Västmanland

Västmanland is a historical province (landskap) in central Sweden. It is part of the Svealand region and lies around the Lake Mälaren basin and the Bergslagen mining district. The province’s administrative center is Västerås, located on Mälaren’s eastern shore. Other significant towns include Arboga, Köping, Hallstahammar, Sala, Fagersta and Norberg. The landscape combines forested areas, agricultural land, and a number of lakes and waterways.

The province has a long industrial history. In medieval and early modern times, Bergslagen mining and metal production drove local growth. The area around Anundshögen near Västerås contains Sweden’s largest burial mound, reflecting early medieval settlement. Sala is known for the Sala Silver Mine, a historic mine turned into a museum. Västerås has long been an important regional center for trade and industry.

In modern times, the region is part of Västmanland County, with Västerås as the county seat and largest city. The economy is diversified, with manufacturing, services, and high‑tech industries centered in Västerås and surrounding municipalities, alongside forestry and agriculture. The population is concentrated in Västerås and several towns; the province remains a cultural and historical unit with distinct traditions and dialectal features within Sweden.