Welcome to Västerås Mälarstaden

Västerås is 100 km from Stockholm, which only takes 53 minutes by train.

Västerås has three magnificent castles, Sweden’s biggest ancient burial mound, Vallby Open Air Museum, which is one of Sweden’s biggest, a cathedral that’s received three stars in the Michelin Guide, plus wonderful beach walks, cosy restaurants and cafes. Västerås annually hosts Power Big Meet, which is Europe’s biggest American car show.

There is a huge range of hotels. Västerås has two of the world’s most exciting hotels, the underwater hotel Utter Inn, where you stay 3 m underwater and Hotel Hackspett, where you have magnificent views from the tallest oak tree in Vasaparken.

Vast choice of shopping. H&M was founded in Västerås. Here you’ll find everything from districts with specialist boutiques to large shopping arcades with well-known chain stores. The city also has a shopping centre with large stores like IKEA. A popular tourist attraction is Skultuna Messingsbruk (brass works) with its factory shops offering Swedish brands like Orrefors, Kosta Boda and Snö of Sweden.

Västerås Archipelago. Västerås is situated alongside Lake Mälaren with easy access by boat from the city to the restaurant island of Elba and the island of Östra holmen, favoured by holidaymakers wanting sun and swimming. The archipelago has 332 islands, providing something for all tastes. Västerås has many lakeside nature reserves like Björnön, Engsö and the area around Askö-Tidö. Asköviken is one of the country’s best-loved lakes for birds.

History. Västerås is one of Sweden’s oldest cities with a royal seal dating back to the 13th century. There are many sights that are worth a guided tour. Västerås Cathedral with its oldest parts from the 13th century is well worth seeing. Another sight worth seeing is “kyrkbacken” next to the church with its town plans and facades preserved as they would have been in the 18th century. Västerås Castle was where King Gustav Vasa held the reformation parliament of 1527. This was when Sweden denounced Catholicism and became Protestant. You can book a Västerås guide here. We will guide you through the history of kyrkbacken and down to the harbour and into the future where Västerås is developing on the banks of Lake Mälaren. You choose what you want to see and how long you want the guide for. We can advise you about what will make your visit memorable and full of experiences. Prices from SEK 900 per hour.

Contact

Västerås Tourist Information
Visiting address: Kopparbergsvägen 1
Phone: +46(0)21-390100
E-mail: malarstaden@vasteras.se
www.visit-vasteras.com