Strategically situated at the point where the Svartan River runs into Lake Malaren, the county town of Vasteras has been an important trading centre since Viking times. Construction of the castle and cathedral began in the thirteenth century and in 1527 Parliament was convened here.

The cathedral, Domkyrkan, contains the sarcophagus of Erik XIV, the unfortunate king who was allegedly poisoned by his brother Johan III, by pea soup laced with arsenic.

Around the cathedral lies the town’s old centre of learning, where Johannes Rudbeckius opened Sweden’s first upper secondary school in 1623.

To the east of town lies the seventh century Anundshogen mound where Brot-Anund, the king who settled Bergslagen, is said to be buried. Standing stones in the shapes of ships 164 feet long can be seen around the mound. The area was an important Viking meeting place.