In Sala, the history of the silver mine, art and routes along the water come together. When planning your stay, you can choose from a variety of interests, from historic buildings and collections to walking and cycling routes. The mine’s water system is especially distinctive, with traces visible in the landscape and along several named routes.
Silver History and Water Landscape
Silver production may have begun as early as the 13th century. Sala was founded as a town in 1624, about 2.5 kilometres northeast of the mining area. Much of the silver mine’s historic water system has been preserved around Sala. In the old mine stable, Sala Silvergruva presents an exhibition about mining beneath the water. Väsby Kungsgård is also part of the mining history: the estate played a central role in the Crown’s control of the silver mine.
You’ll also come across waterways and dams on the routes around Sala. Gröna gången follows the waterways and dams built for the Sala Silvergruva water system. The route starts at Ekeby dammar in central Sala, passes Mellandammen and Lake Långforsen, and connects to Gruvdammsrundan at Järndammen. Ekeby dammar was originally formed by water flowing from Långforsen and later by an outflow channel from the mine.
Walking and Cycling Routes
Gruvdammsrundan starts at the outflow of Sala’s water system and heads upstream towards the Järndammen area. It focuses on the connection between mine water and the landscape; Gröna gången offers another perspective along dams and waterways. There is also a walking route around Ekeby dammar in the town park, passing many white bridges.
Sala kanal is a combined walking and cycling route between central Sala and Sala Silvergruva. It is 2.5 kilometres each way, or five kilometres there and back. The entire route is paved and lit throughout. Its clearly stated length and course between the town centre and the mine make it easy to get your bearings. Fishing at Ekeby dammar is free, except for carp fishing.
Art, Churches and Architecture
The Aguélimuseet in Sala displays the largest collection of works by Ivan Aguéli, including paintings and drawings. The museum also hosts changing exhibitions of contemporary art. Kristina kyrka offers a different cultural and historical focus: built from fieldstone and brick in the 17th century, the church was inaugurated in 1641. The pulpit, altar screen and organ loft front date from the 18th century. Ivan Aguéli’s remains lie in the church cemetery, near his birthplace.
Sala Sockenkyrka also brings together different periods: it is a fieldstone church probably built in the 14th century. Its brick vaults were painted by Albertus Pictor, and the paintings are dated to around 1465–1470. The altarpiece comes from the workshop of Master Pasquier Borman in Brussels and is dated to around 1520. At Sala f.d. varmbadhus, by contrast, the focus is on 20th-century architecture and its later protected status: the building was constructed in the 1920s, is considered a good example of Neoclassical architecture and was designated a listed building in 1988.
Väsby Kungsgård offers spaces in a historic setting for celebrations and activities both indoors and outdoors. Together, the region’s various sites bring cultural history, architecture and opportunities for use into focus, without requiring a set itinerary for the day.
Plan Your Journey
Sala railway station is served by both buses and trains. If you’re planning to use public transport to get there, check the timetables for your travel dates to coordinate your specific connection.
Discover more destinations: Salbohed, Västerfärnebo, Möklinta, Broddbo.
Back to the main travel overview: Sala.
