Erik Hahr is Västerås’ most renowned architect, and his buildings have left a lasting mark on this city. The area has been called “the directors’ district.” At the turn of the last century, this was the place to build elegant homes for those who could afford it. Get to know how Erik shaped Västerås, which of his grand villas can be found in this area, and who were they built for? (We do not enter any of the private villa properties.) We meet outside Erik’s childhood home at Stallhagsgatan 11. (Please, do not enter the property.)

The Old Steam Power Plant

Discover the story of Västerås former steam power plant — once internationally known and admired for its groundbreaking technology and remarkable performance. Learn why it was built, how it operated, and see where the workers lived. You’ll also hear how WWI and WWII affected both the area and the plant’s use. The tour concludes with a visit to the boiler control room (two floors up via a spiral staircase, no elevator) and a walk around the unique P12 boiler. An engaging and fascinating tour awaits! Meeting point: outside the main entrance of The Steam Hotel.

This tour takes place entirely within the Eastern Cemetery. Get to know the burghers — through both their stories and their deeds — who built and shaped this city during the 19th century and into the early 20th century. They left behind a legacy that we who live in Västerås today still share and experience. By getting to know these burghers more closely, you also gain a deeper understanding of Västerås itself. Meeting point and finishing point: by the chapel.

One of the world’s oldest brassworks still in operation. Why was it founded, and why here? Hear the story of Master Jacob, who longed for his wife; of the unforgettable patroness Susanna, of the works manager Hammarsköld, who fled to America; of the well‑liked Nordenskjöld; and of the devastating fires and spring floods that shaped the area. The tour begins outside the entrance and continues along the scenic surroundings of the River Svartån. Please note that the terrain is uneven, sturdy shoes  are required. The tour is not suitable for those with limited mobility.

We have a industrial heritage area in the beautiful district of Kopparlunden. We explore the industrial history of Svenska Metallverken and how it complemented ASEA — the companies that changed Västerås’ development. Hear about managing director Erik Falk and chief engineer James Forsstedt, whose falling‑out became well‑known; about the legendary medical orderly Goecke; and see images of the old workers’ quarters where families once lived. The tour includes many historical photographs. Meeting point: outside Culturen. 

A darker walk through Kyrkbacken, featuring tales of shadowy beings from Nordic folklore mixed with grim historical facts about executioners, murderers, executions, and plague victims. In a slightly eerie yet clear and engaging way, we recount what life on Kyrkbacken was like in past centuries. The tour is suitable for children from around 7 years and up, accompanied by an adult. This tour is offered only during the autumn half‑term break. Lightly dramatised and accompanied by historical images. Meeting point and finishing point: by the Cathedral.

Västerås’ oldest preserved residential quarter offers a perfect setting for stepping back in time. Here, stories intertwine: the zealous bishop Rudbeckius, Long‑Brita and her brothel along with other characters, the venerable school for choirboys, hop gardens and local gossip — but also hardship and horrors such as drunkenness, the plague, and this city’s most despised figure: the executioner. Kyrkbacken is a wonderful place to wander at any time of year, its character shifting with the seasons. Meeting point and finishing point: by the Cathedral.

Hear stories of French Dominican monks, German merchants, King Gustav Vasa’s role in Västerås' history, the generous tobacco manufacturer Sundin, the battle‑scarred castle, ASEA’s importance for this city, one of the country’s oldest newspapers, and the silver treasure discovered at Bondtorget square - and much more. The tour includes many historical photographs. Meeting point: Aseatorget square. Finishing point: Bondtorget square.

This tour focuses on the old, competing Västerås breweries founded towards the end of the 19th century, interwoven with the history of alcohol production in Sweden. Expect stories of spirit distillation and prohibition, the Bratt System with its ration book, the temperance movement, and much more. The tour begins in Probanparken behind the Stadshotellet and ends at Bondtorget square.

Svartån by Bike

This tour focuses on Svartån river and its importance throughout history. It is no coincidence that Svartån has been called the lifeline — even the umbilical cord — of Västerås. This city grew up along its banks, and for centuries we used the river to transport, among other things, ore down to the harbour. Meeting point: by the Cathedral. Finishing point: down by the harbour.

This tour focuses on ASEA’s early history and its importance to Västerås, interwoven with local history. When was ASEA founded? What was the original business idea? Hear about the founder Ludvig Fredholm, the genious Jonas Wenström and his brother Göran and the powerful managing director Sigfrid Edström. Meeting point: Aseatorget square. Finishing point: inside the beautiful old turbine house.

Hear the story of the colourful and charismatic Sam Lidman of the 19th century, a man with a vision of how the hill and its park should shape the character of this city's inhabitants. His many messages carved into the stones range from moral guidance to outright scolding. After this tour, you will undoubtedly see Djäkneberget in a completely new light. Meeting point: by the statue of Sam Lidman.

This area around Anundshög is one of Sweden’s most monument‑rich ancient sites — a true pride of Västerås. For some 1,500 years, this was a cultural centre of great significance. The site is part of the Viking Heritage worldwide. Here you will find Sweden’s largest viking burial mound and unique stone formations known as boat graves, along with the many other graves that surround the site. Hear the astonishing story of the Tuna graves and much more. Meeting point: at the back of the cafe.

Västerås Castle has a fascinating history and is one of the oldest buildings in this city. Over the centuries, the castle has taken on many different appearances. These changes can still be seen as scars on its façade. Kings and rulers are tied to its story, as are several devastating fires. Svante Nilsson Sture died here — and so did Katarina Vasa. It was here that King Gustav Vasa held the hereditary parliament to secure the throne for his son Erik, who would later be imprisoned here. Hear the tale of master thief Lilja and his ingenious escape. Meeting point: outside the castle.

A cosy Advent walk through this city's centre. Hear about Västerås’ thousand‑year history, generously accompanied by photographs from around the turn of the last century, showing Västerås and its inhabitants in their winter attire. Learn about French monks, German merchants, troublesome Danes, King Gustav Vasa and the rebellious men of Dalarna, Västerås Castle, the industrialist Zimmerman, tobacco manufacturer Sundin, and much more — all illustrated with wintry images from the past.

Women,Wit &Will

Several women have left their mark on this city’s history — and some, born in Västerås, made their mark far beyond it. Hear about Nanna Svartz, Elsa Borg, Hilda “Pila‑Britta” Pihlgren, Lydia Wahlström, Nina Benner Andersson, Ruth Randall Edström and Cecilia Fryxell, interwoven with the broader history of women’s lives and struggles. The tour includes historical photographs and period propaganda. Meeting point: Östra kyrkogården (the Eastern Cemetery). Finishing point: near the City Library.

This tour explores how past pandemics and epidemics affected this city. How severe were they? How many lives were lost? What remedies existed, and where could people seek care? And did that care actually do any good? You will also hear about the old pharmacy Hjorten, Västerås’ pharmacy history, and the development of a local hospital. A tour that puts Covid into perspective. Meeting point: outside the Cathedral. Finishing point: on Stora gatan, opposite Punkt.

Hear what Christmas was like in the mid‑19th century. At that time, there were no Christmas tree decorations, Advent candleholders or a Santa Clause on the countryside. Yet even the simplest cottages celebrated Christmas as one of the year’s greatest festivals. The season was surrounded by countless rituals meant to ward off supernatural beings — some of which survive still to this day. Learn about all the preparations leading up to Christmas: the cleaning, the decorating, and not least the bustling Christmas kitchen. Meeting point: outside the Cathedral.