Build your own raft out of timber and rope and let it take you downstream along the serene Ume River. Experience nature up close and personal. Let the endlessly bright summer nights of the north create a lifetime memory. Feel free to go ashore whenever you wish, wander through the forest, or rest in a picturesque clearing. Pull up on a beach for a swim, or fish whenever the mood strikes. Your guide will assist in building the raft. Choose to embark on a one, two, or seven-day rafting adventure. Sleep on the raft or in a tent, and if you like, a box packed with typical Västerbotten food can be provided for you. You'll cook your own meals over an open fire or on a portable stove.

For a memorable night of cultural immersion, visit an evening show at the Nha Trang Water Puppet Theatre. Water puppetry as an art form originated in northern Vietnam as early as the 11th century and is kept alive by a small number of enthusiasts. Although production value is no match to that of bigger cities, the show itself feels thought out and intimate thanks to the smaller performance room. The show is narrated in Vietnamese, but the visual emphasis and engaging subject matter – folk tales and legends – make it easy to follow even if you don't speak the language.

Vindel River is one of the world's premier destinations for white-water rafting. Various companies offer everything from tranquil half-day excursions to extreme adventures, with prices varying greatly depending on the activity. For more information, visit one of their websites. This is a summer activity.