If cozy were a town, it might look exactly like this. Just half an hour’s drive from Gothenburg lies Alingsås. It’s the kind of town we sometimes choose for a simple weekend escape.
Long, relaxed walks without a plan, browsing small shops, and settling into a café for fika that somehow always tastes better here.
Founded in the early 17th century after a war with Denmark, Alingsås received city status in 1619. Today, with a population of around 23,000, it feels less like a destination to “see” and more like a place to experience at an unhurried pace.
We drove to Alingsås from Gothenburg, a trip of no more than 50 minutes, with just about 45 kilometers separating the two cities. Our visit happened during the Christmas season, and the town was wrapped in festive decorations and soft lights.
Even without snow — something quite typical for southwest Sweden — Alingsås still felt magical and cozy.
Interestingly, Alingsås thrived as a textile and garment manufacturing hub for three centuries. However, by the late 20th century, it had transformed into a tourist center. Visitors from various European countries flock here throughout the year.
Festivals in Alingsås
Each October, Alingsås hosts the annual Festival of Lights, one of the largest light art festivals of its kind in Europe. During the event, renowned light designers from around the world transform the town into an open-air gallery, using creative lighting installations to illuminate streets, parks, and historic buildings.
Another beloved annual event is the Potato Festival, held in the town’s central square at the monument to Jonas Alströmer, a native of Alingsås. He introduced potatoes to Sweden and started a textile factory that later became one of Sweden’s largest.
During the festival, cafés and restaurants serve a wide range of potato dishes, delighting food lovers.
Exploring Alingsås
What I love about Alingsås is how beautifully it has preserved its wooden houses and old-town feel. The Lillån River runs through the town, and the center is easy to walk around, with cozy courtyards and small shops.
One place we especially enjoyed stopping by was Lappat & Klart, a cozy interior design store tucked away at Kungsgatan 37C — exactly the kind of place that makes wandering here feel special.
Apart from fascinating handmade crafts by local artisans, we were drawn to a Christmas lottery – a fun surprise gift for 100 kronor, with values ranging from 100 to 499 kronor.
Our surprise turned out to be a candle, which I lit the same evening upon returning home to Gothenburg. It will remind me of our lovely and cozy trip to Alingsås.
A Cozy Afternoon at Nygrens Café
It’s easy to see why fika culture brings so many people to Alingsås. Often called Sweden’s fika capital, the town is full of cafés and bakeries along its cobblestone streets and wooden houses. There are around thirty cafés here, some open since the late 1800s.
For coffee lovers, it truly feels like a small paradise. By mid-afternoon, we were quite hungry too, so we picked one café and went in without thinking twice.
Tucked away in one of Alingsås’ oldest courtyards, Nygrens Café felt like stepping into a charming time capsule. The café, housed in a historic 18th-century building that once served as both an inn and a trading post, exudes vintage charm.
Walking in, I was immediately struck by the inviting atmosphere; the mix of rustic brick walls, vintage stick-back chairs, and elegant velvet sofas created a warm and cozy vibe. Crystal chandeliers hanging overhead added just the right touch of sophistication.
The café offers homemade pastries and cakes, old and new Swedish classics, and savory sandwiches made from their freshly baked bread.
For lunch, we ordered classic Swedish sandwiches, one topped with skagenröra, a creamy seafood mix of shrimp, mayonnaise, dill, and lemon, and another one with tuna. It was served on the café’s freshly baked rye bread, and honestly, it was one of the best I’ve had. The flavors were rich yet refreshing, and it paired perfectly with a cup of coffee.
If you’re ever in Alingsås, Nygrens Café is a must-visit, perfect for a quiet fika, a long catch-up with friends, or simply indulging in homemade treats surrounded by history.
Christinae Church in Alingsås
In the heart of town, the authentic Protestant Christinae Church stands out. Formerly known as the City Church (Evangelical Lutheran folk church), it is one of five historic buildings in Alingsås. The church is named after Queen Kristina, who contributed 100 silver daler to its construction.
Built between 1642 and 1651, it features classicist architecture with a full-width chancel and a three-sided apse. Inside, visitors can admire remarkable 18th-century oil paintings, including Christ Taken Down from the Cross and Mary and John at the Cross of Christ.
Visiting Alingsås in Winter
December days in Sweden are short. By 3:26 PM, the sun had already set, and Alingsås lit up with Christmas lights, creating a fairy-tale-like and romantic ambiance. However, remember that most public places, shops, and cafés close shortly after sunset.
If you plan to visit Alingsås during the Christmas season, make sure to explore and dine before 3 PM. Even with the short winter days, the town feels warm and inviting, and the Christmas lights make every walk feel a little special.
How to Get to Alingsås
The most affordable way to travel from Stockholm to Alingsås is by bus, which costs 350–550 SEK and takes approximately 6 hours and 57 minutes. The fastest way from Stockholm to Alingsås is by train, priced at 430–700 SEK, taking about 3 hours.
From Gothenburg, the bus costing 36–95 SEK, with a 40-minute travel time, is the most affordable option. The quickest way from Gothenburg to Alingsås is by car. The distance between the two cities is 45 kilometers, with a driving route of 48.4 kilometers.
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About the author:
Hello and welcome! My name is Victoria, and I’m a private tour guide in Kyiv. Since 2016, I have been offering private tours on various topics for visitors to the capital of Ukraine. I speak fluent English and love sharing stories. When not guiding, I write about Ukraine on my blog and my travel experiences and insights in Sweden and the Baltics.