Silver was mined at Sala Silvergruva for the Swedish Crown for more than 500 years. Today, guided tours are offered above and below ground. Check which tours are currently available before your visit. The site includes 48 historic buildings from different centuries. This broadens the view beyond silver mining to buildings from different eras.

From mining to the cityscape

Sala received its town charter in 1624 and was laid out in a modern grid pattern. The paved Stora torget was intended as a central meeting place. The town plan and square offer a distinctive perspective on Sala’s history: the focus here is on the design of a town and its former meeting places, while the mine tells a story of a long mining history.

Kristina kyrka is also part of this story. Built of grey stone and brick, it was constructed in connection with the town’s founding and inaugurated in 1641. The years 1624 and 1641 mark different points in the town’s history: the town charter and grid pattern on the one hand, and the church’s inauguration on the other.

Art and cultural venues

Aguélimuseet displays the largest collection of works by Ivan Aguéli, including paintings and drawings. The collection also includes works by Helene Schjerfbeck, Vera Nilsson, Sven X:et Erixon, Carl Kylberg and Elli Hemberg. The art offering is therefore not limited to one artist, but also encompasses works by other prominent names.

Kulturkvarteret Täljstenen complements the museum with a library, an art gallery, a smithy, studios and a café. Events held there include exhibitions, music events and theatre. At the Smedjan smithy, you can watch craftspeople at work. If you want to combine your visit with a particular event, check the current programme in advance.

Sala Folkets Park tells a different story: the labour movement founded the park in 1919, in part for large gatherings as well as dancing, theatre and festivities. Today, Sala Folkets Park hosts events, dance evenings and flea markets. Music and theatre performances can take place on two large stages. The park’s founding story makes it another cultural venue with its own historical significance.

Regional history and trails

Väsby Kungsgård offers a glimpse into the history of the region around Sala. The museum has around 7,000 objects. The estate’s cultural history dates back to the 16th century, when Gustav Vasa transformed the farm of the time into a royal estate. The open-air summer museum showcases crafts and gives an idea of how miners might have lived in the 19th century. The site is open year-round; seasonal activities may vary.

There are also various ways to explore on foot. From Sala City Park, you can follow the waterside path and Gröna gången to the mine and Måns Ols. You can also play mini golf in the park. The old canal runs from Ekeby dammar via Gröna gången and Mellandammen to Långforsen and the Måns-Ols excursion destination. Before setting out on a specific trip, it is worth checking the latest information about paths and access.

For a cycling trip, the signposted Sverigeleden route passes through Sala and close to Sala Silvergruva and Gruvbyn. The tourist information office in Sala offers bicycle rental; if you are planning to rent a bike for a specific date, check the current offering. Public transport connections to Sala Silvergruva are available from all directions. Routes and operators may change, so it is a good idea to check the latest connections before travelling.

Further afield in the region, Mergölen Nature Reserve preserves traces of past mining activity. The rare plant hällebräcka also grows there; when it can be seen varies by season. A clearly marked mountain biking trail connects Mergölen with the nearby Aspenstorp Nature Reserve and Sala Silvergruva. Further afield, Östringby Nature Reserve offers two walking loops, approximately 1.4 and 2.7 kilometres long. The route lengths give you a concrete basis for comparison when planning, without specifying a walking time. Signage and trail conditions may change; check the latest information before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Sala, Salbohed, Möklinta, Broddbo, Västerfärnebo, Västerås, Kungsör, Fagersta.

Return to the regional travel overview: Västmanland.