This Swedish city on Lake Mälaren is home to Sweden's largest church and an art museum with extensive Swedish collections. It's an industrial hub 100km from Stockholm.
Västerås, Sweden's fifth-largest city, sits on the shores of Lake Mälaren, about 100 km west of Stockholm. This city, with roots dating back to 990 AD, blends medieval landmarks with modern industry. Walk among Viking burial grounds at Anundshög, admire Gothic architecture at the cathedral, or splash around in Kokpunkten, a water park housed in a former steam power plant. From Västerås, you can also explore Lake Mälaren and its archipelago.
Discovering Lake Mälaren
Lake Mälaren shapes Västerås' character. The city has Scandinavia's largest lakeside commercial and recreational port, where you can board boats to explore the lake's islands. In summer, kayak along the shoreline or relax on quiet beaches. From December to March, the frozen lake transforms into a vast playground for ice skating and winter fishing.
Kokpunkten Actionbad Water Park
For contemporary fun, head to Kokpunkten Actionbad. This water park inhabits a former steam power station, spreading across eight floors with pools and slides. The industrial setting creates an unusual atmosphere for aquatic activities. You can enjoy exciting slides, relax in jacuzzis, and challenge yourself on climbing walls, all surrounded by remnants of the building's industrial past.
Walking Through Kyrkbacken
Experience old Västerås by walking through the Kyrkbacken district. This neighborhood features traditional red wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and well-kept gardens. Once a working-class area, Kyrkbacken now represents a slice of Sweden's past. As you explore the narrow alleys and admire the colorful facades, stop at a local café for fika, the Swedish coffee break tradition.
Ancient Site of Anundshög
Just outside the city, you'll encounter Anundshög, Sweden's largest burial mound. This Bronze Age site measures 64 meters in diameter and stands 9 meters tall. While some legends link it to the semi-mythical King Anund, historians debate this claim. The site also includes stone ship settings and runestones, connecting visitors to Sweden's Viking era. As you walk among these ancient monuments, consider the ceremonies that may have taken place here over 1,500 years ago.
Västerås' Historical Significance
Västerås has influenced Swedish history for over a millennium. In the 16th century, King Gustav I held a council here that led to Sweden's transition to Protestantism. Explore this history at Västerås Castle, a 13th-century fortress now housing a museum. The castle's plain exterior reflects its defensive origins, contrasting with the ornate Gothic style of nearby Västerås Cathedral.
Transportation to Västerås
Reach Västerås easily by train from Stockholm in about an hour. If you're flying, Ryanair operates flights to Västerås Airport from London Stansted. Local buses connect the airport to the city center. Within Västerås, you can use 340 km of dedicated cycling routes to explore the city.
Accommodation Options
For an unusual stay, consider the Steam Hotel. This converted power plant features a steampunk-inspired design and overlooks Lake Mälaren from the harbor. If you prefer a central location, Hotel Esplanade is in the heart of the city, close to many points of interest.
Local Cuisine
Västerås was once known as "Gurkstaden" (Cucumber City) due to its cucumber-growing tradition. Today, you can sample various Swedish dishes at the Saluhallen Slakteriet food hall. For lakeside dining, visit Sjökrogen, where you can enjoy fresh fish while watching boats on Lake Mälaren.
