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<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=1">Visit Västmanland eng 1 visit Wings over västmanla</a> nd Vikings & Rune stones Bird safari anundshög – one of sWeden’s most interesting areas of archaeological remains skiing, ice-skating, and much more Winter activities Västerås Cathedral Unique nature, history, art, food, Winter sports and other experiences Kayaking & Canoeing a complete adrenaline guide
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=2">Visit Västmanland eng Sida 2 SUMMER IN BERGSLAGEN!</a> KARMANSBO MANOR HOUSE With its restaurant, summer café and bed & breakfast Stay at a bed & breakfast with comfortable Hästen’s beds in all the rooms and a restaurant and summer café where everything on the menu is homemade using mainly locally produced ingredients. The fantastic historically industrial setting, water and wild nature are all included of course! OPENING HOURS RESTAURANT AND CAFÉ 29 JUNE – 9 AUGUST DAILY RESTAURANT 1PM – 9PM, CAFÉ 12 – 9PM www.karmansboherrgard.se, 0222 - 301 56 FÄRNA MANOR HOUSE SHOP The large stable is packed to the brim with handi- crafts, home furnishings, jewellery and clothes. Tel: 0222 – 281 81. While you’re here, explore Färna’s gardens! Opening hours Färna Manor House Shop TUESDAY – SUNDAY 11AM – 5PM (MAY – SEPT) REST OF THE YEAR TUES, THURS, SAT & SUN www.fernaherrgard.se, 0222 - 281 90
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=3">Visit Västmanland eng Sida 3 VALLBY FRILUFTSMUSEUM</a> Beautiful old log buildings, grazing native breeds of animals, lush fields & meadows and fragrant beds of flowers. Schoolmistresses, gentry and farm hands, satisfying lunches and genuine handicrafts. Vallby open-air museum offers experiences for all the senses! Welcome! Open every day 10am – 5pm The museum buildings are open during the summer. The museum is in Västerås. Take the Vallby exit from the E18. Take bus number 10 or 12 from Västerås city centre or the museum bus from Fiskartorget outside the City Hall. www.vallbyfriluftsmuseum.se Telephone: 021 – 39 80 70. Free admission to the entire museum Foto: Studio Eye C, www.eye-c.se The best recreation and enjoyment in Sweden Our grand landscape provides good opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. We have big forests and about 70 lakes and tarns within the municipality. Go fishing, canoeing, swimming or just generally roam and explore this paradise! Welcome to Surahammar! Foto: Kim Lill
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=4">Visit Västmanland eng Sida 4 Welcome to västmanlan</a> d Prior to becoming County Governor, Ingemar Skogö worked for the State for just over 30 years. During the last 20 years he worked on transport and infrastructure issues, first as State Secretary for the Ministry of Transport and Communications and then as head of the Swedish Civil Aviation Administration (LFV). As head of LFV I had a great deal of contact with the tourist trade, both in Sweden and overseas. In 2001, Ingemar became head of the Swedish National Road Administration.During his time there, he started to develop contacts with the tourist trade in Sweden. For a few years during the 80s, he was also City Director of Södertälje and was involved in initiating the establishment of the conference center “Träffpunkt Tälje” and the development of Tom Tits Experiment. What kind of tourist are you? – I enjoy active holidays; downhill skiing in the winter and hiking in the mountains in the summer. I like travelling to new places, but above all, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. What do you think of västmanland? – Västmanland is part of the pulsating capital region and yet a county with its own rich history and a strong belief in the future. What are your main interests? - That is a difficult question. I love making new acquaintances and getting to know new people have you had any time to find any favourite spots in västmanland? - I still have a lot to discover, which is why my wife and I are planning to travel Ingemar Skogö, who took over the post of County Governor on 1 June 2009 around the county this summer. One of the things I’m looking forward to is canoeing down Strömsholms kanal. hoW do you see your future as county governor of västmanland? – I’m looking forward to being the State’s co-ordinator in the county and getting to know the people of Västmanland a feW facts aBout the county of västmanland The county of Västmanland is 6 902 km2. A total of approximately 250 000 inhabitants live in the county which is divided into ten municipalities. The largest municipality is Västerås with 134 000 inhabitants, and the smallest is Skinnskatteberg with 4 752. Population statistics confirm that the county is characterized by ethnic and cultural diversity. Around 15 per cent of the county’s inhabitants were born overseas. Men and women with foreign backgrounds provide the county with new competence and opportunities, and are an important resource for the development of the county. animals and nature There are 850 lakes in the county, of which the largest is Lake Mälaren (1 120 km2). Even a part of Lake Hjälmaren (483 km2) belongs to the county. A total of 35 different species of fish swim in 4 to Begin | www.vastmanland.se the lakes; the most common angling fish are pike, pikeperch, perch and rainbow trout. The province flower is the mistletoe, which is very common, particularly around Lake Mälaren. The province animal is the roe deer, although there are plenty more predators in the county. Ten families of lynx live here, a total of about 55 of the animals. There are also two wolf territories with a total of 20 – 25 wolves. Occasionally wolves and wolverines rove the forests. infrastructure With only a few exceptions, all households and companies in the county have the possibility to connect to the broadband network. As early as 2005 Västerås was deemed to have the world’s largest and most advanced fibre based broadband solution. Västerås Airport has regular flights to London, Barcelona, Düsseldorf and Poznan. Tour operators also use the airport to fly their passengers to a variety of holiday resorts. The airport has a total of 180 – 200 000 passengers per year. Köping and Västerås have large inland ports, with Västerås having Sweden’s largest. The two harbours work together and are jointly owned by Mälarhamnar AB. Through excellent communications and its central position in the greater Stockholm – Mälaren region of Mälardalen, the county has outstanding goods handling facilities for trade and industry. Västerås is the centre for the distribution of retail goods in central Sweden. industry Västmanland was the birthplace of industry thanks to nature’s wealth in the form of ore, forests and hydropower. There are now a multitude of high-tech companies in the county; several of them, such as ABB and Seco Tools AB, are world leaders.
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=5">Visit Västmanland eng Page 5 6 Nature 6-8 The Begi</a> nning. 9-10 Water. 12-13 Summer water. 14-15 Kayaking and canoeing. 16-17 Horses. 18-21 Wings over Västmanland. 22-23 Nature reserves. 25 The culinary Västmanland. 26-27 A house on the moon. 28 History 25 Art & food 28 Traces of the vikings. 29 Sala silvermine. 30 The Västerås Cathedral. 30 Arboga medieval days 31 From ore to spa. 34-35 The four castles. 36 Winter sports Arboga 36 Ice Age. 37 Ice skating lakes. 37 Ski adventures. editors What to do if you lose your passport or driving licence Go to the nearest police station where you will be given all the administrative assistance you need. if you run over a Wild animal Ring the police on 114 14 or contact the landowner. if you Become seriously ill Ring 112 in the case of an accident or serious illness, or go to the nearest Emergency Ward. There are four local hospitals and a regional hospital in Västmanland. Västerås Hospital, 46 (0)21 - 17 30 00 Bergslags Hospital in Fagersta, 46 (0)223-470 00 Köping Hospital, 46 (0)221-260 00 Sala Hospital, 0224-580 00 Visit Västmanland is published by County Administrative Board of Västmanland, VKL and Caspari-Törnros. tourist offices arBoga, Centrumleden 6 0589-871 51, www.arboga.se fagersta, Fagersta Turism, Norbergsvägen 19, 737 80 Fagersta, 46 (0)223-131 00 www.fagersta.se hallstahammar, Skantzö Bad & Camping, Sörkvarnsvägen 46 (0)220-241 86 www.hallstahammar.se kungsör, Järnvägsgatan 6, 46 (0)227-60 01 01, www.kungsor.se köping, Barnhemsgatan 2 46 (0)221-256 55, www.koping.se norBerg, Engelbrektsgatan 73 738 31 Norberg, 46 (0)223-291 30 www.norberg.se skinnskatteBerg, Kyrkvägen 7 46 (0)222-450 45 www.skinnskatteberg.se sala, Stora Torget 46 (0)224-552 02 www.sala.se/turism surahammar, Ekängsvägen 5 46 (0)220-390 72 www.surahammar.se västerås, Kopparbergsvägen 3 46 (0)21-39 01 00 www.vasterasmalarstaden.se Sabina Caspari, CaspariMedia, sabina.caspari@hotmail.com, 46 (0)706-10 90 60 Ola Törnros, ola@hammarlin.se, 46 (0)21 - 30 67 07 editorial committee Länsstyrelsen i Västmanland Caspari-Törnros Henrik Wester, VKL graphic design & illustration Lars Hammarlin, www.hammarlin.se Writers Ola Törnros, Sabina Caspari, Anders Geidemark print shop Åtta.45 cover photo Sabina Caspari a Big thank you to Anders Geidermark for the fantastic photographs he has so generously contributed to Visit. You can read more about Anders on page 23. www.andersgeidemark.se www.vastmanland.se | to Begin 5 Norberg Fagersta Ängelsberg Sala Skinnskatteberg Virsbo Ramnäs Skultuna Surahammar Västerås Kolsva Köping Hallstahammar Kvicksund Strömsholm Kungsör Sätrabrunn 6 Nature 6-8 The Beginning. 9-10 Water. 12-13 Summer water. 14-15 Kayaking and canoeing. 16-17 Horses. 18-21 Wings over Västmanland. 22-23 Nature reserves. 25 The culinary Västmanland. 26-27 A house on the moon. 28 History 25 Art & food 28 Traces of the vikings. 29 Sala silvermine. 30 The Västerås Cathedral. 30 Arboga medieval days 31 From ore to spa. 34-35 The four castles. 36 Winter sports Arboga 36 Ice Age. 37 Ice skating lakes. 37 Ski adventures. editors What to do if you lose your passport or driving licence Go to the nearest police station where you will be given all the administrative assistance you need. if you run over a Wild animal Ring the police on 114 14 or contact the landowner. if you Become seriously ill Ring 112 in the case of an accident or serious illness, or go to the nearest Emergency Ward. There are four local hospitals and a regional hospital in Västmanland. Västerås Hospital, 46 (0)21 - 17 30 00 Bergslags Hospital in Fagersta, 46 (0)223-470 00 Köping Hospital, 46 (0)221-260 00 Sala Hospital, 0224-580 00 Visit Västmanland is published by County Administrative Board of Västmanland, VKL and Caspari-Törnros. tourist offices arBoga, Centrumleden 6 0589-871 51, www.arboga.se fagersta, Fagersta Turism, Norbergsvägen 19, 737 80 Fagersta, 46 (0)223-131 00 www.fagersta.se hallstahammar, Skantzö Bad & Camping, Sörkvarnsvägen 46 (0)220-241 86 www.hallstahammar.se kungsör, Järnvägsgatan 6, 46 (0)227-60 01 01, www.kungsor.se köping, Barnhemsgatan 2 46 (0)221-256 55, www.koping.se norBerg, Engelbrektsgatan 73 738 31 Norberg, 46 (0)223-291 30 www.norberg.se skinnskatteBerg, Kyrkvägen 7 46 (0)222-450 45 www.skinnskatteberg.se sala, Stora Torget 46 (0)224-552 02 www.sala.se/turism surahammar, Ekängsvägen 5 46 (0)220-390 72 www.surahammar.se västerås, Kopparbergsvägen 3 46 (0)21-39 01 00 www.vasterasmalarstaden.se Sabina Caspari, CaspariMedia, sabina.caspari@hotmail.com, 46 (0)706-10 90 60 Ola Törnros, ola@hammarlin.se, 46 (0)21 - 30 67 07 editorial committee Länsstyrelsen i Västmanland Caspari-Törnros Henrik Wester, VKL graphic design & illustration Lars Hammarlin, www.hammarlin.se Writers Ola Törnros, Sabina Caspari, Anders Geidemark print shop Åtta.45 cover photo Sabina Caspari a Big thank you to Anders Geidermark for the fantastic photographs he has so generously contributed to Visit. You can read more about Anders on page 23. www.andersgeidemark.se www.vastmanland.se | to Begin 5 Norberg Fagersta Ängelsberg Sala Skinnskatteberg Virsbo Ramnäs Skultuna Surahammar Västerås Kolsva Köping Hallstahammar Kvicksund Strömsholm Kungsör Sätrabrunn
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=6">Visit Västmanland eng The Beginning the Beginning </a> We’re standing at the top of Landsberget, one of the highest summits in the county, and looking out over a forest landscape broken up with homesteads, ridges and lakes – a typical view in the Bergslagen region. Text & Foto: Anders Geidemark This was probably where the first ever inhabitant of the Mälardalen region stood at some time during the Stone Age 9000 years ago. This is actually the only place in the region where you could stand without getting your shoes wet after the last Ice Age melted. At that time Landberget’s summit, currently 217 metres above sea level, rose 6 nature | www.vastmanland.se over the surface like a low seal islet in a giant sea of ice that researchers called the Yoldia Sea. When the Stone Age hunter – who paddled ashore in his hollowed out tree trun k – straightened his bent back and looked up he had a view over a sea with an endless horizon down to the Baltic States. This seal hunter was the first inhabitant of the county of Västmanland! To begin with, the land rose rapidly. The ice, which was up to two kilometres thick, had compressed the ground below by several hundred metres but, like a compressed rubber ball, it regained its round shape within a few thousand years. How can we know how high the former sea stretched over the current level? You can find the answer in the history book of the open landscape. Around the top of Landsberget we can find, in some places, a well-marked string of rocks, a ”highest coastline” as the phenomenon the Beginning We’re standing at the top of Landsberget, one of the highest summits in the county, and looking out over a forest landscape broken up with homesteads, ridges and lakes – a typical view in the Bergslagen region. Text & Foto: Anders Geidemark This was probably where the first ever inhabitant of the Mälardalen region stood at some time during the Stone Age 9000 years ago. This is actually the only place in the region where you could stand without getting your shoes wet after the last Ice Age melted. At that time Landberget’s summit, currently 217 metres above sea level, rose 6 nature | www.vastmanland.se over the surface like a low seal islet in a giant sea of ice that researchers called the Yoldia Sea. When the Stone Age hunter – who paddled ashore in his hollowed out tree trun k – straightened his bent back and looked up he had a view over a sea with an endless horizon down to the Baltic States. This seal hunter was the first inhabitant of the county of Västmanland! To begin with, the land rose rapidly. The ice, which was up to two kilometres thick, had compressed the ground below by several hundred metres but, like a compressed rubber ball, it regained its round shape within a few thousand years. How can we know how high the former sea stretched over the current level? You can find the answer in the history book of the open landscape. Around the top of Landsberget we can find, in some places, a well-marked string of rocks, a ”highest coastline” as the phenomenon
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=7">Visit Västmanland eng Sida 7 is scientifically kno</a> wn. When waves rolled in over the land for extended periods they took sand and looser sediment out to sea with them – what remained were the heavier stones. In this way we can follow how the sea retreated as the land rose. If, for example, we go to Stengärdet’s nature reserve south of Kungsör we can clearly see these former coastlines along the ridge of Köping. Here is the Littorina Sea – the next stage in what was to become the Baltic Sea – which about 8000 years ago rolled in against the edge of the ridge and left clear evidence of its waterline. It was 7 – 8000 years ago that the county’s northern area gradually became populated. Small fishing and seal-hunting families lived in the sheltered sea bays, where we can now find the upper reaches of the Kolbäcksån and Svartådalen. Groups of around 10 – 12 people were dependent on prey animals and were partly nomadic. Their dwellings were very much like the Sami’s cots (simple shelters) and were easy to move. They were skilled at paddling their canoes and we know that seal hunters could cross open seas all the way to the naked islets that made up what we now call Åland. The land continued to rise, and in ca 3000 BC the early inhabitants of our county experienced a revolutionary era. A more modern way of life made its way up from the south. Rivers and ridges were followed higher up in the province, trees were cut down on the hillsides, the felled trees were burned up, and seeds were sown in the warm ash. The Old Stone Age passed into the New Stone Age……. We might consider our age of techni- cal development and globalization to be unparalleled. The fact that these nomadic hunting families went from being people who followed the tracks of their prey animals to people who settled down and became resident farmers makes this one of the greatest steps in our “development”. Cutting down and burning the trees allowed light into this secluded forested fell, leading to an increase in population. Wilderness became civilized landscape. When farmers also started to keep cattle, larger and larger areas became accessible for a succession of the cultivated plants that have followed in our tracks ever since. Thanks to their pasturage and haymaking achievements we can still claim part of these meadows and grazing lands to the delight of cat’s-feet and blue violets – as well as for the beauty of the open landscape that we enjoy today. With the increasingly skilled farmers and cattlemen of the Bronze Age (ca 1500-500 BC) the number of inhabitants of the county soared. A considerable centre of power and larger villages were built. A witness to this is Västmanland’s largest Iron Age burial ground at Värpeby between Hallstahammar and Kolbäck. There is no doubt that an important king was buried in this enormous mound of To begin with, the land rose rapidly. stones, which about 3000 years ago was 15 – 20 metres higher than today. Monuments of chiefs that were killed also served to mark territories, which is why they always lie, just like here in Värpeby, high up in the landscape and close to the entrance fairways. These monuments continue on page 8 … www.vastmanland.se | nature 7
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=8">Visit Västmanland eng Sida 8 served to impress arm</a> adas by showing how much power there was in the area. The shallow sea fjords retreated at the same speed as the land rose, leaving nutritional but tough clay soil behind. When people learned how to produce iron, and thereby could make iron shoes for their simple wooden ploughs, more use could be made of this soil. The sediment soil rich in minerals (scraped from the colossal inland ice in a cheese-slicer effect) that was gathered down in the river valleys, provided the Iron Age’s farmers with enormous assets as soon as There are many traces of Iron Age in Västmanland. it could be ploughed. There is no wonder that those who produced iron – and the blacksmiths of course – belonged to one of the most important social classes. Isn’t it amazing that as early as 700 BC – in the middle of the forest outside the Riddarhyttan of today – ovens were built for iron production? In the area that was called ”Röda Jorden” (the red earth) this ferriferous earth was utilised, roasted and then converted in buried ovens. It 8 nature | www.vastmanland.se was pure magic when the molten liquid ran out – from what was until recently earth. When the blacksmith processed this molten iron into a kind of mould, a material was produced that was the hardest they knew of at that time. There are many traces of Iron Age (ca 500 BC – 1050 AD) people in Västmanland. Lake Mälaren was still a sea bay with a water level 5 – 10 metres above the current level. The boat is still by far the best the means of transport. On horseback you could make your way along a few bridle paths, particularly along the crests of the ridges, but the boat offered freedom and accessibility. The waterways were also much safer since the forests were inhabited by thieves and outlaws…… The significance of the boat is accentuated in many ways in the ancient remains. Bronze Age people carved ships on the rocks allowing them to appear to be sailing along the glacial scourings of the bedrock – and during the Iron Age the deceased were allowed to sail away on their final journey to the kingdom of the dead. The boat that carried people to their final resting place could be symbolic with stones raised in the form of a ship. We can find such stones at Årby grave-field in Hallstahammar, and, of course, at Anundshög in Badelunda outside Västerås, which is one of Sweden’s finest areas of ancient remains. Not far from Anundshög we can also find the site of ”real boat graves”. The boat graves – where the unburned dead were placed in their boat fully equipped for the ”journey” - are unique to Scandinavia and tell undeniably of the Scandinavian’s relationship to this craft. The richest boat grave is in Tuna, Badelunda. It was an unplundered woman’s grave equipped with incredibly generous grave gifts. In the county museum in Västerås you can see one of the buried boats, as well as the rich gold treasure the woman had with her on the journey to Valhall. Västmanland, just like the rest of the Mälardalen region, is thus a county that has emerged from the sea. It was an outer archipelago populated by skilled sailors, fishermen and seal hunters, who gradually, at the same rate as the land rose, became farmers and iron producers. The fact is that this land is continuing to rise at around 4 mm per year in the Mälardalen region, – 40 cm over a century! It wasn’t that long ago that inhabitants of the county were coast dwellers, which is noticeable in their love of boats, homes close to the water and the number of holiday homes that are appearing along the shores of the lakes across the county.
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=9">Visit Västmanland eng Water Foto: Anders Geidemark</a> the source of life Water is the source of life. In Sweden we take clean water for granted, whereas in some other countries clean water is in short supply. In many places you can drink water directly from forest springs and streams. The county of Västmanland has around 850 lakes as well as about 1 100 kilometres of watercourses. The county is crossed by the rivers of Dalälven, Arbogaån, Kolbäcksån, Norbergsån, Hedströmmen and Svartån, to name but a few. continue on page 10 … the county’s largest lakes are Lake Mälaren, 1 120 km2, of which a third lies within the county Lake Hjälmaren, 483 km2, of which a third lies within the county the deepest lakes in the county are Lake Haraldsjön, 53 m Lake Örtjärnen, 30.8 m canals in västmanland Hjälmare kanal, 1629-1639. The canal links Lake Hjälmaren with the Arbogaån at Gravudden. It is 13 kilometres long, of which 5 kilometres are man-made. www.vastmanland.se | nature 9 Foto: Anders Geidemark the source of life Water is the source of life. In Sweden we take clean water for granted, whereas in some other countries clean water is in short supply. In many places you can drink water directly from forest springs and streams. The county of Västmanland has around 850 lakes as well as about 1 100 kilometres of watercourses. The county is crossed by the rivers of Dalälven, Arbogaån, Kolbäcksån, Norbergsån, Hedströmmen and Svartån, to name but a few. continue on page 10 … the county’s largest lakes are Lake Mälaren, 1 120 km2, of which a third lies within the county Lake Hjälmaren, 483 km2, of which a third lies within the county the deepest lakes in the county are Lake Haraldsjön, 53 m Lake Örtjärnen, 30.8 m canals in västmanland Hjälmare kanal, 1629-1639. The canal links Lake Hjälmaren with the Arbogaån at Gravudden. It is 13 kilometres long, of which 5 kilometres are man-made. www.vastmanland.se | nature 9
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=10">Visit Västmanland eng Sida 10 3 Foto: Anders Geide</a> mark to save an archipelago The county of Västmanland has principal responsibility in Sweden’s largest EU funded LIFE project, in which Lake Mälaren’s unique inner archipelago is to be saved The idea is to improve Lake Mälaren’s unique inner archipelago with its lakefront forests and grazing lands. Comprehensive measures are to be taken in order to safeguard and re-create environments that are under threat as well as to make them more visitor-friendly. The project covers 42 Natura 2000 areas in the counties of Västmanland, Södermanland and Uppsala. The lakefront forests with their deciduous hardwood trees and grazing lands have biological values of great international significance. The use of the land has led to drastic changes during the past decades and these environments are now under threat. LIFE+project MIA (Lake Mälarens Inner Archipelago) are devoted to trying to bring these threats to a standstill. MIA is a joint venture between several parties with the County Administrative Board of Västmanland as the responsible authori- 10 nature | www.vastmanland.se ty and the County Administrative Boards of Uppsala and Södermanland, Sveaskog and Upplandsstiftelsen as partners. Ten of the 42 Natura 2000 areas concern Västmanland. Measures will be taken in a total of more than 2000 hectares of forest and grasslands, of which almost half involve the re-creation of natural environments that have been altered significantly. Measures will also be taken to support sensitive species such as the leather beetle and the grass-leaved water plantain. The project will also focus on providing the general public and visitors with information. The following measures are planned: the improvement of the path system (both natural footpaths and tracks suitable for access by the disabled) neW Bird-Watching toWers and shelters are to be built neW ferry terminals to improve the possibilities to transport grazing animals and contribute to a more alive archipelago environment where larger areas will be fenced in for grazing. neW joB opportunities will be created canals norBerg’s kanal, 1877 In 1877 Kärrgruvan, in Morberg’s field in the Norberg mining district, came into the possession of a work of art called ”Morberg’s Art”, and nowadays known as the Polhelm Wheel. This was driven by water which was taken via a three-kilometre-long and sixtycentimetre-deep canal from Lake Bålsjön. The water from the wheel was led away via an underground canal and was used until 1920, despite the fact that electric power was obtainable in Norberg as early as 1897. sala kanal, 1827-1835 The canal is 2.7 kilometres long, 3 metres wide and 1 metre deep. In Gustav Vasa’s time Sala Silvermine was incredibly important for the finances of the state. The King put a great deal of time and effort into improving and simplifying operations there and he commissioned Salaån to be dammed up to ensure the accessibility of water for the mine. During the 1540s he had Sala smelting- works built where ore was brought to be processed. You can imagine how difficult and expensive the transport of ore was at that time. The construction of the Sala kanal and Jacob Matts lock between 1827 and 1835 meant that the ore could be transported on barges making operations both easier and cheaper. strömsholm kanal, 1772-1795 The canal is 110 kilometres long and passes through 14 lakes. It follows Kolbäcksån’s water system from Smedjebacken in the north to Strömsholm on Lake Mälaren in the south. 12 kilometres of the canal are man-made.
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=11">Visit Västmanland eng Page 11 As soon as you enter</a> the lobby you’ll notice the light and pleasant atmosphere. This is also where you’ll find our delightful lounge and restaurant. Quality Hotel Västerås has 89 hotel rooms of different sizes: single rooms, double rooms, combination rooms and business rooms. As our guest you will have access to our relaxation room with a sauna and solarium. You can order drinks and snacks from our lobby bar to consume in the relaxation room. All rooms have wireless Internet connection and we offer free parking right outside the door. We know how important it is for your stay to be enjoyable and comfortable. We want your stay with us to be so good that you’ll want to come back. Try us and see! 021 - 30 38 00, www.choicehotel.no Gör en härlig båtkryssning Räkbåten Räkturer med trubadur underhållning från Västerås,Köping och Arboga. Pris 250kr inkl. räkfrossa med tillbehör. Take a wonderful boat trip Shrimp Cruise If you like shrimp and live entertainment you’ll enjoy this cruise. The boat departs from Västerås, Köping and Arboga. Price 250kr including all the shrimp you can eat. Hjälmarekanal kryssning Kryssningar på Hjälmare-kanal med slussning. Kanalen är Sveriges äldsta och har 9 handdrivna slussar. Från Västerås,Kungsör och Arboga. Bussretur ingår. Pris 285-310kr Hjälmare kanal Cruise A cruise along the Hjälmare kanal – Sweden’s oldest canal with nine hand-driven locks. Boat departs from Västerås, Kungsör and Arboga. Price 285-310 kr including return trip by coach. Stockholms kryssning Stockholms kryssning från Västerås,Eskilstuna och Strängnäs.Upplev den otroligt vackra historiska båtresan till Stockholm. Pris 230-250 kr Enkel resa. Stockholm Cruise The cruise to Stockholm departs from Västerås, Eskilstuna and Strängnäs. Enjoy this incredibly beautiful and historical cruise to Stockholm. Price 230-250Kr one-way Barn priser finns. Restaurang med fullständiga rättigheter. Discounts for children. Fully licensed restaurant on board. Boka hos Arboga rederi AB tel.019-107191 www.arbogarederi.se eller Turistbyrån Bookings Arboga Rederi AB 019-107191 www.arbogarederi.se or the Tourist Office www.vastmanland.se | nature 11 As soon as you enter the lobby you’ll notice the light and pleasant atmosphere. This is also where you’ll find our delightful lounge and restaurant. Quality Hotel Västerås has 89 hotel rooms of different sizes: single rooms, double rooms, combination rooms and business rooms. As our guest you will have access to our relaxation room with a sauna and solarium. You can order drinks and snacks from our lobby bar to consume in the relaxation room. All rooms have wireless Internet connection and we offer free parking right outside the door. We know how important it is for your stay to be enjoyable and comfortable. We want your stay with us to be so good that you’ll want to come back. Try us and see! 021 - 30 38 00, www.choicehotel.no Gör en härlig båtkryssning Räkbåten Räkturer med trubadur underhållning från Västerås,Köping och Arboga. Pris 250kr inkl. räkfrossa med tillbehör. Take a wonderful boat trip Shrimp Cruise If you like shrimp and live entertainment you’ll enjoy this cruise. The boat departs from Västerås, Köping and Arboga. Price 250kr including all the shrimp you can eat. Hjälmarekanal kryssning Kryssningar på Hjälmare-kanal med slussning. Kanalen är Sveriges äldsta och har 9 handdrivna slussar. Från Västerås,Kungsör och Arboga. Bussretur ingår. Pris 285-310kr Hjälmare kanal Cruise A cruise along the Hjälmare kanal – Sweden’s oldest canal with nine hand-driven locks. Boat departs from Västerås, Kungsör and Arboga. Price 285-310 kr including return trip by coach. Stockholms kryssning Stockholms kryssning från Västerås,Eskilstuna och Strängnäs.Upplev den otroligt vackra historiska båtresan till Stockholm. Pris 230-250 kr Enkel resa. Stockholm Cruise The cruise to Stockholm departs from Västerås, Eskilstuna and Strängnäs. Enjoy this incredibly beautiful and historical cruise to Stockholm. Price 230-250Kr one-way Barn priser finns. Restaurang med fullständiga rättigheter. Discounts for children. Fully licensed restaurant on board. Boka hos Arboga rederi AB tel.019-107191 www.arbogarederi.se eller Turistbyrån Bookings Arboga Rederi AB 019-107191 www.arbogarederi.se or the Tourist Office www.vastmanland.se | nature 11
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=12">Visit Västmanland eng Summer water. summer Water V</a> ästerås, once a classic industrial town, has developed rapidly over the past 15 years and is now full of small businesses, a pulsating nightlife and diverse cultural life. This town on Lake Mälaren fronts the bay and the waves of the archipelago. Västerås is by far Västmanland’s largest town with over 130 000 inhabitants including new, young blood thanks to Mälardalen University. This county town has become a veritable shopping Mecca with its out of town shopping centres and a city centre full of fashion stores from all the large chains. The city centre is also brimming with cafés, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Don’t miss the opportunity to eat gourmet meals at Franks – made using local ingredients of course. Quench your thirst at the Bishops Arms with a pint of ”Narren”, ”Bödeln” or ”Sotaren” from Västerås’ own microbrewery ”Hantverksbryggeriet”, a beer 12 nature | www.vastmanland.se from Strömsholms Brygghus or ask the knowledgeable bartenders about some of the other beers from Västmanland, all of which have a very high standard. During the summer months, many restaurants and cafés move out onto the streets and squares to create a happy and relaxed atmosphere. Västerås’ former industrial area and harbour have been transformed and are now modern stylish residential areas that open the town up towards the water. At the restaurants in the area you can enjoy delicious food, coffee and ice cream while sitting in the sun and looking out over the waves in the bay of Lake Mälaren. But why just look at the waves? The bays and archipelago of western Lake Mälaren are unique and well worth a visit. Take a trip on one of Rederi Mälarstaden’s boats, stay on board or disembark at one of their exciting destinations. Take a short trip out to Östra Holmen where you can swim and sunbathe, or a longer trip to Gripsholm or Torshälla. The company has a number of trips to choose from whether you want to be away for a few hours or a whole day. Arboga Rederi also offers cruises on both Lake Mälaren and Lake Hjälmaren. A popular summer classic is the ”Shrimp Cruise” where you can enjoy the sunset and live entertainment. For timetables and further information, look at: www.rederimalarstaden.se and www.lagerbjelke.com summer Water Västerås, once a classic industrial town, has developed rapidly over the past 15 years and is now full of small businesses, a pulsating nightlife and diverse cultural life. This town on Lake Mälaren fronts the bay and the waves of the archipelago. Västerås is by far Västmanland’s largest town with over 130 000 inhabitants including new, young blood thanks to Mälardalen University. This county town has become a veritable shopping Mecca with its out of town shopping centres and a city centre full of fashion stores from all the large chains. The city centre is also brimming with cafés, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Don’t miss the opportunity to eat gourmet meals at Franks – made using local ingredients of course. Quench your thirst at the Bishops Arms with a pint of ”Narren”, ”Bödeln” or ”Sotaren” from Västerås’ own microbrewery ”Hantverksbryggeriet”, a beer 12 nature | www.vastmanland.se from Strömsholms Brygghus or ask the knowledgeable bartenders about some of the other beers from Västmanland, all of which have a very high standard. During the summer months, many restaurants and cafés move out onto the streets and squares to create a happy and relaxed atmosphere. Västerås’ former industrial area and harbour have been transformed and are now modern stylish residential areas that open the town up towards the water. At the restaurants in the area you can enjoy delicious food, coffee and ice cream while sitting in the sun and looking out over the waves in the bay of Lake Mälaren. But why just look at the waves? The bays and archipelago of western Lake Mälaren are unique and well worth a visit. Take a trip on one of Rederi Mälarstaden’s boats, stay on board or disembark at one of their exciting destinations. Take a short trip out to Östra Holmen where you can swim and sunbathe, or a longer trip to Gripsholm or Torshälla. The company has a number of trips to choose from whether you want to be away for a few hours or a whole day. Arboga Rederi also offers cruises on both Lake Mälaren and Lake Hjälmaren. A popular summer classic is the ”Shrimp Cruise” where you can enjoy the sunset and live entertainment. For timetables and further information, look at: www.rederimalarstaden.se and www.lagerbjelke.com
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=13">Visit Västmanland eng Sida 13 Important facts acco</a> mmodation Foto: Henrik Wester utter inn, (otter inn) Västerås Imagine being able to spend the night below the surface of Lake Mälaren and watch the fish as they swim by. That is exactly what you can do at Otter Inn. The hotel only has room for two guests and is on two floors. Above the water is a small traditional red cabin with a toilet and basic cooking facilities. On the floor below the surface are beds, a table and a window with a view of this under-water world. The hotel is the brainchild of the artist Mikael Genberg. Bookings can be made on +46 (0) 21-390100 or: www.vasteras.se Borgåsund harBour café Borgåsund, 25 kilometres outside Västerås, is a genuine Swedish idyll. You can buy coffee and apple cake in the café and take it down to the garden or the jetty. What makes this place so special is the harbour, vicinity to the lake and the old buildings. You can spend the night in the floating cabin or the old steamboat Rex. Bookings can be made on +46 (0) 70-59 430 87 or: info@borgasund.se While the Swedish Right of Public Access is guaranteed in the Swedish constitution, it is not actually a law and there is no statute that exactly defines its scope. On the other hand, it is encompassed by various laws that set limits to what is allowed. Although courts have the power to interpret the Swedish Right of Public Access, not many cases have actually come before a court. Swedes tend to regard the Swedish Right of Public Access as part of their cultural heritage, sometimes even as a national symbol. The concept of this right is probably not older than the mid1900s, but its origins date very far back in time. The Swedish Right of Public Access gives us the unique opportunity to roam freely in the countryside. But with this right comes responsibilities – to take care of nature and wildlife and to show consideration to landowners and other people enjoying the countryside. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency sums up the Swedish right of Public Access with the phrase ”Do not disturb – Do not destroy”. Here are a few points, for further information look at: www.naturvardsverket.se caravans and motor homes The basic rule is that on weekdays you may stay for up to 24 hours at lay-bys and signposted parking areas along the public roads. At weekends and on public holidays you may stay until the next weekday. camping Camping in the countryside is permitted for a day or two as long as you do not disturb the landowner or damage the countryside. fires You may light a fire in the countryside as long as the conditions are safe. Campfires spice up outdoor life but they also are a cause of concern among landowners since large areas of valuable forests burn down every year as a result of carelessness. protected animals and plants You may not pick, capture, kill, gather, damage or injure any protected species of plants and animals. picking floWers, Berries, mushrooms etc You are allowed to pick flowers, berries and mushrooms in the countryside, but keep in mind that some species are protected and may not be picked. www.vastmanland.se | nature 13
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=14">Visit Västmanland eng Kayaking and canoeing. kayak</a> ing and canoeing The adrenalin flows through the body, fatigue is slowly building up and lactic acid pumps in my arm- and abdominal muscles. The kayak cuts through the surface and suddenly, a wave comes toward me. I am a first-time kayaker and the situation is tense; will I be able to counter or will I flip over? My husband an I have rented a two seated kayak at Västerås Kayak Club to experience Lake Mälaren for a day. Kayaking may seem simple, but it’s quite tricky. It’s all about creating a symbiosis and become one instead of two. In general, kayaking on Lake Mälaren is rated easy to moderate and fits beginners. It is more about endurance than expertise. Lake Mälaren offers a mix of small restricted waters, narrow sounds, deep bays and open water. Try the tour Ängsö 14 nature | www.vastmanland.se - Västerås, which is about 30 km long and very pleasant. Anyone who wants to extend the tour can take a detour to Ridö for a much-needed coffee break. 5 tern. The trip takes about eight hours. If you feel the urge to go out on your canoeing trails Rental kayaks and canoes are available in all of the county’s municipalities. For more information: www.vastmanland.se. svartådalen Canoe in Svartån’s unique waterways and experience its light, surroundings and quietness. A 30 km long day tour with experienced guides, who will take you on a trip on the water world of the sea eagle, osprey and black own, the tour starts at “Paradisbadet” in Lake Hörendesjön. The tour’s only lift is at Hörnsjöfors, followed by pleasant paddling all the way to Lake Fläcksjön, where the ruff birds are performing their mating dance in the spring. If you want to go to Västerås, continue for another 25 km with lifts in Svanå, Haraker, Skultuna and Forsby. For more information: www.svartadalen.nu mälaren Another beautiful tour goes via Lake Mälaren, Arbåga ån, Hjälmare kanal, Lake Hjälmaren and Eskilstuna ån. In total the tour has eleven lifts and suits everyone with endurance and will power, beginners and well as veterans. strömsholms kanal and kolBäcksån This is the longest of Västmanlands canoeing trails and suits more experienced paddlers. kayaking and canoeing The adrenalin flows through the body, fatigue is slowly building up and lactic acid pumps in my arm- and abdominal muscles. The kayak cuts through the surface and suddenly, a wave comes toward me. I am a first-time kayaker and the situation is tense; will I be able to counter or will I flip over? My husband an I have rented a two seated kayak at Västerås Kayak Club to experience Lake Mälaren for a day. Kayaking may seem simple, but it’s quite tricky. It’s all about creating a symbiosis and become one instead of two. In general, kayaking on Lake Mälaren is rated easy to moderate and fits beginners. It is more about endurance than expertise. Lake Mälaren offers a mix of small restricted waters, narrow sounds, deep bays and open water. Try the tour Ängsö 14 nature | www.vastmanland.se - Västerås, which is about 30 km long and very pleasant. Anyone who wants to extend the tour can take a detour to Ridö for a much-needed coffee break. 5 tern. The trip takes about eight hours. If you feel the urge to go out on your canoeing trails Rental kayaks and canoes are available in all of the county’s municipalities. For more information: www.vastmanland.se. svartådalen Canoe in Svartån’s unique waterways and experience its light, surroundings and quietness. A 30 km long day tour with experienced guides, who will take you on a trip on the water world of the sea eagle, osprey and black own, the tour starts at “Paradisbadet” in Lake Hörendesjön. The tour’s only lift is at Hörnsjöfors, followed by pleasant paddling all the way to Lake Fläcksjön, where the ruff birds are performing their mating dance in the spring. If you want to go to Västerås, continue for another 25 km with lifts in Svanå, Haraker, Skultuna and Forsby. For more information: www.svartadalen.nu mälaren Another beautiful tour goes via Lake Mälaren, Arbåga ån, Hjälmare kanal, Lake Hjälmaren and Eskilstuna ån. In total the tour has eleven lifts and suits everyone with endurance and will power, beginners and well as veterans. strömsholms kanal and kolBäcksån This is the longest of Västmanlands canoeing trails and suits more experienced paddlers.
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=15">Visit Västmanland eng Page 15 You start in Smedjeb</a> acken and paddle down towards Lake Mälaren. You will pass 26 locks on the way. the malmleden adventure Experience the ultimate summer adventure by trying Malmleden. A three day adventure of a total of 44 km, including canoe, bicycle and hiking from Norberg to Färna. Naturarvskompaniet also offers canoe transportation to 20 trails in Bergslagen. For a detailed program, visit: www.naturarvskompaniet.se arBoga ån Suitable for beginners with smooth landscapes and only some small rapids. The tour starts in Frövi at Lake Väringen and you follow the river up to the outlet in Lake Mälaren in Kungsör. From here you can continue 13 km against Stora Sundby and Lake Hjälmaren. The total of this trip is 30 km. Skinnskatteberg’s tourist office, Kyrkvägen 7, 0222-45045 turistinfo@skinnskatteberg.se, www.skinnskatteberg.se canoe rental herrfallet - Arboga, 46 (0) 589-401 10 köpings scoutförening, 46 (0) 70-624 29 40 naturarvskompaniet, Kloten, 46 (0) 70-255 19 84 västanfors hembygdsområde, 46 (0) 223-175 78 skantzö Bad & camping, Hallstahammar, 46 (0) 220-243 05 ekuddens camping, Kungsör, 46 (0) 227-102 38 malmöns camping, Köping, 46 (0) 221- 244 19 svartådalens Bygdecenter, Västerfärnebo, 46 (0) 224-74 00 11 liens camping, Skinnskatteberg, 46 (0) 222-135 55 vandrarhemmet, Surahammar, 46 (0) 220-330 08 strömsholm kajak och fiske, 46 (0) 70-349 27 80 västerås kanotförening, 46 (0) 21-261 60 Björnögården, Västerås 46 (0) 21-262 00 More info: www.vastmanland.se A superior factory outlet in Skultuna about a 40% reduction in prices on discontinued lines and seconds Welcome to Skinnskatteberg Culture – nature – adventure MON – FRI 10AM – 6PM, SAT – SUN 11AM – 4PM BRUKSGATAN 8, SKULTUNA, TEL 021 – 783 01, WWW.SKULTUNA.COM www.vastmanland.se | nature 15 You start in Smedjebacken and paddle down towards Lake Mälaren. You will pass 26 locks on the way. the malmleden adventure Experience the ultimate summer adventure by trying Malmleden. A three day adventure of a total of 44 km, including canoe, bicycle and hiking from Norberg to Färna. Naturarvskompaniet also offers canoe transportation to 20 trails in Bergslagen. For a detailed program, visit: www.naturarvskompaniet.se arBoga ån Suitable for beginners with smooth landscapes and only some small rapids. The tour starts in Frövi at Lake Väringen and you follow the river up to the outlet in Lake Mälaren in Kungsör. From here you can continue 13 km against Stora Sundby and Lake Hjälmaren. The total of this trip is 30 km. Skinnskatteberg’s tourist office, Kyrkvägen 7, 0222-45045 turistinfo@skinnskatteberg.se, www.skinnskatteberg.se canoe rental herrfallet - Arboga, 46 (0) 589-401 10 köpings scoutförening, 46 (0) 70-624 29 40 naturarvskompaniet, Kloten, 46 (0) 70-255 19 84 västanfors hembygdsområde, 46 (0) 223-175 78 skantzö Bad & camping, Hallstahammar, 46 (0) 220-243 05 ekuddens camping, Kungsör, 46 (0) 227-102 38 malmöns camping, Köping, 46 (0) 221- 244 19 svartådalens Bygdecenter, Västerfärnebo, 46 (0) 224-74 00 11 liens camping, Skinnskatteberg, 46 (0) 222-135 55 vandrarhemmet, Surahammar, 46 (0) 220-330 08 strömsholm kajak och fiske, 46 (0) 70-349 27 80 västerås kanotförening, 46 (0) 21-261 60 Björnögården, Västerås 46 (0) 21-262 00 More info: www.vastmanland.se A superior factory outlet in Skultuna about a 40% reduction in prices on discontinued lines and seconds Welcome to Skinnskatteberg Culture – nature – adventure MON – FRI 10AM – 6PM, SAT – SUN 11AM – 4PM BRUKSGATAN 8, SKULTUNA, TEL 021 – 783 01, WWW.SKULTUNA.COM www.vastmanland.se | nature 15
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=16">Visit Västmanland eng Horses. Foto: Anders Geidema</a> rk horses Horse lovers will be both pleased and amazed to learn that there are almost 12 000 horses in the county of Västmanland. Have a go at western riding or racking, take a ride in a horse and sleigh or perhaps even visit Sweden’s oldest riding school at Strömsholm. strömsholm equestrian centre Gustav Wasa laid the foundation for a nationally famous stud, now known as the Swedish National Equestrian Centre. During Sweden’s period of great power there was an increasing need for good warhorses, which is why the stud farm enjoyed its heyday in the mid-18th century. In 1868 the army opened a military riding school primarily for officers of the cavalry. A few years later the stud farm was liquidated and a stallion depot for breeding was established. When the military left Strömsholm in 1968 the Swedish Equestrian Federation 16 nature | www.vastmanland.se took over. Strömsholm is now home to a number of different educational establishments all specializing in equestrian sports. Every summer the Strömsholm Competition - the second largest outdoor competition in Sweden - is held here. Strömsholm is also home to the coun- try’s largest and most important veterinary hospital. Animals from the entire country are referred here for examinations of orthopaedic and neurological problems, operations, intensive care and advanced x-ray diagnostics. The regional equine hospital is also situated here. 12 horseriding facilities Twelve tips for riding adventures for all tastes. BongBo gård, Skultuna Try baroque riding, western riding or go for a hack. The hacks vary in length from one hour to a full day. Coffee is included on all the hacks, but on the full-day hack a break is taken in the forest for a delicious threecourse meal. Bongbo Gård is open all year round and is a perfect place for both beginners and experienced riders. More info: 46 (0)21-765 60. Foto: Anders Geidemark horses Horse lovers will be both pleased and amazed to learn that there are almost 12 000 horses in the county of Västmanland. Have a go at western riding or racking, take a ride in a horse and sleigh or perhaps even visit Sweden’s oldest riding school at Strömsholm. strömsholm equestrian centre Gustav Wasa laid the foundation for a nationally famous stud, now known as the Swedish National Equestrian Centre. During Sweden’s period of great power there was an increasing need for good warhorses, which is why the stud farm enjoyed its heyday in the mid-18th century. In 1868 the army opened a military riding school primarily for officers of the cavalry. A few years later the stud farm was liquidated and a stallion depot for breeding was established. When the military left Strömsholm in 1968 the Swedish Equestrian Federation 16 nature | www.vastmanland.se took over. Strömsholm is now home to a number of different educational establishments all specializing in equestrian sports. Every summer the Strömsholm Competition - the second largest outdoor competition in Sweden - is held here. Strömsholm is also home to the coun- try’s largest and most important veterinary hospital. Animals from the entire country are referred here for examinations of orthopaedic and neurological problems, operations, intensive care and advanced x-ray diagnostics. The regional equine hospital is also situated here. 12 horseriding facilities Twelve tips for riding adventures for all tastes. BongBo gård, Skultuna Try baroque riding, western riding or go for a hack. The hacks vary in length from one hour to a full day. Coffee is included on all the hacks, but on the full-day hack a break is taken in the forest for a delicious threecourse meal. Bongbo Gård is open all year round and is a perfect place for both beginners and experienced riders. More info: 46 (0)21-765 60.
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=17">Visit Västmanland eng Sida 17 tina’s bridle path o</a> ffers a very pleasant hack through a varied forest landscape of culturally historic importance. More info: +46 (0)227 – 135 00. töltfari islandshästar, Fagersta Both beginners and experienced riders can go on a hack on these good-nature Icelandic horses. To book phone Lolo De La Waux on +46 (0)223 – 125 15 Foto: Kim Lill hultets gård, Strömsholm This riding centre is situated 1 km north of Strömsholm Castle and from here there are beautiful bridle paths through Djurgård’s forest, Utnäslöt, Österängen and to Strömsholm Riding School. The centre organizes courses and private lessons for more experienced riders. More info: +46 (0) 220 435 52 grällsta ridcenter, Sala Riding courses, riding camp and bed & breakfast. Rent a horse for as long as you like and choose between show jumping, going on a hack and dressage together with a personal instructor. Info: +46 (0)224 – 242 43 granhammars hästservice, Arboga Offers picturesque riding, carriage and sleigh tours with cold-blood horses. There is also a Remmalag carriage, which can take up to 20 people, as well as a carriage that can take wheelchairs. You can also go on a guided tour of the historic parts of Arboga in a Remmelag carriage. More info: +46 (0)73-99 45 100. Baståsens ridkluBB, Surahammar This riding facility, situated by Lake Glåpen, outside Surahammar, receives guests upon request. There is even a mini riding school for children aged three and over. If your child has his/her birthday whilst you’re on holiday, why not arrange a birthday party with a difference – riding, driving, games and a present for the birthday child. More info: +46 (0)220-309 00 arBoga ryttarsällskap, Arboga This riding school welcomes both individuals and groups of riders during the day for show jumping and dressage. The sessions can take place in the indoor riding school, the paddock or the manège in the forest, while groups can go on a short hack in the forest. More info: +46 (0)589-17337. horse & sleigh in himmeta, Köping For an unusual winter adventure why not experience an old mode of transport – the horse and sleigh? The tours pass through the forest and villages around Köping and you will be treated to coffee afterwards. More info: +46 (0)221-127 49. myrBygård, Västerås Enjoy the nature and the peace and quiet of Myrby Gård, which is a working horse farm with about 30 horses stabled here. Hacking. More info: +46 (0)70-590 92 78. kungsörs ridkluBB, Kungsör Klämsbo has room for 25 horses as well as the private horses stabled here. There are two outdoor tracks. The 35 km Queen Kris- www.vastmanland.se | nature 17 skinnskatteBergs häst och fritid, Skinnskatteberg Enrol at riding camp for a day, a weekend or a whole week. Go on a hack, have a riding lesson and you might even see a Morgan foal being born as this is where Morgan horses are bred. More info: +46 (0)222-151 11. frötuna gård, Sala Welcomes both small and large groups for hacks. Trained riding instructors lead all the hacks, which are of no fixed time since the speed depends on the group and the level. Horses: Icelandic Horses. More info: +46 (0)581-621211.
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=18">Visit Västmanland eng Wings over Västmanland. klac</a> kBerg About 3 km north of Norberg. The Klackberg area has very rich, unusual and varied scenery. The area has been extremelt affected by its former mining activities. lappland Lappland outside Skinnskatteberg is very much like the scenery in the far north of Sweden with its swamps, dwarf birches, pine forests and typical northern flora. Foto: Anders Geidemark experience the countryside Spending a day in the countryside of V�stmanland can be a mighty experience. The total absence of human sounds. Only the wind playing with the boughs of the trees. If you''ve never experienced a real Swedish forest this could be the highlight of your visit. If you''re not accustomed to hiking through woods and fields take a compass and a map with you, the forests are probably deeper than you think. Make sure you wear the right clothes with comfortable shoes and a warm sweater. The local tourist office can help you find suitable places to visit, but here are a few tips on some of V�stmanland''s 74 nature reserves which are all worth a visit for their own unique character. You are free to wander through the forests and nature reserves as long as you follow the Swedish rights of public access, see page 13. 18 nature | www.vastmanland.se 5 nature reserves V�stmanland has 74 nature reserves. You can find them all on: www.u.lst.se/u/amnen/Naturvard/Naturreservat. fermansBo urskog A nature reserve 3 km north of Ramn�s adjacent to the old road to Virsbo. Untouched virgin forest and wilderness with drywood, stump mounds and decaying logs. �ngs�-sund�ngen, v�ster�s 5 km south of the old road to Stockholm along the �ngs� road towards Lake M�laren. The reserve consists of idyllic nature typical of the region; meadows, grazing lands and deciduous hardwood forests with footpaths and beaches. steng�rdet A section of K�pings�sen ouside Kungs�r is even known as "The Devil''s Field" or "Giant Field" . According to the legend, a farmer blasphemed by sowing peas here on a Good Friday. As a punishment everything was turned into stone. t�ngsta, k�ping This nature reserve mainly consists of coniferous trees between the ages of 100 and 140. Windfall, high stumps and windthrow are plentiful giving this area the character of a primeval forest. There are rare species of wood-inhabiting fungi. m�rkrets Backe, Kungs�r South of Kungs�r you can find this moraine holme in an open landscape. The holme is covered with thick oaks and lime trees. The name stems from a legend that this was once a gallows hill. fl�ckeBo East of Sala the nature here is herbal type of birch swamp forest. There is a wealth of birds, both in terms of species and individuals. s�dra hammaren Norra J�rn�''s cultural landscape in Arboga, is viewed as being a matter of national concern, has the character of a primeval forest with a rich animal and plant life. hedstr�mmen This reserve situated in the municipalities of K�ping and Skinnskatteberg is extremely varied with peaceful river sections, stretches of rapids, ravines, broad-leaved deciduous forest and spruce forest. klackBerg About 3 km north of Norberg. The Klackberg area has very rich, unusual and varied scenery. The area has been extremelt affected by its former mining activities. lappland Lappland outside Skinnskatteberg is very much like the scenery in the far north of Sweden with its swamps, dwarf birches, pine forests and typical northern flora. Foto: Anders Geidemark experience the countryside Spending a day in the countryside of V�stmanland can be a mighty experience. The total absence of human sounds. Only the wind playing with the boughs of the trees. If you''ve never experienced a real Swedish forest this could be the highlight of your visit. If you''re not accustomed to hiking through woods and fields take a compass and a map with you, the forests are probably deeper than you think. Make sure you wear the right clothes with comfortable shoes and a warm sweater. The local tourist office can help you find suitable places to visit, but here are a few tips on some of V�stmanland''s 74 nature reserves which are all worth a visit for their own unique character. You are free to wander through the forests and nature reserves as long as you follow the Swedish rights of public access, see page 13. 18 nature | www.vastmanland.se 5 nature reserves V�stmanland has 74 nature reserves. You can find them all on: www.u.lst.se/u/amnen/Naturvard/Naturreservat. fermansBo urskog A nature reserve 3 km north of Ramn�s adjacent to the old road to Virsbo. Untouched virgin forest and wilderness with drywood, stump mounds and decaying logs. �ngs�-sund�ngen, v�ster�s 5 km south of the old road to Stockholm along the �ngs� road towards Lake M�laren. The reserve consists of idyllic nature typical of the region; meadows, grazing lands and deciduous hardwood forests with footpaths and beaches. steng�rdet A section of K�pings�sen ouside Kungs�r is even known as "The Devil''s Field" or "Giant Field" . According to the legend, a farmer blasphemed by sowing peas here on a Good Friday. As a punishment everything was turned into stone. t�ngsta, k�ping This nature reserve mainly consists of coniferous trees between the ages of 100 and 140. Windfall, high stumps and windthrow are plentiful giving this area the character of a primeval forest. There are rare species of wood-inhabiting fungi. m�rkrets Backe, Kungs�r South of Kungs�r you can find this moraine holme in an open landscape. The holme is covered with thick oaks and lime trees. The name stems from a legend that this was once a gallows hill. fl�ckeBo East of Sala the nature here is herbal type of birch swamp forest. There is a wealth of birds, both in terms of species and individuals. s�dra hammaren Norra J�rn�''s cultural landscape in Arboga, is viewed as being a matter of national concern, has the character of a primeval forest with a rich animal and plant life. hedstr�mmen This reserve situated in the municipalities of K�ping and Skinnskatteberg is extremely varied with peaceful river sections, stretches of rapids, ravines, broad-leaved deciduous forest and spruce forest.
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=19">Visit Västmanland eng Page 19 Just as alive when i</a> t’s dead It is said that the oak grows for 500 years, lives for 500 years and dies for 500 years. During that time it is host to about 500 species of moss, lava and fungi. There is no other organism in Sweden that provides so many species with living space as the oak. Most of us approach an old oak with devout respect. You take your last step towards it in awe and feel the rough bark with your hands. Oaks are impressive. Historically we are in excellent company: the Greek God Zeus selected the oak to be his holy tree, the Celts called their priests Druids – druid is derived from the Greek word drus meaning oak - and the oak was Thor’s, the Nordic god of thunder, tree. The oak has been statutorily protected in Sweden ever since the 14th century. It was the king’s tree and its timber could only be used to build castles and ships. Västmanland can proudly present some of the country’s most distinguished oak stands. The largest stand is in Kungsör, where about ten oak holms are being restored with the help of grazing animals to remind us of how the State demesne’s land was used in the 16th century. The grove flora - which is dependent on the light that is admitted between the deciduous hardwood trees – is impressive, particularly in the spring. The holms provide their visitors with easy walks through cultural landscapes of the Middle Ages. The oak stand in Strömsholm is also incredibly valuable as a last refuge for a number of plants, fungi and beetles that are completely dependent on old giant oaks. No fewer than 170 endangered species have shelter here. Their life is short and sweet – so it shouldn’t be too far to a suitable old oak tree which can be a new a nursery. Västerås cathedral Sommar på Gammelgårdenummer at Gammelgården Welcome to an eventful summer at Gammelgården’s open-air museum and café in Köping. Välkommen till en händelserik sommar på Gammelgårdens friluftsmuseum & café i Köping Storybook walks, theatre, crafts, games, concerts, handicrafts and guided theme tours are all part of the summer programme. At Gammelgården’s café you can enjoy a cup of coffee and freshly baked waffled. You can find the programme of events on www.koping.se or ring the tourist office on 0221 – 265 55 if you would like us to post it to you. Sagovandringar, teater, pyssel, lek, konserter, hantverk och guidade temavandringar är en del av programmet under sommaren. På Gammelgårdens café kan du njuta av en kopp kaffe och nygräddade våfflor. Evenemangskalendern hittar du på www.koping.se eller ring turistbyrån om du vill ha den hemskickad, tfn: 0221-256 55. Gammelgården’s opening hours 6/6 – 30/8 -09 Tuesday – Friday 11am – 7pm Saturday – Sunday 10am – 4pm Monday – closed 0221-256 55, 0221-253 21 • www.koping.se Gammelgårdens öppettider 6/6–30/8 2009 Tisdag–fredag kl. 11.00–19.00 Lördag–söndag kl. 10.00–16.00 Måndagar stängt Tfn: 0221-256 55, 0221-253 51 • www.koping.se RIKARE PÅ FANTASI, LAGANDA OCH DRIVKRAFT GUIDE MICHELIN Green edition GUIDED TOURS OF THE CATHEDRAL FOR THE PUBLIC 45 – 60 MINS Tuesdays and Thursdays 4pm TOWER TOURS Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 2pm (limited number of places) DISCOVER VÄSTERÅS CATHEDRAL WITH THE SLEUTH-HOUND Collect a map from the counter in the vestibule SUMMER CAFÉ WITH ICE-CREAM BAR Weekdays 12 – 4.30pm SUMMER EVENING CONCERTS Sundays (14 & 28 June, 12 & 26 July and 9 August) 8pm following the guided tour at 7pm. Group bookings: 021-81 46 11 VÄSTERÅS CATHEDRAL opening hours 15 June – 16 August, weekdays 8.30am – 6pm and weekends 9.30am – 5pm www.svenskakyrkan.se/vasterasdomkyrkoforsamling www.vastmanland.se | nature 19 Just as alive when it’s dead It is said that the oak grows for 500 years, lives for 500 years and dies for 500 years. During that time it is host to about 500 species of moss, lava and fungi. There is no other organism in Sweden that provides so many species with living space as the oak. Most of us approach an old oak with devout respect. You take your last step towards it in awe and feel the rough bark with your hands. Oaks are impressive. Historically we are in excellent company: the Greek God Zeus selected the oak to be his holy tree, the Celts called their priests Druids – druid is derived from the Greek word drus meaning oak - and the oak was Thor’s, the Nordic god of thunder, tree. The oak has been statutorily protected in Sweden ever since the 14th century. It was the king’s tree and its timber could only be used to build castles and ships. Västmanland can proudly present some of the country’s most distinguished oak stands. The largest stand is in Kungsör, where about ten oak holms are being restored with the help of grazing animals to remind us of how the State demesne’s land was used in the 16th century. The grove flora - which is dependent on the light that is admitted between the deciduous hardwood trees – is impressive, particularly in the spring. The holms provide their visitors with easy walks through cultural landscapes of the Middle Ages. The oak stand in Strömsholm is also incredibly valuable as a last refuge for a number of plants, fungi and beetles that are completely dependent on old giant oaks. No fewer than 170 endangered species have shelter here. Their life is short and sweet – so it shouldn’t be too far to a suitable old oak tree which can be a new a nursery. Västerås cathedral Sommar på Gammelgårdenummer at Gammelgården Welcome to an eventful summer at Gammelgården’s open-air museum and café in Köping. Välkommen till en händelserik sommar på Gammelgårdens friluftsmuseum & café i Köping Storybook walks, theatre, crafts, games, concerts, handicrafts and guided theme tours are all part of the summer programme. At Gammelgården’s café you can enjoy a cup of coffee and freshly baked waffled. You can find the programme of events on www.koping.se or ring the tourist office on 0221 – 265 55 if you would like us to post it to you. Sagovandringar, teater, pyssel, lek, konserter, hantverk och guidade temavandringar är en del av programmet under sommaren. På Gammelgårdens café kan du njuta av en kopp kaffe och nygräddade våfflor. Evenemangskalendern hittar du på www.koping.se eller ring turistbyrån om du vill ha den hemskickad, tfn: 0221-256 55. Gammelgården’s opening hours 6/6 – 30/8 -09 Tuesday – Friday 11am – 7pm Saturday – Sunday 10am – 4pm Monday – closed 0221-256 55, 0221-253 21 • www.koping.se Gammelgårdens öppettider 6/6–30/8 2009 Tisdag–fredag kl. 11.00–19.00 Lördag–söndag kl. 10.00–16.00 Måndagar stängt Tfn: 0221-256 55, 0221-253 51 • www.koping.se RIKARE PÅ FANTASI, LAGANDA OCH DRIVKRAFT GUIDE MICHELIN Green edition GUIDED TOURS OF THE CATHEDRAL FOR THE PUBLIC 45 – 60 MINS Tuesdays and Thursdays 4pm TOWER TOURS Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 2pm (limited number of places) DISCOVER VÄSTERÅS CATHEDRAL WITH THE SLEUTH-HOUND Collect a map from the counter in the vestibule SUMMER CAFÉ WITH ICE-CREAM BAR Weekdays 12 – 4.30pm SUMMER EVENING CONCERTS Sundays (14 & 28 June, 12 & 26 July and 9 August) 8pm following the guided tour at 7pm. Group bookings: 021-81 46 11 VÄSTERÅS CATHEDRAL opening hours 15 June – 16 August, weekdays 8.30am – 6pm and weekends 9.30am – 5pm www.svenskakyrkan.se/vasterasdomkyrkoforsamling www.vastmanland.se | nature 19
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=20">Visit Västmanland eng Sida 20 Text & Foto: Anders </a> Geidemark Wings over västmanland From his soft feather armchair placed between the wings of the leader goose Akka, Nils Holgersson sits and looks down upon the county of Västmanland.* He expresses surprise at its stripiness. – It’s the rivers and the ridges, the roads and the railroads, calls the goose in reply. A hundred years have passed since Thelma Lagerlöf wrote her immortal classic, but her masterly description of how Västmanland looks from the air is of course still correct. In a north-south direction there are a remarkable number of “stripes” made up of green ridges and blue rivers. 20 nature | www.vastmanland.se From the springs in the woodland hills the rivers flow onwards like life-giving arteries through the ploughed farmlands to then finally flow out along the shores of Lake Mälaren. The rivers of Arbogaån, Hedströmmen, Köpingsån, Kolbäcksån, Svartån and Sagån – evenly distributed over the province and all with the same goal. In the spring, when they carry the melting snow from the mountains, their banks overflow. The meadows, full of nutrition with their grass seeds and chrysalises, provide winged travellers, on their way to their breeding grounds in the north, with a veritable smorgasbord. You cannot help but notice what fantastic parties these spring evenings hold, with the whooper swans blowing their trumpets, the goldeneyes whistling with their wings and the snipes cackling with laughter. For a wonderful symphony concert a visit to Lake Fläcksjön in Svartådalen is recommended – this is where whooper swans, cranes, ducks and wading birds gather between the months of March and May. The land around the Svartån river’s central reach is part of Natura 2000 EU’s network to protect nature. The area is classified as important in the whole of Europe for its diversity of birds. Many more of Västmanland’s bird habitats offer such spring festivities,
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=21">Visit Västmanland eng Sida 21 particularly along t</a> he rivers. Lake Ladugårdsjön, a widening of the Kolbäcksån river at Strömsholm, appears to be a magnet for ducks and geese. In spring 2009 a handicap-friendly observation spot was opened on the hill, just west of the lake. The whole of Strömsholm nature reserve, with its jagged shoreline, oak holmes and grazing meadows, offers an abundance of birds all year round. Take a walk at Strömsholm Palace on a really cold mid-winter’s day when icicles are hanging from the skirts of the willow trees over the roaring river and be bowled over by the sight of a dipper standing and curtsying on a frosty rock in the middle of the river before diving head first into the icy whirlpool. Continue in a northerly direction and you’ll find Lake Gnien, another widening of the Kolbäcksån, just south of Ramnäs. This bird habitat is particularly interesting during the spring and autumn migrations. Just 20 kms across the forest as the bird flies, in the direction of Skinnskatteberg, you’ll find yourself in the district of Färna and Hedströmmen. Färna Eco Park is the name of a 400-hectar-large area that has quickly become an institution among ornithologists. It is here that every single species of breeding woodpecker – several of them being extremely rare. From our smallest, the lesser spotted woodpecker, to the largest, the black woodpecker, and, of course, the specialities of the area: the three-toed woodpecker and the grey-headed woodpecker. If all goes well, Färna Eco Park might even see the return of the white-backed woodpecker, which is virtually extinct in Sweden. Here in Bergslagen there are also grouse and their courting grounds to be found. During the spring the black cocks compete for the attention of the grey hens in a passionate courting ritual on the moors. In the deepest forests there is a more secret performance going on continue on page 22 … www.vastmanland.se | nature 21
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=22">Visit Västmanland eng Nature reserves. when the ma</a> le capercaillies measure their strengths. In early May the drumming of the woodpeckers to establish their territories starts to peter out and the male capercaillies lick their wounds after a few months’ jousting. Head to the south of the province to welcome the recently landed passerines. In late May and early June you can enjoy an evening concert with the sounds of nightingales, grasshoppers, reed warblers and sedge warblers reverberating around the shores of Lake Mälaren accompanied by the bass notes of the bittern. Why not visit Asköviken with its abundance of In late May and early June you can enjoy an evening concert reeds and walk along the paths to the bird-watching tower? On the west side, near Lövsta, there is a footbridge that goes all the way out to a bird hideout in the middle of the reeds. Asköviken is one of Sweden’s best known and finest bird-watching sites, which is worth a visit all year round. In the winter the chances are high that you will see our largest bird of prey, the sea 22 nature | www.vastmanland.se eagle, up in the skies, while the small and strikingly beautiful reedling will make its presence known down in the reeds. The bird world of the province is truly multifaceted. The abundance of birds is due to the fact that the county of Västmanland has such varied nature; in fact it is often referred to as a “Sweden in miniature”. The barren woodlands of Bergslagen – an offshoot of the Siberian taiga – and the hospitable agricultural districts of Västmanland with their hardwood groves and jungles of reeds are only a short distance from each other. There are only a few kilometres between the Lapland Owl’s muffled hooting sounds in the pine forests, and the bittern’s trumpeting notes from a clump of reeds on a summer’s night. North meets south. Sometimes this meeting is complete: In Sörkvarnsforsens Nature Reserve – in central Hallstahammar – the northerly dipper lives side by side with the almost exotically shimmering kingfisher. As if that’s not enough, we can also see the rare grey wagtail in Mälardalen’s most powerful stretch of rapids! Birds in Västmanland – a condensed version of Sweden’s bird world. And if you just use your ears and eyes to follow the stripes that Nils Holgersson observed from the air, you too can have a share in all this wealth. Good luck! *this is selma Selma Lagerlöf (1858-1940) is one of Sweden’s most famous fiction writers. Lagerlöf was the first female member of the Swedish Academy and the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize in literature. The Wonderful Adventures of Nils (1906-1907) is one of her most famous works of fiction. The book was originally written as a textbook in Swedish geography, and is about Nils Holgersson, a boy who is transformed into an elf and who travels all over Sweden on the back of a goose. In spite of the fact that the book was intended to be used as a textbook, it has been translated into many languages. If you look at a Swedish twenty kronor bank note you can see Selma portrayed on one side and Nils Holgersson flying on the back of the goose on the other side. when the male capercaillies measure their strengths. In early May the drumming of the woodpeckers to establish their territories starts to peter out and the male capercaillies lick their wounds after a few months’ jousting. Head to the south of the province to welcome the recently landed passerines. In late May and early June you can enjoy an evening concert with the sounds of nightingales, grasshoppers, reed warblers and sedge warblers reverberating around the shores of Lake Mälaren accompanied by the bass notes of the bittern. Why not visit Asköviken with its abundance of In late May and early June you can enjoy an evening concert reeds and walk along the paths to the bird-watching tower? On the west side, near Lövsta, there is a footbridge that goes all the way out to a bird hideout in the middle of the reeds. Asköviken is one of Sweden’s best known and finest bird-watching sites, which is worth a visit all year round. In the winter the chances are high that you will see our largest bird of prey, the sea 22 nature | www.vastmanland.se eagle, up in the skies, while the small and strikingly beautiful reedling will make its presence known down in the reeds. The bird world of the province is truly multifaceted. The abundance of birds is due to the fact that the county of Västmanland has such varied nature; in fact it is often referred to as a “Sweden in miniature”. The barren woodlands of Bergslagen – an offshoot of the Siberian taiga – and the hospitable agricultural districts of Västmanland with their hardwood groves and jungles of reeds are only a short distance from each other. There are only a few kilometres between the Lapland Owl’s muffled hooting sounds in the pine forests, and the bittern’s trumpeting notes from a clump of reeds on a summer’s night. North meets south. Sometimes this meeting is complete: In Sörkvarnsforsens Nature Reserve – in central Hallstahammar – the northerly dipper lives side by side with the almost exotically shimmering kingfisher. As if that’s not enough, we can also see the rare grey wagtail in Mälardalen’s most powerful stretch of rapids! Birds in Västmanland – a condensed version of Sweden’s bird world. And if you just use your ears and eyes to follow the stripes that Nils Holgersson observed from the air, you too can have a share in all this wealth. Good luck! *this is selma Selma Lagerlöf (1858-1940) is one of Sweden’s most famous fiction writers. Lagerlöf was the first female member of the Swedish Academy and the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize in literature. The Wonderful Adventures of Nils (1906-1907) is one of her most famous works of fiction. The book was originally written as a textbook in Swedish geography, and is about Nils Holgersson, a boy who is transformed into an elf and who travels all over Sweden on the back of a goose. In spite of the fact that the book was intended to be used as a textbook, it has been translated into many languages. If you look at a Swedish twenty kronor bank note you can see Selma portrayed on one side and Nils Holgersson flying on the back of the goose on the other side.
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=23">Visit Västmanland eng Page 23 www.lansstyrelsen.se</a> /vastmanland Anders Geidemark The best pictures are those that touch you and remain etched on your eyes. These are the kind of pictures that nature photographer Anders Geidermark takes and which you can take pleasure in on many of Visit’s pages. These days Anders portrays nature in the narrative. It could be about the social connection between people or how people affect or are affected by nature; everything is equally interesting and important to him. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes Anders’ photographs so interesting, but it is probably because each and every one of them seems to tell its own silent story. You can’t mistake Anders’ love of Västmanland. accommodation kolarByn Kolarbyn is called Sweden’s most primitive hotel. The combination of wilderness, exciting forest adventures and silence is unbeatable. There are many different guided tours and events on offer such as a moose safari, wolf tour and a beaver safari. The charcoalers’ huts are beautifully situated in the forest and are without electricity and water but are equipped with wood burning stoves. You sleep in sleeping bags in front of the fire and wake up to beautiful birdsong. Remember to take weatherproof clothes and footwear for hiking as well as warm clothing. Sleeping bags can be rented for 50 kr. Forest hut accommodation: 250 kr per adult, 125 kr per child, per night. Breakfast: 65 kr for adults, 45 kr for children For reservations and more information: 070-40 07 05 or www.kolarbyn.se How would you like to celebrate Nature’s Year 2009? Choose between hundreds of events on www.naturensar.se. Our local activities can be found on www.lansstyrelsen.se/vastmanland Världsarv, olja och dramatik World heritage, oil and drama Besök Engelsbergs Bruk och Oljeön tillsammans med teatergruppen Mjölkerskans Arv för att uppleva hur det var i Ängelsberg för 100 år sedan. Scenerna spelas lördagar på Oljeön och söndagar på bruket v. 28-31. Visit Engelsberg Ironworks and Oljeön (Oil Island) together with the drama group Mjölkerskans Arv to experience how life was in Ängelsberg 100 years ago. The scenes are played on Saturdays on Oljeön and on Sundays at the Ironworks weeks 10 July – 2 August. Under en ordinarie visning på bruket får du komma in and the smelting house where the water wheel is put into der bruksvandringen visas tvätt- och bagarstugan i stället för smedjan.Till Oljeön åker du med färjan Petrolia oc take the ferry Petrolia to Oljeön and visit the world’s Båda visas under helger i maj, juni och september samt During our regular guided tours we visit the blacksmith’s i smedjan och hyttan där vattenhjulet sätts igång. Unaction. Duri g our ironworks walks we visit the washhouse and bakery instead of the blacksmith’s. You can h besöker världens äldsta bevarade oljeraffinaderi. oldest oil refinery. The ironworks and Oljeön are open at weekends in May, June and September, and every day dagligen från midsommar till mitten av augusti. from Midsummer to mid-August. Vill du veta mer om skulpturparken och Ängelsberg, gå på en samhällsvandring onsdagkvällar v. 28-31. On Wednesday evenings weeks 8 July – 29 August you can join us for a walk around Ängelsberg and learn more about this community and the sculpture park. For more information: Fagersta Tourist Office 0223 – 131 00 turism@fagersta.se För mer information: Fagersta Turism 0223-131 00 turism@fagersta.se www.vastmanland.se | nature 23 www.fagersta.se/turism www.lansstyrelsen.se/vastmanland Anders Geidemark The best pictures are those that touch you and remain etched on your eyes. These are the kind of pictures that nature photographer Anders Geidermark takes and which you can take pleasure in on many of Visit’s pages. These days Anders portrays nature in the narrative. It could be about the social connection between people or how people affect or are affected by nature; everything is equally interesting and important to him. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes Anders’ photographs so interesting, but it is probably because each and every one of them seems to tell its own silent story. You can’t mistake Anders’ love of Västmanland. accommodation kolarByn Kolarbyn is called Sweden’s most primitive hotel. The combination of wilderness, exciting forest adventures and silence is unbeatable. There are many different guided tours and events on offer such as a moose safari, wolf tour and a beaver safari. The charcoalers’ huts are beautifully situated in the forest and are without electricity and water but are equipped with wood burning stoves. You sleep in sleeping bags in front of the fire and wake up to beautiful birdsong. Remember to take weatherproof clothes and footwear for hiking as well as warm clothing. Sleeping bags can be rented for 50 kr. Forest hut accommodation: 250 kr per adult, 125 kr per child, per night. Breakfast: 65 kr for adults, 45 kr for children For reservations and more information: 070-40 07 05 or www.kolarbyn.se How would you like to celebrate Nature’s Year 2009? Choose between hundreds of events on www.naturensar.se. Our local activities can be found on www.lansstyrelsen.se/vastmanland Världsarv, olja och dramatik World heritage, oil and drama Besök Engelsbergs Bruk och Oljeön tillsammans med teatergruppen Mjölkerskans Arv för att uppleva hur det var i Ängelsberg för 100 år sedan. Scenerna spelas lördagar på Oljeön och söndagar på bruket v. 28-31. Visit Engelsberg Ironworks and Oljeön (Oil Island) together with the drama group Mjölkerskans Arv to experience how life was in Ängelsberg 100 years ago. The scenes are played on Saturdays on Oljeön and on Sundays at the Ironworks weeks 10 July – 2 August. Under en ordinarie visning på bruket får du komma in and the smelting house where the water wheel is put into der bruksvandringen visas tvätt- och bagarstugan i stället för smedjan.Till Oljeön åker du med färjan Petrolia oc take the ferry Petrolia to Oljeön and visit the world’s Båda visas under helger i maj, juni och september samt During our regular guided tours we visit the blacksmith’s i smedjan och hyttan där vattenhjulet sätts igång. Unaction. Duri g our ironworks walks we visit the washhouse and bakery instead of the blacksmith’s. You can h besöker världens äldsta bevarade oljeraffinaderi. oldest oil refinery. The ironworks and Oljeön are open at weekends in May, June and September, and every day dagligen från midsommar till mitten av augusti. from Midsummer to mid-August. Vill du veta mer om skulpturparken och Ängelsberg, gå på en samhällsvandring onsdagkvällar v. 28-31. On Wednesday evenings weeks 8 July – 29 August you can join us for a walk around Ängelsberg and learn more about this community and the sculpture park. For more information: Fagersta Tourist Office 0223 – 131 00 turism@fagersta.se För mer information: Fagersta Turism 0223-131 00 turism@fagersta.se www.vastmanland.se | nature 23 www.fagersta.se/turism
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=24">Visit Västmanland eng Sida 24 You can find informa</a> tion on bus and train transport in Västmanland on vl.se 4 Ways of meeting Birds BirdsafarisWeden Has international air under its wings, arranges guided tours and a lot more besides for those interested in birds and butterflies. Join us on a swan safari around the lakes of Svartådalen. From the first melting of the winter ice to the first week in April, 20 – 25 000 whooper swans stream through Västmanland on the way to their breeding grounds. Birdsafarisweden has many other guided tours to choose from. Info: www.birdsafarisweden.com. nordic safari Nordic Safari has a number of different bird safaris to choose from. Join us one spring evening on a walk to observe the courtship ceremony of the black grouse. Ramble over the swampy grounds, listen to the call of the crane and the song of the thrush. Huddle up in your sleeping bag when it starts to get dark. Wake up to the coo of the grouse outside the hide and watch how the cock protects his territory and handles his rivals. Or why not join us on a two-day excursion and see the county’s owls at close quarters. Info: www.nordicsafari.net. svartådalen Svartådalen is a unique and vibrant district full of cultural traditions, expansive plains, wetlands and lakes. Just around the corner you can find large forests and the region of Bergslagen with its wide-open spaces, wild country and silence. Come here and go on a canoe safari, go fishing or bird watching with experienced guides. Join us on an eagle safari where you can visit the habitats of the whitetailed eagle amid the abundance of lakes in the area. This is where the eagles hunt for fish and seabirds. Info: www.svartadalen.nu. asköviken, Tidö Asköviken nature reserve, 10 kms south of Västerås is a pearl among Swedish bird habitats with its rich birdlife and a total of 250 different species. Info: www1.vasteras. se/naturskolanaskoviken for those of us on the move Customer Services 0774 – 410410 Welcome to Norberg Abrahamsgårdens Konsthantverk Handicraft Norbergfestival Electronic music 10 year anniversary Medieval Feast Ironmakingattempt at Nya Lapphyttan For more information, please call: 0046 (0)223 29130 E-mail:turistbyra@norberg.se www.norberg.se Mysterious Intriguing Different
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=25">Visit Västmanland eng The culinary Västmanland. th</a> e culinary västmanland There is a great deal of interest in food in Västmanland, both from a historic and modern perspective. The county has long been the capital’s pantry, providing Stockholm with fruit, grain and meat. Ola Graus describes the rich county of Västmanland in his writings and travel notes from 1745. Then, just as now, everything could be found, from game, fish, mushrooms, grain and root vegetables to meat. The county takes pride in all its exciting and interesting patisseries, restaurants and manor houses. Every year “Mat i Västmanland” (Food in Västmanland) appoints the county chef of the year, as part of its vision to raise interest in and encourage local produce. It is no coincidence that two of Sweden’s beststocked farm shops, Kungsbyn and Åsby Kött och Vilthandel, are in the county with their top quality, locally produced meat, game and dairy products. We are proud to welcome you to our culinary county of Västmanland. Måns Ols Inn on the outskirts of Sala on Lake Långförsen offers guests that little extra. The Skarnevall family runs the inn and guests have a large menu to choose from; everything from a simple cup of coffee to a delicious dinner. The kitchen buys most of its ingredients from local suppliers and you can indulge in chanterelle toast, a Västmanland fish platter with pike-perch and trout and, as a dessert, pear with lingonberry compote served with caramel sauce and ice cream. More info: 46 (0) 224-100 38 Fishing in Lake Mälaren’s archipelago has a long tradition; perhaps because pike-perch is the fish of the province. Over the past few years pike-perch has gained popularity and is now a popular dish on menus. Together with game it has become a symbol for Västmanland’s cuisine. But the real delicacy is perch. Fresh perch coated with golden breadcrumbs and fried in butter is a dish that will never disappoint you. Restaurant Frank, in the heart of Västerås city centre, is a relaxing bistro where the menu is governed by the freshest ingredients the chefs can get hold of. Reservations need to be made well in advance as this is a popular restaurant which always serves delicious, well cooked food. More info: 46 (0) 21-13 65 00. The Inn Kolbäcks Gästgivaregård serves dishes based on modern forms of classic Swedish ingredients. The Inn dates back to 1561 and offers its guests a historic setting making your meal a complete experience. At the weekend the Inn serves its renowned buffet with delicacies such as different kinds of herring, paté, ham and roast beef. The Inn is beauti- fully situated at Herrevad alongside the river of Kolbäck, which in ancient times served as a ford across the river. In the year 1251 the king Birger Jarl waged a battle against the political opponents at Herrevad. The first known documentation of the Inn dates back to the year 1670 when a Henrik Mattson ran the inn known then as “Kohlbäcks Kroug”. More info: 46 (0) 220-403 60 In the northernmost part of Västmanland, in Norberg, is Elsa Anderson’s patisserie, which has been in business since 1919. The patisserie is popular with tourists and guests can enjoy fresh pastries and bread in this historic building. In south-east Västmanland you can find Kungsörstorp with its delicious culinary dishes. You can enjoy unusual combinations such as nettles mixed with chanterelle. The kitchen conceals treasures like its own-spiced snaps. If you have any special requests then please tell us, the kitchen always does its best to please all the guests. www.vastmanland.se | agriculture 25 the culinary västmanland There is a great deal of interest in food in Västmanland, both from a historic and modern perspective. The county has long been the capital’s pantry, providing Stockholm with fruit, grain and meat. Ola Graus describes the rich county of Västmanland in his writings and travel notes from 1745. Then, just as now, everything could be found, from game, fish, mushrooms, grain and root vegetables to meat. The county takes pride in all its exciting and interesting patisseries, restaurants and manor houses. Every year “Mat i Västmanland” (Food in Västmanland) appoints the county chef of the year, as part of its vision to raise interest in and encourage local produce. It is no coincidence that two of Sweden’s beststocked farm shops, Kungsbyn and Åsby Kött och Vilthandel, are in the county with their top quality, locally produced meat, game and dairy products. We are proud to welcome you to our culinary county of Västmanland. Måns Ols Inn on the outskirts of Sala on Lake Långförsen offers guests that little extra. The Skarnevall family runs the inn and guests have a large menu to choose from; everything from a simple cup of coffee to a delicious dinner. The kitchen buys most of its ingredients from local suppliers and you can indulge in chanterelle toast, a Västmanland fish platter with pike-perch and trout and, as a dessert, pear with lingonberry compote served with caramel sauce and ice cream. More info: 46 (0) 224-100 38 Fishing in Lake Mälaren’s archipelago has a long tradition; perhaps because pike-perch is the fish of the province. Over the past few years pike-perch has gained popularity and is now a popular dish on menus. Together with game it has become a symbol for Västmanland’s cuisine. But the real delicacy is perch. Fresh perch coated with golden breadcrumbs and fried in butter is a dish that will never disappoint you. Restaurant Frank, in the heart of Västerås city centre, is a relaxing bistro where the menu is governed by the freshest ingredients the chefs can get hold of. Reservations need to be made well in advance as this is a popular restaurant which always serves delicious, well cooked food. More info: 46 (0) 21-13 65 00. The Inn Kolbäcks Gästgivaregård serves dishes based on modern forms of classic Swedish ingredients. The Inn dates back to 1561 and offers its guests a historic setting making your meal a complete experience. At the weekend the Inn serves its renowned buffet with delicacies such as different kinds of herring, paté, ham and roast beef. The Inn is beauti- fully situated at Herrevad alongside the river of Kolbäck, which in ancient times served as a ford across the river. In the year 1251 the king Birger Jarl waged a battle against the political opponents at Herrevad. The first known documentation of the Inn dates back to the year 1670 when a Henrik Mattson ran the inn known then as “Kohlbäcks Kroug”. More info: 46 (0) 220-403 60 In the northernmost part of Västmanland, in Norberg, is Elsa Anderson’s patisserie, which has been in business since 1919. The patisserie is popular with tourists and guests can enjoy fresh pastries and bread in this historic building. In south-east Västmanland you can find Kungsörstorp with its delicious culinary dishes. You can enjoy unusual combinations such as nettles mixed with chanterelle. The kitchen conceals treasures like its own-spiced snaps. If you have any special requests then please tell us, the kitchen always does its best to please all the guests. www.vastmanland.se | agriculture 25
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=26">Visit Västmanland eng A house on the moon. a house</a> on the moon Mikael Genberg, is an artist from Västerås who has always had great plans. What’s fun and unusual about Mikael is that he manages to realize them. It all started when he built a tree house in one of the town’s parks; a small house that became the one-man hotel ”Hotel Woodpecker”. The tree house was soon At the end of the 20th Century Genberg had the craziest of ideas. followed by the underwater creation ”Otter Inn”; placed below the surface of the water in the bay of Västerås. His current project aims much higher. In 2012 he shall place a red cottage with white corners on the moon.At the end of the 26 art | www.vastmanland.se 20th Century Genberg had the craziest of ideas. He was reading an article in an evening newspaper about Swedish space research and the idea hit him that the moon was the site to place a typically Swedish Falu red house with white corners; just like those the Swedish countryside is full of. – At the beginning it was just a crazy idea. But after a few years I could see the project from different approaches; the technical side, the scientific side, the commercial side and, of course, the artistic value. Since 2002 Mikael Genberg has put a lot of energy into turning his apparently crazy idea into a credible package. Together with a growing group of believers in the association ”Luna Resort”, with its mixture of representatives from commerce, Västmanland’s former County Governor Mats Svegfors and Sweden’s first astronaut Christer Fuglesang, he has visited the Government, local politi- cians, directors of some of Sweden’s largest companies, universities and institutes of higher education. – The first meeting with the Minister of Industry, Employment and Communications was a little strange. He spent the whole time thinking he was being filmed on ”Candid Camera”. Many had their doubts when we tried to book meetings with them, so we learned not to present the idea straight out. Instead we made an appointment to discuss ”a project that had to be presented in person”. Once there Mikael has been able to present good arguments for his idea. Many have become interested and actively participate in his work to turn the idea of a moon house into reality. – People are probably fascinated be- cause it’s such a crazy idea. I think that everyone longs to be a part of or contribute to something that is much bigger than themselves. The Swedish National Space Board and the Swedish Space Cor a house on the moon Mikael Genberg, is an artist from Västerås who has always had great plans. What’s fun and unusual about Mikael is that he manages to realize them. It all started when he built a tree house in one of the town’s parks; a small house that became the one-man hotel ”Hotel Woodpecker”. The tree house was soon At the end of the 20th Century Genberg had the craziest of ideas. followed by the underwater creation ”Otter Inn”; placed below the surface of the water in the bay of Västerås. His current project aims much higher. In 2012 he shall place a red cottage with white corners on the moon.At the end of the 26 art | www.vastmanland.se 20th Century Genberg had the craziest of ideas. He was reading an article in an evening newspaper about Swedish space research and the idea hit him that the moon was the site to place a typically Swedish Falu red house with white corners; just like those the Swedish countryside is full of. – At the beginning it was just a crazy idea. But after a few years I could see the project from different approaches; the technical side, the scientific side, the commercial side and, of course, the artistic value. Since 2002 Mikael Genberg has put a lot of energy into turning his apparently crazy idea into a credible package. Together with a growing group of believers in the association ”Luna Resort”, with its mixture of representatives from commerce, Västmanland’s former County Governor Mats Svegfors and Sweden’s first astronaut Christer Fuglesang, he has visited the Government, local politi- cians, directors of some of Sweden’s largest companies, universities and institutes of higher education. – The first meeting with the Minister of Industry, Employment and Communications was a little strange. He spent the whole time thinking he was being filmed on ”Candid Camera”. Many had their doubts when we tried to book meetings with them, so we learned not to present the idea straight out. Instead we made an appointment to discuss ”a project that had to be presented in person”. Once there Mikael has been able to present good arguments for his idea. Many have become interested and actively participate in his work to turn the idea of a moon house into reality. – People are probably fascinated be- cause it’s such a crazy idea. I think that everyone longs to be a part of or contribute to something that is much bigger than themselves. The Swedish National Space Board and the Swedish Space Cor
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=27">Visit Västmanland eng Page 27 www. fagerstabruksho</a> tel l .se poration in Solna are also involved in the project. The Swedish Space Corporation builds satellites and is connected to ESA, the European Space Agency. – Eleven people at the Swedish Space Corporation work full time on the project and KTH, the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology, has constructed a small prototype of the house that is to be placed on the moon. In reality the house will be a parcel that is sent to the moon via a satellite. When it arrives the house parcel will detached and a Swedish cottage the size of a garden cabin will automatically open. But houses can’t travel to the moon by themselves. Scientific research instruments will also be transported there to carry out geological iinspections. As a work of art Mikael Genberg sees ”Luna Resort” as one of the world’s most exciting ideas. He wants to inspire people all over the world to draw their bows and dare to realize their dreams. – If one individual man from a small industrial town in a small country in northern Europe can engage a sufficient number of people to realize such an apparently far-fetched idea, then anyone can do anything. It’s still a long way to the moon, but Mikael Genberg usually gets what he wants. So don’t be surprised if there’s a red cottage with white corners on the moon in 2012. accommodation Woodpecker hotel, Västerås As children, many people dream of building a tree house high up in a tree. In Västerås you can spend the night in a hotel set 13 metres up in a tree with an impressive view of the park below. You reach the hotel via a rope ladder and your food is hoisted up to you in a basket. The tree house is 12.2 square metres with a bed, a toilet and two balconies. The hotel is the brainchild of the artist Mikael Genberg. Bookings can be made on 46 (0) 21-39 01 00 or: www.vasteras.se GOLF PACKAGE from 595:Fagersta Brukshotell and green fee at Fagersta Golf Club. WEEKEND PACKAGE from 475:Incl. overnight stay and breakfast at our newly renovated The hotel is situated in central Fagersta. At O’Learys Sportsbar you can watch sporting events from all corners of the world! 0223-170 60 the cultural centre Visit Sala’s cultural centre where you can find the Aguéli museum with the country’s largest collection of Ivan Aguéli’s art. The museum also houses significant works by modernists such as Sven X:et Erixson, Karl Isaksson and Helene Schjerfbeck. Free admission • Exhibition hall • Studios • Theatrical stage • Café There’s always something happening www.sala.se/taljstenen 0224-554 72, 138 20 täljstenen www.vastmanland.se | art 27 www. fagerstabrukshotel l .se poration in Solna are also involved in the project. The Swedish Space Corporation builds satellites and is connected to ESA, the European Space Agency. – Eleven people at the Swedish Space Corporation work full time on the project and KTH, the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology, has constructed a small prototype of the house that is to be placed on the moon. In reality the house will be a parcel that is sent to the moon via a satellite. When it arrives the house parcel will detached and a Swedish cottage the size of a garden cabin will automatically open. But houses can’t travel to the moon by themselves. Scientific research instruments will also be transported there to carry out geological iinspections. As a work of art Mikael Genberg sees ”Luna Resort” as one of the world’s most exciting ideas. He wants to inspire people all over the world to draw their bows and dare to realize their dreams. – If one individual man from a small industrial town in a small country in northern Europe can engage a sufficient number of people to realize such an apparently far-fetched idea, then anyone can do anything. It’s still a long way to the moon, but Mikael Genberg usually gets what he wants. So don’t be surprised if there’s a red cottage with white corners on the moon in 2012. accommodation Woodpecker hotel, Västerås As children, many people dream of building a tree house high up in a tree. In Västerås you can spend the night in a hotel set 13 metres up in a tree with an impressive view of the park below. You reach the hotel via a rope ladder and your food is hoisted up to you in a basket. The tree house is 12.2 square metres with a bed, a toilet and two balconies. The hotel is the brainchild of the artist Mikael Genberg. Bookings can be made on 46 (0) 21-39 01 00 or: www.vasteras.se GOLF PACKAGE from 595:Fagersta Brukshotell and green fee at Fagersta Golf Club. WEEKEND PACKAGE from 475:Incl. overnight stay and breakfast at our newly renovated The hotel is situated in central Fagersta. At O’Learys Sportsbar you can watch sporting events from all corners of the world! 0223-170 60 the cultural centre Visit Sala’s cultural centre where you can find the Aguéli museum with the country’s largest collection of Ivan Aguéli’s art. The museum also houses significant works by modernists such as Sven X:et Erixson, Karl Isaksson and Helene Schjerfbeck. Free admission • Exhibition hall • Studios • Theatrical stage • Café There’s always something happening www.sala.se/taljstenen 0224-554 72, 138 20 täljstenen www.vastmanland.se | art 27
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=28">Visit Västmanland eng Traces of the vikings. Foto:</a> Anders Geidemark traces of the vikings During the Viking era 750-1050 AD, there were several chiefdoms in Västmanland. In Badelunda, just east of Västerås is the Anundshög area, one of Sweden’s most interesting areas of archaeological remains. Here, the ancient trade routes and waterways met, and over the centuries this area evolved to be the cultural centre for the whole western part of Mälardalen, where the Vikings gathered at ”Ting”, a sort of general assembly, well into the middle ages. Here they sacrificed to the gods, buried their dead - great and powerful, in burial mounds and stone ships or simply and modestly 28 history | www.vastmanland.se along the ridge towards the water; all depending on social power and position. In Badelunda, there are many remark- able remains, for example, five stone ships and the country’s largest burial mound: Anundshög. It is nine metres high, with a diameter of 64 metres and dates back to the 10th century. Here also stands a remarkable and heavily carved rune stone. In the county of Västmanland, you will find 32 well-known rune stones, mostly in the eastern area. As early as the Stone Age, people lived and worked in the areas surrounding Arboga and there are many ancient remains. In the district of Götlunda, about ten kilometres from the centre of Arboga, lies a grave-field with for example a rune stone from the 11th Century called ”Kung Sigges sten”. The ”Odendisa” stone at the Fläckebo church, is one of very few rune stones raised in honour of a woman. The ”Odendisa” stone is mentioned in scripts as early as the 1660s. Foto: Anders Geidemark traces of the vikings During the Viking era 750-1050 AD, there were several chiefdoms in Västmanland. In Badelunda, just east of Västerås is the Anundshög area, one of Sweden’s most interesting areas of archaeological remains. Here, the ancient trade routes and waterways met, and over the centuries this area evolved to be the cultural centre for the whole western part of Mälardalen, where the Vikings gathered at ”Ting”, a sort of general assembly, well into the middle ages. Here they sacrificed to the gods, buried their dead - great and powerful, in burial mounds and stone ships or simply and modestly 28 history | www.vastmanland.se along the ridge towards the water; all depending on social power and position. In Badelunda, there are many remark- able remains, for example, five stone ships and the country’s largest burial mound: Anundshög. It is nine metres high, with a diameter of 64 metres and dates back to the 10th century. Here also stands a remarkable and heavily carved rune stone. In the county of Västmanland, you will find 32 well-known rune stones, mostly in the eastern area. As early as the Stone Age, people lived and worked in the areas surrounding Arboga and there are many ancient remains. In the district of Götlunda, about ten kilometres from the centre of Arboga, lies a grave-field with for example a rune stone from the 11th Century called ”Kung Sigges sten”. The ”Odendisa” stone at the Fläckebo church, is one of very few rune stones raised in honour of a woman. The ”Odendisa” stone is mentioned in scripts as early as the 1660s.
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=29">Visit Västmanland eng Sala silvermine. Foto: Jan G</a> ustafsson Sala Silvermine Sala Silvermine is one of the world’s best preserved mine settings. There are a number of guided tours to choose from if you would like to descend below ground level and explore this exciting, unusual and extremely beautiful mine. Depending on which alternative you choose, the tours take between one and three and a half hours. Once down there, you will be met by dark, winding passageways, magnificent underground chambers and magical lakes, and the guides will tell you about the mine’s fantastic, industrial history. You’ll hear about the importance of silver and how people toiled away to fill the nation’s treasure chests. Each and every chamber you see below ground level has been carved out by human hands, and with the help of modern technology you’ll be able to experience history at close quarters. accommodation spend the night in sala silvermine You can spend the night 155 metres below ground in a mine and perhaps fall asleep to the song of the legendary “mine wife”. The package includes breakfast, a guided tour in the mine and the exciting high-altitude adventure track with rope ladders and suspension bridges. Bookings can be made on 0224-677250 or www.salasilvergruva.se 3 tales of the iron röda jorden (the red soil) At Röda Jorden, just outside Riddarhyttan you’ll find Sweden’s oldest evidence of iron making. Here, iron was produced between 700 BC up to the time of the birth of Christ. Röda Jorden got its name from the exposed iron oxide (ochre) in the area, which gives the soil its rusty-red colour. lapphyttan In Lapphyttan, north of the village Olsbenning in the municipality of Norberg there is a blast furnace area, reconstructed in full scale. If you visit Lapphyttan during the periods of medieval iron making, the whole area simmers with activity; fires are burning, food is cooking and from blacksmiths you can hear the sounds of hammers and anvils. The facility is open during the summer with a theme park, mini-mine for children and iron making workshops held by the association “Järnet”. the iron route The iron route is the collective name to bring out Bergslagen’s cultural and historical sites, forgotten ruins and small local companies. Via the website, jarnrutten.se, is it easy for visitors to upload a route over the old roads between blast furnaces and cafes, ironworks and manor houses, canals and restaurants scattered from Borgösund in the south to Åmotsbruk in the north. 2 Well age ancient time ancient castles Västmanland has 52 known ancient castles, built during the Iron Age and primarily used for defence and protection. One of the largest castles, Skoftesta Skans, just outside Köping is mentioned in many ancient legends. The castle has three circular walls measuring a total of 900 metres. During the excavations in 1929, weaving weights, pot pieces, a bone needle, a glass bead and pieces of iron were found. More information about ancient castles is available from tourist offices. sätra Brunn Ever since the early 18th century, people have been drinking water from the Sätra Brunn well. Even today, all guests are welcome to drink the ferrous well water. Today, Sätra Brunn is a modern conference and spa facility with a living history. Visit the craftsmen, find bargains in the stores, enjoy dining in the local restaurant and café, or just take a walk in the park and enjoy the 114 well-preserved houses. All year round many different activities are arranged. For more information visit: www.satrabrunn.se www.vastmanland.se | history 29 Foto: Jan Gustafsson Sala Silvermine Sala Silvermine is one of the world’s best preserved mine settings. There are a number of guided tours to choose from if you would like to descend below ground level and explore this exciting, unusual and extremely beautiful mine. Depending on which alternative you choose, the tours take between one and three and a half hours. Once down there, you will be met by dark, winding passageways, magnificent underground chambers and magical lakes, and the guides will tell you about the mine’s fantastic, industrial history. You’ll hear about the importance of silver and how people toiled away to fill the nation’s treasure chests. Each and every chamber you see below ground level has been carved out by human hands, and with the help of modern technology you’ll be able to experience history at close quarters. accommodation spend the night in sala silvermine You can spend the night 155 metres below ground in a mine and perhaps fall asleep to the song of the legendary “mine wife”. The package includes breakfast, a guided tour in the mine and the exciting high-altitude adventure track with rope ladders and suspension bridges. Bookings can be made on 0224-677250 or www.salasilvergruva.se 3 tales of the iron röda jorden (the red soil) At Röda Jorden, just outside Riddarhyttan you’ll find Sweden’s oldest evidence of iron making. Here, iron was produced between 700 BC up to the time of the birth of Christ. Röda Jorden got its name from the exposed iron oxide (ochre) in the area, which gives the soil its rusty-red colour. lapphyttan In Lapphyttan, north of the village Olsbenning in the municipality of Norberg there is a blast furnace area, reconstructed in full scale. If you visit Lapphyttan during the periods of medieval iron making, the whole area simmers with activity; fires are burning, food is cooking and from blacksmiths you can hear the sounds of hammers and anvils. The facility is open during the summer with a theme park, mini-mine for children and iron making workshops held by the association “Järnet”. the iron route The iron route is the collective name to bring out Bergslagen’s cultural and historical sites, forgotten ruins and small local companies. Via the website, jarnrutten.se, is it easy for visitors to upload a route over the old roads between blast furnaces and cafes, ironworks and manor houses, canals and restaurants scattered from Borgösund in the south to Åmotsbruk in the north. 2 Well age ancient time ancient castles Västmanland has 52 known ancient castles, built during the Iron Age and primarily used for defence and protection. One of the largest castles, Skoftesta Skans, just outside Köping is mentioned in many ancient legends. The castle has three circular walls measuring a total of 900 metres. During the excavations in 1929, weaving weights, pot pieces, a bone needle, a glass bead and pieces of iron were found. More information about ancient castles is available from tourist offices. sätra Brunn Ever since the early 18th century, people have been drinking water from the Sätra Brunn well. Even today, all guests are welcome to drink the ferrous well water. Today, Sätra Brunn is a modern conference and spa facility with a living history. Visit the craftsmen, find bargains in the stores, enjoy dining in the local restaurant and café, or just take a walk in the park and enjoy the 114 well-preserved houses. All year round many different activities are arranged. For more information visit: www.satrabrunn.se www.vastmanland.se | history 29
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=30">Visit Västmanland eng The Västerås Cathedral. / Ar</a> boga medieval days Arboga Medieval Days Foto: Anders Geidemark västerås cathedral Västerås Cathedral offers a grand experience in art and artcraft. Le Guide Michelin has awarded the cathedral with no less than three stars for its historically interesting artifacts, particularly the six well-preserved altar screens from the 15th and 16th Centuries. The history of Västerås as a trading post dates back over 1000 years. The location of today’s Cathedral has presum- 30 history | www.vastmanland.se ably served as a religious gathering spot ever since the 12th century. An initial smaller church was erected 1271. Over the following centuries the church grew in both width, height, and length until it reached its full width in the 16th Century as a five-naved cathedral, with a length of 94 metres. Guided tours are available several times per week with different themes and in multiple languages. There is so much to discover and experience during Arboga Medieval days together with 50 000 other visitors. Watch the knight tournament, cheer on the oarsmen during the medieval rowing competition, shop at the market, go to concerts and talks. You can even dress up in medieval costumes and take part in the procession and a medieval wedding. There’s something for everyone; especially the children who have their own procession, a banquet at Arboga Museum and an entire park bursting with activities. On Saturday the large procession takes place when the nobility, the townsmen dressed up in their finest clothes, their servants and beggars gather together to parade through the town down to the main square. This is where this year’s bride and bridegroom, with clothes, hairstyles and bridal bouquets typical of the period, are presented. This year the Medieval Days are to be held Wednesday 5 – Sunday 9 August. The markets start in the mornings and festivities continue until late at night. Arboga Medieval Days Foto: Anders Geidemark västerås cathedral Västerås Cathedral offers a grand experience in art and artcraft. Le Guide Michelin has awarded the cathedral with no less than three stars for its historically interesting artifacts, particularly the six well-preserved altar screens from the 15th and 16th Centuries. The history of Västerås as a trading post dates back over 1000 years. The location of today’s Cathedral has presum- 30 history | www.vastmanland.se ably served as a religious gathering spot ever since the 12th century. An initial smaller church was erected 1271. Over the following centuries the church grew in both width, height, and length until it reached its full width in the 16th Century as a five-naved cathedral, with a length of 94 metres. Guided tours are available several times per week with different themes and in multiple languages. There is so much to discover and experience during Arboga Medieval days together with 50 000 other visitors. Watch the knight tournament, cheer on the oarsmen during the medieval rowing competition, shop at the market, go to concerts and talks. You can even dress up in medieval costumes and take part in the procession and a medieval wedding. There’s something for everyone; especially the children who have their own procession, a banquet at Arboga Museum and an entire park bursting with activities. On Saturday the large procession takes place when the nobility, the townsmen dressed up in their finest clothes, their servants and beggars gather together to parade through the town down to the main square. This is where this year’s bride and bridegroom, with clothes, hairstyles and bridal bouquets typical of the period, are presented. This year the Medieval Days are to be held Wednesday 5 – Sunday 9 August. The markets start in the mornings and festivities continue until late at night.
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=31">Visit Västmanland eng From ore to spa. 11 from ore</a> to spa History from the 17th century and up to, in some towns, the latter part of the 20th century, is the history of the industrial communities. The long list of these communities includes Fagersta, Norberg, Riddarhyttan, Karmansbo and Skinnskatteberg. Life in these industrial communities often evolved around the production of iron and iron products. These communities had a strong hierarchy with an ironworks proprietor who governed everything and everyone, but the ironworks did, however, provide workers with homes, schools and stores. The proprietor and his family usually lived in the manor house, while the factory and its workers lived a respectable distance away. Many of these manor houses have now been converted into small hotels, spas and restaurants; most of which offer food prepared from local ingredients. A weekend at one of Västmanland’s manor houses is synonymous with a weekend of gourmet food, fishing, hunting, forest walks and spa treatments – all depending on what you prefer. relaxing västmanland Are you longing for some peace and quiet? Treat your body and soul to a relaxing weekend on one of the county’s finest establishments. For more info www.vastmanland.se kungsörstorp, 46 (0) 227-130 60 Chocolate and wine tasting, decorative ironwork courses and a moose safari. This hotel and conference centre providing excellent service is just outside Kungsör. The restaurant serves homegrown vegetables and herbs together with ingredients from local farms. kohlsWa herrgård, 46 (0) 221-509 00 This 17th century manor house is situated between Köping and Fagersta. Choose the gourmet weekend, which includes a fivecourse dinner with wine, afternoon tea, breakfast and overnight stay. Treat yourself to a chocolate oil massage in our spa. surahammars herrgård, 46 (0) 220-395 00 This manor house proudly stands on an island in the Kolbäcksån in all its glory. Book a romantic weekend and enjoy a welcome drink, roses, a fruit basket, four-course dinner and breakfast. Entertain yourself with activities such as archery, chocolate tasting and darts. fagersta herrgård, 46 (0) 223-144 40 An intimate manor house that probably dates back to 1760. At that time Anders Barchaeus owned Fagersta Ironworks and he moved into the manor house with his family and became the first ironworks proprietor to reside in Fagersta. Several Swedish kings have spent nights here. Björnögården, 46 (0) 21-262 00 Björnögården in Västerås has a cosy spa. Go for a run or, if there’s snow on the ground, a ski, along one of the many trails, or why not try out tour skating. Warm yourself up afterwards in the sauna, Jacuzzi or in front of the wood-burning stove. Order some food from the restaurant or ask for the popular sauna tray with cheese, sausage and olives. färna herrgård and spa, 46 (0) 222-281 90 Just outside Skinskatteberg you’re guaranteed a fantastic experience in a peaceful setting with a Jacuzzi, steam room and fully equipped spa. Ideal for a romantic weekend. The park with its fascinating surroundings and historic building make Färna a unique destination. sätra Brunn, 46 (0) 224-546 00 The ”Sunday Spa” package includes a 45-minute Qi Gong session and access to the gym and the pool. After lunch at Brunnsgården your day ends with a 55-minute spa treatment with a massage and a facial. edens garden B&B, 46 (0) 21-731 15 Check in to the B&B in the forest outside Svanå, and get started on one of the fantastic open-air activities like a sleigh ride, horse riding through the quiet forest or why not even a safari in the footsteps of lynx and wolves. salBohedsgården, 46 (0) 224-74 12 00 Enjoy the peace and quiet and try activities like cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing for beginners. The different lakes and watercourses are ideal for fishing, ice-skating, canoeing and bird watching. elite stadshotellet, 46 (0) 21-10 28 00 Stay in one of Västerås’ most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. This high-class hotel situated in the centre of Västerås was built in 1907. Choose between a number of different treatments or a relaxing massage. Why not try out our ”After Work Spa”. schenströmska herrgård, 46 (0) 220-350 57 The manor house with that little bit extra is situated in Ramnäs and is the perfect place for recreation with its warm and relaxed atmosphere. Go for a walk in the ancient forest and experience this untouched place, or walk through wolf territory. End the day with a romantic and enjoyable supper. www.vastmanland.se | history 31 11 from ore to spa History from the 17th century and up to, in some towns, the latter part of the 20th century, is the history of the industrial communities. The long list of these communities includes Fagersta, Norberg, Riddarhyttan, Karmansbo and Skinnskatteberg. Life in these industrial communities often evolved around the production of iron and iron products. These communities had a strong hierarchy with an ironworks proprietor who governed everything and everyone, but the ironworks did, however, provide workers with homes, schools and stores. The proprietor and his family usually lived in the manor house, while the factory and its workers lived a respectable distance away. Many of these manor houses have now been converted into small hotels, spas and restaurants; most of which offer food prepared from local ingredients. A weekend at one of Västmanland’s manor houses is synonymous with a weekend of gourmet food, fishing, hunting, forest walks and spa treatments – all depending on what you prefer. relaxing västmanland Are you longing for some peace and quiet? Treat your body and soul to a relaxing weekend on one of the county’s finest establishments. For more info www.vastmanland.se kungsörstorp, 46 (0) 227-130 60 Chocolate and wine tasting, decorative ironwork courses and a moose safari. This hotel and conference centre providing excellent service is just outside Kungsör. The restaurant serves homegrown vegetables and herbs together with ingredients from local farms. kohlsWa herrgård, 46 (0) 221-509 00 This 17th century manor house is situated between Köping and Fagersta. Choose the gourmet weekend, which includes a fivecourse dinner with wine, afternoon tea, breakfast and overnight stay. Treat yourself to a chocolate oil massage in our spa. surahammars herrgård, 46 (0) 220-395 00 This manor house proudly stands on an island in the Kolbäcksån in all its glory. Book a romantic weekend and enjoy a welcome drink, roses, a fruit basket, four-course dinner and breakfast. Entertain yourself with activities such as archery, chocolate tasting and darts. fagersta herrgård, 46 (0) 223-144 40 An intimate manor house that probably dates back to 1760. At that time Anders Barchaeus owned Fagersta Ironworks and he moved into the manor house with his family and became the first ironworks proprietor to reside in Fagersta. Several Swedish kings have spent nights here. Björnögården, 46 (0) 21-262 00 Björnögården in Västerås has a cosy spa. Go for a run or, if there’s snow on the ground, a ski, along one of the many trails, or why not try out tour skating. Warm yourself up afterwards in the sauna, Jacuzzi or in front of the wood-burning stove. Order some food from the restaurant or ask for the popular sauna tray with cheese, sausage and olives. färna herrgård and spa, 46 (0) 222-281 90 Just outside Skinskatteberg you’re guaranteed a fantastic experience in a peaceful setting with a Jacuzzi, steam room and fully equipped spa. Ideal for a romantic weekend. The park with its fascinating surroundings and historic building make Färna a unique destination. sätra Brunn, 46 (0) 224-546 00 The ”Sunday Spa” package includes a 45-minute Qi Gong session and access to the gym and the pool. After lunch at Brunnsgården your day ends with a 55-minute spa treatment with a massage and a facial. edens garden B&B, 46 (0) 21-731 15 Check in to the B&B in the forest outside Svanå, and get started on one of the fantastic open-air activities like a sleigh ride, horse riding through the quiet forest or why not even a safari in the footsteps of lynx and wolves. salBohedsgården, 46 (0) 224-74 12 00 Enjoy the peace and quiet and try activities like cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing for beginners. The different lakes and watercourses are ideal for fishing, ice-skating, canoeing and bird watching. elite stadshotellet, 46 (0) 21-10 28 00 Stay in one of Västerås’ most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. This high-class hotel situated in the centre of Västerås was built in 1907. Choose between a number of different treatments or a relaxing massage. Why not try out our ”After Work Spa”. schenströmska herrgård, 46 (0) 220-350 57 The manor house with that little bit extra is situated in Ramnäs and is the perfect place for recreation with its warm and relaxed atmosphere. Go for a walk in the ancient forest and experience this untouched place, or walk through wolf territory. End the day with a romantic and enjoyable supper. www.vastmanland.se | history 31
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=32">Visit Västmanland eng Sida 32 Power Big Meet 6 ind</a> ustrial history Industrial tradition in Västmanland was made up of communities of smallholdings where every small town had its own production unit with a proprietor who governed everyone and everything. Traces of these industrial communities still remain in modern society and there are many preserved remains from this era all over the county – here are a few of them, which are well worth a visit. västanfors The area surrounding the manor house in Västanfors is a condensed version of industrial history with its canal and locks, dams and generating station and soldiers’ tenement houses and working-class homes. An old grain-store is now a reconstructed traditional store with a gift shop and here you can find one of the nicest cafés in the county selling homebaked bread, pastries and sandwiches. vallBy Vallby open-air museum is a green oasis very close to the centre of Västerås. In these culturally historical settings you can experience four centuries. The town and countryside, agriculture and forestry, work and rest, festivities and everyday life – life’s different stages. Verdant fields, meadows and typical domestic animals of the time surround beautiful log houses and their garden-patches. Browse around the different handicraft shops or enjoy home baked pastries and delicious lunches at the inn. 32 history | www.vastmanland.se Foto: Kim Lill skultuna For more than four centuries Skultuna Brassworks has produced everything from ammunition for the king’s army to today’s high quality and beautifully designed products – which will be antiques of the future. The classic brassworks’ former production facilities now house factory outlet stores selling famous Swedish designs such as Iittala/Höganäs/Rörstrand, Orrefors/Kosta Boda and textile companies Linum, Almedahls and Ekelunds. World heritage, engelsBerg ironWorks Engelsbergs ironworks is one of the world’s foremost industrial heritage sites and is on UNESCO’s world heritage list. Engelsberg has one of the country’s best-preserved traditional timber-clad blast furnaces, and its smelting house and forge are unique since the water wheel, crushing mill, blower and hammer can still be used today. oljeön, (Oil Island) Ängelsberg Oljeön, in Lake Åmänningen at Ängelsberg, is the world’s oldest preserved oil refinery. The factory was built in 1875 and the majority of its customers were mines and ironworks in the vicinity. The oil factory is open during the summer months and the ferry to Oljeön leaves from the jetty next to Ängelsberg’s station. jädersBruk ironWorks In 1551 the king Gustav Vasa built Sweden’s first arms manufacturer, Arboga Faktori, at Jäders Bruk. This is where weapons and armaments were forged until the end of the 17th century when the ironworks gradually started producing civilian products. The ironworks flourished until the early 20th century. The manor house and workers’ cottages now remain as in memory of its past glory. Imagine a festival that attracts people from all over the world. A festival that gets ordinary people, both young and old, to leave their homes just to experience the America of the fifties. Listen to rock ’n’ roll and look at the finest of shining beauties. A car show of worldwide fame with over 10 000 cars. You are able to do this in Västerås every year. Power Meet is like a good vintage wine; it gets better and better every year. The number of visitors rises steadily and a younger generation have had their eyes opened up to the party. The actual Mecca of the car meet and the motor show Swap Meet are held out on Johannisberg’s airfield, 4 kilometres outside Västerås. This is where you can find the finest cars. This is where the collectors are enticed; the ones that own highly renovated American cars imported from USA. These are the ones that go in for their hobby with frenzy. Thousands of onlookers travel here to hear what the jury has to say about the cars’ chassis, paintwork, engine compartments and interiors. It is the ordinary inhabitants of Västerås who, armed with picnic hampers, gather to see the parade of Chevrolets, Buicks, Cadillacs, Corvettes and Fords. Whilst all this is going on, others are busy buying and selling used car parts, petrol pumps, nostalgic merchandise, clothes and other odds and ends that are needed to keep interest in cars alive.
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=33">Visit Västmanland eng Page 33 Sätra Brunn Hotel & </a> Spa A delightful oasis in a genuine historical setting We have a modern hotel with a spa where you can relax in a warm bath in a traditional tub and pamper yourself with our health and beauty treatments. You can even stay in one of our charming 18th and 19th century timber buildings. Our dining rooms serve delicious food made from locally produced and ecological ingredients. We also arrange several exciting events and theme weekends all year round. We look forward to welcoming you! Sätra Brunn, Sala • Tel. 0224-546 00 info@satrabrunn.se • www.satrabrunn.se The Sala Silvermine Adventure Where you sleep deeply! Choose between our beautiful bed & breakfast and the more sensational mine suite! Family and adventure packages for all tastes. High-altitude adventure track, inn, shops and handicrafts in the mine area. Open all year round 10am – 5pm, October – April 11am – 4pm Tel 0224 677 250 • info@salasilvergruva.se • www.salasilvergruva.se Sätra Brunn and Sala Silvermine are situated 35 kms from Västerås www.vastmanland.se | history 33 oF THe Mine 8-9 august GRUVANS 8-9 augusti THe Day DAGAR Sätra Brunn Hotel & Spa A delightful oasis in a genuine historical setting We have a modern hotel with a spa where you can relax in a warm bath in a traditional tub and pamper yourself with our health and beauty treatments. You can even stay in one of our charming 18th and 19th century timber buildings. Our dining rooms serve delicious food made from locally produced and ecological ingredients. We also arrange several exciting events and theme weekends all year round. We look forward to welcoming you! Sätra Brunn, Sala • Tel. 0224-546 00 info@satrabrunn.se • www.satrabrunn.se The Sala Silvermine Adventure Where you sleep deeply! Choose between our beautiful bed & breakfast and the more sensational mine suite! Family and adventure packages for all tastes. High-altitude adventure track, inn, shops and handicrafts in the mine area. Open all year round 10am – 5pm, October – April 11am – 4pm Tel 0224 677 250 • info@salasilvergruva.se • www.salasilvergruva.se Sätra Brunn and Sala Silvermine are situated 35 kms from Västerås www.vastmanland.se | history 33 oF THe Mine 8-9 august GRUVANS 8-9 augusti THe Day DAGAR
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=34">Visit Västmanland eng The four castles. the four c</a> astles The four castles in Västmanland are all very different which makes them each exciting in their own way. Foto: VKL strömsholm with its charming yellow baroque palace is in the south of the county on the shores of Lake Mälaren, just outside Hallstahammar. Strömsholm Palace is one of the royal palaces and represents a part of the king Gustav Vasa’s golden age. When the king inherited the area in the 16th century it was an isolated and almost uninhabited place. But Gustav Vasa had a fortified stone house built on the islet in the river. The stone house was a wedding present to his wife Queen Sofia Magdalena. Noteworthy things to see include the queen’s bedroom and the Chinese dining-room with its fabric-covered walls with Chinese style paintings done by the renowned tapestry painter Lars Bolander. The palace also houses an important collection of Swedish paintings from the 17th century by David K Ehrenstahls. The palace is open to the public during the summer months but group bookings can be made all year round. For more information: www.royalcourt.se 34 history | www.vastmanland.se engsö castle, from the 12th century, is situated south of Västerås on the island of Ängsö and is a symbol of the culturally historic kingdom of Västmanland. The island is one of Sweden’s most important cultural and natural heritage sites. The castle has been rebuilt several times and received its current appearance in the 1740s. Engsö was a self-sufficient community which cultivated its own food, had domestic cattle for slaughter and production of milk, butter and cheese and, as there still is today, fish and game. Spinach, varieties of lettuce, beans, peas, cabbage, dill, parsley, tarragon and a lot more besides was cultivated on the land. There are many ghost legends associated with the castle which are even being investigated by several international ghostbusters. During the summer months you can stay at the bed & breakfast in one of the wings in the garden. In the darkness of autumn the castle offers nocturnal candle-lit walks through the unilluminated castle for the braver visitors. Guided tours must be booked in advance. On the ground floor of the castle there is a coffee shop serving home-made cakes and freshly-made waffles. Bookings are taken for lunches and dinners but remember to book in good time. For more information: www.engsoslott.se tidö castle is beautifully situated with its large castle park, courtyard and view over Lake Mälaren in the midst of Västmanland’s hunting country. Here in the countryside game and fish are still an important part of housekeeping and many associate its surroundings with bird hunting. Tidö Castle is not only history, it is also food. Hagdahl, a significant name in Swedish gastronomy, owned the castle for some time during the 19th century. Next to the castle is an inn with culinary ambitions and with pheasant stew on the menu. The magnificent white 17th century castle is probably Sweden’s best preserved and most living castle from the glorious period when Sweden was a great power. Axel Oxenstierna, Chancellor and Queen Kristina’s guardian laid the foundations for the building and started its long construction as early as 1624. Over the centuries the castle has seen many changes and has had many different owners which you can hear more about on a guided tour or read about on the castle’s website. In the 1990s the castle was restored both internally and externally and was given back its white plaster facade. Tidö renaissance castle is now just as magnificent and beautiful as it was during its heyday. Tidö Castle is now owned by David von Schinkel and his wife Christina von Schinkel. The von Schinkel family has owned and resided in the castle ever since the 1890s. For more information: www.tidoslott.se. the four castles The four castles in Västmanland are all very different which makes them each exciting in their own way. Foto: VKL strömsholm with its charming yellow baroque palace is in the south of the county on the shores of Lake Mälaren, just outside Hallstahammar. Strömsholm Palace is one of the royal palaces and represents a part of the king Gustav Vasa’s golden age. When the king inherited the area in the 16th century it was an isolated and almost uninhabited place. But Gustav Vasa had a fortified stone house built on the islet in the river. The stone house was a wedding present to his wife Queen Sofia Magdalena. Noteworthy things to see include the queen’s bedroom and the Chinese dining-room with its fabric-covered walls with Chinese style paintings done by the renowned tapestry painter Lars Bolander. The palace also houses an important collection of Swedish paintings from the 17th century by David K Ehrenstahls. The palace is open to the public during the summer months but group bookings can be made all year round. For more information: www.royalcourt.se 34 history | www.vastmanland.se engsö castle, from the 12th century, is situated south of Västerås on the island of Ängsö and is a symbol of the culturally historic kingdom of Västmanland. The island is one of Sweden’s most important cultural and natural heritage sites. The castle has been rebuilt several times and received its current appearance in the 1740s. Engsö was a self-sufficient community which cultivated its own food, had domestic cattle for slaughter and production of milk, butter and cheese and, as there still is today, fish and game. Spinach, varieties of lettuce, beans, peas, cabbage, dill, parsley, tarragon and a lot more besides was cultivated on the land. There are many ghost legends associated with the castle which are even being investigated by several international ghostbusters. During the summer months you can stay at the bed & breakfast in one of the wings in the garden. In the darkness of autumn the castle offers nocturnal candle-lit walks through the unilluminated castle for the braver visitors. Guided tours must be booked in advance. On the ground floor of the castle there is a coffee shop serving home-made cakes and freshly-made waffles. Bookings are taken for lunches and dinners but remember to book in good time. For more information: www.engsoslott.se tidö castle is beautifully situated with its large castle park, courtyard and view over Lake Mälaren in the midst of Västmanland’s hunting country. Here in the countryside game and fish are still an important part of housekeeping and many associate its surroundings with bird hunting. Tidö Castle is not only history, it is also food. Hagdahl, a significant name in Swedish gastronomy, owned the castle for some time during the 19th century. Next to the castle is an inn with culinary ambitions and with pheasant stew on the menu. The magnificent white 17th century castle is probably Sweden’s best preserved and most living castle from the glorious period when Sweden was a great power. Axel Oxenstierna, Chancellor and Queen Kristina’s guardian laid the foundations for the building and started its long construction as early as 1624. Over the centuries the castle has seen many changes and has had many different owners which you can hear more about on a guided tour or read about on the castle’s website. In the 1990s the castle was restored both internally and externally and was given back its white plaster facade. Tidö renaissance castle is now just as magnificent and beautiful as it was during its heyday. Tidö Castle is now owned by David von Schinkel and his wife Christina von Schinkel. The von Schinkel family has owned and resided in the castle ever since the 1890s. For more information: www.tidoslott.se.
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=35">Visit Västmanland eng Page 35 Visit Foto: Anders G</a> eidemark Foto: VKL västerås castle was built in the 13th century when the town was called Västra Aros and was one of the most important shipping ports for the Bergslagen region. The King’s sheriff needed a stronghold to reside in and a four-storey keep was built at the outlet of the Svartån. When the king Gustav Vasa took over the castle in the mid-16th century it was in a state of disrepair after all the sieges and battles. In 1544 Prince Erik, the successor to the throne, was given his own room in the castle which was called ”Unge herrens gemak” (young gentleman’s state apartment). From 14 June 1573 to 16 October 1574 Erik XIV was imprisoned at the castle. Shortly before his death the dethroned king was moved to Örbyhus and poisoned with pea soup. He was later buried in Västerås cathedral. In 1736 all the furnishings from the Vasa era were destroyed by fire damage. The castle was renovated and rebuilt in the mid-1740s. Just like other castles and forts the castle also functioned as a prison, and the last prisoners left in 1857. More than 250 years ago, in 1753, the residential suite was opened and the county governor Fredrik von Frisendorff moved in. A total of 21 county governors have lived within the walls of this pink castle. Today the castle houses the county museum with its offices, archives, library and exhibitions, as well as the residence of the County Governor. EngsöCastle Engsö is one of Sweden’s most exciting castles, mentioned as early as the year 1185. The castle received its current appearance and furnishings in the 1740s but the furniture and art reflect a number of different eras. Take a look at the Engsö chain, which was won in a game of dice with the Evil One. Opening hours: 1 May – 31 August Saturdays and Sundays 12 – 5pm, 1 July – 15 August every day except Friday 12 – 5pm. Group bookings can be made in advance for mornings and evenings. Photo exhibition: Jan Gustafsson – “Step-by-Step”, 23 May – 31 August Candelabra walk: guided evening tours 12, 19 & 26 August 8.30pm – advance bookings Christmas market: 27 – 29 November Café and gift shop Tel 0171 – 44 40 12, www.engsoslott.com Engsö Castle is situated between Enköping and Västerås. GPS: N 59 31 54, E 16 51 24 I n the mid-16th century Peder Larsson Höök commissioned the construction of Kolsva’s first manor house. Karl XI is said to have donated the three Italian baroque ceilings which are still in the manor house today. Nowadays the rooms are all individually furnished with both antiques and beautiful hand-woven carpets. The stucco ceilings in the drawing rooms of the manor house reach out to the silk curtains and silver candelabra. The proud traditions can also be seen in the philosophy of the kitchen where local ingredients are used to make high-class gourmet meals. www.vastmanland.se | history 35 Visit Foto: Anders Geidemark Foto: VKL västerås castle was built in the 13th century when the town was called Västra Aros and was one of the most important shipping ports for the Bergslagen region. The King’s sheriff needed a stronghold to reside in and a four-storey keep was built at the outlet of the Svartån. When the king Gustav Vasa took over the castle in the mid-16th century it was in a state of disrepair after all the sieges and battles. In 1544 Prince Erik, the successor to the throne, was given his own room in the castle which was called ”Unge herrens gemak” (young gentleman’s state apartment). From 14 June 1573 to 16 October 1574 Erik XIV was imprisoned at the castle. Shortly before his death the dethroned king was moved to Örbyhus and poisoned with pea soup. He was later buried in Västerås cathedral. In 1736 all the furnishings from the Vasa era were destroyed by fire damage. The castle was renovated and rebuilt in the mid-1740s. Just like other castles and forts the castle also functioned as a prison, and the last prisoners left in 1857. More than 250 years ago, in 1753, the residential suite was opened and the county governor Fredrik von Frisendorff moved in. A total of 21 county governors have lived within the walls of this pink castle. Today the castle houses the county museum with its offices, archives, library and exhibitions, as well as the residence of the County Governor. EngsöCastle Engsö is one of Sweden’s most exciting castles, mentioned as early as the year 1185. The castle received its current appearance and furnishings in the 1740s but the furniture and art reflect a number of different eras. Take a look at the Engsö chain, which was won in a game of dice with the Evil One. Opening hours: 1 May – 31 August Saturdays and Sundays 12 – 5pm, 1 July – 15 August every day except Friday 12 – 5pm. Group bookings can be made in advance for mornings and evenings. Photo exhibition: Jan Gustafsson – “Step-by-Step”, 23 May – 31 August Candelabra walk: guided evening tours 12, 19 & 26 August 8.30pm – advance bookings Christmas market: 27 – 29 November Café and gift shop Tel 0171 – 44 40 12, www.engsoslott.com Engsö Castle is situated between Enköping and Västerås. GPS: N 59 31 54, E 16 51 24 I n the mid-16th century Peder Larsson Höök commissioned the construction of Kolsva’s first manor house. Karl XI is said to have donated the three Italian baroque ceilings which are still in the manor house today. Nowadays the rooms are all individually furnished with both antiques and beautiful hand-woven carpets. The stucco ceilings in the drawing rooms of the manor house reach out to the silk curtains and silver candelabra. The proud traditions can also be seen in the philosophy of the kitchen where local ingredients are used to make high-class gourmet meals. www.vastmanland.se | history 35
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=36">Visit Västmanland eng Ice Age. ice age If you’ve n</a> ever been out on a frozen lake before then you must try it. In Sweden people leave their houses to enjoy the winter sport of tour skating. Imagine gliding silently over the frozen water; it’s as if time is standing still and you become one with nature. Every year we Swedes cross our fingers and hope for ice that is strong and shiny. We hope for cold weather that bites our cheeks and sun to warm us. And if, on top of this, there’s no wind, then we can have the perfect skating experience. Tour skating is becoming more and more popular and for some it is a new way of exercising and living healthily during the winter months. In Västmanland you can skate on hidden lakes in beautiful forest landscapes as well as larger waters like Lake Mälaren with its many miles of skating trails. 36 Winter | www.vastmanland.se rememBer If you are not used to ice then don’t go out on it without an instructor, and never go out alone! You should always take ice-prods, a change of clothing, a throwing line and a good rucksack with you. You’ll need a change of clothing so that you don’t spoil your trip if you go through the ice. For the best and safest skating experience – skate along the shoreline. If you’re a first-time skater then you can always contact the following organisations for advice and help: norBergs ck, 0223-215 17 andré axelsson at Björnögården, 021-262 00 salBohedsgården Bed and Breakfast, 0738-137 425 kloten fritid & konferens, 0580-833 00 ice age If you’ve never been out on a frozen lake before then you must try it. In Sweden people leave their houses to enjoy the winter sport of tour skating. Imagine gliding silently over the frozen water; it’s as if time is standing still and you become one with nature. Every year we Swedes cross our fingers and hope for ice that is strong and shiny. We hope for cold weather that bites our cheeks and sun to warm us. And if, on top of this, there’s no wind, then we can have the perfect skating experience. Tour skating is becoming more and more popular and for some it is a new way of exercising and living healthily during the winter months. In Västmanland you can skate on hidden lakes in beautiful forest landscapes as well as larger waters like Lake Mälaren with its many miles of skating trails. 36 Winter | www.vastmanland.se rememBer If you are not used to ice then don’t go out on it without an instructor, and never go out alone! You should always take ice-prods, a change of clothing, a throwing line and a good rucksack with you. You’ll need a change of clothing so that you don’t spoil your trip if you go through the ice. For the best and safest skating experience – skate along the shoreline. If you’re a first-time skater then you can always contact the following organisations for advice and help: norBergs ck, 0223-215 17 andré axelsson at Björnögården, 021-262 00 salBohedsgården Bed and Breakfast, 0738-137 425 kloten fritid & konferens, 0580-833 00
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=37">Visit Västmanland eng Ice skating lakes. / Ski adv</a> entures. the Winter stadium in klackBerg, Norberg 11 5 skateing lakes Five lakes worth visiting with your skates: mälaren, The king of all When Lake Mälaren freezes it is wonderful. You can skate from Kungsör and Köping to Västerås on beautiful water. åmänningen, from Smedejbacken to Västerås This is a real skating paradise. You can glide on the ice from Engelsberg via Strömsholms kanal and on to Västerås. sala dammar (dams) These usually ice over quite early on in the season. The lakes are artificial and quite shallow. kedjen, Trummelsberg From Fagersta to Virsbo, a 20 – 30 km tour passing, among other places, Färna Manor House. snyten, Norberg Lake Snyten flows into Lake Åmänningen and provides you with a 16-km trail. Ice forms here early on in the season. This artificial snow facility for cross-country skiing is just 3 km outside Norberg and offers excellent training in beautiful surroundings. Choose between the illuminated 2.5 and 4 km trails. Klackbergsbacken is adjacent to the ski stadium and has two well-prepared slopes, changing-rooms and a warm shelter. ski adventures When the sun is high in the sky, there’s not a breath of wind and the snow is dry and crunchy then you have perfect conditions for skiing. Fore both crosscountry and downhill adventures. Did you know that Västmanland has the most cross-country ski trails in Sweden? A total of 30 in fact. engelBrektsloppet in norBerg – a Swedish classic A classic 60 km skiing competition. The track is slightly undulating and passes through beautiful countryside. The competitions take place during the second weekend in February. The Kristinaloppet ski competition takes place one day earlier and is a shorter 30 km race for women. Registration: www.svenskidrott.se sätraBrunn, Sala With its newly acquired snow machine Sätra Brunn can now guarantee good snow availability. The trail goes through normal terrain and there is a play area with tracks and bumps for children. Borntorpet and örtjärn, Skinnskatteberg Choose between the 3, 5, 8 and 10km trails. The 8 km trail in Örtjärn usually has good snow coverage. eskiln and fageråsen, Fagersta Just outside Fagersta is the beautiful Lake Eskiln. The Eskiln trail goes round the lake and is 2.5 km long. motionscentrum/teknikBacken (exercise centre/ski slope), Hallstahammar Enjoyable and effortless skiing over a slightly undulating terrain. rocklunda, Västerås The different trails all start at southern Rocklunda and if you combine the trails you can enjoy a combined distance. götlunda, Arboga It is a pleasure to ski in this extremely picturesque area. järndammen, Sala This open-air recreation centre is only eight kilometres north of Sala. The trail starts at OK Norden’s club house. ekängen, Surahammar Lindmuren, the 5 km trail has some very steep and narrow slopes. The shorter 3 km long trail is illuminated and a perfect place to practise for the Vasaloppet ski race. källfallsBacken, Riddarhyttan The two slopes here are perfect for families with both steeper and gentler areas, as well as prepared cross-country trails. johannisdalskogen, Köping The trail is undulating with some flatter sections. A pleasant exercise trail with illumination run on sensors that lights up when it gets dark. kungsör Kungsör has a 2 km and a 5 km ski trail in the open-air recreation centre of Lockmora outside Kungsör and in Valskog. www.vastmanland.se | Winter 37 the Winter stadium in klackBerg, Norberg 11 5 skateing lakes Five lakes worth visiting with your skates: mälaren, The king of all When Lake Mälaren freezes it is wonderful. You can skate from Kungsör and Köping to Västerås on beautiful water. åmänningen, from Smedejbacken to Västerås This is a real skating paradise. You can glide on the ice from Engelsberg via Strömsholms kanal and on to Västerås. sala dammar (dams) These usually ice over quite early on in the season. The lakes are artificial and quite shallow. kedjen, Trummelsberg From Fagersta to Virsbo, a 20 – 30 km tour passing, among other places, Färna Manor House. snyten, Norberg Lake Snyten flows into Lake Åmänningen and provides you with a 16-km trail. Ice forms here early on in the season. This artificial snow facility for cross-country skiing is just 3 km outside Norberg and offers excellent training in beautiful surroundings. Choose between the illuminated 2.5 and 4 km trails. Klackbergsbacken is adjacent to the ski stadium and has two well-prepared slopes, changing-rooms and a warm shelter. ski adventures When the sun is high in the sky, there’s not a breath of wind and the snow is dry and crunchy then you have perfect conditions for skiing. Fore both crosscountry and downhill adventures. Did you know that Västmanland has the most cross-country ski trails in Sweden? A total of 30 in fact. engelBrektsloppet in norBerg – a Swedish classic A classic 60 km skiing competition. The track is slightly undulating and passes through beautiful countryside. The competitions take place during the second weekend in February. The Kristinaloppet ski competition takes place one day earlier and is a shorter 30 km race for women. Registration: www.svenskidrott.se sätraBrunn, Sala With its newly acquired snow machine Sätra Brunn can now guarantee good snow availability. The trail goes through normal terrain and there is a play area with tracks and bumps for children. Borntorpet and örtjärn, Skinnskatteberg Choose between the 3, 5, 8 and 10km trails. The 8 km trail in Örtjärn usually has good snow coverage. eskiln and fageråsen, Fagersta Just outside Fagersta is the beautiful Lake Eskiln. The Eskiln trail goes round the lake and is 2.5 km long. motionscentrum/teknikBacken (exercise centre/ski slope), Hallstahammar Enjoyable and effortless skiing over a slightly undulating terrain. rocklunda, Västerås The different trails all start at southern Rocklunda and if you combine the trails you can enjoy a combined distance. götlunda, Arboga It is a pleasure to ski in this extremely picturesque area. järndammen, Sala This open-air recreation centre is only eight kilometres north of Sala. The trail starts at OK Norden’s club house. ekängen, Surahammar Lindmuren, the 5 km trail has some very steep and narrow slopes. The shorter 3 km long trail is illuminated and a perfect place to practise for the Vasaloppet ski race. källfallsBacken, Riddarhyttan The two slopes here are perfect for families with both steeper and gentler areas, as well as prepared cross-country trails. johannisdalskogen, Köping The trail is undulating with some flatter sections. A pleasant exercise trail with illumination run on sensors that lights up when it gets dark. kungsör Kungsör has a 2 km and a 5 km ski trail in the open-air recreation centre of Lockmora outside Kungsör and in Valskog. www.vastmanland.se | Winter 37
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=38">Visit Västmanland eng Sida 38 Winter fishing Ice j</a> igging and ice angling are winter traditions in Västmanland and the 850 lakes in the county provide you with all you need to try out your Nordic winter fishing luck. During the winter months most species of fish are quite sluggish. Moving and hunting for food requires a lot of energy – an advantage for ice-fishing since the fish remain still and just eat food which is easy to catch. The fish make for the warm water at the bottom where the temperature is +4°C. Fish have different biting periods and it can vary significantly between different waters. If you start fishing somewhere new it’s wise to look at other anglers and consult people who are used to fishing just there. Weather also has an impact, during weather changes and low pressure the fish can be extremely sluggish. SECO TOOLS AB Seco Tools AB in Fagersta is a global corporation, which develops, manufactures and markets cutting tools worldwide. Seco is currently the fourth largest manufacturer of cutting tools in the world. The company’s most important products are: inserts for turning, milling and drilling, as well as milling machines, lathe holders and drills. Currently, the Duratomic range is Seco Tool’s great new innovation. Seco Tools had a turnover of 6 536 MSEK in 2008 and has approximately 5 000 employees world-wide. The company was the fourth in Sweden to create a globally certified environmental management system, which aims at decreasing energy consumption, reducing the use of raw materials, evaluate the use of chemicals and prepare for REACH, the new EU chemical legislation. Energy efficiency increased by 1% in 2008 and the amount of waste decreased by 7%. The company co-operates with environmentally aware transport companies, of which more than 85% are ISO 14001 certified or are working according to the standard. Seco Tools continues to invest in Fagersta ; the most recent investment being a new factory unit with a production area of around 5 000 m2 www.secotools.com, tel 0223-40 000 3 excellent lakes for ice fishing. lake mälaren, good for ice jigging If you’re lucky enough to fish when the lake first freezes in the bay of Frösåkerviken and the area surrounding Prästholmarna you can easily catch over 100 perch kolBäcksån, (River) good for ice angling lake fläcksjön, beautiful lake Outside Sala you can find this beautiful lake with an abundance of fish such as perch, pike, bream and tench. ABB AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY Efforts to combat climate change, the world’s energy requirements, and concerns about access and affordability of supplies will dominate public debate for years to come. 38 Winter | www.vastmanland.se As the global leader in power transmission and distribution technology and one of the world’s leading automation companies, ABB has found ways to optimize energy use at every step. From harvesting primary energy resources to transporting, distributing and using electrical power. ABB is one of the world’s leading power and automation engineering companies. We provide solutions for secure, energy efficient trans- mission and distribution of electricity, and for increasing productivity in industrial, commercial and utility operations. Our portfolio ranges from light switches to industrial robots, and from huge electrical transformers to control systems that manage entire power networks and factories. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs 112,000 people. In Sweden ABB employs 8,700 people and has operations in 35 different locations. We help our customers meet their challenges with minimum environmental impact. That’s why ABB means “Power and productivity for a better world.”
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=39">Visit Västmanland eng Sida 39 a strong university </a> Mälardalen University, with campuses in Västerås and Eskilstuna, shall be the institute of higher education in Sweden that leads to the highest number of students receiving excellent jobs after graduating. That is the goal. Education that leads to employment and research that leads to application is the university’s motto. The university’s courses are already highly sought after, both nationally and internationally. 50 per cent of all doctoral students are international and there are 19 nationalities among its 13 000 students. Mälardalen University is unique in many ways. The university was the first in the world to be environmentally certified; a matter of course for a university which focuses on sustainable development, just as much as innovation and entrepreneurship. The statistics show that Mälardalen University has the highest number of students who start their own companies; 6 % compared with a national average of 1 %. A contributing factor is the universitys unique Idélab, which runs and arranges several exciting projects and activities. The organisation is targeted at students, researchers and faculty at the university, and acts as a creative meeting-place for developing ideas for sustainable business concepts. Idélab comes under the Unit for External Relationships at Mälardalen University and acts as both a physical environment and a virtual network. Idélab offers a wide network which can rapidly provide important information on news values, problems and research on a number of areas. Over 30 years Mälardalen University has been actively co-operating with trade and industry and the public sector in the region. An important part of its work is commissioned education, through its regular courses and tailormade, companyspecific courses. The new research and education strategy for Mälardalen University 2009-2012 substantiates the universitys role in the academic world, ”to in coproduction with interested parties in the universitys surrounding world, produce and develop knowledge for sustainable use and growth”. Education and research of the highest quality shall be run within six prioritized specialties; Embedded systems, Innovation and Product Development, Environment, Energy and Resource Optimization, Sustainable Development, Working Life and Management, Health and Welfare, Didactics and Intercultural Communication. Mälardalen University is strengthenings its strengths, in order to live up to its motto: Education that leads to employment, and research that leads to application. 3 mdh facts Mälardalen University, with 1,000 employees, is currently one of Swedens largest institute of higher education with approximately 13,000 students and 150 research students. 60 program The university has around 60 programmes, of which 26 are at master’s degree level. research Around 50 professors run research within six main specialties. In 2001 the university received Technology area of research, and since then over 70 doctorates have been awarded. Around 15 doctorates are currently awarded each year. international recognition The university has international recognition for its research within embedded systems and other technological areas. Nationally it is recognized for its research areas within the humanities, social and caring sciences. www.vastmanland.se | education 39
<a href="/v5/viewer/files/Default_s.aspx?gKey=403rqq7m&gInitPage=40">Visit Västmanland eng Page 40 Länsstyrelsen i Väst</a> manlands län 721 86 Västerås www.lansstyrelsen.se/vastmanland vastmanland@lansstyrelsen.se 46 (0) 21-19 50 00 40 höst | www.vastmanland.se Länsstyrelsen i Västmanlands län 721 86 Västerås www.lansstyrelsen.se/vastmanland vastmanland@lansstyrelsen.se 46 (0) 21-19 50 00 40 höst | www.vastmanland.se
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