Nine manually operated locks define the Hjälmare Canal, which runs through a historic cultural landscape between Lakes Hjälmaren and Mälaren via the Arbogaån. It is considered Sweden’s oldest navigable canal. In summer, passenger boats offer regular round trips; check the timetable before your trip. In addition to the waterway’s history, nature reserves and Arboga’s historic districts offer further insights into the region.

Forest trails and lakeside landscapes

Säbybergen is next to the Hjälmare Canal and within cycling distance of Arboga. Landslides, moss-covered rock surfaces, and old oaks and pines shape the landscape. A five-kilometre forest trail leads to viewpoints overlooking the agricultural landscape and the surroundings of the Arbogaån. The varied forest provides a habitat for rare mosses, lichens and fungi. A visit combines the experience of walking the trails with a look at the area’s distinctive plant life.

The Gökriksudden deciduous forest reserve lies on the shore of Lake Hjälmaren, where spring blossoms add a distinctive seasonal touch. Two winding paths lead from the car park down to the lakeshore, where you can picnic. Old trees, unusual lichens and insects are part of the reserve, along with woodpeckers and larger mammals, including red deer, moose and wild boar. The route to the water and the diverse habitats make Gökriksudden a different kind of nature experience from the forest trails of Säbybergen.

At Kalkugnsberget, the landscape is shaped by calcareous pine forest, unusual and endangered fungi, and rare plants. A trail leads to the summit; the path towards Gålsjön ends at a birdwatching tower overlooking the wetland. There is also a rest area with a fire pit. This adds wetlands and birdwatching to the forest and rocky landscapes of Säbybergen.

Arboga’s townscape and history

The Arbogaån flows through Arboga’s town centre. The well-preserved old town is designated an area of national interest. Along Västerlånggatan, one of Arboga’s oldest streets, cobblestones, wooden houses, culturally and historically protected Ågårdar and historic water channels line the street. At the Arboga möte in 1435, Engelbrekt Engelbrektsson was elected Lord High Constable of the Realm; the meeting is considered Sweden’s first parliament.

The Church of the Holy Trinity (Heliga Trefaldighets kyrka) was originally built by Franciscan monks and completed in the early 14th century. Its murals date from the 15th century, and each vault has its own theme. If you are interested in Franciscan history, the Arbogabygdens parish also offers a Franciskusvandring about Francis and creation. The Franciskuscafé at the church welcomes visitors on Monday mornings for a simple fika, conversation or a quiet break. Check the current schedule before your visit.

The Arboga Museum is housed in the carefully restored Öhrströms gård, at Nygatan 37. Its rooms include a large photographic archive, an archive, a library and modern spaces for temporary exhibitions. As exhibitions may change, it is worth checking what is currently on display in advance. The museum complements impressions of the streets and churches with museum spaces and collections.

Industrial history and local dining

Jädersbruk was an important place as early as the 14th century. In the 1550s, Gustav Vasa established an arms industry there. On Jädersholme stands Verkstaden, the last surviving building directly associated with the blacksmithing at Jädersbruk. It includes exhibition rooms and spaces for restoring old objects; visitor arrangements may change.

Recurring events also draw on local history: Jädersbruksdagarna takes place every year on the first weekend in September, with machinery demonstrations and a craft market. Arboga Medeltidsdagar is held every August, featuring jousting, craft markets, music and talks. Exact dates and programmes may change. Jädersbruks Herrgård has a restaurant and a café with an organic focus. Food and baked goods are prepared or baked on site using natural organic ingredients; the menu and offerings may change.

Practical information

Arboga railway station is centrally located and served by trains and buses. Check current connections before travelling. The tourist information service is available year-round by email, telephone and website, by appointment, and through six InfoPoints; check seasonal arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Arboga, Fagersta, Skinnskatteberg, Västerås, Köping, Surahammar, Sala, Hallstahammar.

Go to the main travel overview: Västmanland.