The Vindel River is a river in northern Sweden. It is a tributary to Ume River and the biggest tributary river in Sweden. It lends its name to the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Europe, totaling 562,772 ha. Since it is partially located within the reserve, it is permanently protected from hydroelectric development. Downstream from Vännäsby, where Vindelälven merges with Umeälven, Sweden's largest hydropower plant is located.