Things To Do
in Västerås

Västerås is a vibrant city located in central Sweden, known for its rich history and beautiful lakeside scenery. As one of Sweden's oldest cities, it offers a blend of modern amenities and historical architecture, including the impressive Västerås Castle. The city is situated on the shores of Lake Mälaren, providing residents and visitors with picturesque waterfront views and recreational opportunities.

With a growing cultural scene and a variety of outdoor activities, Västerås is an appealing destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Historical Västerås
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to Västerås Castle, a historic landmark with beautiful gardens. Explore the castle's exhibitions and learn about its history.

afternoon
:

After lunch, stroll through Vallby Open Air Museum, where you can experience traditional Swedish rural life and visit various historical buildings.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant along the waterfront, followed by a leisurely walk along the lake to take in the sunset.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Begin your day at the Djäkneberget Park, where you can hike up to the viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of the city and lake.

afternoon
:

Visit the Västerås Art Museum to appreciate contemporary Swedish art, followed by lunch at a nearby café.

evening
:

Experience the lively atmosphere at one of the city's pubs or bars, enjoying local craft beers and live music.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at a restaurant$15-25
Coffee$3-5
🍕Pizza$10-20
🚌Public transport ticket$3
🏨Hotel (mid-range)$100-150

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich history and beautiful architecture.
  • Access to stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
  • A friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
  • Limited public transportation options outside the city center.
  • Cold winters may deter some visitors.
  • Some attractions may have limited hours during off-peak seasons.
  • "Tack!" - Thank you!
  • "Hej!" - Hello!
  • "Ursäkta, var är toaletten?" - Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
  • "Jag förstår inte" - I don't understand.
  • "Kan jag få notan, tack?" - Can I have the bill, please?

Places to Visit in Västerås

Visit one of these nice places.

Västerås Cathedral

This stunning cathedral features beautiful architecture and intricate details, making it a perfect spot for photography.

Djäkneberget

A scenic viewpoint that provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Västerås and Lake Mälaren, especially at sunset.

Västerås Castle Gardens

The gardens surrounding the castle offer picturesque landscapes and well-maintained paths, ideal for capturing nature and historical architecture.

Culinary Guide

Food in Västerås

Västerås offers a delightful culinary scene that showcases traditional Swedish flavors as well as modern cuisine. From local dishes to international fare, food lovers will find plenty to enjoy in this charming city.

Västerås Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Swedish Meatballs

A classic dish made from ground meat, served with creamy gravy, lingonberry sauce, and mashed potatoes.

Must-Try!

Gravad Lax

Cured salmon served with mustard sauce and fresh dill, typically enjoyed as a starter.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Västerås Market

A vibrant market held weekly, offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and handmade crafts.

Climate Guide

Weather

Västerås experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and mild summers. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, averaging around -5°C (23°F), while summers can reach highs of 25°C (77°F). Rain is spread throughout the year, with July being the wettest month. Snowfall is common during winter, creating a picturesque winter landscape.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Being on time is highly valued in Swedish culture, especially for meetings and social events.

Personal Space

Swedes value personal space; maintain a respectful distance during conversations.

Quietness

Swedes tend to be quiet in public spaces; loud conversations may be frowned upon.

Safety Guide

Safety

Västerås is generally a safe city for both residents and visitors. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as being aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. It is advisable to keep valuables secure and avoid poorly lit areas at night. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112.

Tipping in Västerås

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Sweden; rounding up the bill or leaving 10% is common in restaurants.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and mobile payments via apps like Swish are popular among locals.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Spring in Västerås sees blooming flowers and mild temperatures, making it perfect for outdoor activities and festivals.

Summer

Summer offers warm weather and long days, ideal for lake activities, picnics, and outdoor dining.

Autumn

Autumn brings colorful foliage and cooler temperatures, perfect for hiking and enjoying the city's parks.

Winter

Winter can be cold and snowy, offering opportunities for winter sports and cozy indoor activities, along with holiday markets.

Nightlife Guide

Västerås at Night

Västerås boasts a lively nightlife scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and pubs catering to various tastes. The city offers a mix of traditional Swedish pubs, trendy bars, and nightclubs featuring live music and DJ performances. Popular areas for nightlife include Stora Torget and the waterfront, where visitors can enjoy drinks with a view. Many venues also host themed nights and events, providing a vibrant atmosphere for both locals and tourists.

Hiking in Västerås

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kungsbyn Nature Reserve

Just outside the city, this reserve features marked trails through beautiful landscapes, ideal for hiking and nature walks.

Vansbro Trail

A scenic hiking trail that offers a variety of terrains and stunning views of the surrounding area, suitable for all skill levels.

Airports

How to reach Västerås by plane.

Stockholm Västerås Airport (VST)

Located approximately 10 km from the city center, this airport offers flights primarily to domestic destinations and some international routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Västerås is a highly walkable city, with many attractions, restaurants, and parks located within a short walking distance from the city center. Well-maintained sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas make it easy to explore on foot. The lakeside promenade is particularly popular for leisurely walks, offering stunning views and a pleasant atmosphere. However, for longer distances, public transport or biking might be preferable.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Young Professionals

A growing demographic in Västerås, attracted by job opportunities and educational institutions.

Families

Many families reside in Västerås, drawn by its safe environment, good schools, and recreational activities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is a popular sport in Västerås, with local teams competing in the Swedish leagues, drawing enthusiastic crowds.

Football (Soccer)

Football is widely followed in the region, with several clubs and a strong community of fans supporting local teams.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Västerås is generally manageable, with peak hours during the morning and evening commute. The city has a well-developed road network, although congestion can occur near the city center. Public transportation is available with buses connecting various parts of the city, but services may be limited on weekends and evenings. Biking is also a popular mode of transport among locals.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Västerås.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants in Västerås offer vegetarian dishes, and vegan options are becoming more common.

Gluten-Free

Gluten-free options are available in most eateries; however, it is advisable to inform the staff of dietary needs.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Västerås is accessible and of high quality, with both public and private options available. The Västerås Hospital provides comprehensive medical services, including emergency care. Visitors are advised to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, as healthcare costs can be high for non-residents. Pharmacies are also readily available for minor health issues.

Discover Sweden

Read more in our Sweden 2025 Travel Guide.

Sweden Travel Guide