Västerås Flygmuseum

Västerås Flygmuseum Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Västerås Flygmuseum and Its Historical Significance

Situated beside Stockholm-Västerås Airport, Västerås Flygmuseum is a leading destination for aviation enthusiasts and cultural travelers. Housed within the CVV hangar—a rare 1930s timber structure originally built for the Swedish Air Force—the museum offers a deep dive into Sweden’s rich aeronautical heritage. Since its founding in 1997, Västerås Flygmuseum has grown into a vibrant institution featuring over 25 historically significant aircraft (many kept airworthy), a broad array of engines and memorabilia, and engaging flight simulators for visitors of all ages.

The museum is also a community focal point, run by passionate volunteers and aviation associations dedicated to preserving Västerås’ vital role in Swedish aviation history. This guide provides all the essential details you need for an enriching visit, including up-to-date visiting hours, ticket information, accessibility, guided tours, and tips on exploring nearby attractions such as Västerås Cathedral and the Anundshög burial mounds. For those seeking an authentic and interactive experience, Västerås Flygmuseum offers live demonstrations and opportunities to witness historic aircraft in flight—a must for anyone exploring Västerås historical sites (Flygmuseum, Kulturarv Västmanland, Visit Västmanland).

Origins and Historical Development
Architectural Significance of the CVV Hangar
Museum Collection and Living Aircraft
Flight Simulators: Interactive Learning
Preservation and Community Involvement
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Location
Accessibility and Visitor Services
Nearby Attractions and Guided Tours
Visitor Amenities and Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Further Resources
References

Origins and Historical Development

Västerås Flygmuseum’s story began in 1997 as a collaborative initiative to preserve and showcase Sweden’s aviation legacy, especially Västerås’ pivotal role as a military and civilian aviation hub. The selection of the CVV hangar, once part of the F1-Hässlö base—active since the 1930s—was deliberate. Its authentic historical and architectural value made it an ideal home for the museum (en.flygmuseum.com/historik, Wikipedia).

Local aviation groups, including the Västerås Flying Museum, F1 Comrade Association, and Swedish Veteran Wing, unified their resources to develop the collection and host public events. By 1999, the museum showcased its first public flight display, solidifying its status as a center for aviation heritage (en.flygmuseum.com/historik).

Architectural Significance of the CVV Hangar

The CVV hangar, built in 1938, is a striking example of early 20th-century military engineering. Its vast timber framework and expansive, open design were originally intended to support large military aircraft and rapid deployment, all while withstanding Scandinavian weather. The hangar’s preservation has been a museum priority, with significant investment in retaining its unique historical character and adapting it for public use. The ambiance—marked by wooden beams, natural light, and echoes of aviation activity—immerses visitors in a living piece of Swedish aviation history (Flygmuseum, Kulturarv Västmanland).

Museum Collection and Living Aircraft

Västerås Flygmuseum features a diverse collection of over 25 aircraft, most kept in airworthy condition—an uncommon achievement among aviation museums (en.flygmuseum.com/flygplanimuseet). The collection spans military, civil, and training aircraft, including:

SAAB J 35 Draken and JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets
Convair CV440 Metropolitan and McDonnell Douglas DC-10 airliners
Noorduyn AT-16 Harvard, Douglas DC-3 “Daisy”, De Havilland DH 114 Heron
Select gliders and helicopters, such as the Anfänger 1 and Agusta-Bell models

Aircraft are regularly flown during public events, offering visitors the chance to witness these historic machines in action (aviationmuseum.eu). Supplementary exhibits include vintage engines, instruments, uniforms, and aviation memorabilia. Photo exhibitions document the CVV hangar’s history and the evolution of the museum’s fleet (en.flygmuseum.com/historik).

Flight Simulators: Interactive Learning

A hallmark of Västerås Flygmuseum is its robust simulator department. Six simulators—ranging from the historic Link Trainer to modern cockpits like the SAAB J 35 Draken, JAS 39 Gripen, Convair 440, DC-10, and Airbus A320—are available for hands-on experiences (Flygmuseum).

Sessions are suitable for all experience levels, with guides assisting visitors through takeoff, navigation, and landing. The JAS 39 Gripen simulator is specifically adapted for guests with reduced mobility, emphasizing the museum’s commitment to accessibility (en.flygmuseum.com/flygplanimuseet).

Preservation and Community Involvement

The museum thrives on the dedication of 40–50 active volunteers and the support of local aviation associations. Funding comes from simulator operations, aircraft leasing, admissions, and shop sales. Substantial resources are devoted to maintaining both the aircraft and the historic hangar, ensuring the legacy of Västerås’ airbase endures. Around 800 members participate in museum activities and community events (en.flygmuseum.com/historik).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Location

Location: Hässlögatan 16, 721 31 Västerås, Sweden, adjacent to Västerås Airport (Flygmuseum)
Opening Hours: Every Sunday, 11:00–16:00. Group visits or special arrangements can be made by appointment.
Tickets: 150 SEK for adults; children under 15 enter free with an adult (en.flygmuseum.com/flygplanimuseet)
Simulator Sessions: Can be booked online or at entrance; advance booking is recommended, especially on weekends
Getting There:
- By Car: Around 110 km (1h10m) west of Stockholm via E18 (Tripper Guide)
- By Train: Direct trains from Stockholm Central Station (about 1h10m)
- By Bus: Airport coaches from Arlanda to Västerås (approx. 1h20m)
- By Air: Next to Stockholm-Västerås Airport
Parking: Available on-site

Accessibility and Visitor Services

Wheelchair Access: Full access to museum spaces and restrooms
Adapted Simulator: JAS 39 Gripen available for visitors with mobility impairments
Staff Assistance: Volunteers available to assist guests
Languages: Swedish and English signage; staff fluent in English
Photography: Permitted throughout, with restrictions on flash in certain areas

Nearby Attractions and Guided Tours

Enhance your visit by exploring local landmarks:

Västerås Cathedral: Medieval cathedral with significant history
Anundshög: Sweden’s largest burial mound
Västerås Castle and the historic city center

Guided tours are available by arrangement, providing expert perspectives on Swedish aviation and the museum’s unique collection. Photographers will find excellent opportunities, especially during live aircraft demonstrations (Exit45Travels).

Visitor Amenities and Travel Tips

Gift Shop: Aviation-themed books, models, clothing, and souvenirs
Café: Swedish “fika” (coffee and pastries), snacks, and ice cream
Family-Friendly: Interactive exhibits and simulators for children
Plan Ahead: Check visiting hours and book simulators in advance
Allocate Time: 2–3 hours recommended to fully enjoy the museum and amenities
Combine with Local Attractions: Extend your experience with nearby shopping, dining, and cultural venues—such as Tullhuset Living, Västerås Destilleri, and Saluhallen Slakteriet (Visit Västmanland)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Västerås Flygmuseum visiting hours?
A: Sundays from 11:00 to 16:00; group appointments available by request.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: 150 SEK for adults; free for children under 15 with an adult.

Q: Are simulators available for everyone?
A: Yes, with one specifically adapted for reduced mobility. Advance booking is recommended.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, all public areas are accessible.

Q: Are guided tours offered?
A: Yes, by appointment for groups.

Q: Can I see aircraft fly?
A: Many aircraft are airworthy and flown during special events, primarily on Sundays.

Q: How do I get there from Stockholm?
A: By car (E18), direct train, airport bus, or via Stockholm-Västerås Airport.

Conclusion and Further Resources

Västerås Flygmuseum stands out as a dynamic testament to Sweden’s aviation past, blending living history, interactive learning, and architectural heritage in one of Västerås’ most compelling historical sites. With its impressive collection of airworthy aircraft, authentic simulators, and community-driven preservation, the museum offers an experience that educates, entertains, and inspires.

Plan your visit by consulting the latest visiting hours and ticket options on the official website. Don’t forget to book your simulator session in advance and explore nearby attractions for a well-rounded cultural experience. Download the Audiala app for personalized audio tours and follow Västerås Flygmuseum on social media for updates and exclusive content.