Anundshög is home to Sweden’s largest burial mound. It was built between 500 and 1050 AD; the archaeological site is one of the most significant in the country. Visitor parking, toilets and a café are available. Those interested in early history will find a tangible starting point here for discovering Västerås through its museums and historic buildings, too.
Trails between forest, water and history
The Badelunda nature and culture trail starts at Anundshög, follows Badelundaåsen and passes through the old village of Tibble. The route is about 2.5 kilometres long and has information boards and an audio walk. The five-kilometre Johannisberg Loop offers a different distance and landscape: it runs through deciduous forest along Lake Mälaren and passes the hillfort Önstenborg, Johannisberg Wetland Park, Lövudden and Johannisberg Nature Reserve.
The nature trail on Björnön is about two kilometres long and leads to a ridge with expansive views over Hässlösundet. The four-kilometre Mälarpromenaden, meanwhile, follows the shoreline; its fully lit sections have either gravel or a paved surface. Here you can walk or cycle by the water. Svartåstråket offers a different contrast: the trail follows the Svartån River for several kilometres through urban and natural landscapes. Along the way, there are opportunities for fishing as well as experiences in nature and cultural history.
The different lengths and trail profiles make it easier to choose: Badelunda Trail combines an archaeological setting with a village and information boards, while the Johannisberg Loop brings together woodland and several named stops. For a shoreline route with paved and gravel sections, consider Mälarpromenaden; Svartåstråket combines the river with urban and natural landscapes.
Lake Mälaren from the shore and the water
The Ängsö Nature Reserve in Lake Mälaren encompasses 23 islands as well as 222 islets and skerries. These figures give an impression of the diversity of the lake’s islands and skerries. Kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent at Björnögården, which also offers kayaking courses and guided paddling tours. Outdoor and recreational equipment can also be rented there, and courses and guided tours booked. Mountain bike trails and groomed ice-skating tracks in winter round out the activities.
At Stora Björnöbadet, you’ll find a long sandy beach, toilets, a playground and a nearby kiosk. RIB tours, day trips and evening cruises on Lake Mälaren are available from Västerås. Elbafärjan is Västerås’ hop-on, hop-off boat: its round trips last one hour, with stops at Östra Holmen and Öster Mälarstrand. If you’re planning a trip, check the timetable in advance.
City history and cultural sites
The buildings, too, tell stories of different eras. Västerås Castle dates back to the 13th century and is one of the city’s oldest buildings. Västerås Cathedral contains 163 intact gravestones. The Rytterne church ruins lie along the Tidö Tourist Route in Västerås and are among Västmanland’s oldest Christian monuments. Engsö Castle dates back to the 12th century; together with the medieval Engsö Church, it offers historical and cultural experiences.
At Vallby Open-Air Museum, Västmanland’s cultural history is presented through historic settings, cultivated plants and old livestock breeds. The museum comprises about 50 buildings, including structures dating from the 17th century. The Västmanland County Museum is located under the same roof and presents Västmanland interactively, from prehistoric times to the present day. Art lovers can find 20th-century Swedish art and contemporary art at Västerås Art Museum.
An audio walk in Västerås introduces visitors to the industrial history of Kopparlunden and its role in Sweden’s electrification process. The science centre offers more than 100 interactive experiments on sound, light, water, electricity and balance. The performing arts are also part of the cultural scene: Västmanlands Teater stages around 250 performances a year, half of them for children and young people.
Events and local highlights
Västerås Street Food takes place every year. Visitors can experience food cultures from around the world at food trucks. Vin i Västerås is an annual wine and delicacies fair; Smakfullt is a food and drink fair that is also held annually. For specific visit plans, it’s worth checking the dates for each event.
Discover more destinations: Västerås, Skultuna, Harkie, Hallstahammar, Sala, Kungsör, Köping, Fagersta.
For the regional travel overview: Västmanland.
