Gothenburg history

Gothenburg was founded in 1621 by decree of King Gustav II Adolf after a previous settlement on this site was destroyed. This step was strategically important for Sweden, as the city provided the country with direct and protected access to the North Sea, bypassing the straits controlled by Denmark. Dutch engineers were invited to design and build the city, and their influence is still visible in the layout of the centre with its numerous canals.

The rise of Gothenburg as a major centre was driven by several key factors. Firstly, its geographical location on the west coast made it the country's main trade gateway to the west. Secondly, the royal authority granted the city significant privileges, including tax exemptions and religious freedom, which attracted many foreign merchants and artisans. Trade, particularly the export of iron and timber and the import of goods from other countries, quickly became the backbone of its economy.

In the 18th century, Gothenburg experienced a true economic boom, largely due to the founding of the Swedish East India Company in 1731, which turned it into a hub of international trade, particularly with China. From the very beginning, the city was distinguished by a multicultural atmosphere: Swedes, Dutch, Germans, and Scots lived here, which contributed to the formation of its unique and open character. The economy of the early period focused on shipping, trade, and fishing, laying a solid foundation for Gothenburg's future prosperity.

Key Dates in the History of Gothenburg

• 1621 — King Gustav II Adolf signs the charter for the foundation of the city of Gothenburg to ensure the country's strategic access to the North Sea.
• 1658 — Under the Treaty of Roskilde, the province of Bohuslän is permanently ceded to the state of Sweden, strengthening the city's security and regional influence.
• 1731 — The Swedish East India Company is established, transforming the local port into a thriving centre of international trade with Asia.
• 1832 — The Göta Canal opens, connecting the west coast with the Baltic Sea and significantly simplifying cargo transportation.
• 1862 — Construction of the Western Main Line railway is completed, linking the city with a direct connection to Stockholm.
• 1874 — The unique "Feskekôrka" fish market building is constructed, outwardly resembling a Gothic church.
• 1907 — Engineer Sven Wingqvist founds SKF, which becomes a world leader in bearing manufacturing.
• 1923 — In honour of the city's 300th anniversary, the Liseberg amusement park and the Museum of Art at Götaplatsen are opened.
• 1927 — The first mass-produced Volvo car rolls off the factory assembly line, marking the beginning of the automotive industry's development in the region.
• 1959 — The Älvsborg suspension bridge is commissioned, connecting the mainland part of the city with the island of Hisingen.
• 1977 — The new international Landvetter Airport opens, replacing the outdated airfield in Torslanda.
• 1994 — The Gothenburg Opera building is inaugurated on the waterfront, becoming a symbol of the cultural renewal of former port areas.
• 2006 — Construction of the Götatunneln road tunnel is completed, allowing the waterfront to be freed from traffic and a park to be created.
• 2023 — The city celebrated its 400th anniversary on a grand scale, holding festivities that were postponed for two years due to the pandemic.

Stages of Gothenburg's Development

From a trading outpost to an innovation hub, Gothenburg has undergone an impressive journey of development reflected in its economy, architecture, and culture. Key transformations have shaped the modern appearance of this dynamic city.

• The "Golden Age" of Trade (18th Century) — The establishment of the Swedish East India Company in 1731 turned Gothenburg into Sweden's main centre for international trade. Lucrative trade with China and other Eastern countries contributed to capital accumulation, population growth, and the formation of a multicultural society of Swedish, Dutch, German, and Scottish merchants.
• The Industrial Revolution (19th Century) — After the demolition of outdated fortress walls in the early 19th century, the city gained space for rapid growth. The era of industrialisation began: textile factories, metallurgical plants, and shipyards were built, cementing Gothenburg's status as a major industrial centre.
• Birth of an Automotive Giant (1927) — The first Volvo brand car rolled off the assembly line in Gothenburg. This event was a turning point in the city's economic history, initiating the development of a powerful automotive cluster and making Gothenburg the home of a world-renowned brand.
• Cultural Rise (1920s) — As part of preparations for the 300th anniversary in 1923, large-scale projects were implemented in the city. The opening of the Liseberg amusement park and iconic cultural institutions, such as the Gothenburg Museum of Art, formed a new cultural landscape and enhanced the city's appeal to tourists.
• Infrastructure Development (Mid-20th Century) — The construction of major transport facilities, such as the Älvsborg Bridge (1959), connecting the mainland to the island of Hisingen, became a symbol of post-war growth. This allowed for the expansion of urban territories and improved logistics, which was critical for the port and industrial enterprises.
• Transformation into a City of Knowledge and Innovation (Late 20th – Early 21st Century) — Facing a crisis in the shipbuilding industry in the 1970s, Gothenburg began actively reorienting its economy. The city focused on the development of technology, science (strengthening the role of the University of Gothenburg), and the service sector. Hosting the EU summit in 2001 and opening modern facilities like the Gothenburg Opera (1994) highlighted its new status as an international and cultural hub.

Gothenburg's architectural landscape is a fascinating journey through the centuries, reflecting its history from a strategic fortress to a modern innovation centre. The city's development harmoniously combines the rigour of Dutch planning, the elegance of Classicism, the monumentality of National Romanticism, and the boldness of modern architecture.

Dutch Heritage and Classicism (17th–18th Centuries)

Founded in 1621, Gothenburg was designed by Dutch engineers, which permanently defined its central layout. According to their plan, a network of canals was created, serving both defensive and drainage functions, along with straight streets within the fortress walls. The initial structures were predominantly wooden, and few have survived due to numerous fires. One of the oldest surviving buildings is Kronhuset, a former artillery warehouse built in the mid-17th century. After devastating fires in the early 19th century, only stone buildings were permitted, coinciding with the rise of Classicism. The wealth brought by the Swedish East India Company was reflected in the elegant and austere facades of buildings from that period, for example, the company's own building, which today houses the Museum of Gothenburg.

National Romanticism and Industrial Growth (19th – Early 20th Centuries)

In the 19th century, following the demolition of the old fortress walls, the city began to expand rapidly. This era was marked by the dominance of the National Romantic style, which drew inspiration from medieval Scandinavian architecture and used natural materials such as brick and granite. Vivid examples of this style include:

• Feskekôrka — the famous "Fish Church", built in 1874 and resembling a Gothic church structure.
• Oscar Fredrik Church (Oscar Fredriks kyrka) — an impressive example of Neo-Gothic architecture, completed in 1893, with characteristic high spires and rich decoration.
• Residential buildings in the Haga district, many of which have preserved charming wooden facades, creating a unique old-town atmosphere.

Functionalism and Modernism (20th Century)

In the 1920s and 30s, Functionalism, or "funkis", prevailed in Swedish architecture with its emphasis on simple forms, smooth surfaces, and practicality. This style was clearly manifested in the ensemble of Götaplatsen square, the cultural heart of the city, where the City Theatre, Concert Hall, and Gothenburg Museum of Art are located. The second half of the 20th century was marked by large-scale residential construction and modernisation, which, unfortunately, led to the demolition of some historic quarters.

Contemporary Architecture (Late 20th – 21st Centuries)

Since the late 20th century, Gothenburg has been actively transforming its coastline, converting former industrial zones and shipyards into new residential and business districts. This transformation has spawned several new architectural icons:

• The Gothenburg Opera (Göteborgsoperan), opened in 1994, with its modern design inspired by the worlds of seafaring and opera.
• The Lilla Bommen skyscraper, nicknamed "The Lipstick" (Läppstiftet) for its distinctive shape and red-and-white colouring.
• The innovative office building Kuggen, resembling a stack of colourful gears, has become a symbol of the city's technological development.
• The Karlatornet skyscraper, which has become the tallest building in Scandinavia, symbolising the ambition and growth of modern Gothenburg.

Notable Figures Associated with Gothenburg

Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city, has been the birthplace or home of many outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to science, industry, culture, and the arts. Their legacy has not only shaped the character of the city but has also made an impact on a global level.

• Gustav II Adolf (1594–1632) — King of Sweden and founder of Gothenburg. In 1621, he issued the decree to found the city, which was intended to be Sweden's main trade gateway on the west coast. His strategic decision laid the foundation for Gothenburg's future prosperity as a major port and industrial centre.
• Sven Wingqvist (1876–1953) — Engineer, inventor, and industrialist. In 1907, he invented and patented the self-aligning ball bearing, which revolutionised mechanical engineering. In the same year, he founded SKF (Svenska Kullagerfabriken) in Gothenburg, which remains one of the world's largest bearing manufacturers today.
• Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson — Founders of Volvo. In 1927, the first Volvo ÖV 4 car rolled off the assembly line at their factory in Gothenburg. Their vision of creating reliable and safe cars, adapted to harsh Swedish conditions, turned Volvo into one of the most recognisable automotive brands in the world, and Gothenburg into the capital of the Swedish automotive industry.
• Evert Taube (1890–1976) — One of the most revered Swedish poets, composers, singers, and artists of the 20th century. Although he travelled extensively, Gothenburg and the coast of Bohuslän were an inexhaustible source of inspiration for him. His songs, imbued with maritime romance, have become an integral part of Swedish cultural identity.
• Stellan Skarsgård (born 1951) — A world-renowned theatre and film actor born in Gothenburg. He began his career in Sweden and subsequently achieved international acclaim, starring in Hollywood blockbusters such as "Pirates of the Caribbean", "The Avengers", "Dune", and the acclaimed series "Chernobyl".
• Björn Ulvaeus (born 1945) — Musician, composer, and producer born in Gothenburg. He gained world fame through his participation in the legendary pop group ABBA, for which he co-wrote most of the hits with Benny Andersson. His contribution to music has made him one of the most iconic figures in Swedish pop culture.
• Felix Kjellberg (PewDiePie) (born 1989) — One of the most famous video bloggers in the world. He was born and raised in Gothenburg, where he began his career on YouTube. His channel, dedicated to video games and entertainment content, was the most popular on the platform for many years, making him a global phenomenon of internet culture.