Västerbotten County

Västerbotten County is an administrative region in northern Sweden positioned between the Gulf of Bothnia and the Norwegian border. The landscape consists of extensive forests, lakes, and mountains with scattered towns and rural communities throughout.

The region was founded as an administrative unit in 1638 to establish Swedish control over this northern area. Early 19th-century conflicts with Finland resulted in significant boundary changes that shaped its current form.

The region has long roots in forestry and traditional crafts that shape how communities live and work today. You can see these traditions reflected in local markets, small workshops, and the way villages are built around natural resources.

Summer offers the best conditions for visiting with long daylight hours and mild temperatures for exploring the outdoors. Winter brings snow and requires warm clothing, but offers different experiences for those prepared for cold weather.

The region holds one of Europe's largest continuous forest areas and serves a critical role in European timber production. These vast woodlands support wild populations of moose and bears while shaping the ecology of northern Europe.

Location: Sweden

Inception: 1638

Capital city: Umeå

Shares border with: Norrbotten County, Västernorrland County, Jämtland County, Nordland

Website: http://ac.lst.se

GPS coordinates: 64.34467,18.31421

Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:27