Sala: Mining History, Art and Trails by the Water

Silver was mined at Sala Silvergruva for more than 500 years on behalf of the Swedish Crown. Guided tours take you above and below ground; the site includes 48 historic buildings from different centuries. Alongside the history of mining, you can also see traces of its long architectural history. As the tour offerings may change, check the latest dates before your visit.

Mining history and the townscape

Sala’s townscape also tells the story of its development: in 1624, Sala was granted town privileges and laid out on a modern grid plan. The cobbled Stora torget was intended as a central meeting place. Kristina kyrka was built in connection with the town’s founding, constructed from granite and brick, and inaugurated in 1641. The square, grid plan and church offer different ways to explore the town’s history—from its original layout to its architecture.

Another perspective on regional history can be found at the museum at Väsby Kungsgård. Its collection includes around 7,000 objects related to the history of the area around Sala. The estate’s cultural history dates back to the 16th century, when Gustav Vasa turned the farmhouse that stood there into a royal estate. The open-air museum, which opens in summer, showcases crafts and offers a sense of how miners might have lived in the 19th century; the site is open year-round.

Art, crafts and events

Aguélimuseet displays the largest collection of works by Ivan Aguéli, including paintings and drawings. The collection also includes works by Helene Schjerfbeck, Vera Nilsson, Sven X:et Erixon, Carl Kylberg and Elli Hemberg. This gives the museum a focus on Aguéli’s work, complemented by works from other artists.

Exhibitions, music events and theatre performances, among other things, are held at Kulturkvarteret Täljstenen. In addition to Aguélimuseet, the cultural quarter includes a library, an art gallery, a forge, studios and a café. At the Smedjan forge, visitors can watch craftspeople at work. Exhibitions, performing arts and crafts are thus offered side by side.

Sala Folkets Park was founded by the labour movement in 1919, among other things for larger meetings as well as dancing, theatre and celebrations. Today, the park hosts events, dance evenings and flea markets. Music and theatre performances can take place on two large stages. If you have a particular event in mind, check the event dates before your visit.

On foot, by bike and in the great outdoors

You can play mini golf at Sala Stadspark; as park facilities may change, check the latest information before your visit. From there, follow the waterway and the Gröna gången trail to the mine and Måns Ols. Another landmark along this route is the old canal: it runs from Ekeby dammar via Gröna gången and Mellandammen to Långforsen and the Måns-Ols excursion restaurant. Trail conditions may change, so check them before setting out.

There are also options for cycling: the tourist information office in Sala offers bicycle rental, though availability may change. The signposted Sverigeleden route passes through Sala and runs close to Sala Silvergruva and Gruvbyn. Signage and the route may change, so it’s worth checking the latest route information before you ride.

In the wider region, the Mergölen nature reserve preserves traces of earlier mining activity. The rare plant hällebräcka also grows there, and its visibility varies by season. Nearby, a clearly marked mountain bike trail connects Mergölen with the nearby Aspenstorp nature reserve and Sala Silvergruva. Further afield, the Östringby nature reserve offers two walking loops of around 1.4 and 2.7 kilometres. These approximate lengths provide a concrete comparison when planning your walks; trail conditions may change.

Public transport connections to Sala Silvergruva are available from all directions. If you plan to visit the mine, you can include the journey there in your travel plans and check the latest timetable in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Möklinta, Sala, Salbohed, Broddbo, Västerfärnebo, Norberg, Fagersta, Västerås.

To the main travel overview: Västmanland.