Västerås between archaeology, nature trails and Lake Mälaren

Anundshög is one of Sweden’s most significant archaeological sites. The site is home to Sweden’s largest burial mound, built between 500 and 1050 AD. Visitor parking, toilets and a café are available on site. Trails through the landscape also offer different perspectives on Västerås, from Badelundaåsen to the shores of Lake Mälaren.

Trails through nature and history

The Badelunda Nature and Cultural Trail starts at Anundshög, follows Badelundaåsen and passes through the old village of Tibble. The route is about 2.5 kilometres long, with information boards and an audio walk along the way. The Johannisberg Trail offers a longer route: over five kilometres, it passes through leafy woodland on Lake Mälaren and by the hillfort of Önstenborg, Johannisberg Wetland Park, Lövudden and Johannisberg Nature Reserve. The different lengths let you compare the distances directly.

On Björnön, the nature trail is about two kilometres long and leads to a ridge with wide views over Hässlösundet. The Svartå Trail offers a different landscape, following the Svartån River for several kilometres through urban and natural surroundings. There are opportunities to fish along the way, as well as enjoy nature and cultural history. The four-kilometre Mälarpromenaden route is fully lit and includes gravel and paved sections. Along this waterfront route, you can walk or cycle by the water.

The Ängsö Nature Reserve in Lake Mälaren is also part of the region’s natural landscape. It comprises 23 islands and 222 islets and skerries. Alongside the river and waterfront trails, the reserve’s many islands and skerries are another defining feature of its landscape.

On Lake Mälaren and Björnön

RIB tours, day trips and evening cruises on Lake Mälaren are available from Västerås. Elbafärjan is Västerås’s hop-on hop-off boat; its one-hour round trips stop at Östra Holmen and Öster Mälarstrand. Check the current departure times when planning your trip.

At Björnögården, Aktivt Uteliv rents outdoor and leisure equipment and offers courses and guided tours. The range includes kayaks, Canadian canoes and stand-up paddleboards, as well as kayaking courses and guided paddling tours. Mountain biking trails and groomed skating tracks in winter round out the activities listed there. At Stora Björnöbadet, you’ll find a long sandy beach, toilets, a playground and a kiosk nearby.

Historic sites and culture

Buildings and collections in the city itself also tell stories of different eras. Västerås Cathedral contains 163 intact tombstones. Västerås Castle dates back to the 13th century and is one of the city’s oldest buildings. The church ruins at Rytterne are sights along the Tidö Tourist Road in Västerås and are among Västmanland’s oldest Christian monuments. Engsö Castle dates back to the 12th century; together with the medieval Engsö Church, it offers historical and cultural experiences.

Vallby Open Air Museum presents Västmanland’s cultural history through historic settings, cultivated plants and old livestock breeds. The museum includes around 50 buildings, including some dating from the 17th century. Under the same roof, Västmanland County Museum presents the region’s history in an interactive setting, from prehistoric times to the present day. The Västerås Art Museum’s collection includes 20th-century Swedish art and contemporary art. An audio walk in Västerås introduces visitors to Kopparlunden’s industrial history and its role in Sweden’s electrification process.

Västmanlands Teater brings the performing arts to the stage with around 250 performances a year; half are intended for children and young people. Together with the archaeological sites, trails and museums, this programme is another aspect of Västerås’s cultural offering.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Västerås, Skultuna, Harkie, Köping, Kungsör, Sala, Fagersta, Skinnskatteberg.

Back to the main travel guide: Västmanland.