Västerås sits on the northern shore of Lake Mälaren, about an hour west of Stockholm by train. It is one of Sweden's oldest cities, with roots stretching back to Viking times, and today it is the country's sixth largest -- a mix of medieval history, industrial heritage, and modern lakeside living.
The compact old town clusters around the 13th-century cathedral, Västerås Domkyrka, one of the finest medieval churches in Sweden. Nearby, the open-air museum at Vallby preserves traditional wooden buildings from across the Västmanland region. The city's industrial past as a hub for ABB and other engineering firms has left it with a surprisingly cosmopolitan streak for its size.
The real draw, though, is the water. Lake Mälaren stretches out to the south with islands, swimming spots, and the remarkable Bronze Age rock carvings at Anundshög just outside the city -- one of Sweden's most important ancient sites. In summer, the harbour area comes alive with restaurants and cafes along the waterfront.