Attractions and Places To See around Västerås - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Västerås offers a diverse range of experiences, from ancient burial sites to historical castles. Situated on the shores of Lake Mälaren, Sweden's third-largest lake, the city combines historical significance with natural landscapes. Visitors can explore landmarks, cultural sites, and natural areas. The region provides opportunities for both historical exploration and outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Västerås
- The most popular attractions is Strömsholm Palace, a royal palace. It features historical sights and gardens, and was historically a riding and driving academy.
- Another must-see spot is Kyrkbacken Historic Wooden District, a historical site with older wooden houses. This district offers a glimpse into the city's past with its maze of winding streets.
- Visitors also love Västerås Cathedral, a religious building. This Gothic cathedral, with parts dating back to the 13th century, is the tallest building in Västerås at 91.8 meters.
- Västerås is known for its historical sites, natural features like Lake Mälaren, and cultural attractions. The area offers a variety of places to see and explore, from ancient landmarks to museums.
- The attractions around Västerås are appreciated by the komoot community, with 25 upvotes and 46 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Västerås Cathedral
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Sigurd Carving
Highlight • Historical Site
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Kyrkbacken Historic Wooden District
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Sundbyholm Castle
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Today it is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️hotel and conference center.
sundbyholms-slott.se/en
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Aseaströmmen Bronze Sculpture
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Tips from the Community
A masterpiece with a long history, good explanations and many details
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Kyrkbacken, the church hill, is a district of older wooden houses in a maze of winding streets next to Rudbeckianska High School and the cathedral. Until the 17th century, the hilly area north of the cathedral was called "Backerne" and formed the northern outer boundary of the city. The area was divided into a more middle-class part in the south and a slum area in the north. The south was inhabited by church people, teachers and priests, while the north was populated by the poor, the despised and the lowly. Although the rest of Västerås was urbanistically laid out in a regular, modern street network in the 19th century, no effort was made to change Kyrkbacken. The area therefore lives on with a charming jumble of alleys and characterful wooden houses that give us a glimpse of life here several centuries ago.
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Bengt-Göran Broström's bronze sculpture "Aseaströmmen" on Stora Torget depicts cyclists. Work began in 1985 and the sculpture was inaugurated in 1989. It features eight cyclists cast in bronze riding on a polished, twelve-meter-long granite wall that serves as a pedestal. At the end of the pedestal sits a conductor looking out at the cyclists, who also cycle through time, as their clothing shows: it ranges from models from the 1930s to the 1950s.
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Västerås Cathedral, now a five-aisled cathedral, was originally built in the 13th century on the site of a presumably wooden predecessor church and consecrated on August 16, 1271. A number of extensions followed until 1517. The tower and outer roof were given their current appearance when rebuilt after a fire in the 1690s. The exterior in general and the interior are largely influenced by reconstruction and remodeling carried out in 1856-1861, 1896-1898 and 1958-1961. The Swedish King Erik XIV, who reigned from 1560 to 1568, is buried in the church. The cathedral is the tallest building in Västerås at 91.8 metres; the church is the 16th tallest building in Sweden.
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A legend carved in stone. Who might the artist have been? What tools were used to work the hard rock.
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The castle on the headland in Lake Märlaren has a lot of history to offer. The very well-kept grounds and the building now serve as a conference venue for events.
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What an interesting place. Who engraved this image into the hard rock with which tools 1000 years ago? An entire legend carved in stone. The Sigurd legend. The nature reserve is also a real hiking highlight.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Västerås?
Västerås offers a rich history. You can visit the impressive Västerås Cathedral, a Gothic structure with parts dating back to the 13th century, which also houses the royal grave of King Erik XIV. Another significant site is the Kyrkbacken Historic Wooden District, a charming area with winding streets and older wooden houses that provide a glimpse into the city's past. Further afield, Strömsholm Palace offers historical sights and gardens, and was historically a riding academy.
Are there any museums in Västerås focusing on local history or culture?
Yes, Västerås has several museums. The Vallby Open Air Museum showcases the cultural history of Västmanland with traditional buildings and craft demonstrations. You can also visit the Västmanlands County Museum (Karlsgatan 2) to delve into the broader history and culture of the county, including ancient treasures. For a unique experience, Frösåkers Brygga is an open-air museum featuring antique and reconstructed Viking ships.
Where can I see ancient Viking-era history near Västerås?
For a deep dive into Viking-era history, visit Anundshög, Sweden's largest burial mound. This significant site from the Late Iron Age features ship graveyards, massive barrows, rune stones, and a stone labyrinth. It was a power center during the Middle Ages. Additionally, Frösåkers Brygga offers an intriguing collection of reconstructed Viking ships.
What natural areas are good for outdoor activities in Västerås?
The Björnö Outdoor Recreation Area (Björnön) is a popular nature spot with beautiful trails for running and biking, a high-altitude course, and waters for canoeing. It's a nature reserve perfect for hiking and wildlife observation. Lake Mälaren, on which Västerås is situated, also offers numerous recreational opportunities, including waterside views, bathing, and in winter, ice skating on plowed tracks.
Are there hiking opportunities near Västerås attractions?
Absolutely! You can find various hiking trails around Västerås. For example, the Björnö Outdoor Recreation Area offers beautiful nature trails. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Västerås, which include trails like the Utörundan Loop and the Gröna Stigen & Lake Mälaren loop.
Can I go cycling around Västerås?
Yes, Västerås and its surroundings are great for cycling. You can find various routes, from easy to difficult. For instance, there are road cycling routes like the 'Markan Café – Strömsholm Palace loop' or the 'Water and Air Station – Skerike Golf Club loop'. You can discover more options on the road cycling guide for Västerås.
What are some family-friendly attractions in Västerås?
Families will enjoy Kokpunkten Actionbad, Västerås' premier adventure water park with exhilarating slides and pools. Kungsbyn Animal Park is a small but well-run zoo highly recommended for families. The Björnö Outdoor Recreation Area also offers a challenging high-altitude course and canoeing, suitable for active families. Many historical sites like Sundbyholm Castle also have grounds suitable for family visits.
Are there any unique or unusual places to stay or visit in the Västerås area?
For a truly unique experience, consider the Utter Inn, a floating hotel on Lake Mälaren that offers a blend of nature and comfort. The Steam Hotel, converted from an old power plant, provides distinctive accommodation with unique interior design. You can also visit Frösåkers Brygga, an open-air museum with Viking ships, or explore the historic brass foundry in Skultuna.
What can I do on Lake Mälaren?
Lake Mälaren offers a variety of activities. You can enjoy waterside views, go for a swim at locations like Sundbyholm Castle, or use one of the several fireplaces. Canoeing is popular, and you can explore the Mälaren archipelago with the Elba Ferry. In winter, the lake provides excellent conditions for ice skating on its plowed tracks.
Are there any parks for relaxation or walks in Västerås?
Västerås boasts several beautiful parks. Djäkneberget is an inner-city park with lovely vegetation and places to eat, perfect for summer. The Västerås City Park (Stadsparken), founded in 1890, is known for its beautiful flora and is a great spot for relaxation. Notuddsparken, located by Lake Mälaren, is also picturesque and ideal for outdoor activities. The Botaniska Trädgården (Botanical Garden) is Sweden's oldest garden planted for botany students.
What is the Aseaströmmen Bronze Sculpture?
The Aseaströmmen Bronze Sculpture on Stora Torget is a notable piece of public art by Bengt-Göran Broström. It depicts eight cyclists cast in bronze, riding on a twelve-meter-long granite wall. The sculpture, inaugurated in 1989, showcases cyclists from different eras (1930s-1950s) and is considered a wheelchair-accessible monument.
Can I find mountain biking trails near Västerås?
Yes, there are mountain biking trails available around Västerås. You can explore routes like the 'Framnäs–Björnön Forest Trail' or the 'Lajvfort loop'. For a comprehensive list of options, refer to the MTB Trails around Västerås guide.
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Most popular attractions around Västerås
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