Experience the Best of Västerås on a Budget

Discover Sweden's hidden gem without breaking the bank in Västerås.

21 June 2023

Visitors on a limited budget can experience the rich history and culture of Västerås by exploring the numerous free museums and local landmarks. A stroll through the picturesque downtown area offers a variety of affordable eateries and cafes serving traditional Swedish cuisine. For a nature enthusiast, a trip to the nearby Lake Mälaren and scenic parks is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank.

Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring Västerås on a Budget

  • Start the day with a visit to Västerås Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that dates back to the 13th century.
  • Next, take a stroll through Kokpunkten, an old steam power station turned into a unique water park with slides plunging into giant tanks.
  • For lunch, head to Öster Mälarstrand, a picturesque waterfront promenade lined with casual restaurants and cafes, serving traditional Swedish dishes such as meatballs and smoked salmon.
  • After lunch, hit the Västerås Art Museum, home to an impressive collection of contemporary Swedish art, including works by Anders Zorn, Carl Larsson and Mamma Andersson.
  • End the day with a walk along Hemlingby trail, a scenic path bordering the shores of Lake Mälaren, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding countryside. Pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery.
  • Bon Appétit!

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.

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