Just an hour from Stockholm by train, Västerås is one of Sweden’s oldest cities — though you might not get that feeling at first glance.
The city centre is mostly made up of shopping malls and the usual Swedish chain stores, and it’s not particularly charming. But if you know where to go, there are pockets of real atmosphere.
Kyrkbacken, with its cobbled streets and wooden houses, and the area around Svartån, give you a glimpse of the old town and a slower pace.
Västerås is also quite spread out, and the railway cuts the centre off from the waterfront. That divide makes the city feel a bit disconnected, especially compared to more compact places like Norrtälje or Sigtuna.
Still, they’ve done a great job with the shoreline, and walking along the water is one of the nicer ways to experience the city.
I walked from The Steam Hotel to the Elba ferry — a simple route that actually gives you a feel for what it’s like to live here.
What to do in Västerås
You can then follow the river Svartån down towards Lake Mälaren. It’s a calm and green stretch, especially around Vasaparken, and one of the nicer parts of the city to walk through.
If you’re up for a short trip out of town, Anundshög is worth a visit. It’s Sweden’s largest burial mound and dates back more than a thousand years. Another nearby destination is Strömsholm Palace, a royal residence with 18th-century interiors and views of the surrounding countryside.
A Boat Trip on Lake Mälaren
One of the best things to do in Västerås during summer is to take the Elba ferry out to the nearby islands in Lake Mälaren. The boat departs from the outlet of the Svartån river, just past the city centre, and loops between several stops depending on the weather
The main attraction is Östra Holmen, a laid-back island with a sandy beach and a small café. When I visited, it was windy and quiet, but I can imagine it gets busy on warm summer days.
The whole trip is low-key and well organised — there were public toilets on the island, and the crew was helpful with route info. If there’s a particular stop you want to make, it’s worth asking in advance since the route can change depending on wind conditions.
Even the boat ride itself is a nice way to get a different view of Västerås and the lake. I’d recommend it as an easy day trip if you’re visiting in late spring or summer.
Things to Do in Västerås with Kids
Another favourite for families is Kungsbyn, a small animal park where you can see moose, alpacas and other Nordic wildlife up close. It’s a good mix of education and entertainment, especially for younger kids.
For older children or teens, there’s a high ropes course in Björkön, south of the city, with different levels of difficulty. There’s also Prison Island in central Västerås, where small teams work through physical and mental challenges in different themed rooms, a bit like an escape room meets a TV game show.
Where to eat in Västerås
Västerås has a solid mix of restaurants, and while much of the city centre is fairly standard, there are a few places that stand out.
Kajplats 9 is a bit more on the upscale side, with a focus on fish and seafood. The setting is great too, right by the harbour with views over Lake Mälaren. If you’re visiting Sweden and want to try something local, their pickled herring plate is a classic. It’s not for everyone, but it’s one of those dishes that feels very Swedish.
For something cozier, Limone Ristorante in the centre is a great pick. It’s an Italian place with homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza and fresh seafood. The interior is warm and welcoming, and it really does feel like you’ve stepped out of Sweden for a moment.
Another good option is Djäknebergets Restaurang, located on a hill overlooking the city. It’s more casual and has a wide-ranging menu, from fish and seafood to steak and pasta, plus a big terrace with great views on clear days.
My top hotel pick in Västerås
I stayed at Hotell Arkad last time I visited Västerås, and I’d definitely book it again. It’s in a quiet spot just outside the centre, so it’s close to everything but still peaceful. The room was spacious and comfortable, with a simple and slightly old-fashioned charm.
What really stood out was the breakfast. The bread was still warm when I came down in the morning, and even if the selection wasn’t huge, everything felt fresh and well chosen. For the price, it was more than I expected — and in a good way.
Getting to Västerås
The easiest way to get to Västerås is by train from Stockholm. The ride takes about an hour, and trains run regularly throughout the day. It’s smooth and straightforward — just hop on at Stockholm Central and get off in the middle of town.
If you’re driving, the trip takes around the same time depending on traffic. Having a car can be useful if you plan to visit places outside the city, like Anundshög or Strömsholm Palace.
