Västerås - Lake Life

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Lake Life

Västerås

Provided by: © Clifford Shirley, Västerås & Co / Visit Västerås

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Overview

Lake Life The guide was updated: 2024-01-22

Nestled along the shores of Lake Mälaren, Västerås is a haven for water enthusiasts. The Västerås archipelago beckons with its plentiful natural harbours for mooring and a multitude of islands to explore. Summertime brings daily ferry services to the islands, featuring captivating journeys through the locks on the Hjälmare Canal and visits to the Viking town of Birka. For sun-seekers, Östra Holmen is a popular choice, while Elba offers a scenic dining spot with breathtaking views of the city. And let's not forget the delightful mainland beaches that add to Västerås' aquatic charm.

Elba Ferry

Elba Ferry

During the summer months, the classic Elba ferry becomes a beloved attraction in Västerås. This hop-on-hop-off boat offers a leisurely journey, allowing passengers to explore swimming beaches, enchanting harbour views, and scenic walkways. With a ticket valid for the entire day, passengers can freely hop on and off at their leisure, immersing themselves in the charm of several ports along the route.

Go on a RIB Boat Tour

Go on a RIB Boat Tour

Embark on an unforgettable adventure by hopping aboard an RIB boat, where you'll glide across the scenic waters of Lake Mälaren at an exhilarating speed of 50 knots. It's an experience that promises to leave an indelible mark, a day on the water you won't soon forget.

Aggarön Island

Aggarön Island

Aggarön is one of the largest islands in the Ridö-Sundbyholm archipelago and offers stunning natural landscapes and an exciting history. The island boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including fallow deer, roe deer, and the occasional moose. Today, it's considered a true gem in the Västerås archipelago, offering a serene countryside retreat that beckons those in search of tranquillity and rural charm. For those seeking an extended stay, cottages are available for rent.

Elba Island

Elba Island

The island of Elba serves as an ideal day trip, providing a tranquil escape into the archipelago. Visitors can revel in the opportunity to swim in refreshing waters, stroll through the island's captivating natural landscapes, and bask in the lush greenery that defines its charm.

Björnöbadet

Björnöbadet

Björnö is an island just outside central Västerås, which boasts several beaches, a restaurant, and a café. One of the most popular beaches is Björnöbadet with its 350-metre-long sandy beach and nearby toilets, playground, and kiosk.

Framnäs Beach

Framnäs Beach

Framnäs is a popular beach not far from the city centre. Swim in the lake, relax on the beach, or give your dog a chance to have fun in the water at the nearby dog beach — all while enjoying a stunning view of the archipelago.

Gäddeholm

Gäddeholm

Gäddeholm, located east of central Västerås, boasts a new beach drawing in numerous visitors seeking relaxation by the water. An ideal way to reach this scenic spot is by taking a bike ride along the new cycle path from Västerås, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful surrounding nature on your journey.

Lögastrand

Lögastrand

Lögastrand is Västerås' newest and most inviting bathing area, featuring a delightful wooden deck, a fine sandy beach, and spacious grassy lawns in the heart of central Västerås. This beloved spot, which opened in the summer of 2014, offers a refreshing escape just a short stroll from the city centre, making it a favourite destination for locals and visitors alike.

Lövudden Beach

Lövudden Beach

Lövudden promises a plethora of fun activities for visitors of all ages! Beyond its sandy beach, the area boasts a jetty, lawned spaces, a playground, playing fields, barbecues, and a delightful café. Adventure-seekers can explore water activities at the Swedish YMCA center, which offers rentals of canoes, sailing boats, rowing boats, pedalos, and windsurfing boards.

Ridön Island

Ridön Island

Ridön, one of the largest islands in the archipelago, is a tranquil haven where you won't find cars or asphalt. Instead, it boasts dirt roads and charming little red cottages. This idyllic island promises incredible countryside vistas and thrilling adventures. Explore its beauty via a tractor-drawn cart, savour coffee at a cosy café, or delve into local history at the museum. And for those wanting to linger, there are options to stay at the youth hostel or rent a cabin.

Östra Holmen

Östra Holmen

Östra Holmen is one of the most popular islands in the Västerås archipelago and the locals flock here to swim, sunbathe, and picnic. The island is just a 15-minute boat ride away from the harbour and has child-friendly sandy beaches and smooth rocks as well as naturist beaches. There is a regular ferryboat service here during the summer months.

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