A marketplace was established at Brätte at the southern end of Vassbotten, south of modern Vänersborg, by the end of the medieval period. The settlement developed with paved streets lined with houses and farms and it was granted town privileges in 1580. The site, however, became unsuitable for trans-shipment of goods due to silting of its harbour and it was difficult to protect. Consequently, in 1644, the town was moved 3½ kilometres north to Huvudnäset, and the new town of Vänersborg was established, despite the reluctance of its inhabitants. The name "Vänersborg" means "fortress at Vänern". It comes from the fortlet which was built in 1644 for the new town's protection. The coat of arms is also from 1644, depicting a golden ship with two Swedish flags. Around 1800, Vänersborg had a population of 1,500 inhabitants. Vänersborg was the point at which freight was transshipped from lake ships to below the Trollhättan Falls where ships could continue unhindered to Gothenburg and beyond. In 1778, the King Karl Canal was opened between Vänersborg and Trollhättan, shortening the overland portage and in 1800, the new Trollhätte Canal and its locks allowed shipping to move between Vänern and the sea. The waterway between Vänern and Gothenburg enabled the town's importance to grow further. In 1834, most of the town's wooden houses burnt down. It was rebuilt in a grid pattern, unique to this day. The Torpaskolan was opened in 1965 and replaced in 2011 by the Nya Torpaskolan. The Arena Vänersborg was opened in 2009.
Climate
Vänersborg has a coldoceanic climate. It also has a relatively wet climate for being in Sweden, having an average precipitation of between 1961 and 1990. In the early part of the 21st century, precipitation further increased. Differences between summers and winters are smaller than in many other inland areas of Sweden, being moderated by its proximity to Kattegat and the lake Vänern. In spite of this, the climate is quite continental considering its classification as marine. The location at the shore of lake Vänern influences the climate with somewhat more rain and wind, and some potential for lake-effect snow during winters.
Economy
Handicraft, trade, shipping and its former status as the county seat of Älvsborgs County has benefited Vänersborg's development. Ever since the 1600s, the city's inhabitants consisted of a dynamic mix of administrators, businessmen, artisans and skilled craftsmen. Today the municipality is characterized by more high-tech engineering companies, IT and electronics, education and skilled service. Public administration still plays an important role.
The bandy club IFK Vänersborg plays in the highest division Elitserien and Blåsuts BK is usually playing in the second-tier Allsvenskan. Arena Vänersborg is an indoor arenas for bandy. Arena Vänersborg caused a great commotion, due to it exceeding its budget, landing the final cost of the arena at 300 000 000 SEK and counting. Vänersborg hosted the 2013 Bandy World Championship for men's teams. For the second time Group A was a separate event. When the world championship will be held in town again, in 2019, it will be for both divisions.
On 22 November 2010, Vänersborg's Mayor, Lars-Göran Ljunggren, resigned following two scandals of Arena Vänersborg, whose costs greatly exceeded the original budget, and the Toppfrys deal, which was investigated by the European UnionEconomic Commission. Ljunggren had spent 30 years on Vänersborg City Council, and three and a half years as mayor. He was succeeded in 2011 by the Conservative politician Gunnar Lidell. Mayor since the election 2014 is Marie Dahlin, Social Democrat.
Notable inhabitants
The poetBirger Sjöberg was born in Vänersborg. He wrote appreciatively about Vänersborg, most notably in Fridas bok, wherein the comparison "Vänersborg – little Paris" is found. The park in the northern part of Vänersborg, Skräckleparken, offers a picturesque view over lake Vänern, and therein also stands this statue of mentioned Ragnar. The prominent Swedish explorer and trader Axel Eriksson was also born in Vänersborg. The Municipal Museum displays a collection of birds from south-western Africa that were collected by Eriksson. The bandJunip including José González is partially from, and formed in, Vänersborg. Swedish singer Agnes Carlsson was born in Vänersborg. The punk rock bandDivision of Laura Lee is from Vänersborg. Grammy winning Hip Hop producerTommy Black was born in Vänersborg.
