The Ultimate 5-Day Adventure in Västerås, Sweden

Discover the stunning beauty of Västerås, Sweden's hidden gem.

22 April 2023

As a tourist, a trip to Västerås provides a unique opportunity to explore Sweden's rich history and culture. Visitors can marvel at the impressive Västerås Cathedral and learn about the city's Viking heritage at the Anundshög burial mounds. The city also offers a range of modern attractions, including museums, art galleries, and outdoor activities like kayaking and biking.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival in Västerås

  • Check into the Clarion Collection Hotel Etage, a stylish boutique hotel with a complimentary evening buffet.
  • Explore the city's green spaces, such as the scenic Björnö nature reserve, lush parks and gardens.
  • Take a stroll down the picturesque streets of the Old Town, brimming with historic buildings and shops.
  • Visit the Västerås Cathedral, a stunning landmark with a history dating back to the 12th century.
  • Have dinner at Forno Romano, a cozy pizzeria with authentic Italian flavors and a warm atmosphere.
Day 2

Culture and Creativity

  • Start the day with a visit to the Art Museum, showcasing contemporary Nordic art, paintings, sculptures and photographs.
  • Admire the beauty of the Botanical Garden with its exotic plants, greenhouses and a Japanese-inspired garden.
  • Take a tour of the Concert Hall, one of Sweden's premier music venues, and catch a performance by a local or international artist.
  • Learn about the city's industrial heritage at the Steam Engine Museum, where you can see the engines in action.
  • Grab a bite to eat at Café Nyfiket, a charming café with a vintage feel, serving freshly baked pastries and sandwiches.
Day 3

Island Hopping

  • Take a ferry to the nearby island of Västerås Mälaren, a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and picnics.
  • Enjoy the stunning views of Lake Mälaren and the surrounding countryside on a guided tour through the island's nature reserves and hiking trails.
  • Rent a bike and explore the picturesque island on two wheels, discovering historical sites, quaint villages and secluded beaches.
  • Drop by Lilla Sandhamn, a cozy café with an outdoor terrace, for a cup of coffee and a pastry.
  • Head back to the mainland and have dinner at The English Pub, a lively watering hole with a broad selection of beers and pub grub.
Day 4

Innovative Foodie Scene

  • Visit the Farmers' Market Square, buzzing with energy and featuring fresh produce, local delicacies and handmade crafts.
  • Stop by the Aros Congress Center, host to the annual Taste of Vasteras festival, showcasing the best in local cuisine.
  • Take a guided food tour of the city's culinary hotspots, tasting traditional Swedish dishes, fusion cuisine and international flavors.
  • Check out the city's thriving craft beer scene, visiting the likes of the Bishop's Arms, with over 20 beers on tap.
  • Grab a bite at Pinchos, a trendy tapas restaurant with a unique ordering system and a lively atmosphere.
Day 5

Outdoor Excursions

  • Take a day trip to the nearby Kolbäcksån River, a scenic destination for canoeing, fishing and hiking.
  • Explore the region's numerous lakes and pristine forests, with options for guided kayaking tours and wildlife spotting.
  • Visit the Skultuna Brass Works, a historic factory producing brassware since the 17th century, with a museum and shop.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Eskilstuna River, taking in the scenic view.
  • End the trip on a high note with dinner at Hemma Hos, a cozy restaurant serving Swedish classics, using locally sourced ingredients.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Västerås by plane is to fly into Stockholm Arlanda Airport and then take a train or bus to Västerås. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Car

The best way to get to Västerås by car is to take the E18 highway from Stockholm. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Train

There is a direct train from Stockholm to Västerås. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. You can take the train from Stockholm Central station.

Boat

There are no direct routes to Västerås by boat, but you can take a ferry from Helsinki, Finland to Stockholm and then take a train or bus to Västerås. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by ferry and another 1 hour and 15 minutes to Västerås.

Bus

The best way to get to Västerås by bus is to take the Flygbussarna bus from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Västerås. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. You can also take the local bus from Eskilstuna or Uppsala.

More travel plans

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