Svartån

The Turbine House in Västerås, near the mouth of Svartån

Svartån (English: black stream) is a name given to a considerable number of Swedish rivers and streams.

Svartån in Västmanland is 91 kilometers long. It passes through the towns of Skultuna and Västerås and has its outlet in Mälaren. The name Västerås derives from the Sueco-Latin term Västra Aros meaning "western outlet."

The river played an important role in the industrial development in this region from the 17th century until the early 20th century as a source for hydropower. Small-scale hydroelectric dams are located in Västerås (the Turbine House and at Falkenberg's Mill), Skerike, and Skultuna, among others. The river also provided power for the many water wheels associated with Skultuna's centuries-old copper foundry Skultuna mässingsbruk.


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Last modified on 14 March 2013, at 12:42