Västmanland between forests and industrial history

In northern Västmanland, the deep forests of Bergslagen shape the landscape; farther south lie the lake landscapes of the Mälaren Valley. There are also hills, forests, lakes and protected wetlands. For your trip, you can focus on hiking, nature watching, or cultural and industrial history. These different themes can also guide your search for a hotel stay in Västmanland.

Hiking through stages and landscapes

Bruksleden is a 25 Swedish-mile hiking route that runs through Västmanland and into southern Dalarna. It is divided into 27 stages of varying lengths. Along the way, beginners, families and hikers planning a multi-day trip can find suitable stages. The different stage lengths make it easier to adapt the scope of a hike to your own plans.

Another option is the Norberg runt hike: it is just under 20 kilometres long and combines nature, culture and history. The area around Norberg is marked by traces of centuries of mining. Västmanland also has a network of hiking and cycling trails that pass through landscapes and urban areas.

Mining, archaeology and industrial history

Silver was mined at Sala Silvergruva for more than 500 years on behalf of the Swedish Crown. Guided tours let you explore the mine above and below ground. The extensive site also includes 48 historic buildings from different centuries. This means that both the long history of silver mining and buildings from different eras are brought into focus in one place. Tour times may change; check them before your visit.

Anundshög brings archaeological significance together with practical visitor facilities. The burial mound is one of the largest in Sweden and, together with the twin ship setting, forms a monument unique to Sweden. The site can be explored independently throughout the year; temporary closures are possible. In summer, guided tours and activities for children are also offered, led by trained archaeologists. This seasonal programme may change from year to year, so it is worth checking the visiting conditions and dates in advance.

Engelsbergs bruk offers a different perspective on the past: UNESCO classifies the site as an outstanding example of a European industrial complex from the 17th to the 19th century. It includes more than 50 buildings of different ages and functions, including technological, administrative and associated residential buildings. Engelsbergs bruk is presented to the public in summer. This seasonal focus differs from Anundshög, whose grounds can generally be explored independently all year round.

Nature watching and outdoor recreation

At Hälleskogsbrännan, you can see the effects of the forest fire and observe how nature is recovering. The area has several trails, rest areas, barbecue areas and an observation tower. Wheelchair users and visitors with strollers can access the tower, but cannot go up inside it. As visitor facilities may change, it is a good idea to check the conditions before visiting.

Svartådalen is a good place for birdwatching. Thousands of migratory birds stop there in spring and autumn; white-tailed eagles also breed in the valley. The seasons therefore offer different opportunities to observe birds in the landscape. Sightings of individual animals cannot be guaranteed in the wild.

When to visit, how to get there and regional flavours

When planning your trip, you can weigh up the region’s different seasonal opportunities: migratory birds stop over in spring and autumn, while activities for children at Anundshög and the public presentation of Engelsbergs bruk take place in summer. The stages of Bruksleden also offer different options for choosing the length of a hike.

Västerås is less than an hour from Stockholm by train; timetables and connections may change. Tickets for local train and bus services can be booked at the VL customer centre at Västerås Central Station or online. Check booking options and the timetable for your travel date.

Regional produce is also among the things you can discover: Köpings Musteri is Sweden’s first commercial organic apple orchard. Beverage tastings introduce visitors to the products and how they are made. As you should check whether tastings are available before travelling, it is a good idea to look at the current visiting options.

Discover more destinations: Skinnskatteberg, Kungsör, Strömsholm, Sala, Köping, Norberg, Surahammar, Västerås, Fagersta, Arboga, Hallstahammar, Lasjö.

For the main travel overview: Sweden.