Find your way around Umeå – here’s a little inspo to get you started

Students usually vibe with Ultra, Umeå’s public transport. We think you will too. Our routes crisscross the city, so you can pretty much get anywhere. Plus: sweet prices, no matter your age. Let’s bus it.

Bus it to the art

Bildmuseet

Bildmuseet is one of Sweden’s top spots for international contemporary art – part of Umeå University and the beating heart of its Arts Campus. The building itself? Pretty much a masterpiece too. Step inside and dive into exhibition openings, guided tours, creative workshops, artist talks, debates, lectures, live music, film screenings – the works. And the best part? It’s all free.

Lines 1, 5, 8, 9 (Ö. Strandgatan)

Bus it to the workout

IKSU-plus

Hit up group classes or crush it solo – the gym’s got everything you need. Open from 5 AM till midnight, so swing by whenever it suits you. Just a heads-up: it’s an unmanned facility. PS: Ever wondered what IKSU means? It’s short for Idrottsklubben Studenterna i Umeå, no less!

Lines 1, 5, 8, 9 (Ö. Strandgatan)

IKSU-sport

Get ready for the big one – IKSU sport is Umeå’s fitness giant. From massive gyms and endless cardio machines to climbing walls, ball courts, swimming pools and more – it’s all under one roof. Want to join a team, hit a class, or just train your way? This is the place. Bonus: it’s one of the largest training facilities in the Nordics.

Line 2 (IKSU-hallen)

Bus it to the ice action

Visionite Arena

Visionite Arena – or Isladan as the locals call it – is home turf for Umeå’s hockey teams IF Björklöven and Tegs SK. Björklöven play in Sweden’s second-highest league, so the action’s always intense. Pack the stands, feel the buzz, meet new friends, and become part of the city’s heartbeat. Cheaper than a night out, way more fun than staying in.

Line 2 (Ishallen)

Bus it to the 1800s

Gammlia

The open-air museum at Gammlia belongs to the Västerbotten Museum and consists of around 30 buildings that have been moved to the area from various places in Västerbotten. The houses are a historical document of what Västerbotten looked like and how people lived in the past. Well worth visiting, history buff or not.

Lines 2 and 7 (Gammlia)

Bus it to the sports

Umeå Energi Arena

Umeå Energi Arena is the city’s all-in-one sports hangout. Catch football, basketball, floorball and more – all in one place. Outside you’ll find an outdoor gym, a cozy little arena surrounded by park vibes, plus ski and running trails right around the corner.

Lines 2 and 7 (Gammlia)

Bus it to the chill-out

Bölesholmarna

Bölesholmarna, right by the Ume River, is a peaceful little escape with two charming islets. The bigger one, Gröna Oxen, has a spacious beach and spots perfect for fishing and swimming. Even with the Ume River’s strong currents, Bölesholmarna offers safe waters for a dip or just chilling out. Popular in spring, summer, and fall, it’s the go-to for grilling, sport fishing, jogging, strolling, and birdwatching. Ideal for a Sunday unwind – or anytime you need an energy boost!

Line 9 (Laxgränd)

Bus it to the sculptures

Umedalens Skulpturpark

Just 5 km from Umeå’s centre, Umedalen Sculpture Park is a major hotspot for art lovers. Set in the former hospital grounds, the park has showcased work from nearly 200 top-notch Swedish and international artists over the years. Today, it’s home to 43 permanent pieces by legends like Miroslaw Balka, Louise Bourgeois, Tony Cragg, Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, and Clay Ketter. Wander around, snap pics, get inspired — and the best part? It’s totally free.

Line 1 (Löftets Gränd)

Bus it to the sauna

IKSU spa

Chill out at IKSU spa, Umeå’s ultimate relaxation spot. Think warm pools, hot tubs, saunas with killer views, and cozy lounges — perfect for a study break or just recharging with friends. Winter vibes? Soak in the hot outdoor pool while snow falls, then hit the sauna. Pure zen, zero stress.

Line 1 (Löftets Gränd)

Bus it to the lake

Nydalasjön

Need a lake escape? Sometimes you just do and then Nydala the place. Swim, hike, run, bike, or just chill by the water. There’s playgrounds, adventure trails, and even fishing if you’re into it. Around the lake, a 9 km path keeps you moving or exploring. Perfect spot for a day out with friends.

Lines 1 and 2 (Nydala)

Bus it to the trains

Umeå Östra train station

Your hub for trips to and from Umeå University and Norrland’s University Hospital, the station serves both local and long-distance trains. Right by the hospital, you’ll also find stops for regional buses, making it super easy to connect to wherever you need to go.

Lines 1, 5, 8 and 9 (Universitetssjukhuset)

Bus it to the planes

Umeå Airport

Need to fly out of town? Hop on line 80, maybe Sweden’s fastest and cheapest airport bus. It zips you between Umeå Airport and the city centre (Vasaplan) with zero hassle. Quick, easy, done.

Line 80 (Umeå Airport)

Bus it to the shopping spree

IKEA & Avion

Avion Shopping in Umeå is the region’s ultimate shopping spot. IKEA at one end, Willys and Systembolaget at the other, and a ton of shops, restaurants, and cafés in between. You’ll find big-name chains, local favourites, and everything in one place. Fun fact: “Avion” means airplane in French — fitting, since it’s right by Umeå Airport.

Line 2 (Söderslätts handelsområde)

Strömpilen

Strömpilen is a popular shopping area right by the river in Umeå. It’s a bit smaller than Ersboda, with a big supermarket, pharmacy, cafés, and a mix of useful shops. A nice spot for everyday errands or a quick fika, and the riverside location makes it a pleasant break from campus life.

Line 5 (Strömpilen)

Ersboda

Ersboda is one of Umeå’s biggest shopping areas – a convenient spot for students new to town. You’ll find supermarkets, sports shops, electronics, furniture stores, and pretty much everything you might need for student life. Perfect for stocking up, fixing up your place, or just browsing around.

Lines 1 and 5 (Fogvägen)
Line 2 (Ersboda handelsområde)
Line 8 (Kylgränd)

Bus it to the exhibitions

Museum of Women’s History

A one-of-a-kind spot — Sweden’s first museum focusing on women, gender, and power. Instead of showing the obvious, it tells stories from a fresh angle, putting women at the center of the narrative. (Women here means anyone who identifies as female — but the museum also explores male norms, transgender issues, and non-binary perspectives.) Thought-provoking, eye-opening, and definitely worth a visit.

Lines 1, 2, 5, 7, 8 and 9 (Vasaplan)

Most bus for your buck

Under 26?

Pick the age category that matches your age when you buy a ticket in our app.

26 or older?

Choose age category “Student” in the app and you’ll get a discount.
NB! You must be a student at Umeå University or SLU and have your registered address in Umeå.

Other tickets

For single tickets and punch tickets – just choose “Adult” as your age category.

Step into our office

Visit our Reseinfo office at the entrance to the University Hospital and say hi – we’ll give you all the info you need!