Västerås, a charming city in central Sweden, is not only a place full of rich history and beautiful landscapes but also a hidden gem for shoppers. Whether you’re strolling down the cobblestone streets or visiting one of the many shopping centers, Västerås offers a delightful mix of Swedish design, local products, and international brands. Having visited this lovely city several times, I’ve come to appreciate its unique shopping scene, which offers something for everyone—from fashion enthusiasts to foodies and design lovers. Here’s my personal shopping guide, filled with tips and must-buy items for first-time visitors to Västerås.
1. Swedish Design: Aesthetic and Practical Items
Swedes are known for their impeccable sense of style, and Västerås is no exception. One of the first things I recommend picking up is Swedish design. It’s not just about fashion—it’s about a lifestyle that combines simplicity, functionality, and beauty.
Must-Buy Items:
- Fjällräven Bags: This iconic brand is all about durability and style. I’ve always been impressed with their backpacks, which are perfect for hiking or city exploring. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, and I personally love the classic Kånken.
- Iittala Glassware: For a piece of Swedish elegance in your home, the glassware from Iittala is a must. I bought a beautiful set of glasses from the Västerås store, and they are now a centerpiece in my kitchen. Their minimalist design adds a touch of Scandinavian luxury to any dinner table.
Where to Buy:
- Gallerian Västerås: This shopping mall offers several stores that specialize in Swedish design, including Iittala and more contemporary fashion brands. It’s a good place to start your shopping journey in Västerås.
2. Swedish Fashion: The Best of Scandinavian Style
If you’re a fan of minimalist, clean lines and practical yet stylish clothing, Swedish fashion will be your best friend. Västerås has a mix of local and international stores offering high-quality apparel.
Must-Buy Items:
- H&M Clothing: Founded in Sweden, H&M is a staple of Swedish fashion. While you can find H&M stores all over the world, I always like to pick up a few pieces when I’m in Sweden, as they often carry unique collections exclusive to the region. You can expect quality basics, trendy seasonal items, and sustainable options.
- Acne Studios: Known for its contemporary designs and high-end streetwear, Acne Studios is one of the top Swedish brands for fashion lovers. They specialize in everything from leather jackets to chic accessories. The Västerås store is a great place to snag something unique for your wardrobe.
Where to Buy:
- Mall of Scandinavia: If you’re looking for a high-end shopping experience, this is the place to go. Acne Studios, H&M, and many other Swedish fashion brands are available here.
3. Swedish Candy: A Sweet Treat You Can’t Miss
Swedes are known for their love of sweets, and Västerås is no exception. If you’re looking to take a piece of Swedish flavor home, Swedish candy is a great option. During my visits, I’ve enjoyed sampling local candies, which are often sold in cute packages and make perfect souvenirs.
Must-Buy Items:
- Daim Bars: These chocolate-covered toffee bars are a Swedish classic. They are absolutely delicious, and I find myself buying them every time I visit.
- Salmiakki: For those who enjoy salty, licorice-flavored sweets, salmiakki is a must-try. It’s a very distinct taste, so it’s not for everyone, but it’s a unique part of Swedish candy culture.
Where to Buy:
- ICA Supermarket Västerås: Local supermarkets like ICA offer a wide range of Swedish candies, including popular brands like Marabou and Swedish licorice.
4. Swedish Kitchenware: Functional and Stylish
Swedes are known for their love of cooking and dining, so it’s no surprise that Västerås offers plenty of great kitchenware stores where you can find high-quality tools for your home.
Must-Buy Items:
- Global Knives: Global is a premium Japanese brand of kitchen knives, and I was lucky enough to purchase one of their beautifully crafted chef’s knives in Västerås. It’s the perfect addition to any kitchen.
- Rörstrand Porcelain: This Swedish brand is synonymous with fine porcelain dinnerware, offering elegant plates, bowls, and teacups. I’ve bought a beautiful teapot set that I use for afternoon tea.
Where to Buy:
- Cervera Västerås: A popular home goods store offering a wide range of Swedish kitchenware, from high-quality knives to stylish dinnerware.
5. Swedish Fragrances and Skincare: Luxurious Natural Products
If you’re in the mood to pamper yourself or take home some indulgent skincare products, Swedish beauty brands offer natural, high-quality options that smell amazing.
Must-Buy Items:
- L:A Bruket Skincare: This Swedish brand specializes in organic skincare products, and I always leave with a few items, such as their hand creams or soothing oils. Their products have a wonderful natural scent and are incredibly effective.
- Byredo Perfumes: Known for their luxurious scents, Byredo is one of the top fragrance brands from Sweden. I treated myself to a bottle of their signature perfume, and it’s become a personal favorite.
Where to Buy:
- Åhléns City Västerås: This department store offers a wide selection of beauty and skincare products, including Swedish brands like L:A Bruket and Byredo.
6. Handmade Swedish Crafts: Unique and Timeless Souvenirs
When I first visited Västerås, I was drawn to the local craftsmanship. From hand-carved wooden items to intricate textiles, Swedish handmade crafts make fantastic souvenirs that tell a story.
Must-Buy Items:
- Hand-Carved Wooden Figures: I found a beautiful wooden Dala horse, which is a traditional Swedish symbol, and it makes for a wonderful keepsake. These horses are often painted with bright colors and intricate patterns, representing Swedish folk art.
- Handwoven Textiles: Swedish craftsmanship is evident in their textiles. I bought a beautiful handwoven blanket during my stay, and it’s now a cozy reminder of my time in Sweden.
Where to Buy:
- Västerås Konstmuseum Shop: This art museum not only has incredible exhibitions but also offers a selection of locally crafted items, including wooden figurines, textiles, and other handmade Swedish goods.
7. Swedish Coffee Gear: A Coffee Lover’s Paradise
Swedes take their coffee seriously, and Västerås is no different. The local coffee culture is deeply rooted in tradition, and I always recommend picking up some coffee-related gear when visiting.
Must-Buy Items:
- Kaffekoppar: A beautiful Swedish coffee mug is a great way to enjoy your morning brew. Many shops in Västerås offer mugs with designs inspired by Swedish culture.
- Aeropress or French Press: If you enjoy brewing your own coffee, a high-quality Aeropress or French Press from Swedish brands like Bodum makes for a fantastic souvenir.
Where to Buy:
- Café Koppar Västerås: This local coffee shop not only serves the best coffee but also has a small selection of coffee-related gear for sale, including stylish mugs and coffee brewing equipment.
8. Swedish Wool and Knits: Warm and Cozy Souvenirs
Sweden is known for its cold winters, which means that wool and knitwear are an essential part of Swedish culture. Västerås offers a great selection of cozy knitwear that’s perfect for colder months.
Must-Buy Items:
- Wool Sweaters: Swedish knitwear is known for its warmth and comfort. I bought a beautiful wool sweater that has kept me warm on chilly nights back home.
- Handmade Wool Scarves: A soft, handmade wool scarf is another great souvenir. It’s both practical and fashionable, perfect for those chilly Swedish evenings.
Where to Buy:
- Västerås Farmers’ Market: If you’re visiting in the right season, this is the place to find locally made wool scarves, gloves, and sweaters, all crafted with care and authenticity.
9. Swedish Beer and Spirits: A Taste of Sweden
For those who appreciate fine spirits, Swedish beer and aquavit are some of the country’s finest exports. A bottle of Swedish beer or aquavit makes a great gift or personal treat.
Must-Buy Items:
- Swedish Craft Beer: Västerås has a growing craft beer scene, and you’ll find many local breweries offering unique brews. I highly recommend trying something from Västerås Brewery.
- Aquavit: This traditional Scandinavian spirit is flavored with herbs and spices. It’s a bit of an acquired taste, but it’s certainly a quintessential Swedish drink.
Where to Buy:
- Systembolaget Västerås: The Swedish alcohol retail chain, Systembolaget, offers a wide selection of Swedish beers, spirits, and wines. It’s the best place to stock up on Swedish beverages.
10. Swedish Art and Prints: Take Home Some Swedish Culture
If you love art, Västerås is the perfect place to pick up a print or painting that represents the beauty of Sweden.
Must-Buy Items:
- Swedish Landscape Prints: I’ve always admired the Swedish landscape, and I was lucky enough to find a beautiful print of Västerås’ picturesque waterfront at a local gallery. It’s now hanging in my living room.
- Swedish Folk Art: Traditional folk art is another great souvenir, with intricate designs that reflect Swedish history and culture.
Where to Buy:
- Västerås Art Gallery Shop: The art gallery offers a wide selection of prints, postcards, and handmade items from local artists. You can find beautiful depictions of Swedish life and landscapes here.
Västerås is a fantastic city for shopping, with a wonderful mix of traditional Swedish goods and modern Scandinavian designs. Whether you’re looking for functional items like kitchenware or unique keepsakes like handmade crafts, the city offers something special for every shopper.
For your convenience, I recommend using travel platforms such as Booking.com for accommodation, Skyscanner for flights, Viator for tours and tickets, and Eatwith for unique dining experiences in Västerås. These platforms will help you plan your trip with ease, ensuring you get the best deals on flights, hotels, and activities.
