Alingsås

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Alingsås


image_caption = Drottninggatan in Alingsås
pushpin_

subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = Sweden
subdivision_type1 = Municipality
subdivision_name1 = Alingsås Municipality
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Västra Götaland County
subdivision_type3 = Province
subdivision_name3 = Västergötland
area_footnotes = cite web |title=Tätorternas landareal, folkmängd och invånare per km² 2000 och 2005 |publisher=Statistics Sweden |url=http://www.scb.se/statistik/MI/MI0810/2005A01B/T%E4torternami0810tab1.xls |format=xls |language=Swedish |accessdate=2008-05-15]
area_total_km2 = 11.68
population_as_of = 2005-12-31
population_footnotes =
population_total = 22,919
population_density_km2 = 1962
timezone = CET
utc_offset = +1
timezone_DST = CEST
utc_offset_DST = +2
latd=57 |latm=56 |lats= |latNS=N
longd=12 |longm=32 |longs= |longEW=E
website =

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