Eskilstuna is an old industrial city on the river between Lake Hjälmaren and Lake Mälaren. It began as a religious centre around Saint Eskil, then grew into one of Sweden's great metalworking towns, known as Stålstaden, the Steel City.
That history is still easy to see. The Rademacher Forges preserve a 17th-century smithing quarter in red wooden buildings, while the Munktell Museum turns old factories and heavy machines into the city's strongest indoor attraction. Families often add Parken Zoo, which mixes animals, rides, and pools in one big day out.
Eskilstuna is not Sweden at its prettiest, and that is part of the appeal. It is a working city with enough history, museums, and riverside walking to make a spare day from Stockholm or Västerås feel well spent.