A vibrant and inviting city

Visitors to Gothenburg feel welcome. There's a nice relaxed atmosphere. And a vibrant sport, cultural and night life ensures that you can always find something exciting to do.

With everything close at hand 

Gothenburg is also highly accessible. It is easy to explore Gothenburg on foot or with the blue trams. There are also 1,000 bikes for loan and 66 bicycle stations spread throughout the city.

Green spaces, asphalt and cobblestones 

The river Götaälven and canals flow through the city. Parks and green spaces are found in every neighborhood, and in the summer there is vibrant outdoor life. A city of change and variety. 
You can find out more at: 

Facts about the city of Gothenburg

Founded: 1621 by King Gustavus Adolphus II

Number of inhabitants in the city: 581,822

Number of inhabitants in the metropolitan area: 1,009,203

 

Largest employers: 

  1. Volvo Cars
  1. Volvo Trucks
  1. Chalmers

 

Did you know that…

  • Gothenburg is the world’s most sustainable meeting destination. As of November 2016, it has topped the Global Destination Sustainability Index.
  • The oldest house in Gothenburg is the impressive Kronhuset. Built 1643-55 in austere Dutch style, with red bricks and high pointed gables.
  • Göteborgsvarvet is not only the world’s largest half marathon. It is also Sweden’s half marathon
  • Many regard Gothenburg as Sweden’s beer capital – there is a lively beer culture with many local breweries making world-class beer.
  • The stock exchange, built in 1849 for Sweden’s oldest trade guild, is today the City Hall.
  • The Gustavus Adolphus pastry was created in 1854 in connection with the inauguration of the King’s statue in Gothenburg.
  • In 2016, the Gothenburg company SKF registered 229 technical innovations and was awarded 191 new patents.
  • Gothenburg is the world’s third friendliest city, according to a survey by the travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler.

Some key Gothenburg dates:

1621: “Here is the city”, says King Gustavus Adolphus, pointing to Gothenburg. 

1731: The Swedish East India Company starts trading

1847: The Götaverken shipyard delivers its first ship: the iron steamer Kare.

1905: The Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Sweden’s national orchestra, is formed.

1923: The Götaplatsen city square and Liseberg are opened to mark Gothenburg’s 300th anniversary.

1927: The first production model Volvo, Volvo ÖV4, rolls off the test track.

1939: The canal launch Paddan casts off for the first time.

1984: Gothia Towers serves its first King Size shrimp sandwich.

2016: Musician Håkan Hellström sets a new Nordic attendance record of 70,144 people at Ullevi.

2021: Gothenburg celebrates its 400th anniversary with a series of initiatives.