Take a coffee or lunch break on Gustav Adolf Square (Gustav Adolfs Torg), which is situated just along the canal from the city centre. Grand buildings, like the Gothenburg City Hall and the law court next door, overlook the square’s red-brick pavement. Relax in the large open square while you admire the surrounding classical façades.
Gustav Adolf Square is named after the statue of King Gustavus II Adolphus that stands at its centre. Originally, the square was known as Stortorget (meaning “big square”), but this was changed when the statue was built in 1854. Notice that King Adolphus is pointing at the ground with his right hand. While leading Sweden to victory in the 30 Years’ War of the 1600s, Adolphus founded Gothenburg in 1621, proclaiming, “This is where the city shall be.” The statue at the centre of the square is supposed to represent the moment he said these words.
Major city streets surround the square on all sides. Köpmansgatan passes to the north, Norra Hamngatan runs along the square to the south, Östra Hamngatan lies east and Torggatan is to the west.
Snap a photograph of the row of arches lining the façade of the current City Hall. This former Gothenburg Stock Exchange building opened in 1849. Notice its neoclassical traits, including the bright white arches and colonnades. The building incorporates a townhouse from the 1700s that was built as a home for a former city councillor. City Hall is still used as a municipal office.
Other architectural points of interest include the law courts, designed by Gunnar Asplund, and the Kronhuset, which dates back to 1643. Visit this structure, now a museum and craft centre, to see inside one of the oldest buildings in the city. Nearby, the vast, glassy façade of the contemporary Nordstan retail complex stands in contrast to the ancient façade of Kronhuset.
Reach the central Gustav Adolf Square on foot from many attractions and hotels in inner-city Gothenburg. The square is open from morning until night and is free to enter.
