Vasteras Tourist Attractions
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Västerås, chief town of the county and province of Västmanland, lies in an inlet on Lake Mälar, at the mouth of the Svartå. The town takes its name from its original site on the west side of the river mouth, Västra Aros (aros = river mouth"), which in course of time became Västerås. The local park and turbine house are a few of the notable attractions.
Stora Torg
The central feature of Västerås is the Stora Torg, to the south and east of which are Stora Gatan and Vasagatan (both pedestrian zones). Round the central area there is a ring road (Ringvägen).
Västerås Cathedral
To the north of the Stora Torg in Våsterås stands the Cathedral, a Gothic brick church built on the foundations of a Romanesque predecessor and consecrated in 1271 (much later alteration; restored 1959-61). The 103m/338ft high tower was added by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger in 1694.In the square in front of the Cathedral can be seen a bronze statue by Carl Milles of Bishop Johannes Rudbeckius (d. 1646), who founded the Grammar School and the Diocesan Library (east of the Cathedral), which is now combined with the Provincial Library. Opposite the Cathedral is the old Bishop's Palace.
Cathedral Interior
Between the nave and the choir of Våsterås Cathedral, on the site of an earlier choir screen, is a 14th century triumphal cross. The three carved reredos in the choir came from Antwerp and Brussels. Other notable features are the marble sarcophagus of King Eric XIV, the altar of St Veronica and the marble monument of Marshal Magnus Brahe (1633). In the paneled baptistery is a carving of the Baptism of Christ by a North German master. The church contains numerous other monuments and epitaphs.
Kyrkbacken
To the north of the Våsterås Cathedral lies Kyrkbacken, the oldest part of the town, which has preserved its original character, with old workers' houses. To the west is Djäkneberg Park, with a monument commemorating famous Swedes.
Västerås Castle
The Våsterås Castle, on the banks of the Svartå, was originally built in the 13th century. It now houses the Västermanland Provincial Museum (prehistoric remains, local history and culture) and provincial government offices.
Town House Museum of Art
In the Fiskartorg (Fishmarket) of Våsterås is the Town House (by Sven Ahlborn, 1959), with a 65m/215ft high tower containing a carillon. In the former Town Hall (restored 1972) is the Museum of Art (art from the 17th century to the present day).
Vasa Park
On the south side of Vasa Park in Våsterås is the railroad station. To the east of the park are the imposing offices of ASEA Brown Boveri (electrical appliances). Farther east along Stora Gatan is the Folkets Park (People's Park) or Arosparken, with amusements and sports facilities.
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Map of Vasteras Attractions
Map - Västerås
