At Kungsudden, history and the Lake Mälaren landscape come together in Kungsör. In the 16th century, Gustav Vasa had one of his royal estates built here. The only surviving building from the royal estate is the so-called Hovfruntimmersbyggnaden. Today, it is used as a local heritage centre and houses a local history museum as well as a café that is open year-round. From Kungsudden, you can look out over Lake Mälaren and the restored coastal meadows. The grazed meadows attract breeding and migratory birds—a combination of royal history, waterside views and diverse birdlife.
Karl XI’s Promenade also combines a walk with views of the surroundings: the illuminated path runs through open pine forest and offers views of the town and the surrounding fields. A runestone stands along the path and is considered the only one in the innermost part of the Lake Mälaren area. Here, history meets you outdoors, set in a landscape of forest and open spaces.
Forests, Pastures and Trails
The Kungsör Trail passes through a variety of landscapes. Its northern section runs through agricultural land near Lake Mälaren, with oak pastures and coastal meadows. To the south, the surroundings are characterised by forest and scattered small farms. The trail follows a stream as it meanders towards the Arbogaån river and is signposted in both directions. There is parking for cars at the Kungsudden trailhead. If you arrive by train, you can reach the trail from Kungsör station via the waterfront promenade.
The station is on Järnvägsgatan, where buses and trains stop. From there, it is about a six- to eight-minute walk to the town centre. For further exploration, Kungsör offers a selection of walking routes and nature destinations with varied landscapes and trail lengths.
The nearby Jägaråsen Nature Reserve is 400 metres north of Kungsör and can be reached on foot or by bicycle. The area is characterised by riverside woodland, pine forest and broadleaf forest, and has several walking trails. The Drottning Kristinas ridbana labyrinth is located on the ridge. Rundelborg offers sweeping views over Lake Mälaren and the Kungs-Barkarö plain.
Three exercise trails start at the nearby Lockmora outdoor recreation centre, winding through varied woodland. They are 1.25 kilometres, two kilometres and five kilometres long. The shortest route includes a family-friendly fairy-tale trail. In winter, the five-kilometre route is prepared for cross-country skiing when there is enough snow. This makes it easy to choose a route based on its length; the winter option depends on sufficient snowfall.
Other nearby destinations offer their own highlights. The remains of a medieval fortification can be seen in Slottsholmen Nature Reserve. In Hogsta, old forest alternates with marshland; you can hike there and pick berries and mushrooms in summer or autumn. Nearby Sandskogsbacken is characterised by dense broadleaf forest and spring flowers. The rare plant Vätteros and the Muskbock beetle can also be seen there.
Culture and Special Discoveries
Kung Karls Church was built from 1690 to 1700 on the orders of Karl XI and designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger. This distinctive Baroque church bears the personal imprint of the king. Miniature Kingdom offers a different view of Swedish landscapes: the 200-square-metre display features landscapes with moving trains, lorries and buses; the model railway is built to a scale of 1:87.
Art and stage performances are also part of the cultural scene. A digital tour takes you through Kungsör’s public art. Once a year, an art and crafts safari gives visitors the chance to meet local artists and craftspeople in their workplaces. The historic Thor Modéen Theatre hosts a variety of films and major theatre productions. Kungsör also holds a film festival in spring and autumn.
Enjoy the Water and Go Swimming
Visitors can take a motorboat, sail or row on the Arbogaån river. Fishing in Lake Mälaren with hand-held gear such as a rod or casting rod is freely permitted. If you prefer to swim by the water, there are facilities to suit different needs: Skillingeudd is a swimming area on Lake Mälaren with a sandy beach, lawn, jetty and diving tower. It also has a barbecue area, changing rooms, toilets and accessible toilets.
Facilities at Botten swimming area include a jetty, outdoor shower, changing cabins, barbecue area, wind shelter and covered seating. Toilets and accessible toilets are also available. Kungsör swimming pool has a 16-metre pool, a basic cafeteria and a sauna. Outside school hours, it is open to members of the public for lane swimming and general swimming. Check the current opening times before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Kungsör, Sala, Strömsholm, Arboga, Västerås, Köping, Skinnskatteberg, Hallstahammar.
For the main travel overview: Västmanland.
