Umea

Umeå is a university town and the capital of Västerbotten County in Northern Sweden. The city is located on the Ume River.

Gammlia Open Air Museum is around 2km from Umeå centre. The museum gives an example of how it might have looked like during the historical period in Västerbotten. Buildings here include a church, manor house, windmill, farmhouse, school and blacksmith shop. There are summer activities such as craft and traditional flatbread making.

The area is also home to the Västerbotten, Swedish Ski and Fisheries and Maritime Museums as well as the Bildmuseet Museum of Contemporary Arts.

Take a guided city tour to learn the history of the area and how it become known as the "City of the Birches".

To see modern pieces of art and sculpture, head to the Sculpture Park, not far from the City Centre.

For something a bit different, meet an elk at Elk House and sample some cheese, made with elk milk.

Rådhustorget (City Hall Square) is the heart of Umeå's central shopping district. Rådhusesplanaden leads you from the square to Järnvägstorget (The Rail Square), where you'll find the train station.

Nydalasjön is a beautiful lake with public paths and barbeque spots dotted around it.

Vänortsparken is a small park in central Umeå, it contains art related to each of Umeå's sister cities around the world.

Other places of interest include Vindelälven Nature Reserve and Norrbyskar Island.

Book a kayak safari and try to spot beavers or for the more adventurous, an exhilarating white water rafting trip.

Traditional Swedish dishes include herring, meatballs and salmon. There is a good range of cuisine available in Umeå, from Chinese, Thai and Italian to fast food options and Japanese.

Cruise ships dock at the Port of Umeå, which is located in Holmsund.

Public transport is available to take visitors into Umeå in around 40 minutes.

Your cruiseline may also lay on shuttle buses.