Gothenburg Landmarks and Monuments

(Gothenburg, Vastergotland, Vastra Gotaland County, Sweden)

Within Gothenburg visitors will encounter many different landmarks and historic monuments both old and new, big and small. Many impressive landmarks are based around Gothenburg's central plazas, such as the Gustaf Adolfs Torg and its magnificent political buildings, including the 17th-century City Hall (Radhuset).

Also overlooking the Gustav Adolf's Square is the Stock Exchange (Börsen), which was completed in 1849 and became listed by the heritage in the 1960s.

Other eye-catching landmarks worth a visit and maybe even a photo or two include the Skanskaskrapan skyscraper, the Elfsborg Fortress (Gamla Älvsborgs Slottsruin), the University of Gothenburg and also the 19th-century Central Train Station, often the first sight that greets tourists upon their arrival at this famous Swedish city.

Götheborgsutkiken / Skanskaskrapan (Skanska Skyscraper)

Address: Lilla Bommen, Gothenburg, SE-41104, Sweden, SE
This post-modern skyscraper serves as an office block for the Swedish-based Skanska construction company and is instantly recognisable by its bright red and white striped façade. Completed in 1989, the Skanskaskrapan has earned itself the popular nickname of the Läppstiftet, which translates as 'The Lipstick'.
Open hours: daily, exterior only, although special events occasionally take place here
Admission: free

Stock Exchange (Börsen)

Address: Gustav Adolfs Torg, Gothenburg, SE-41110, Sweden, SE
The Gothenburg Stock Exchange is situated adjacent to the busy Brunnsparken area and presides over the Stortorget Square in the Gamla Stan district. Now more than 150 years old, a listed building and used as the city's contribution to the share dealing system in Sweden, the Börsen has had a number of other uses over the years and was once used by the council, who met here and discussed the city's future.
Open hours: daily, exterior only
Admission: free

Central Train Station (CentralStationen)

Address: Drottningtorget, Gothenburg, SE-41103, Sweden, SE
The biggest of all Sweden's railway stations and therefore a very important Gothenburg landmark, the CentralStationen stands proudly at the Vasagatan and within the Norrmalm district. Dating back to the early 1880s, the CentralStationen is also Sweden's oldest station and the biggest travel hub within the whole of Scandinavia, experiencing over 200,000 visitors every single day.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

University of Gothenburg (Göteborgs Universitetsaula)

Address: Vasaparken, Gothenburg, SE-40530, Sweden, SE
Tel: +46 031 773 1000
With more than 50,000 students and over 5,000 staff, the University of Gothenburg is divided into a total of eight faculties (arts, economics and law, education, fine arts, information technology, medicine, science and social sciences) and was founded in 1891. The current complex at Vasaparken was built around 100 years ago and boasts granite pillars, with two large statues of lions close by.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Feskekörka (Fish Church)

Address: Fisktorget, Gothenburg, SE-41120, Sweden, SE
An imposing landmark located inside the city moat and next to the Rosenlund Canal, the Feskekörka has been used as a market hall by fishmongers for over 130 years. The Feskekörka has been given the rather misleading name of 'Fish Church' since the building itself resembles a church in its appearance. And what type of food does the onsite restaurant specialise in? Why, seafood of course!
Open hours: Tuesday to Thursday - 09:00 to 17:00, Friday - 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 13:30
Admission: free

Gamla Älvsborgs Slottsruin (Elfsborg Fortress)

Address: Klippans Kulturreservat, Gothenburg, SE-41451, Sweden, SE
These ancient remains of what was once a large fortress are situated within the westerly Klippans Kulturreservat area. The Gamla Älvsborgs Slottsruin is known for its troubled past, when on two occasions it came under the control of the attacking Danes. Although the fortress remains are be no means extensive, there are enough to give you a good indication of what once stood here.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Kronhuset och Kronhusbodarna

Address: Kronhusgatan, Göteborg, SE-41113, Sweden, SE
One of the oldest and most important landmarks still remaining in Gothenburg, the Kronhuset och Kronhusbodarna is of great Swedish historic significance and stands close to the Brunnsparken. This building was built in the middle of the 17th century and was regularly used by the monarchy for storage purposes, along with meetings of parliament. Today, the Kronhuset och Kronhusbodarna is home to a popular store and adjacent coffee shop.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Observatoriet i Slottsskogen (Observatory)

Address: Slottsskogen vid Linnéplatsen, Naturhistoriska Museet, Gothenburg, SE-40235, Sweden, SE
Tel: +46 031 12 6300
The Gothenburg Observatory has long been an impressive landmark within the Slottskogen and stargazers of all ages will enjoy the sky shows within the planetarium. Dating back to the 1930s, the Observatory is always popular and well connected by the public tram network.
Open hours: daily, seasonal variations
Admission: charge, discounts for children, children five years old and under are free

Radhuset (City Hall)

Address: Gustav Adolfs Torg 1, Gothenburg, SE-41110, Sweden, SE
Tel: +46 031 701 1328
Gothenburg City Hall is a beautiful listed building dating back to the late 17th century. The Radhuset is located alongside the Brunnsparken and although it has been somewhat remodelled over the years, still retains much of its original Swedish charm.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge