Västerås - Discovering Sweden

Travelling to Västerås

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Västerås, a pretty good destination in Sweden (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Västerås and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Västerås, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Sweden, here's everything to know about Västerås for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Västerås

Västerås is a city in central Sweden, located on the shore of Lake Mälaren. It is the 5th largest city in Sweden and the capital of Västmanland county. The city has a long history, dating back to the medieval era, and there are still many historic buildings and landmarks to see today, including the Västerås Cathedral and the Anundshög burial mound. Västerås is also known for its industrial sector, including engineering, manufacturing, and IT, and is home to several major companies. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as plenty of parks and green spaces for outdoor activities.

What to visit in Västerås

Sure, here are some tourist attractions in Västerås, Sweden: 1. Västerås Cathedral: This impressive cathedral was built in the 13th century and is considered one of the most important historic buildings in Västerås. It has a stunning interior with intricate artwork and architecture. Guided tours are available.
2. Anundshög: Anundshög is a burial mound that dates back to the Iron Age. It is the largest burial mound in Sweden and is a popular destination for those interested in history and archeology.
3. Kokpunkten Water Park: Kokpunkten is a unique water park built in an old steam power plant. It features several pools, water slides, saunas, and even a rooftop pool with views of the city.
4. Västerås Castle: This 15th-century castle is located in the heart of Västerås and is now used as a museum. Visitors can explore the castle's history and see artifacts from the past.
5. Sigurd Mound: This is another ancient burial mound located on the outskirts of Västerås. It dates back to around 400 AD and is believed to be the final resting place of a powerful Viking chieftain.
6. Lögaström Mine: This abandoned mine was once used to extract iron and copper and is now a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take a tour of the mine and learn about its history and the mining conditions of the past.
7. Lake Mälaren: Västerås is situated on the shores of Lake Mälaren, one of the largest lakes in Sweden. Visitors can rent boats and explore the many islands and attractions on the lake.
These are just a few of the many tourist attractions that Västerås has to offer.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Sweden, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Västerås.

When to go on holiday to Västerås

The best time to visit Västerås would be during the summer months, which are from June to August. During this time, the weather is pleasant and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and swimming. Additionally, you can experience the famous Midsommar celebrations which are held in late June. However, if you are looking for a winter wonderland experience, then visiting during December to February would be ideal, as you can enjoy winter sports such as skiing, ice-skating and enjoy the magical Christmas markets.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Västerås

There are several ways to get to Västerås, Sweden: 1. By plane: The nearest airport to Västerås is Stockholm Västerås Airport, which is located about 5 km east of Västerås city centre. Several airlines, such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, offer flights to and from Västerås airport.
2. By train: Västerås is well connected by train. There are frequent services from major cities in Sweden, such as Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. The journey times vary depending on your location, but on average it takes about 1-2 hours.
3. By bus: You can also take a bus to Västerås from many cities in Sweden, such as Stockholm and Göteborg. The journey times are usually longer than taking the train, but often cheaper.
4. By car: Driving to Västerås is also an option, as the city is located about 100 km west of Stockholm. The journey time varies depending on your location, but on average it takes about 1-2 hours.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Västerås, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Västerås

Sure, here are some typical foods from Västerås, Sweden: 1. Köttbullar - Swedish meatballs made with a blend of pork and beef, served with a creamy gravy and lingonberry jam.
2. Surströmming - a fermented herring dish that is traditionally eaten with potatoes, sour cream, and onions. Be warned, its strong smell is not for the faint of heart! 3. Raggmunk - a type of Swedish pancake made with grated potatoes, flour, eggs, and milk. typically served with bacon and lingonberry jam.
4. Smörgåstårta - a savory cake made with different layers of bread, cream cheese, seafood, and vegetables. It's a popular dish for special occasions and celebrations.
5. Palt - A dumpling-style dish made from grated potatoes and flour, typically filled with pork or bacon and served with lingonberry jam.
6. Prinsesstårta - A Swedish cake made of layers of sponge cake, whipped cream, and custard topped with green marzipan. It’s often served on special occasions.
7. Blåbärssoppa - A sweet soup made with blueberries, sugar, and cinnamon. It’s often served as a dessert or alongside pancakes or waffles.
You can find general info about typical foods in Sweden here.

Is Västerås an expensive destination for tourists?

Compared to some other popular travel destinations in Europe, Västerås is generally considered to be a moderately priced city for tourists, with a range of options for accommodation, dining, and activities to suit most budgets. While there may be some expensive options for luxury hotels and high-end restaurants, there are also plenty of more affordable options for budget-conscious travelers. It's a good idea to research and compare prices in advance to help you plan your trip and budget accordingly.

Where to find accomodation in Västerås

For visiting Västerås, it is recommended to find accommodation in the center of the city, as it is the most convenient area in terms of transportation and access to tourist attractions. Other good areas include the neighborhoods of Västerås harbor and Aros Congress Center, which are also well-connected and offer a range of accommodation options. Additionally, there are some hotels and guesthouses located near Lake Mälaren, which can offer a scenic and peaceful location while still being within close proximity to the city center.
You can check hotel prices at Västerås here:
Booking.com

Is Västerås a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Västerås is generally considered a safe place for tourists. Sweden is known for its low crime rates and Västerås is no exception. However, as with any city, it is always a good idea to exercise common sense safety precautions such as being aware of your surroundings, not leaving valuables unattended, and staying in well-lit areas at night.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Sweden here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Västerås.

What type of travelers will enjoy Västerås the most?

Västerås in Sweden is a very family-friendly place and is perfect for travelers who want to explore the city with their loved ones. There are many beautiful parks, museums, and attractions that cater to all age groups.
Couples will also enjoy Västerås as it is a very romantic city with its beautiful scenery and charming streets. The city also has many restaurants and cafes where couples can spend quality time together.
Young people looking for fun will also enjoy Västerås as the city has a lively nightlife scene with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. There are also many outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and water sports that young people can enjoy.
Overall, Västerås is a versatile city that caters to all types of travelers.

How to get around Västerås

In Västerås, you can use buses, trains, taxis, and bicycles to move around. The public transportation in Västerås is well established, with several bus routes covering different parts of the city. Trains also run from Västerås central station to different parts of Sweden. Taxis are available throughout the city, and there are several bicycle rental services available for those who prefer to cycle.

What to see around Västerås

Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Västerås: 1. Arboga: This picturesque medieval town is just 40 km from Västerås and is known for its well-preserved wooden houses, charming town square, and historic landmarks.
2. Birka Vikingastaden: Located on the island of Björkö, this is an open-air museum and archeological site that showcases the Viking Age history of Sweden. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and takes about an hour to reach by boat.
3. Tidö Castle: This castle was built in the 16th century and is located about 20 miles west of Västerås. It is surrounded by beautiful forests and lakes and offers guided tours throughout the year.
4. Sala Silver Mine: Located about 50 km from Västerås, this is one of the world's oldest and largest silver mines. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine and learn about its fascinating history.
5. Strömsholms Palace: This is a beautiful palace located about 30 km east of Västerås. It is surrounded by a large park with walking trails and offers guided tours of the palace and its interiors.
I hope this helps you plan your day trip from Västerås!
For every travel information about Sweden you can click here.

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