Västergötland

Västergötland? / I is a historical province ( landskap Swedish ) in Sweden. It is bordered on the south by the historical province of Halland, to the west by the Kattegat and the old province of Dalsland and Bohuslän, Värmland to the north and Orebro and on the east by Östergötland and Småland.

Geography

Västergötland offers a varied landscape. The south and east is a hilly area, which belongs to the southern Swedish highlands and the foothills. The north and west part of the Mid-Sweden Valley and here is ringed by mesas Västgöta level. In the northwest and northeast of the two largest Swedish lakes Vänern and Vättern form the boundaries of the province. The largest river is the Göta älv which drains Lake Vänern into the Kattegat.

Västergötland has a humid, but not very cold climate with an annual rainfall of up to 900 mm on the coast and 600 mm in the plane and an average temperature of -1 ° C in January and 15 ° C in July (24 - hour average ).

Västergötland largest city is Gothenburg, other important cities are Boras, Lidköping, Mariestad, Skara, Skövde, Trollhättan and Vänersborg.

Economy

Västergötland is one of the most important agricultural areas of Sweden. Agriculture plays - highly rationalized - still an important role in the economy of the province. Industrial development was varied to industrial centers have mainly the port city of Gothenburg, developed Trollhättan (including Saab), Skövde (including Volvo Penta plant) and Borås (textile industry).

History

Västergötland was probably part of the country of Sweden, who was converted to Christianity at the earliest. Olof Skötkonung was baptized as the first Swedish king in Husaby, near the town of Skara in the year 1000, and the first Swedish diocese - with the Cathedral Skara as a center - was founded in the 11th century. Västergötland was in the Middle Ages, both politically and culturally relatively independently. It had a separate law ( Västgötalagen ), a private Thing and own judge. At this time, Västergötland bordered to the south and west by Denmark, with which it had active trade connections. It had only two cities of importance Lödöse at the mouth of the Göta älvs and Skara. Nevertheless, Västergötland played an important role in national politics. Three of the medieval royal families came from Västergötland.

Under Gustavus Vasa Västergötland became a single province, but in the administrative reform of 1634 Västergötland was divided. Since Västergötland bordered on Denmark and Norway, especially the border areas were drawn into the hostilities. Particularly hard hit were the border areas were completely devastated to Halland from Northern War 1563-70, in which large parts.

About 1600 were founded in Västergötland some important cities: Mariestad 1583, Gothenburg and Borås 1619-1621 1621 More cities -ups, eg Trollhättan in 1910, took place at the beginning of the 20th century..

Coat of arms

Description: In the left diagonally divided field of black and gold an uncrowned rotbewehrter and langued Lion with confusing colors, above the dividing line accompanied by ever a silver star.

Attractions

Apart from Gothenburg, which as a large city and historically important port and trading city offers a wide range of attractions, can the interested in history, the city of Skara and the area around Skara (medieval sights ) and the area around the city Falköping ( tombs from different periods ) are recommended. Even the baroque castle Läckö is worth a visit. Who is interested in industrial history, Borås (textile museum) and Trollhättan should visit. Particularly appealing is the Gota Canal between Lake Vättern and Vänern.

The nature lovers, it provides an unspoiled landscape in the national park Tivedens. Lakeside Hornborgasjön nests not only a variety of bird species, in April, thousands of cranes from crossing the Baltic Sea Relax. The mesas Billingen and Kinnekulle offer extensive walking trails and Hallenberg and Hunneberg are not only a royal hunting area, but also have the densest moose population ( elk safaris ).

Landscape symbols

• Birds: common crane
• Fish: burbot
• Flower: heather