In Köping, a preserved carpentry workshop offers a glimpse into the city’s history: Nyströmska gårdens snickerimuseum preserves Köping’s only surviving ågård, a farmstead dating from the 17th century. From 1870, it served as a carpentry workshop for three generations. Almost all of the workshop’s equipment has been preserved, and the machines and tools can still be used. Here, the history of the farmstead and traditional craftsmanship come together.
Museums: From Craftsmanship to Technology
Köpings Museum was founded by the town in 1887 at the initiative of rope maker Per Alfred Dandernell. In 1972, the collections moved into a former brewery, built in the 18th century as a distillery. A malt house built in Köping in 1761 now forms the eastern part of the museum building. A Viking Age horseman’s grave is also on display there. As the exhibits may change, check what is currently on display before your visit.
At Bil- och Teknikmuseet, restored vehicles from the 1910s to the 1930s are displayed alongside other technological objects. The cars and motorcycles were restored by Bertil and Curt. The vehicles on display include Bugatti cars and the supercharged 1929 Mercedes-Benz SSK racing car. Around 50 other vehicles and technically interesting objects are exhibited in period settings. The collection at Köpings Brandmuseum ranges from firefighting equipment from the 18th century to a fire engine from 1901 and a fire truck from 1932. Köping-Uttersberg-Riddarhyttans Järnvägsmuseiförening presents an exhibition about the railway of the same name.
Old Town and Architecture
Gamla stan gives an impression of what Köping looked like before the great town fire. Another historic building is Tingshuset, built by Theodor Dahl in 1893. Åpromenaden winds along charming wooden walkways through Gamla stan, passing the vicarage, Dammbron and Nyströmska gården. It connects several historic landmarks, showing that the town’s history extends beyond any one building.
Köpings kyrka also brings together different periods. The present church was designed by architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger and consecrated in 1706. Its furnishings include an altarpiece from northern Germany, probably made around 1520. The sandstone baptismal font was made in Upper Sweden at the beginning of the 16th century. These objects therefore reflect both the explicitly uncertain dating of the altarpiece and the more precise period attribution of the baptismal font.
Parks, River Landscapes and Trails
Agda Östlunds park offers a variety of activities: there is a wheeled sports park for kick scooters, skateboards, inline skates and wheelchair skateboards, as well as a nature discovery trail, three disc golf baskets and two stages for events and spontaneous activities. In Nyckelbergsparken, Valstaån and Kölstaån meet to form Köpingsån. A Japanese-style bridge connects the park to a bird island where many ducks gather. A walking path in Kvarnparken follows Kölstaån, which forms a small ravine there with rapids and whirlpools.
Near Köping, Malmön on Lake Mälaren has a sandy beach with changing rooms, a toilet, a barbecue area and a small playground. Seasonal conditions and facilities may change; check the latest information before your visit. For those planning a longer hike, the Romboleden starts in Köping. This 1,000-year-old pilgrimage route leads to the Norwegian border. Its many stages vary in difficulty, with suitable sections for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Seasonal Activities and Getting There
Gammelgårdens friluftsmuseum offers activities for all age groups almost every day, including baking in a wood-fired oven, blacksmithing, and trying carding and wool spinning. These are examples of seasonal activities; check the current summer programme in advance. The open-air museum café serves drinks, ice cream and waffles among the historic buildings. It is open seasonally, so check the current opening days.
Trains and buses stop at Köping station, which is about a 7–10-minute walk from the town centre. VL buses connect Köping with Kolsva, Västerås, Eskilstuna, Skinnskatteberg and Arboga. Check the timetables before travelling. Bicycles, children’s bikes and a child bike trailer can be rented at the station; availability may change. If you’re travelling by car, the E18 runs past Köping between Stockholm and Oslo, and two exits lead to the town centre.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Köping, Kolsva, Lådberga, Köping, Arboga, Sala, Fagersta, Strömsholm.
Back to the main travel overview: Västmanland.
