In the beginning Umeå had two guides, but guide training. Nils Frost, military, and a neat gentleman, entered the tourist office and declared that he could heal Umeå and was hired. The other guide was Saini Andersson, who was busy with the Finnish groups. Tourist office realized that guide training was needed, it was implemented the year 1972.

Umeå Guide and Travel Leadership Association was formed in 1973 and is one of the oldest and guide associations.Education was then held every two years to the end of the 80s then in 1996 and 2008. The association is connected to SveGuide . SveGuides AGM has been held in Umeå in 1984, 2000 and 2009. The IGC (Inter-Nordic Guide Club) held its AGM in Umeå, 1986.

After the release of Lars Widdings town chronicle 1978-81 arranged walks ”In Widdings track” twice a week. These then went to the city walks ”East of the town”. Bookstores Bengt Gyllengahm, now honorary member of Umeå Guide Association, was chairman of köpmannaföreningen. Bengt sold the idea to sponsor tours of the city and spread it to the merchants in town. Umeå Guide Association had sponsored walking tours in the summers for over twenty years. It is unique in Sweden to offer hikes as often, at no cost to the participant, and for such a long period. This is made possible by our sponsors. City tours offered by Umeå Guide Association from June to August, seven days a week. The walks take about 1 1/2 hours and is held in Swedish, English or German.

Umeå Guide Association also offers guided tours by bus with different themes, bike tours and bespoke tours of the city. See more below guide tours .