Photo: Uppsala Turism

In the area around Stockholm, Uppsala and Lake Mälaren, and all over Central Sweden, and in the Bergslagen region in the west in particular, there are many interesting historical sights from Sweden´s superpower era, as well as from the dawn of our industrial revolution. The Gripsholm castle near the idyllic town of Mariefred, and nearby Skokloster, both on Lake Mälaren, are unique baroque castles with magnificent 16th and 17th century interiors and astonishing exhibits, including the Royal Swedish portrait collection at Gripsholm. Örebro castle in the town of Örebrö is another imposing castle from the same period, the Vasa era. Throughout the region, there are innumerable other castles, chateaus and manor houses from various period, many of which offer accommodation and dining, and nearly all open to the public – at least in summer. There are also many intact and highly interesting environments and villages built around Sweden´s oldest ironworks, founded by Wallon entrepreneurs who immigrated from Belgium, with some places dating all the way back to the 16th century. The Unesco World Heritage sight at Lindesberg in Västmanland is just one of a number of such unique environments. Many of these castles and manor houses offer special cultural events, in particular music, during the summer season. On the island of Björkö in Lake Mälaren is the archaeological Viking settlement of Birka, also included on Unesco’s World Heritage List, featuring a fascinating museum. Boat tours are arranged from Stockholm and other ports around Lake Mälaren during spring, summer and autumn.