Umeå: Sweden’s Culinary Travel Destination of the Year
”The light comes from the north” was the jury’s reasoning when Umeå’s newest restaurant scene addition, Ateljé Vita Duken, was awarded the prestigious title of Travel Destination of the Year within the Årets Affärskrog restaurant prize, presented by Dagens Industri and DI Weekend.
A Culinary Collaboration
Behind this exciting venture are star restaurateur Mathias Dahlgren, returning to his hometown, and Umeå’s own culinary expert Per ”Perka” Söderberg. The award was presented during Dagens Industri’s 50th-anniversary celebration at the National Museum in Stockholm on January 26th. The Travel Destination award was established to highlight gastronomic destinations outside major cities.
”It feels incredibly exciting to receive this award. We have formed a team with high ambitions to put Umeå on the global gastronomic map. Receiving this recognition during our first year means a great deal,” says Mathias Dahlgren.
The Historic Tornhuset
Ateljé Vita Duken is one of three restaurants housed in the historic Tornhuset building near Rådhusparken, constructed in 1892. Originally functioning as Umeå’s first steam turbine-powered electric plant and later a fire station, Tornhuset is now a vibrant meeting place featuring three different restaurant concepts, focusing on high-quality ingredients, an extensive wine cellar, and an outdoor restaurant.
Exceptional Recognition
In a recent restaurant review in DI Weekend, Ateljé Vita Duken received an exceptional 23 out of 25 possible points – a rare achievement for a newcomer.
”A lot of positive developments have occurred in Umeå’s restaurant scene in recent years. The competition is fierce, which drives quality and creativity. This makes Umeå a strong and exciting restaurant city. Tornhuset and Ateljé Vita Duken contribute to a fantastic offering that benefits both locals and visiting guests, strengthening Umeå’s position as a gastronomic destination,” says Gabriella Hed Vall, CEO of Visit Umeå.
About Visit Umeå
Visit Umeå is a destination company working to develop, market, and promote Umeå and the Umeå region’s tourist offerings to priority and relevant target groups. Their goal is to attract more private, group, and meeting travelers to the destination and contribute to an attractive and vibrant city center.
