The aim of the bike tour is magnificent Tidö castle. The one who had the existing castle building erected as early as the 1620s was one of the great ones in Swedish history. Axel Oxenstierna was a national chancellor and with his great ability as a politician and administrator an important reason why Sweden became a great power. His parade floor remains in excellent condition and the Oxenstierna family owned the castle for two centuries. Obviously, the castle's owner is happy on the spot. Today, the von Schinkel family owns the castle and this has been done ever since 1890.
It was the French-Swedish architect Simon de la Vallée who designed the castle together with Nicodemus Tessin the Elder (both had sons who also became successful architects). The style is Dutch Renaissance style. Tidö Castle is probably the best preserved castle from the time of the Great Power. The courtyard is as charming and impressive as the sculptures in the park. At Tidö, a little boy named Dificius Dhona is said to be a ghost. He must have been lost in the underground corridors that are said to be under the castle, and therefore starved to death. His anguish is still searching for the end today ...
Beautiful castle woods, meadows and apple groves grow around the castle. Adjacent to the castle is Axel Oxenstierna's multi-hundred-year-old oak. It has a circumference of about 7 meters and has been found to have a number of endangered insects that are inherent. There are deer and pigeon deer in the deer enclosure. During the summer there are sheep in the pastures near the castle.
The bike ride is not far from the nature reserve Asköviken-Tidö, which is on the northern shore of Lake Mälaren. The area is very varied with open meadows, pastures and noble deciduous forest. Asköviken is one of Sweden's classic bird rooms and the whole area is culturally interesting with several farms and villages.
You cycle from central Västerås towards Tidö Castle, probably the best-preserved castle from the time of the great powers. The courtyard is as charming as it is impressive, as are the sculptures in the park. On Tidö, a little boy named Dificius Dhona is said to be haunted. He must have got lost in the underground passages that are said to be under the castle, and therefore starved to death. His ghost is still searching for the end…
Back in Västerås there is a lot to discover. On Stora Torget is the city's most famous statue Aseaströmmen, perfect for a selfie. In Västerås Cathedral, you are greeted by the wings of history and traces of a thousand-year history. A cycling excursion to Björnön is also recommended, here you will find a cozy swimming pool, dining and excellent MTB trails.
This is a bike ride of about 23 kilometers in one direction. You cycle both on the cycle path (to Gränsta) and roads that you share with cars, so it is important to have normal supervision. We therefore do not recommend the bike ride for a family with children.
Cycle Koppargatan south towards Vasaparken.
Cycle a short distance into Vasaparken and take the cycle paths in the direction of Svartån.
Take the cycle path that runs along Hamngatan south (over Södra Ringvägen)
Cross the small Strandbron, turn right and continue southwest along Sjöhagsvägen
Cycle Sjöhagsvägen and follow the Mälardalsleden trail
After about 4 kilometers, turn left (south) on Johannisbergsvägen (you have the water on the left side).
Pass Enhagen-Ekbacken on your left
After just over 8 kilometers, keep an eye out for the red Mälardalsleds sign and turn right (east) towards Barkarö church (it says that it is 2 km on the blue road sign).
Continue cycling towards Askö, pass Naturskolan's house on the left side.
Turn south towards Lövsta (here there is some more car traffic, keep an eye out)
Turn left (east) follow the signs down to Tidö (3 km) and Tidö Castle.