Pull out your camera for Götaplatsen (Göta Square), Gothenburg’s photogenic central plaza. Take a shot of the Poseidon Statue lined up with the arches of the Museum of Art. Look out at the broad expanse of Avenyn, the city’s main boulevard. Crowds shuffle along outside shops and bars as trams pass by. All around you, some of Gothenburg’s most impressive buildings line the open square.
Notice how the light hues of the stones and the square’s open design complement the monumental buildings around the Götaplatsen. These were built when the square was paved during the lead-up to the 1923 World’s Fair, which commemorated the city’s 300-year centennial.
Inspect the statue of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, which rises over the square. It was designed by Swedish sculptor Carl Milles in 1927 and serves as a monument to Gothenburg’s dependence on the ocean for trade and food. Poseidon stands at the start of Avenyn, the city’s main thoroughfare.
On the opposite side of the square from Avenyn are the tall, narrow arches and yellow-brick walls of the Gothenburg Museum of Art. Explore the gallery to see the works of Nordic painters alongside European masters such as Monet and Rembrandt.
The library, the City Theatre and the Concert Hall, home to the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, also neighbour Götaplatsen. Catch a performance of Stenhammar, Alfvén or one of Sweden’s other esteemed classical composers.
Plan your stay in Gothenburg to see one of the many events Götaplatsen holds throughout the year. Visit during August to hear the top bands of Sweden perform live in front of huge crowds at Culture Fest.
Götaplatsen is easy to reach by tram, taxi or on foot from anywhere in the inner city. It is best not to come by car, since there is no parking on the square and the garages in the area can be expensive.
