilsson, TC, Johan Gunséus/Synk, Bistro le Garage, Gösta Wendelius. Invito Umeå Sweden, Patrick Degerman/Norrmejerier, Anna Karin Drugge 8-9. Lola Akinmade Akerstrom © imagebanksweden.se, Andreas Nilsson, Malin Grönborg, Norrlandsoperan © Yaniv Cohen 10. Johan Gunséus/Synk, Andreas Nilsson, Evelina Olofsson, Sportfoto Väst 12-13. Sofie Granberg, Erja Back, Calle Bredberg, Daniela Rothkegel 14. Aurora Borealis, Johan Gunséus/Synk, Calle Bredberg 15. Per Jarl, Nordsteds, Oscar Näsström, Anthony Dubois

2. 3. The Bildmuseet museum and gallery is one of The internationally esteemed Umeå University Umeå an international air, as a large number Sweden’s most dynamic centers for interna- is the largest in northern Sweden and Scan- of both students and teachers are from other The City of Birches! tional contemporary art and other visual artistic dinavia. The university is a powerful source of countries from all over the world. expression, such as photography, design and energy and creativity in Umeå. Influx from the Much of Umeå’s old wooden city burnt architecture. In 2012 the museum moved into university campuses contributes to the city’s Umeå is a hub for Sami culture. The Väster- down in a citywide fire in 1888. After the fire brand new premises in the new Arts Campus in characteristic of a pleasantly bohemian, youth- botten museum is one of the main venues for a large number of birches were planted Umeå University which also includes the Umeå ful and creative atmosphere. Umeå has a total those interested in the culture and history of throughout the city as a fire protection. The Institute of Design, the Umeå School of Archi- of 117,000 inhabitants The university has 36,000 Scandinavia’s native population. Sami culture birches with their white trunks and fresh tecture and the Umeå Academy of Fine Arts. students enrolled. The university also gives is one of the pillars on which the Umeå Euro- light greenery give Umeå a very Nordic ap- pean Capital of Culture 2014 program is built. pearance that many visitors see as exotic.

In 2014 the new Kulturväven house of culture will be inaugurated, another “Umeå offers an array spectacular cultural complex, designed by the world famous Norwegian archi- of cultural attractions tectural studio Snøhetta. Kulturväven will house a variety of non-commercial that might be expected and commercial meeting venues, form- ing a formidable cultural axis together of a metropolis” with the Arts Campus along the great river. Kulturväven’s organic white and Yet another popular attraction is the Umedalen black facade alludes to the white and black birch tree trunks, adding a new open air sculpture park, a privately owned dimension to the expression “The City exhibition with no entrance fee. It’s one of of Birches”. the largest of its kind in Europe, with works by world famous artists like Louise Borgeois, There is always plenty going on in Umeå! Anthony Gormley, Tony Cragg, Anish Kapoor, and many more. The sculpture park is part of a Umedalen open air sculpture park. popular, pleasant and scenic walk and bicycle route along the Ume river which also features attractions such as the Glödheta glassworks, Norrfors rock carvings, Backen country church How to get to Umeå! and the Baggböle Herrgård and Brännland Wärdshus country inns. When autumn dark- Getting to Umeå is quick and easy. Flights depart from from early morning to late night daily. ness falls, central Umeå is lit up by spectacular The flight takes less than an hour. In summertime, light installations in the annual Festival of there is also direct charter service from Germany and Light — one of the many annual events in a city Switzerland. The airport is just six minutes from central Umeå, so you’re here before you know it! sometimes called the ”City of Festivals“. By air: SAS from Stockholm/Arlanda, For lovers of the great outdoors, Umeå is the Malmö Aviation from Stockholm/Bromma och perfect point to embark on excursions into Göteborg, Norwegian from Stockholm/Arlanda the vast expanses of wilderness that surround Direct charter: Charterways from Hamburg the city in all directions. The river that passes (June-August) Kontiki-Saga from Zürich (June-August) through Umeå itself and the magnificent archipelago seascape that fans out from its By train: SJ from Stockholm/Göteborg/Malmö. The train trip from Stockholm takes approx. 7 hours. gorge offers a multitude of attractions and adventures. To the north, the endless, mythi- By sea: Ferrys from Vasa, Finland. The trip takes For traditional and folkloristic culture, the Västerbotten cal expanses of Lapland await you with their approx 4 hours museum and open air museum is a popular venue for visi- boundless beauty and drama. The midnight By bus: Y-buss from Stockholm. The bus between tors both near and far. This is where you can visit traditional sun and the Northern lights are just two of the Sami lodges and dwellings from the Västerbotten region of Stockholm and Umeå takes approx. 9 hours the nineteenth century. great Northern allures that attract visitors from all around the planet.

4. 5. Västerbottensost – the 1. queen of Swedish Savour Umeå cheeses and the north! Yes, Västerbotten’s Cheese is indeed undisputed in its position as the most noble of In recent years, Umeå has attracted Viktoria Swedish cheeses, cherished attention and earned respect as a Located in ”the blue house”, one of Umeå’s among food lovers for its gastronomic destination. Culinary oldest, we find the city’s number one restau- peerless pungent, nutty ambitions are growing by the day. rant. Viktoria is strongly influenced by Sami flavor and aroma, frequently culture. The color scale in the interior textiles, labeled ”the Swedish Throughout the city there are numerous res- selected by designer, Shideh Shaygans, is Parmesan”. Västerbotten is taurants, bistros and eateries distinguished by inspired by Sami colors. The seasonal menu made exclusively in the dairy their own personal cuisines based on superior follows the eight seasons of the Sami calen- in Burträsk near Umeå for northern in season ingredients — noble fish dar. The furniture is made in blond local birch more than a century now. and roe from the rivers, lakes, mountain creeks wood. The chefs regularly visit local farms, The recipe, created in 1872 and archipelago sea waters, mushrooms, fishermen and food artisans in search of by Eleonora Lindström, is berries and venison from the forests and tasty superior in season ingredients. The maître d’ a well kept secret that has beef, lamb and pork meat from well-fed, natu- and dining room staff are known for their skill been passed on from cheese 2. 3. rally raised cattle. Below is a selection of some in recommending the ultimate food and drink master to cheese master of our most popular and highest ranked Umeå combinations. over the generations. Lovers 3-rätters bistromeny

bistromeny 3-rätter 375 restaurants. of cheese should not miss out Tre glas unika viner från vinkällaren 300

on a visit at the Västerbott- Förrätt “The seasonal menu Pumpa och tryffel Bistro Le Garage (3.) en’s Cheese Visitor Centre in Med halstrad pilgrimsmussla

Contemporary bistro housed in a garage in the follows the eight seasons Burträsk! Varmrätt Halstrad röding former mental hospital compound which is now Champagnesås, spenat, broccoli, parmesan och of the Sami calendar” mandelpotatispuré an arena for the arts and creative industries, eller featuring the famous Umedalen sculpture park. rödvinsbrässerade oxkinder Trattkantareller, skogchampinjoner, rökt sidfläsk The ingredients are predominantly produced Invito (4.) och mandelpotatispuré locally and ecologically but the French influ- This is where supreme northern ingredients Lägg till och njut av goda ostar 85 ences are evident on both the menu and the meet the culinary philosophies of Italy and Dessert wine list. The patrons have built a solid reputa- the Mediterranean. The result is a successful tårta på burk Mintchoklad och inkokt päron tion in the Swedish gastronomic society with crossover cuisine and wine list highly popular Le GaraGe GranD menù 755 Detta är en helkvällsupplevelse där Ni bestämmer several renowned restaurants. among locals and visitors alike. menyns slut. Vi serverar olika rätter tills dess att ni är sugna på ost och dessert. Gäller samtliga på bordet.

Rex (1.) TC (2.) 4. Located in the old town hall from 1892, Rex is One of the few restaurants distinguished with a party palace built around the distinguished the Swan label for ecological awareness. restaurant. The menu elaborates on local Modern, popular, natural and local are the in-season ingredients. The wine list is exten- mottos of the kitchen. The ingredients are lo- sive, with many wines available by the glass. cally produced and lovingly prepared without The bar has been named the best in the north compromises. The pleasure palace in which by the prestigious White Guide. Rex is a popu- TC is located also houses a theatre as well as lar focal point for lunch as well as for dinner. another restaurant, Äpplet.

6. 7. The final program for the Umeå 2014 The Sami Week European Capital of Culture is yet to be The annual Sami week celebrating the culture set. However, some of the major events of our native Scandinavian population will be Umeå — European and attractions are already in progress, expanded and enhanced in 2014, opening up to including: a global audience. The theme is native people Capital of Culture and national minorities around the world. The Festival 2014 program will feature lectures from Sami intellec- A generous cultural festival presenting a broad tuals with connections to science and research, 2014! range of artistic expressions will be staged workshops, concerts, art and craft exhibitions, throughout central Umeå during 2014. The film, theatre, dance, performances and more. festival is based on the ”open source” concept, As the European Capital of Culture The program for each new season will follow opening up the arena to a wide spectrum of Electra — a brand new Opera 2014, Umeå will engage all people in the same cycle, featuring the inauguration, contributors and participants. Umeå is a city of A sensational and innovative new open-air our city and region and open wide our main project, re-occurring projects, festivals music and all forms of music will be an impor- interpretation of Richard Strauss’ Elektra is wonderful hometown to Europe and and open programs. tant part of Festival 2014. composed and produced by the Norrland- the world. We will show the world all soperan opera ensemble exclusively for the that is unique of Umeå and the north of Umeå European Capital of Culture 2014 event. Sweden, including our Sami heritage. The magnificent new opera show is created “We will show the world and produced in collaboration with the Spanish The culture of the Sami, the native Scandinavi- art ensemble La Fura dels Baus which became an population, is a strong presence in the soul all that is unique with world famous for its collaboration in the opening of Umeå. It’s therefore natural that the program ceremony of the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. of the Umeå European Capital of Culture 2014 Umeå and the north of venture is based on the eight seasons of the Sweden” Seasonal concerts Sami annual calendar — the seasons of Car- Eight different concerts will be staged by Norr- ing, Awakening, Returning, Growing, Contem- landsoperan during 2014 — one for each of the plation, Harvesting, Desire, Journey and Caring eight seasons of the Sami calendar. (which is repeated at the end of the year).

Left: The MADE scene festival.

Above: Perfomance at the famed Norrlandsoperan opera.

8. 9. One of these is Mirjam Tally — a new works with a libretto by Sami poet Paulus Utsi. An- As European Capital of other is Beethoven and Beyond, where all of Beethoven’s symphonies will be performed in a total of four concerts. A third is StadionMusic, a Culture 2014, we will open... music performance staged in a sports arena in collaboration with athletes. ...Europe to Umeå! …the cultural sources! 2014 will provide the people of Umeå with new We want to open the codes of culture to our Umeå Jazz Festival opportunities to meet Europe and the world citizens and visitors, stimulating a lasting Bold creativity and artistic innovation charac- on new terms, under new and unexpected cir- higher level of participation in cultural life. terizes Sweden’s oldest and leading jazz festi- cumstances. New bonds will be built and new Culture triggers our curiosity. Curiosity spawns val. In October 2014 this charming and exciting insights and knowledge created. creative environments, giving birth to innova- festival will present a sensational roster of tion. Our sincere aim is that culture becomes world-star musicians and performers. ...Umeå to Europe! an even more important part of the everyday More culturally interested people in Europe life of our citizens and in the atmosphere and MADE festival and elsewhere will open their eyes to and be soul of Umeå. The name of this annual scene festival is short inspired by our northern cultural traditions, for Music, Art, Dance Etcetera. The festival historic as well as contemporary. The northern is a platform for innovative expressions and door will swing open in our European cultural interchange between the arts. Leading local house historic as well as contemporary. Swedish and international performers and art- ists will meet here in May 2014.

Umeå Open Grand Slam A collaboration of three well known music festivals — Umeå Open, Täfteåfestivalen and Pop Up — that will bring an exciting range of Get caught by [Umeå]! local, Swedish and international pop, rock and other music artists to the Umeå region in March 2014. Umeå, the largest city in northern With key words such as Progressive Culture, Sweden and one of the fastest growing Collective Imagination and Passion, all Euro- Umeå Football Festival cities in Europe. As European Capital pean creative individuals are invited to a broad An annual youth football (soccer) festival that of Culture, our aim is to highlight the competition to Get caught up by [Umeå], open- gathers about 7500 participators in July each richness and diversity of European ing up for their own reflections and interpreta- year. In 2014 a larger number of international cultures and the features they share, tions on Umeå and the northern region. teams and players from around Europe will be which in turn facilitates greater mutual invited to participate. acquaintance between European Union The tour Caught up by [Umeå] will visit eight citizens. European cities, reflecting the eight Sami The Swedish Winter Sports Championships seasons. See you in Copenhagen, Warsaw, Umeå has been chosen to host the Swedish Umeå is situated on the edge of Europe geo- Amsterdam, London, Paris, Milan, Barcelona skiing championships in January 2014. The graphically, but on the cutting edge when it and/or Hamburg in September and October event will be integrated into the European comes to developing creativity and innovative 2013! Umeå Jazzfestival. Culture Capital 2014 program as a celebration thinking. Umeå reaches well above its expec- of winter and winter sports. tations. The city often leads the way, as it’s Get caught up by [Umeå] by finding out more Above: Graffiti on snow at the Sami week. etched a culture of curiosity into its expressions at www.caughtbyumea.se Umeå Football Festival. and the way it behaves.

10. 11. the Forest”, an unrivaled beast. There’s also a and craftsmen are active in the old workshops museum and a slide show where you can learn while the manor house serves as a restaurant. Daytrips & everything about this wonderful animal. There is also the Olofsfors Ironworks Museum. Norrbyskär Soothing kayak paddling excursions In the late nineteenth century, one of the larg- There are countless canoe fairways run- est sawmills in Europe was established on ning through fantastic countryside, offering this beautiful island. Today the idyllic island spectacular scenery. If you’re inclined to more & adventures is an open air museum where the fascinating adventurous paddling, choose one of several cultural heritage of the island is complemented attractive rapids. Paddling in the Baltic Sea is by art, craft, traditional Västerbotten region yet another thrilling, breathtakingly beautiful The array of fascinating destinations of Älgens Hus (The Elk’s House). cuisine, adventure activities and of course the option. scenic beauty in the proximity of Umeå A singular experience regardless of your age. natural, cost-free pleasures of magnificent is extensive. There is every opportunity Here you can get right up and pet the ”King of scenery. A sightseeing train takes you around The Vindelälven River available for those who want to enjoy the picturesque island. Young visitors enjoy a The rapids of this great untouched river is a the splendid pleasures and adventures 1:3 scale model of the island as it appeared in natural reserve that offers a unique experience of the great northern wilderness — and the 1920s. The perfect destination for a family of natural beauty. Most spectacular at high wa- still come back for a nice dinner and outing! ter in mid June. The popular Konst i Kvarn art even some nightclubbing in the city at exhibition is staged each summer in the 1888 night. Below you will find a selection Olofsfors Bruk Degerfors Quarn. For the daring, there’s also of some of the most popular of these One of Sweden’s most genuine and best the opportunity for white water rafting. destinations. preserved ironwork communities from the eighteenth century. The smelting works, The Kvarken archipelago blacksmith workshops, manor house and other Seascape of spectacular beauty to explore dwellings are all in fine condition. Today, artists by kayak or touring boats — or on skies in the Timber rafting at River Umeälven spring sun!

Holmön This island offers breathtaking scenery and a beautiful archipelago environment with rich animal and birdlife. You can go for a day trip enjoying a fine meal on the scenic terrace of the Holmö Havsbad inn.

“The midnight sun and the Northern lights are just two of the great Northern allures that attract visitors from all Holmön around the planet”

12. 13. Umeå profiles Umeå has borne and bred many great names in various fields of culture. Here are some of the leading contemporary figures from the city and its surroundings.

Stieg Larsson Stieg Larsson grew up in Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Hagmarksvägen 36 in the trilogy has sold more than 60 Sandbacka district in Umeå. million copies in 45 countries. This is where he started his The films made from the career as an author, writ- books have become global ing youthful crime stories. Blockbusters. Sadly, the His neighbors recall Stieg’s author himself never got to typewriter smattering away experience his unbelievable through the evenings and success, as he passed away nights. Stieg Larsson’s iconic from a heart attack when just character Lisbeth Salander is Dogsledding – a peerless experience. Right: Unforgettable – seal safari. 50 years of age, before his said to be modeled on a typi- Ravishing scenery at the Vindelälven river. books had been published. cal Umeå girl.

Let the dogs take you away! Dog team sledding is a unique way of experi- “The dogs take you out Dennis Lyxzén Metallica. Lyxzén was also encing nature really up close. The dogs take into the wild at great pace The famous rock singer and once a leader figure within the you out into the wild at speeds and an experi- band leader behind a number radical straight-edge, vegan ence you’ll never forget. Many get hooked the and you will never forget of more or less hardcore acts, and political leftist movements first time and keep coming back for more. the experience” including Refused, a punk that have been powerful in the There are many dog team ride operators to band highly respected by the Umeå region. choose from in the Umeå region. likes of Guns n’ Roses and or rubber raft, depending on the composition of By horsepower! your group. This fascinating creature actually Snowmobile is an exciting alternative if you has a lot in common with us humans! Sahara Hotnights Sweden’s most popular live want to see our northern mountains at great Popular Swedish all female acts, clearly influenced by speeds, covering large distances in short Seal safari rock band, formed in other all-female rock bands of times, with the opportunity of seeing elk and One of Sweden’s largest seal colonies awaits a Robertsfors near Umeå when the eighties, such as Blondie reindeer. If you’re content with a single horse- nice fast RIB ride out from the Umeå coastline. the members were eleven and The Runaways. power and prefer to travel without engines, set Don’t be surprised if the vessel is surrounded and twelve year olds. One of out on horseback into the wilds. Regional tour by seals upon arrival. For a real adventure at riding operators keep gentle, patient horses your own risk try jumping in and snorkeling and tours are customized to suit the skills and with the seals. There are ring seals and grey Meshuggah of these is progressive/math preferences of each group. seals, the latter of which can grow up to three Umeå is internationally metal band Meshuggah. meters long and weigh up to 300 kilos. famous for its alternative and Formed in Umeå in 1985, Beaver safari progressive music scenes and Meshuggah constantly tours Spend an unforgettable evening on the Vindel- not least for several major the world drawing big crowds älven river scouting for beaver from kayak, skiff hardcore bands. The greatest of true hardcore rock lovers.

14. 15. HIGH COAST SWEDEN

”It’s no surprise that more and more people are visiting the High Coast.For the nature and the tranquillity. For the culture and the people.For the events and the adventure. Perhaps for good. You are also welcome.”

WORLD HERITAGE

UMEÅ HÖGA Örnsköldsvik Tourist Office KUSTEN

+46 660 881 00 STOCKHOLM Email [email protected] www.hogakusten.com