Holiday apartment in Västmanland: Hiking, Nature and Culture

In the north, Västmanland connects the deep forests of Bergslagen with the lake landscapes of the Mälaren Valley further south. The landscape includes hills, forests, lakes and protected wetlands. Between these diverse natural areas are long-distance hiking trails, historic mining towns, important cultural sites and destinations for birdwatching.

Nature

The Bruksleden is a 25-Swedish-mile-long hiking trail that runs through Västmanland to southern Dalarna. It is divided into 27 stages of varying lengths. On the Bruksleden, beginners, families and hikers planning a multi-day tour can find suitable stages. Another longer route is the “Norberg runt” hike: it is just under 20 kilometres long and combines nature, culture and history. The area around Norberg is also marked by fascinating traces of centuries of mining.

Hälleskogsbrännan has several trails, picnic areas, barbecue areas and an observation tower. Wheelchair users and pushchairs can access the area as far as the tower, but not up into the tower itself. Visitors can observe the effects of the forest fire there and see how nature is recovering. Svartådalen is suitable for birdwatching: thousands of migratory birds stop there in spring and autumn, and white-tailed eagles breed there.

Culture and History

Sala Silvergruva tells the story of more than 500 years of silver mining on behalf of the Swedish Crown. On guided tours, the site can be explored above and below ground. Sala Silvergruva also includes an extensive area with 48 cultural buildings from different centuries.

Anundshög is one of Sweden’s largest burial mounds. Together with the twin ship setting, it forms a monument unique in all of Sweden. The Anundshög site can be explored independently all year round. In summer, guided tours and activities for children are offered there, led by trained archaeologists.

Engelsbergs bruk preserves more than 50 buildings of different ages and functions, including technological, administrative and associated residential buildings. UNESCO classifies Engelsbergs bruk as an outstanding example of a European industrial complex from the 17th to the 19th century. In summer, Engelsbergs bruk is open to the public.

Regional Diversity

The combination of nature, regional production and urban areas also makes Västmanland diverse. Köpings Musteri is Sweden’s first commercial organic apple orchard. Beverage tastings are offered there, introducing visitors to the products and how they are made.

Västerås can be reached from Stockholm by train in less than an hour. Västmanland has a network of hiking and cycling trails that runs through landscapes and urban areas. Tickets for local train and bus services can be booked at the VL customer centre at Västerås Central Station or online.

More Regional Destinations

The following destinations are available for further regional orientation: Skinnskatteberg, Kungsör, Strömsholm, Sala, Köping, Norberg, Surahammar, Västerås, Fagersta, Arboga, Hallstahammar, Lasjö.

For the overarching travel overview: Sweden.