Birka to Västerås, 2nd June 2020

Leaving Birka on 2nd June, for a tour of the lake Mälaren, on the way to the Göta kanal. The first segment brings us to Västerås, a city 100 kilometres west of Stockholm. Västerås is one of the oldest cities in Sweden and even in northern Europe.

Västerås does not sound like a touristic attraction. But the city is underrated and has a lot to offer...
At the end of the day, we noticed the first sun dog of the season!

Among the most interesting site around Västerås is Anundshög, the largest megalithic site in Sweden. 

Business meeting at Anundshög, 4 June 2020, picture by Stéphane Lucchini

The Swedish sculptor Carl Millés has made a statue of Johannes Rudbeckius in Västerås. Rudbeckius was the bishop of Sweden and is said to have created the first secondary school for girls in Sweden.

Wood sculpture from Västerås cathedral.

While approaching the marina in Västerås, we came across this funny small wooden house half a mile from the shore. There was a person on it. After a few searches around, we realise that this is the Utter Inn hotel of Västerås, the hotel under the water, where you room is in the lake! 

The same artist who made the Utter Inn hotel made the Woodpecker hotel, in an oak tree in the main park of the city. 

So now, you have plenty reasons visiting Västerås! Besides, it is a Ryan air hub!