Umeå named best outdoor municipality in Västerbotten

Umeå has been named the best outdoor municipality in Västerbotten County according to the ‘Sveriges friluftskommun 2026’ report. Norsjö was recognized as the county’s most improved municipality.

The report, based on a survey of Swedish municipalities, highlights the importance of outdoor activities for public health. In Västerbotten, approximately 85 percent of children do not meet the recommended one hour of daily physical activity. Kristina Ljungros, Secretary General of Friluftsfrämjandet, emphasized that children's health and development are strengthened by spending time in green environments.

To address these challenges, Friluftsfrämjandet has proposed three measures for the next government: reintroducing mandatory outdoor days in schools, doubling funding for leader-led outdoor life, and increasing LONA grants to help municipalities develop outdoor plans and infrastructure. The awards are presented by Naturvårdsverket, Svenskt Friluftsliv, and the Swedish Association of Leisure and Culture Managers.