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Welcome to Västerås – In the Sky, Västerås

Discover the beauty and heritage of Västerås in Sweden, blending ancient history, aviation marvels, and atmospheric vistas.

Historical Context

Västerås, one of Sweden’s oldest cities, dates back to medieval times and has been a significant ecclesiastical and commercial center. Its cathedral was consecrated in the 13th century and still houses the tomb of King Erik XIV.

Landmarks

  • Anundshög: Sweden’s largest burial mound from around 1500 years ago, with runestones and stone ships marking ancient ceremonial paths.
  • Västerås Cathedral: A majestic Scandinavian Brick Gothic cathedral consecrated in 1271, containing Renaissance art and the sarcophagus of King Erik XIV.
  • Skrapan (Skybar): Västerås’s only skyscraper (81 m tall), featuring a bar at its summit with panoramic views over Lake Mälaren.
  • Vallby Open Air Museum: A living history experience showcasing traditional buildings, crafts, and farm life from Västmanland County.
  • Västerås Flygmuseum: An aviation museum housed in a 1930s hangar near the airport, featuring dozens of airworthy aircraft and simulators.

Museums

  • Vallby Open Air Museum

    An immersive outdoor museum where the museum area is open daily year-round at no cost. Historic buildings and special exhibits (like the Earth exhibition or play environments) have seasonal hours. (vallbyfriluftsmuseum.se)

    Visit Website

    Opening Hours: Daily; general area open year-round. Historic buildings and exhibitions: mid‑summer to mid‑August 10:00–17:00, Tuesdays open until 20:00; winter mid‑Dec to Jan open 10:00–15:00. (vallbyfriluftsmuseum.se)

    Ticket Price: Free admission to museum area; some events may charge. (vallbyfriluftsmuseum.se)

  • Västerås Flygmuseum

    An aviation museum in a historic hangar, with airworthy aircraft, interactive simulators, and volunteer-driven preservation efforts. (audiala.com)

    Visit Website

    Opening Hours: Sundays 11:00–16:00; group visits by appointment possible. (en.flygmuseum.com)

    Ticket Price: Adults SEK 150; children under 15 free with an adult. Simulator sessions extra (e.g., SEK 150 entrance plus SEK 400 for a 30‑minute simulator). (audiala.com)

Tips for Visitors

  • Plan a visit to the Skybar at Skrapan for stunning aerial views—especially beautiful near sunset.
  • Combine a leisurely stroll through the historical center and cathedral with a hands-on museum visit like Flygmuseum.
  • Vallby Open Air Museum is ideal for families and budget-conscious visitors—offers free entry and engaging outdoor exhibits.
  • Check seasonal opening hours before visiting historic buildings or exhibitions at Vallby.
  • For Flygmuseum simulators, book early as slots, especially for the Airbus A320, require advance reservation. (en.flygmuseum.com)

Sources