Historical Buildings Walking Tour (Self Guided), Gothenburg

Like the majority of Swedish cities, Gothenburg is constantly re-inventing itself whilst continuing to celebrate its past. The latter is no more evident than in the city’s stunning historic architecture, manifested in a wonderful collection of stately old buildings, carefully preserved amid the relatively new ones.

Gothenburg’s architecture comes in a wide range of styles, from Gothic to Modernist, including several 17th-century buildings made of wood and great classical structures from the 18th century. In the past, series of fires had destroyed many local houses in various stages, leaving to survive only a handful of them, such as the Kronhuset (Crown House) in Gustaf Adolfs torg (square). This Dutch-style building is now one of the oldest in the city, completed in 1654, and was originally a storehouse for military equipment; today used as a concert hall.

Another remnant of the past is the City Hall, completed in 1672. Eventually considered too small for its purpose, it was extended in 1936 with a functional addition by architect Gunnar Asplund, whose way of blending the old with the new received international acclaim.

Gothenburg Cathedral, located in the city center, is the third cathedral on this site. The first one, opened in 1633, burned down in 1721; the second one, built in 1722, also perished in fire in 1802. The third and current building dates back to 1825, although it wasn't completely finished until twelve years later.

Speaking of the old-timers, one shouldn't forget the Skansen Kronan (Crown Sconce) fortress upon the Risåsberget hill in Haga neighborhood; completed in 1689, it offers a spectacular view of the city.

Among other, more modern architectural highlights of Gothenburg are: the Central Station, rebuilt a number of times since its inauguration in 1858; the Feskekôrka (“Fish Church”) fish market, completed in 1873 – here you can buy fresh fish and seafood straight off the docks; and the Hagabadet (Haga Baths), a Jugendstil building from 1876, partially burned down in 1903 and rebuilt.

If you're an architecture-buff or simply has an eye for all things beautiful, take this self-guided walking tour for a chance to admire these and other historic buildings of Gothenburg in their splendor.