Västmanland Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more with this comprehensive travel guide to Västmanland in Sweden.


Introduction to Västmanland

Located in the heart of Svealand, Västmanland is a picturesque county in Sweden that is characterized by its beautiful countryside, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. Known for its lush forests, pristine lakes, and stunning landscapes, Västmanland is the perfect destination for travelers who want to explore the great outdoors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey through Västmanland, introducing you to the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Västmanland

Västmanland is home to many charming cities, towns, and villages, each with its own unique character and charm. Here are some of the must-visit places in Västmanland:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Anundshög - the largest tumulus in Sweden located in Västerås
  • Västerås Castle - an impressive 13th-century castle in Västerås
  • Engsö Castle - a 17th-century castle in Sala
  • Sala Silver Mine - an old silver mine turned into a tourist attraction in Sala
  • Kokpunkten Water Park - a unique water park built in an old steam power plant in Västerås
  • Carl Larsson-gården - the home of famous artist Carl Larsson in Sundborn

Natural Attractions of Västmanland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Mälaren - Sweden’s third-largest lake, perfect for fishing and boating
  • Kungsleden - a popular hiking trail in the wilderness of Västmanland
  • Bergslagsleden - a 280 km-long trail that passes through forests, fields, and lakes in Västmanland
  • Tyttbo Rapids - scenic rapids and waterfalls on the Kolbäcksån river
  • Safsen Ski Resort - a family-friendly ski resort with slopes and cross-country skiing trails in Ludvika
  • Malingsbo-Kloten Nature Reserve - a stunning nature reserve known for its pristine forests, lakes, and rivers

Hiking/Biking Routes of Västmanland

Västmanland is home to some of the most picturesque hiking and biking routes in Sweden. Here are our top picks:

  • Grönklitt Trail - a 10 km-long hiking trail with stunning views of Lake Barken
  • Sörmlandsleden - a 1000 km-long trail that passes through Västmanland’s wilderness, forests, and lakes
  • Eskilstuna City Trail - a 13 km-long trail that takes you through the historic town of Eskilstuna
  • Bergslagsleden - a 280 km-long trail that passes through forests, fields, and lakes in Västmanland
  • Björnö Trails - a network of mountain biking trails in Västerås

Best Things to Do in Västmanland: Activities and Tours

Västmanland offers a wide range of activities and tours for travelers looking for adventure and fun. Here are some of the best things to do in Västmanland:

  • Kayaking on Lake Mälaren - a relaxing way to explore Sweden’s third-largest lake
  • Horseback riding - a great way to see the countryside of Västmanland
  • Cross-country skiing - an exciting way to explore Västmanland in winter
  • Dog sledding - experience the thrill of racing through the snow with a team of huskies
  • Fishing - Lake Mälaren is known for its great fishing opportunities

Week-Long Itinerary for Västmanland

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Västmanland, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit Anundshög and Västerås Castle
2 Explore Sala Silver Mine and Engsö Castle
3 Hike Grönklitt Trail and go kayaking on Lake Barken
4 Visit Carl Larsson-gården and Kokpunkten Water Park
5 Ski at Safsen Ski Resort and go dog sledding
6 Visit Tyttbo Rapids and go fishing on Lake Mälaren
7 Explore the Malingsbo-Kloten Nature Reserve

Food and Drink Scene of Västmanland

No trip to Västmanland is complete without sampling some of the local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Raggmunk - a traditional Swedish potato pancake served with lingonberries and bacon
  • Smörgåstårta - a layered sandwich cake made with shrimp or salmon, eggs, and mayonnaise
  • Falukorv - a sausage made from pork, beef, and potato starch

Local Beverages

  • Västerås Bryggeri - a local microbrewery known for its craft beers
  • Svartådalen cider - a local cider made from apples grown in the Svartådalen valley

Where to Stay in Västmanland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Västmanland offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay in Västmanland:

  • Elite Stadshotellet Västerås - a luxurious hotel housed in a historic building in the center of Västerås
  • Hotell Gillet i Köping - a charming hotel in Köping’s old town
  • Låsta Farm Hotel - a family-run hotel located in a picturesque countryside setting
  • Bjurfors Hotell & Konferens - a modern hotel with great amenities in Eskilstuna

What to Buy in Västmanland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs and local products to bring home from Västmanland, here are some great options:

  • Dalahäst - a traditional wooden horse figurine from the Dalarna region
  • Swedish glassware - renowned for its beauty and craftsmanship
  • Västmanland honey - a delicious local honey that is perfect for sweetening tea or drizzling over bread

Local Culture and Customs of Västmanland

Västmanland has a rich cultural heritage, with traditions that date back centuries. Swedes value punctuality, honesty, and modesty, and you’ll find that people in Västmanland are friendly, welcoming, and always willing to lend a helping hand.

Best Time to Visit Västmanland

The best time to visit Västmanland is from May to September when the weather is mild, and the days are long. The summer months are the perfect time for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of Västmanland.

Do’s and Don’ts of Västmanland

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Västmanland:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine
  • Bring comfortable shoes for hiking and other outdoor activities
  • Respect the environment and follow leave-no-trace principles

Don’t:

  • Be late for appointments
  • Leave trash behind in nature areas
  • Be loud and disruptive in public places

Safety and Health

Safety in Västmanland

Västmanland is a safe destination for travelers. However, you should still take normal precautions like not leaving valuables unattended and being aware of your surroundings when exploring the cities and towns of Västmanland.

Health in Västmanland

Sweden has an excellent healthcare system, and medical care is readily available in Västmanland. It is advisable to take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical care and repatriation in case of an emergency.

Getting to Västmanland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Västmanland

The closest airports to Västmanland are Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Stockholm Västerås Airport, both of which are well-connected to other major airports in Europe and the world.

Bus Stations Near Västmanland

Västmanland is served by a comprehensive network of regional and local bus services, with the major towns and cities connected by regular bus services.

Other Options

If you prefer to drive, Västmanland is well-connected to the Swedish road network, with major highways connecting Västmanland to other parts of the country.

How to Get Around in Västmanland

The best way to explore Västmanland is by car, which will give you the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. Additionally, Västmanland has an excellent network of bike paths and hiking trails, which make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Where to Go Next from Västmanland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore other destinations in Sweden, here are some suggestions:

  • Stockholm - the capital of Sweden is just a short train ride away from Västmanland and is a must-visit destination for first-time visitors to Sweden.
  • Uppsala - a historic university town with beautiful architecture, museums, and parks.
  • Örebro - a charming town located on the banks of Lake Hjälmaren, known for its castle and rich cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Västmanland is a beautiful destination that offers something for everyone, from the great outdoors to rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Västmanland is the perfect destination for your next vacation. We hope this comprehensive guide has given you all the information you need to plan your trip to Västmanland with confidence.



    Arboga
    Fagersta
    Hallstahammar
    Hällefors and Grythyttan
    Nora
    Sala