Summary
Established in medieval times along the Svartån River, Västerås has gradually developed toward the picturesque shores of Lake Mälaren. Contemporary neighborhoods are emerging by this splendid water body adorned with numerous islands. This locale hosts Sweden’s largest inland harbor alongside family-friendly attractions like a Viking settlement and an indoor water park situated along the waterfront.
The historical core of Västerås underwent renovations during the 1960s, yet the charming Kyrkbacken area retains its historical ambiance, having once been a slum. Visitors may also discover an ancient burial site at Anundshög, spend the night in a silver mine, and gain insights at Skultuna, a traditional brass foundry famous for crafting luxury homeware.
Now, let’s examine the most significant activities to engage in while visiting Västerås:
1. Anundshög
Located less than ten kilometers to the east of Västerås city center is Sweden’s largest burial mound. This impressive structure stands nine meters tall and spans 64 meters in width, dating back at least 1,500 years.
It is believed to serve as the final resting place of the semi-legendary King Bröt-Anund from the House of Yngling.
Evidence of initial human activity at this site on the Badelunda Ridge extends even further back, to around 2500 BC, where people convened for “Things” and religious ceremonies extending into medieval times.
Adjacent to these monuments are two stone ships at the base of the mounds, along with Eriksgatan, a series of runestones leading from the eastern side of the barrow. This pathway marks the long-distance route that early Swedish kings traversed to gain confirmation from “lawmakers.”
2. Västerås Cathedral
This cathedral was consecrated in the 1200s and has since undergone numerous extensions and restorations.
The most recent renovation occurred between 1958 and 1961, yet it still boasts an extensive collection of exquisite art and architectural features from the medieval and Renaissance periods.
The altar furnishings are remarkable and were crafted in Lübeck (the capital of the Hanseatic League) during the 15th century.
Västerås Cathedral is the final resting place for King Erik XIV, who is also referred to as “the mad king.”
His tomb features a Carrara marble sarcophagus atop a sandstone base, which was reportedly too short to accommodate his body, necessitating the removal of his feet.
Of particular note among the newer ornamentation from the early 1960s is the ceramic pulpit, distinguished by its striking yellow-green glaze.
3. Vallby Open Air Museum
Adjacent to the river and close to the city center lies a quintessential Swedish outdoor museum.
This venue has assembled approximately 40 traditional buildings from around Västmanland County and relocated them here, piece by piece.
Among the highlights are a manor house, copper works, a town square, a blacksmith shop, a village school, and a Christian mission hall.
Actors inhabit each building, illustrating daily life from bygone eras, and skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts.
In the farmyard, children can interact with young goats and lambs, while draught horses are seen in action across the fields.
The on-site gift shop offers handmade crafts produced in the museum’s workshops.
4. Kungsbyn Animal Park
This venue is highly recommended for families visiting Västerås with younger children, as Kungsbyn Animal Park is a well-organized zoo.
The park features both exotic and domestic animals, providing abundant opportunities for children to engage and interact.
Children can enjoy pony rides, interact with goats and sheep, and observe the feeding of moose.
The animal park also houses a terrarium designed for snakes and iguanas, enabling the more adventurous children to touch and handle these creatures.
Additionally, tractor rides are available, as well as rentals for small electric buggies, concluding your visit at the park’s welcoming restaurant.
5. Kokpunkten Actionbad
It is highly likely that you have never encountered a water park like this one.
Kokpunkten features eight stories filled with slides and pools housed within a repurposed steam power station located on the eastern side of the city.
The imposing structure, which celebrated its centenary in 2017, has become a prominent feature in Västerås’ skyline, positioned right along Lake Mälaren.
The facility was decommissioned in 1992 and underwent gradual transformation in the 2000s into this one-of-a-kind attraction.
This venue provides entertainment for teenagers and younger visitors alike, while also offering relaxation for adults through saunas and a heated open-air pool located on the eighth floor, offering stunning views of the lake.
6. Engsö Castle
Venture west to the enchanting island of Engsö, where this historic estate is located.
The lower levels of the castle date back to the fifteenth century, showcasing medieval architecture.
In the eighteenth century, the upper levels were renovated into an elegant Rococo style by architect Carl Hårleman.
The castle, now overseen by a foundation, opens its doors to visitors in the summer, allowing exploration of the exquisite 18th-century interiors.
The castle is adorned with period furniture, chandeliers, stuccowork, parquet floors, and portraits from the 18th century.
This property is reputed to be one of Sweden’s most haunted locations, with one of its spectral inhabitants being Anders Luxemberg, the “court dwarf” of King Karl XII.
7. Strömsholm Palace
Strömsholm was a favored retreat for the Royal Family during the early decades of the 19th century, subsequently transforming into the riding and driving academy for the Swedish Army for the next century.
The palace was constructed in the 16th century, with its present Baroque facade established in 1681. The “Gustavian” interiors date to the mid-1770s, preserved as they were during the time of Karl XIV Johan’s visits.
The rich art collection features a series of equestrian paintings by the 17th-century master David Klöcker Ehrenstrahl.
8. Kyrkbacken
The quaintest historical district in Västerås is located around the Rudbeckianska Gymnasiet, situated in the northern part of the city center.
This area is characterized by a network of narrow alleys and one- to two-story homes that once represented the more modest neighborhoods of the town.
While the southern sections housed the clerical elite and bourgeoisie, this part of town remained impoverished until the mid-20th century.
One notable former resident was the city executioner, who was prohibited from sharing water with others, having to drink from a well that has been preserved as a garden.
As the rest of Västerås underwent renovation following World War II, Kyrkbacken was spared from demolition and retains its charming cobblestone streets and painted wooden cottages.
9. Västmanlands County Museum
Located at Karlsgatan 2 in the heart of Västerås, this museum outlines the history and culture of the broader Västmanland County.
One remarkable exhibit showcases a treasure uncovered in ancient graves at Badelunda, just outside the city.
This treasure, dating back to approximately the 3rd century AD, represents the largest collection of gold ever found within a woman’s grave and includes bracelets, rings, and necklaces.
Visitors can also explore tools from the Stone Age, step inside a medieval wooden dwelling, and observe age-old pottery-making techniques.
Throughout the exhibits, children are encouraged to engage in hands-on learning experiences.
Additionally, the museum houses the city’s Art Museum, which hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary Swedish and Nordic art.
10. Botaniska Trädgården
The oldest garden in Sweden specifically established for botany students (at the Rudbeckianska Gymnasiet) is perfectly situated adjacent to the cathedral.
A protégé of the esteemed taxonomist Carl Linnaeus founded this meticulously arranged garden in the mid-18th century, with all species labeled using their scientific names following Linnaeus’s system.
The garden flourishes during summer months, displaying vibrant colors, making it ideal for enjoying ice cream or a picnic beside the pond.
Should visitors wish to locate a specific plant, they can acquire a map of the garden from the library next door.
11. Västerås Flygmuseum
Located at Västerås Airport is an Air Force hangar built in the 1930s, which was repurposed into an aviation museum in 1997. For aviation enthusiasts, it presents a treasure trove of aircraft that many tourists in Västerås may overlook.
The hangar houses dozens of vintage planes, with at least 40 still flight-worthy.
Noteworthy models include the Convair 440 Metropolitan, a Saab 35 Draken fighter jet that remained in service until the 1990s, and a McDonnell-Douglas DC-10. The museum also features an antique link trainer simulator and four advanced flight simulators owned by the Swedish Air Force.
12. Tidö Castle
More a palace than a fortress, this stately estate was designed in a Dutch Renaissance style during the early 17th century.
At that time, the property belonged to Axel Oxenstierna, the Lord High Chancellor and confidant to King Gustavus Adolphus and later Queen Christina.
Visitors can tour the luxurious state apartments, alongside a museum showcasing vintage toys.
Ruins from the 15th-century castle that this palace replaced are located adjacent to the current building.
Notably, for a brief period during the 1530s, this estate was owned by Queen Consort Margaret Leijonhufvud, wife of Gustav Vasa.
13. Sala Silvergruva
For a unique day out steeped in Swedish history, consider visiting this silver mine located approximately half an hour north of Västerås.
The mine has operated intermittently since the 1400s and yielded an estimated 450 tons of silver over the centuries.
Guided tours lead visitors through the mine’s eerie chambers, which were formed over the course of 500 years.
Tour durations may vary, with the longest excursions reaching depths of over 150 meters, where temperatures remain a consistent 2°C year-round.
For those wishing to extend their adventure, there is an option to stay overnight in a hotel suite located 155 meters beneath the surface, complete with a thick quilt for warmth!
14. Skultuna Brassworks
Another noteworthy excursion with a metallic focus involves visiting the Skultuna Brassworks, located just north of the city.
This factory has been operational since 1607, and the tour will reveal the intricate products designed and crafted within its walls.
One prominent industrial designer associated with the factory was Hjalmar Norrström from the 19th century, who produced ornate gifts on behalf of Sweden’s royalty.
One of his most renowned creations, a brass baptismal font, was awarded a Gold Medal at the 1900 Paris Exhibition and is showcased at the brassworks.
A riverside café and a large outlet store featuring home utensils crafted by Skultuna, along with products from other Swedish designer homeware brands, is also present.
15. Frösåkers Brygga
Västerås is rich in Viking history, brilliantly illustrated at this family-oriented attraction and activity center located to the east of the city.
At the lakeside dock, visitors can discover 25 wooden vessels, including detailed replicas of longships and reconstructions of historic ships such as a 14th-century Hanseatic trading vessel, which was found in Skanör harbor in 1991. Positioned on dry land is a historically accurate Viking hall.
This venue is the centerpiece of a village where participants can learn the art of brewing beer, preparing flatbread over an open flame, rowing, sailing, testing their archery skills, and even firing a catapult.
