Västerås is a city in central Sweden. It is the seat of Västerås Municipality, the capital of Västmanland County and an episcopal see. One of the oldest cities in Sweden and Northern Europe,its name originates fromVästra Aros, which refers to the river mouth ofSvartån. The area has been populated since the NordicViking 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.
TodayVästerås is predominantly known as an industrial city, but also a retailing and logistics city. Ithas the largest lakeside commercial and recreational port in Scandinavia on Lake Mälaren.The city also has askyscrapercordially nicknamed "Skrapan" (English: The Scraper) which has Sweden's highest-locatedcocktail bar, called Sky Bar, on the 24th floor of the building. It alsohostsPower Big Meet, an annual event where owners of high-powered American cars can meet.