Alingsås

Alingsås, city (1990 est. pop. 21,300), Älvsborg co., SW Sweden, on Lake Mjörn; chartered 1619. It is an industrial center. Manufactures include textiles, leather goods, processed food, candy, beer, and metal goods.

Alingsås is a city (pop. 22,919) in western Sweden and the seat of Alingsås Municipality, Västra Götaland County.

Geographically the city is situated by the outlet of the small rivulet Säveån into lake Mjörn. Communications is provided by the western main line railroad (Västra stambanan) between Stockholm and Gothenburg, and by motorway through the European route E20.

Alingsås was founded as inhabitants from the city Nya Lödöse were made homeless as Danish troops burnt it down. Gustavus Adolphus granted Alingsås its Royal Charter in 1619. This makes it older than Västra Götalands largest city Göteborg which was granted its charter in 1621.

Among its historical inhabitants is Jonas Alströmer, who was born in Alingsås in 1685. Alströmer is credited for introducing the potato plant to Sweden. He also established a large scale draper's industry there which before soon became Sweden's largest. However, some too optimistical calculations, devastating fires and political set backs finally forced its closure in 1779.

Alingsås is known for its cafes, 24 in total (in 2006).

References