Location

Gothenburg

Gothenburg, Sweden’s second biggest city, combines vibrant urbanity, a friendly vibe and seaside charm. It also has culinary prowess and a world-class craft beer scene.

Gothenburg was founded in 1621 by Gustav II Adolf, but it was not the first town at the river Göta älv’s outlet. At the end of the 15th century Nya Lödöse was built and became an important trade city for Sweden. Nya Lödöse stood at the site were the district Gamlestaden is today.

King Charles IX (for many people in Gothenburg known as the king on the stallion "Kopparmärra" at Kungsportsplatsen) took the decision to build the city of Gothenburg in 1607 at the current area Färjestaden on the island Hisingen. This town was completely destroyed in 1611 when the Danes burned it to the ground. Fortunately, the Swedes did not give up the idea of ​​a western commercial city, and in 1619 the king Gustavus Adolphus proclaimed “Here, the city shall lie" and pointed to the ground in today's Gothenburg. This alleged occassion is immortalised at the Gustaf Adolf Square by artist Bengt Erland Fogelberg and his famous statue of the king (as seen in top).

Gothenburg is a charming city with something for everybody – a vibrant city of culinary and cultural uniqueness, with a great nightlife and a multitude of things to do and discover. Shopping, antiques, art, opera, theatre, galleries and museums abound in this city by the sea. It is a city that entertains and delights, from beautiful seascapes and quaint nearby fishing villages to manor houses and modern design.