The area bears traces of settlers since around 2000 BC. In the early medieval age, around 1000 AD, Nyk�ping was a capital of one the many Swedish petty kingdoms. In the 13th century, construction on the Nyk�ping Fortress was begun; the following century it became the strongest fortress of the country. The coat of arms probably depicts the fortress, or one of its towers.
In 1317 the Nyk�ping Banquet took place, a renowned episode in Sweden's history, when King Birger of Sweden captured his two brothers as a revenge for earlier sufferings and had them imprisoned without food until they starved to death. (See Nyk�pings g�stabud.)
The earliest known charter dates from 1444, making it one of the now defunct Cities in Sweden. In the 16th century Nyk�ping became the seat of Duke Charles who later became Charles IX of Sweden. With the status of a Royal residential seat, Nyk�ping was at its peak of development.
In 1665 large parts of the city including the fortress were damaged in a fire. The same thing happened again in 1719 when Russian troops invaded the city. It was then rebuilt with its current street plan.
Nyk�ping was industrialized relatively early compared to the rest of Sweden. In the early 19th century, textile industry was established, and the population soon rose as Nyk�ping's industry grew. In 1879, C.A. Wedholms mejerik�rlsfabrik was founded, starting to produce milk churns.
20th century
Nyk�ping was the town where Nordiska Kompaniet had its furniture manufacturing. The business created a spin off, which was named ANA which licence-built American and English cars. The company was later purchased by Saab Automobile and lead to that SAAB become the largest employer in the town during the 1980s, as well as the relocation of the head-quarters to Spelhagen. But when GM bought SAAB from Investor AB, the head-quarters was moved back to Trollh�ttan and about two thousand lost their jobs.
Military
