Gustav II Adolf, city founder

Did you know that Gothenburg was founded in the year 1621 by one of Swedens greatest kings, Gustav II Adolf? The legend has it that he climbed a nearby hill and pointed down saying, here shall the city lay! And so it was! Hence the statue pointing downwards!

During this time of Swedish history we where at constant war with the danes and norwegians. This part of the country was the only connection to the west so it was decided that we needed a strong fortified city, hence the name Gothenburg which basically means The Goth Castle/Fort.

From the very beginning trade was prioritized and our dock is actually laying in the old city harbour called the great harbour canal! Today the harbour lays much more further out towards the sea.

When you travel in our canals you are mostly traveling in the old mout that used to surround the fortified city. During the 1700s Gothenburg was northern Europes best fortified city and it was never conquered!

The king took part in the 30 years war down at the continent, spreading protestantism. He was killed during the battle of Lutzen at 6th of november 1632. Each year we remember his death by eating a pastry with his picture on it. Strange?