Visit Västerås in the autumn – tips for the perfect weekend
Set on the shores of Lake Mälaren, Västerås is an excellent choice for an autumn weekend, when the air turns crisp and the landscape slips into richer colours. Here, culture and history sit comfortably alongside lively neighbourhoods and nature close at hand. Whether you’re travelling over the autumn half-term with plans from morning to night, or opting for a quieter weekend break with time to linger a little longer, there’s plenty to do. Here are our best tips on things to do in Västerås as autumn settles in.
Why visit Västerås?
Västerås is one of Sweden’s largest cities, yet it still feels easy-going and walkable, with a lively buzz running through it.
You’ll find restaurants, bars, shops and charming squares. And in Kyrkbacken — the beautifully preserved old quarter — you can step straight into the city’s past.
There are plenty of family-friendly activities as well as more laid-back experiences, making it a great choice for an autumn half-term break with the family or a cosy weekend away.
Photo: Pia Nordlander
Harakers Kvarnmusteri
Freshly pressed apple juice is a sure sign of autumn i Sweden. Just a short drive from Västerås, Harakers Kvarnmusteri is a charming mill where you can have your own apples pressed. The process takes around an hour, and while you wait, you can settle into the café with something warm to drink and a slice of home baking.
The pressing season runs from mid-August to the end of November. Booking details and opening hours are available on their website.
📍 Find your way: Harakers kvarn 1, Skultuna
Vallby Open-Air Museum
On a fine autumn day, Vallby Open-Air Museum makes an ideal outing. You can wander among historic farmsteads, traditional heritage breeds and open landscapes that show what life in Västmanland was like in days gone by. Stroll between the old buildings, or pop into the craftspeople’s shops. The museum is about a ten-minute drive from central Västerås, and it’s also easy to reach by bus.
📍 Find your way: Skerikesvägen 2
Photo: Bodil Wike
Skultuna Brassworks
Founded in 1607, Skultuna Brassworks still produces beautifully crafted brassware today. Set in attractive surroundings by the River Svartån, it brings together centuries of craftsmanship and contemporary design. Visit the museum to see the historic machinery, then browse the shops for both classic and modern pieces.
It’s around 20 minutes by car from central Västerås, or about 30 minutes by bus.
📍 Find your way: Bruksgatan 8, Skultuna
Kokpunkten
Kokpunkten is Sweden’s first “action bath” — in other words, a waterpark — and a great option when autumn weather is changeable. Expect waterslides plus attractions such as Aqua Cinema, Double Racer and Black River if you’re after a bit of speed and adrenaline. For something calmer, there’s also a relaxation area with a sauna, aromatic baths and a warm spring with a view across Lake Mälaren.
📍 Find your way: Kraftverksgatan 11
Stay at a hotel in the heart of Västerås
For an easy autumn weekend in Västerås, stay right in the city centre, within walking distance of shops, restaurants and attractions.
Home Hotel Etage
Breakfast, traditional Swedish fika and dinner are all included – ideal after a day out enjoying autumn activities.
Anundshög burial mound
Just outside Västerås lies Anundshög — Sweden’s largest burial mound and one of the area’s most historic sights. In the Iron Age, it was an important gathering place; today it’s a popular spot for an outing. You can get here in around 15 minutes by car from the city centre, or by bus followed by a short walk. If you have time, round off your visit with a fika at Café Anund before heading on.
📍 Find your way: Anundshög 5
Museums on Karlsgatan 2
Within easy walking distance of central Västerås, you’ll find both Västerås konstmuseum and Västmanland County Museum. Between them, you can explore contemporary art, talks, workshops and the cultural heritage of Västmanland. It’s an ideal stop when you’re in Västerås — especially on days when the weather calls for something indoors.
📍 Find your way: Karlsgatan 2
Västerås Aviation Museum
Housed in a 1930s hangar, Västerås Aviation Museum showcases historic aircraft and the story of aviation. You can try the flight simulators and — on selected occasions — take to the skies in certain aircraft. The museum is at Västerås Airport, around a 10-minute drive from the city centre, and it’s also reachable by bus from central Västerås.
📍 Find your way: Hässlögatan 16
Photo: Tommy Olsson
5 facts about Västerås
- One of Sweden’s largest urban areas, with around 130,000 residents.
- Home to Mälardalen University.
- The name Västerås comes from Västra Aros: “Västra” refers to the western direction, while “Aros” means “river mouth”. Östra Aros is present-day Uppsala.
- Erik XIV is buried in Västerås Cathedral — Gustav Vasa’s eldest son and King of Sweden from 1560 to 1568.
- Västerås is sometimes nicknamed “Gurkstaden” (“the Cucumber City”), thanks to a well-known local pickled cucumber, Västeråsgurka.
Photo: Adam Sigroth Riozzi © Västerås
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