Västerås

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Västerås

Nestled along the shores of Lake Mälaren, Västerås is a vibrant blend of rich history, modern innovation, and scenic beauty. Its medieval heritage is evident in well-preserved landmarks, including its ancient burial mounds. Seamlessly fusing historical charm with a contemporary vibe, Västerås offers visitors diverse cultural attractions, dynamic events, and a thriving culinary scene. Whether exploring ancient sites, enjoying city life, or embracing the tranquillity of its natural surroundings, Västerås captivates with a multifaceted allure.

The City Lake Life

The City

If you're looking for an experience that is out of the ordinary then Sweden’s sixth largest city is the place to come. In Västerås, you can spend the night underwater or among the treetops, alternate good shopping with fun events and explore the beautiful Lake Mälaren — there is something for everyone in Västerås. Visit Västerås Cathedral, which has been awarded 3 stars by the Guide Michelin. King Erik XIV is buried here, who, according to hearsay, was poisoned by his brothers putting arsenic in his pea soup. Don’t miss Anundshög, Sweden’s largest burial ground with its rune stones and stone ships. Take a trip back in time and visit Vallby Open Air Museum, which boasts buildings from the early 1900s. Västerås is also an entrepreneurial city. It is the birthplace of ASEA (now ABB), the clothing giant H&M, and the leading retail company ICA. In addition, the city was Nobel Prize Winner Tomas Tranströmer’s hometown for 30 years and several of his haiku poems have been sandblasted onto paving stones and placed in and around the city centre. The Västerås Cityfestival is a hugely popular event. For a few days every summer, the city is filled with far more people and life than usual, all getting ready to meet Sweden’s biggest performers. The city offers a vast array of cultural life, entertainment, and activities and has something for everyone, whether you're looking to do some great shopping, visit interesting museums, have fun with your kids, or go out on the town. The sky is truly the limit here in Västerås!

Lake Life

Nestled along the shores of Lake Mälaren, Västerås is a haven for water enthusiasts. The Västerås archipelago beckons with its plentiful natural harbours for mooring and a multitude of islands to explore. Summertime brings daily ferry services to the islands, featuring captivating journeys through the locks on the Hjälmare Canal and visits to the Viking town of Birka. For sun-seekers, Östra Holmen is a popular choice, while Elba offers a scenic dining spot with breathtaking views of the city. And let's not forget the delightful mainland beaches that add to Västerås' aquatic charm.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Västerås is a city steeped in history, culture, and entertainment, offering a plethora of attractions to suit diverse interests. From the ancient Anundshög burial mound dating back to the 900s to the 13th-century Västerås Cathedral, and a vibrant modern concert hall, the city boasts a range of experiences. Engsö, Tidö, and Västerås Castles, Vallby Open Air Museum, and the charming Kyrkbacken neighbourhood are among the highlights. Additionally, the city's proximity to Lake Mälaren adds to its allure, with a rich boat life to explore.

Anundshög

Anundshög stands as Sweden's largest burial mound, an ancient marvel with a 60-metre diameter and a towering height of approximately 9 metres. While the exact era of its construction remains a topic of debate, ranging from the Bronze Age to the late Iron Age, radiocarbon dating of a fireplace beneath it suggests a timeline …

Engsö Castle

Engsö Castle is a picturesque estate nestled amidst landscaped gardens near a serene lake. It is well-known in Sweden for its ghostly inhabitants, with numerous stories of hauntings adding to its mystique. The castle also boasts an intriguing feature — the slender five-foot-long "Engsökedjan" chain embedded in its walls. Legend has it that this …

Frösåkers Brygga

At Frösåkers Brygga, visitors are transported back to the Viking Age, where they can engage in hands-on activities like baking flatbread over an open fire, crafting ropes, and shooting catapults. It's also home to Sweden's largest floating boat museum, housing an impressive collection of over 20 Viking ships and peasant boats, with the fleet …

Kungsbyns Animal Park

Kungsby offers a dual delight: it's fun for kids and educational for adults. The park boasts a diverse range of animals, from cows and goats to pigs, rabbits, sheep, donkeys, and even wild boars. However, the highlight is the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Sweden's majestic forest king, the …

Kyrkbacken

Kyrkbacken, or Church Hill, is a neighbourhood in central Västerås characterised by older wooden houses in a jumble of winding alleys. It's an ideal place for historic walks, either as part of a guided tour or single-handedly, where you can imagine what life would have once been like here in the 17th century. There …

Kokpunkten Actionbad

Housed in a historic steam power station, Kokpunkten is a fun water park that promises a great time for all. An aquatic adventure across eight floors featuring lazy rivers, paddling pools, and exhilarating thrill slides, all adorned with funky lighting and with a stunning view of the Västerås …

Leos Lekland

Leos Lekland is a wonderland of adventure and excitement where there's always something new to explore. From climbing stacks and dedicated corners for the little ones to ball pools, tunnels, trampolines, slides, and much more. Whether you're a tiny tot or an energetic explorer, Leos Lekland offers a world of fun and endless …

Prison Island

Prison Island offers a unique and engaging experience filled with cells, each presenting tricky challenges that demand creative problem-solving and cooperation within groups of 3-4 people. Whether you're small and agile or big and strong, there are tasks designed for everyone. Additionally, for those seeking an adrenaline rush, there's an exhilarating laser game set …

Tidö Castle

Tidö Castle is a splendid example of the Dutch Renaissance style and stands as one of Sweden's best-preserved Baroque palaces. Its history traces back to the 15th century when the Gren family built a medieval house on the site. In the 17th century, the Lord High Chancellor of Sweden, Axel Oxenstierna, constructed the present …

Vallby Open Air Museum

The Vallby Open Air Museum is a recreated 19th-century village offering a vivid depiction of life in Västmanland County through costumed interpreters and demonstrations. Since its inception in 1921, the museum has painstakingly rescued and reconstructed over fifty historic buildings. Spread across 37 acres, Vallby features period gardens, orchards, agricultural landscapes, native breeds, and …

Vedbobacken

Have fun on the slopes without having to travel to the mountains. Vedbobacken is Västerås’ very own urban ski slope. Weather permitting, Vedbobacken is open from mid-December to mid-March and offers several runs of varying difficulty, from green to red, two lifts, a sledging slope, ski hire, a café, and public barbecuing facilities. There …

Västerås Art Museum

Västerås Art Museum mainly exhibits Swedish art from its own collection. The temporary exhibitions held at the museum focus on contemporary art by Swedish artists. The museum also has an extensive education programme, with activities that include tours and studio work for different kinds of …

Västerås Castle

Västerås Castle, situated just a stone’s throw from the city centre, bears witness to a rich and tumultuous part of Swedish history. Constructed in the 13th century, the castle was once the house of Crown Prince Erik before becoming his prison. Between June 14, 1573, and October 16, 1574, King Erik XIV was held captive …

Västerås Cathedral

Västerås Cathedral is a beautifully preserved medieval church dating back to the 13th century. It boasts a unique blend of ancient art treasures and modern contrasts that make it stand out among its kind. Within its hallowed walls, visitors can marvel at 163 intact gravestones and see the resting place of King Erik …

Västerås Flight Museum

Västerås Flygmuseum, housed in a hangar from the 1930s, has 25 aircraft, the majority of which can still fly. The museum is open on Sundays and has a flight simulator where visitors can test-fly several different aircraft, including a J-35 …

Västmanlands County Museum

The museum's core mission is to enhance understanding and appreciation of Västmanland County's cultural heritage. By providing insight into the past, it strives to enrich the perspectives of both the present and the future, ensuring that the region's rich history and traditions continue to resonate with generations to …

VARF Observatorium

Led by amateur astronomers, VARF is a non-profit association, which serves as a gathering place where individuals of all ages come together to engage in conversations about the universe, stargazing, and stay updated on the latest developments in space and …

Dining

Västerås has restaurants for all tastes. You can dine out high up in a skyscraper and admire the spectacular views of the city, enjoy a meal in the harbour with pretty vistas of the lake, or have a bite to eat in the main square and do some people-watching. With such a huge selection of restaurants to choose from, you are guaranteed to find something that suits you and your taste buds!

Bistro Gränden

Bistro Gränden, nestled in historic premises, offers a delightful experience with excellent food and drinks. Their dining room features a diverse menu, serving small and larger dishes alongside expertly grilled meats and fish. In addition, the wine is selected from a glass-enclosed wine room, enhancing the overall dining …

Brasserie Stadsparken

Strategically positioned next to the scenic Svartån and the verdant Stadsparken, this brasserie fulfils gastronomic desires with an array of delights inspired by the culinary treasures of the Western Alps, creating a unique and flavorful experience. To enhance the atmosphere, live music graces the venue on weekends, providing a perfect backdrop for patrons to …

Bellman

At the charming Bellman, every meal is a journey back in time. Whether it's a leisurely lunch or an important dinner date, this establishment promises a romantic, old-world ambiance. With an array of choices from the à la carte menu, succulent options from the grill, a welcoming bar, traditional Swedish 'husmanskost', and satisfying lunches, …

Djäknebergets restaurang

Djäkneberget is a beautiful park for people of all ages, with a dance pavilion, mini-golf course, a restaurant, and a café. The restaurant provides a breathtaking panoramic view of central Västerås, extending from the city centre to the harbour and the lake. It places a strong emphasis on culinary excellence, specialising in great food …

Frank

Frank Bistro, a self-proclaimed "unusual restaurant," is a charming and intimate culinary gem that boasts such popularity that reservations are essential well in advance. The chef-driven menu takes pride in showcasing creative, handcrafted dishes crafted from seasonal and local ingredients, complemented by an extensive array of wines from around the …

Kajplats 9

Nestled in a historic brick building by the harbour, Kajplats 9 is a classic brasserie whose culinary focus revolves around raw materials sourced from the water, prepared to reflect the nuances of the changing seasons. With an emphasis on fish and shellfish, the menu also features home classics and seasonal meat dishes. Adding to …

Limone Ristorante Italiano

With a wide selection of mouthwatering dishes and an array of great wines, Limone provides a culinary journey through the heart of Italy. The restaurant's charm is complemented by a kind and professional service staff, ensuring that every visit is not only a gastronomic delight but also a warm and welcoming …

Laxmi Indisk

At Laxmi, patrons can indulge in a flavourful journey through the vibrant and aromatic world of Indian cuisine, experiencing a taste of India in the heart of …

Nya Hattfabriken

Nya Hattfabriken is a delightful and intimate bistro, nestled within a former hat shop. This charming establishment seamlessly blends traditional Swedish cuisine with timeless European classics, offering an elegant dining experience that's rich in history and …

NOM

NOM is a bar and restaurant located in a charming historical setting alongside the tranquil stream Svartån. Guests can unwind on comfortable sofas while indulging in a culinary experience at the restaurant, known for serving the finest quality meats and fish. Alternatively, you can opt for a more casual experience at the NOM Bar, …

Systrarna på Gaggeska Gården

Housed in an old inn relocated from the city centre in 1960, the Systrarna at Gaggeska Gården is a charming establishment offering a delightful combination of café, lunch, and weekend brunch experiences. Visitors can savour a taste of the past while enjoying the culinary delights served in the quaint and picturesque surroundings of Gaggeska …

Café Anund

Café Anund is situated close to the burial mounds at Anundshög. They serve cakes, ice cream, and light lunches, together with coffee and soft drinks. They bake all the bread, buns and cakes themselves, mainly using local and organic …

Brynolf Bagare

Brynolf Bagare is a family-owned bakery that sells delicious stone-baked bread, irresistible cakes and pastries, filling sandwiches, and great …

Espresso House

Espresso House is the largest coffeehouse chain in the Nordic countries, with a significant presence in Västerås. Boasting three locations at Hantverkargatan, Västerås Centralstation, and the mall Punkt, it's a go-to destination for coffee enthusiasts. In addition to an extensive selection of coffee drinks, Espresso House also offers a tempting array of pastries, wraps, …

Global Living

Global Living is not just a café but a unique destination where you can savour coffee, home-baked bread, cakes and pastries and also buy interior design. The café’s interior is decorated with a distinctive blend of furniture, lamps, and art, and the best part is that most of it is available for sale. Adding to …

Café Gränden

Café Gränden is a cosy haven nestled in the heart of Västerås, making it the perfect spot for a refreshing break. Drawing inspiration from Swedish, Asian, and Italian cuisine, the café presents a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. Indulge in the delights of decent Italian coffee and homemade treats like apple pie, …

Kafé Gudagott

Kafé Gudagott, the little Viking café at Frösåkers Brygga, serves homemade cakes and ice cream along with delicious prawn sandwiches, all full of natural flavour and without unnecessary …

Kalle på Spången

Kalle på Spången is a charming and very popular café in one of Västerås’ historic buildings in the city centre. Besides their selection of delicious pies and cakes, they also serve light meals, including salads, sandwiches, baked potatoes, tacos, and …

Kajens Café

Situated on Lake Mälaren's shore, Kajens Café offers the best views of the lake in Västerås. It has thus become a favoured destination for those seeking a delightful lunch or a relaxing cup of coffee. As an added treat during the summer months, the café opens its doors to a popular ice cream kiosk …

Systrarna Ericsson

Systrarna Ericsson stands as one of the oldest bakeries in Västerås, tracing its roots back to the 1930s. With a rich heritage, this establishment prides itself on crafting bread, cakes, and pastries using pure, natural ingredients. Following traditional and artisanal methods, everything is meticulously prepared by hand, infused with a touch of love that …

The Bishops Arms

The Bishops Arms is a welcoming and cosy pub renowned for its remarkable array of draft beers and single malt whisky. Beyond its impressive libations, this establishment also serves up great food and hosts entertaining …

The Circus

Whether craving a cold beer, a glass of wine, or a classic cocktail, this venue provides the perfect setting. As the evening unfolds, the atmosphere transforms with late-night DJ sessions, infusing the space with a groovy vibe setting the stage for an enjoyable and vibrant …

Pitcher's

Pitcher's is a quintessential British-style pub located in the heart of Västerås. Here, you can indulge in delectable pub food and drinks while catching your favourite sports on …

SkyBar Västerås at Hotel Plaza

Situated atop the Best Western Plus Hotel Plaza, SkyBar awaits 24 floors above, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Here, you can savour expertly crafted cocktails and unwind in style. The weekend brings an extra dose of excitement with a DJ in-house every Friday and Saturday from 9pm onwards. Gather your friends and …

Bistro Gränden

Shopping

If you’re in the mood for a shopping spree, then Västerås is the place for you! The city centre is bursting with international chains, small independent shops, and wonderful indoor shopping centres. Outside the city centre, you'll find the thriving retail park Erikslund with new shops constantly springing up. So come to Västerås and shop ’til you drop.

Affair Inredning & Design

The Affair at Öster Mälarstrand goes beyond the ordinary. This eclectic boutique merges the worlds of interior design, fashion, and floral artistry under one roof. With its carefully curated collection of home decor, designer pieces and stylish clothing, Affair offers a treasure trove for the aesthetically inclined. The experience is complemented by a quaint …

Tullhuset Living

Just a stone's throw from the city centre and a mere three minutes from the central station, lies a remarkable store — Tullhuset by Färjkajen and Mälaren. This spacious and inspiring shop is a treasure trove for those with a keen eye for aesthetics. Inside, you'll find an exquisite collection of home decor, ranging …

City Centre

Västerås' city centre is a shopper's paradise, offering a diverse range of options for those in search of retail therapy. From indoor shopping centres to charming independent shops and gourmet delicatessens, there's something for every taste. The presence of large international chains alongside small local businesses adds to the vibrant shopping scene. Västerås' lively …

Erikslund Shopping Center

Almost 80 retailers and one of Sweden’s largest IKEA stores, all under the same roof. With such a huge variety of shops, cafés, and restaurants, you are sure to find what you are looking for at Erikslund Shopping Center. Erikslund Shopping Center is located in the retail park …

Hälla

Hälla retail park boasts several large stores selling toys, electronics and food, an indoor shopping centre, many second-hand shops and several cafés and …

H&M

Erling Persson opened Sweden’s first Hennes & Mauritz store in Västerås in 1947. H&M sells the latest in fashion for men, women, and children from its stores in Västerås: Vasagatan in the city centre, Erikslund Shopping Center, and Hälla …

Tourist Information

Västerås offers excellent rail connections between the central station and surrounding towns. With its fantastic location on Lake Mälaren, you are always close to the water and boat services.