Västerås

About Västerås

Once a bit of a side-trip for those visiting Stockholm, Västerås has now earned its place as a destination in its own right. It’s Sweden’s fifth-largest city, and as one of the oldest cities in Northern Europe it’s steeped in rich history, with Viking ruins, medieval churches, a 13th century castle and a magnificent gothic cathedral.

For a more modern pastime, you could visit Kokpunkten Waterpark. Set in an old thermal power station, this traditional building houses 8 floors of adventure, and it’s as popular with local families as it is with tourists. If you’d rather spa than slide, you can relax in its hot spring, with spectacular views of Lake Malaren. Summer is a great time to visit, especially around the national holiday of Midsommar at the end of June, which sees the streets alive with flowers, dancing and street food.