Things To Do
in Västerås
Västerås sits on the southern shore of Lake Mälaren, blending industrial heritage with modern culture. The city is known for landmarks like Västerås Cathedral and Anundshögen, Sweden's oldest burial mound near the city. Its compact center, lakeside promenades, and easy access to nature make it ideal for short breaks and family trips.
Rich in history and with a relaxed pace, Västerås serves as a welcoming gateway to central Sweden.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day wandering through the cobblestone lanes of Gamla Staden under soft morning light. Admire pastel facades of historic townhouses and peek into quaint antique shops. Pause at Kongs kaffestuga for a traditional Swedish cinnamon bun and coffee.
Visit Vasteras Cathedral to admire its twin spires and ornate interior. Browse local boutiques and souvenir shops near Stora Torget. Enjoy lunch at a cozy bistro overlooking the town square.
Dine by the waterfront at the atmospheric Fiskmagasinet restaurant and savor fresh fish dishes. After dinner, take a twilight stroll along the river promenade and watch the city lights reflect on the water. Conclude the evening with a leisurely drink at a riverside bar.
Board a small cruise boat at Vasteras harbor for a scenic Lake Malaren tour. Glide past forested islands while listening to enthralling tales of Viking lore. Spot waterfowl such as swans and grebes along the tranquil shoreline.
Disembark at the Anundshog archaeological park to explore Swedens largest burial mound. Join a guided walk among Bronze Age stone ship settings and rune stones. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch on the grassy slopes with panoramic lake views.
Return to the city center for a wine tasting at a local wine bar. Sample Swedish cheeses and charcuterie while discussing the days discoveries. End the night with a craft beer on the outdoor terrace of Malarpaviljongen.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at a café | $3-5 |
| 🚌Public transport ticket (single ride) | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night) | $90-150 |
| 🛒Milk or loaf of bread (regular grocery item) | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable city with lake views
- Rich history and easy access to nature
- Friendly locals and strong cafe culture
- Good public transport links to Stockholm and beyond
- Smaller city feel may mean fewer big-city amenities
- Lodging can be pricier in peak tourist season
- Weather can be variable with long winters
- Some attractions are a short drive from the city center
- "Hej" - Hello
- "Tack" - Thank you
- "Ursäkta" - Excuse me
- "Var ligger toaletten?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Kan du hjälpa mig?" - Could you help me?
- "Hur mycket kostar det?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in Västerås
Visit one of these nice places.
Europe's largest burial mound, surrounded by forest trails and views across Mälaren's pastures.
Gothic-era cathedral with a tall spire and ornate interiors, ideal for architecture photography.
Bold architecture by the river with interesting reflections and art installations.
Vibrant city square with colorful facades and sunset views along the lake promenade.
Lush greenery, stone bridges, and historic streets perfect for candid and landscape shots.
Food in Västerås
Västerås Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic meatballs with potatoes, lingonberries, cream sauce, and pickled cucumber found in many local eateries.
Must-Try!
Cured salmon with mustard-dill sauce, commonly served with bread or potatoes.
Potato pancakes fried crisp, traditionally topped with fried pork or bacon and lingonberries.
Seasoned herring served with rye bread, sour cream, and onions.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A covered market offering seafood, cheeses, breads, and ready-to-eat Swedish specialties; great for sampling local produce.
Seasonal stalls along the lakefront offering snacks, coffee, and pastries during warmer months.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Swedes typically greet with a friendly hello (hej) and may use du (you) in casual settings; punctuality is valued.
Respect lines and keep appropriate personal space; speak in a calm, polite tone in public.
Enjoying coffee and pastries with friends is part of daily life; take time to relax and chat.
Safety
Tipping in Västerås
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not expected in Sweden; if service is good, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated but not required.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; mobile payments (Swish) are very common; cash is accepted but less common in some places.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with budding trees; pack layers and bring an umbrella for showery weather.
Warm days, long daylight hours, and outdoor markets; ideal for lake activities and photography at golden hour.
Colorful foliage and cooler temps; great for city walks and marshland hikes.
Cold, snowy and occasionally icy; plan for indoor activities and dress warmly for outdoor exploring.
Västerås at Night
Hiking in Västerås
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest and field trails around the famous burial mound, suitable for day hikes.
Forested area with easy to moderate trails, ideal for short hikes and birdwatching.
Riverside paths with opportunities for scenic walks and photography.
Airports
How to reach Västerås by plane.
Major international hub about 1.5-2 hours by train/car from Västerås.
City airport serving domestic and short international flights; approx. 1.5 hours by train/car.
Smaller regional airport about 60-70 km from Västerås offering European connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, students from Mälardalen University, and professionals.
A sizable student population from Mälardalen University and nearby colleges.
Growing communities from Eastern Europe and parts of Asia and the Middle East.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Västerås has local clubs and a thriving amateur scene; matches draw city-wide support.
Popular during winter months with local teams and indoor arenas.
A common sport in community clubs and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Västerås.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most places offer meat-free options; look for veggie plates or request substitutions like mushrooms or legumes.
Vegan dishes are increasingly available, especially in cafés; ask for dairy-free accommodations and plant-based substitutes.
Gluten-free bread and pasta options can be found in many eateries; inform staff of dietary needs and check for cross-contamination.