When I first arrived in Umeå, I didn't expect transportation to be what caught my attention. I discovered how the city moves differently from the American cities I've lived in, from my first shaky bike ride along the Umeå River to watching locals glide to work on Nordic skis. I learned that how we choose to move through a city reveals something deeper about its culture, values and relationship with nature.
While the United States has bike paths, bikes are not necessarily the heartbeat of most cities' transportation system. For Umeå, an intricate network of bike paths connects every corner of the city, making cycling the go-to choice for most residents. The bus system serves as a reliable backup, especially during the harsh winter months, but it can get really crowded! Walking is also incredibly common – the city's pedestrian-friendly design makes it natural to travel on foot, and there are countless hikes on the edge of the town. What truly captivated me, though, was seeing locals transform their commute during the snowy months by switching to cross-country skis (also known as Nordic skis). It's not just a sport here – for some, it's a legitimate way to commute, which I found amazing. Sweden is relatively flat compared to its mountainous counterpart, Norway.
