Hälla Gokart

In Västerås, on the shores of Lake Mälaren, Hälla Gokart runs an outdoor layout of eight hundred metres, open Wednesday to Sunday. The track welcomes seasoned drivers and families alike, with two-seater karts built for children under ten, fitted with seatbelts and hand controls for throttle and brake. People come to string together timed laps in open surroundings, a short way from Sweden's fourth city.

Karting stays open to everyone, no licence or experience needed: a briefing, a helmet, and off you go chasing your best lap. The option to book races on any opening day makes it a handy spot for groups, birthdays and outings with friends. The pay-per-session format suits beginners as well as regulars looking to polish their lines, and people happily return to beat their time. As the track is outdoors, it is best to check the hours before coming.

Västerås is one of Sweden's larger cities, set on Lake Mälaren, at the heart of a region of history and industry. The city is home to Anundshög, the country's largest burial mound, a relic of the Viking age, along with the Vallby open-air museum and a pleasant marina on the lake. The shores of Mälaren and its archipelago lend themselves to swimming and boat trips in summer. Västerås is reached in about an hour by train from Stockholm, making it an easy stop west of the capital.