V�ster�s is one of the oldest cities in Sweden and Northern Europe. The name originates from V�stra Aros, which refers to the river mouth of Svart�n. The area has been populated since the Nordic Viking Age, before 1000 AD. In the beginning of the 11th century it was the second largest city in Sweden, and by the 12th century had become the seat of the bishop.
Anundsh�g is located just outside the City of V�ster�s. Anundsh�g is Sweden's largest burial mound. "H�g" is derived from the Old Norse word haugr meaning mound or barrow. It was built about 500 AD and is over 74 yards wide and is almost 10 yards high.
In the ensuing centuries a cathedral and a monastery were built. The first City Arms date from the end of the 13th century.
King Gustav I of Sweden called together the riksdag in V�ster�s. During the riksdag assembly the decision was made to convert Sweden into a Protestant state and to remove the power of the Catholic Church.
Rudbeckianska Gymnasiet, the oldest gymnasium (secondary school) in Sweden, was built in V�ster�s by Johannes Rudbeckiusin 1623.
In the 18th and 19th centuries the growing of cucumber became popular, and V�ster�s received the nickname Gurkstaden (the Cucumber City), which it still retains today
