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Strömsholm-Västerås

31 km in Västmanland

Surface: Asphalt and Gravel

Traffic: Low traffic road

Elevation Profile: 150 m ascent, 155 m descent.

Signage: Partly red "Mälardalsleden" signs.

Level: Beginner

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Today's stage is short and easy. You leave Strömsholm, cycle past the castle and follow small charming roads through a rural landscape with lakes, fields, cows and sunflower fields.

At Barkarö you pass the church and the village hall. Here it is recommended that you do not follow the signposted Mälardalsleden further, but instead cycle through Barkarö Bygata and further on the pedestrian and cycle path. Then you avoid the traffic along Johannisbergsvägen. Here are long rows of identical terraced houses from the 1960s and 70s. They were built as functional family homes, and although many have been modernized, the street still retains its uniform expression.

Soon Västerås can be seen in the distance. Bicycle paths and jogging tracks follow towards the city. At Lövudden there is a small swimming area and nice green areas. The route runs partly through industrial areas - keep an eye out for the detour where the cycle path begins, as the signage here is inadequate. The gravel road winds all the way down to the water and is shared with pedestrians, so show consideration. On the way to town you pass several nice beaches - a nice feature of the stage. Here you will also find Västerås Wake Park - a course for water skiing.

Several cozy restaurants await you at the harbor. The Elba ferry also departs from here for the island of Elba. If you bike along the Svartån River toward downtown, you’ll pass Västerås Castle. The exterior may not be the most impressive, but inside there’s a piazza with a peaceful atmosphere. In the city center, you’ll find parks, charming old houses, cafés, and bridges over the river. Don’t miss the sculpture *Asea-strömmen* by B-G Broström from 1989. It depicts a stream of workers on bicycles, heading home from Asea’s factories—a tribute to the bicycle as a means of everyday transportation during the heyday of industry. Västerås offers several lodging options: Elite Stadshotellet, Comfort Hotel Västerås, The Steam Hotel, and Best Western Plus Hotel Plaza. Approximately 95% of asphalt and 5% of gravel.