The Prague Botanical Garden in Troja is a haven for nature lovers. It features a vast collection of over 15,000 plant species, a serene Japanese Garden, and the Fata Morgana Greenhouse, which offers a journey through diverse tropical ecosystems. With areas like the historic St Clara Vineyards and the Peony Meadow, it's a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration throughout the year.

Skulpturparken, which is located in the former hospital compound in Umedalen, is considered to be one of Europe’s most distinguished sculpture parks and is also one of Västerbottens most visited sites in the summer. More than 150 Swedish and international artists has since the start in 1994 exhibited their works in Umedalen Skulptur, an exhibition that is organized every summer. Today there are also 26 permanent works in the park. Skulpturparken also has a garden landscape in connection with the IKSU Spa, Umeå’s so-called cultural spa. The garden is created by one of Sweden’s famous landscaping artists, Ulf Nordfjell.

A trip with a dog team, wrapped up in warm blankets under the northern lights, is a superb way of experiencing the countryside of Norrland. There's a good chance you’ll encounter an elk or a reindeer, too. There are four companies that offer dog sledding tours: Hedlunda Husky (www.hedlundahusky.se), Granö Beckasin (granobeckasin.com), River Lake Huskies (www.teamissa.se) and Aurora Borealis Adventures (auroraborealis.nu).