subject: Transformation from seaport to centre for culture and sports [print this page] Transformation from seaport to centre for culture and sports
Gothenburg is one of the most popular travel destinations in Sweden today, thanks to its low prices, natural beauty and bounteous entertainment and dining options. The city has come a long way since its founding in the 17th century as a major seaport, and is now more associated with cultural attractions and sporting achievements.
If you've visited Holland and detect a distinctly Dutch flavour to this Swedish city, that's because its city planners were Dutch themselves, bringing their expertise in canal building and construction to make Gothenburg the beautiful city it is today. The Swedes took full control over the city in 1652 when the final Dutch council member died, and a number of important deals cemented Gothenburg's burgeoning reputation as one of Europe's major harbour cities.
Foreign trade was particularly vital to Gothenburg's development in the 18th century, from the founding of the Swedish East India Company to the port's increasing importance for Swedish emigration to America. The legacy of the Gothenburg-America connection can be seen in the names of towns such as Gothenburg, Nebraska, which still has a predominantly Swedish population today.
Like many cities in the 19th century, Gothenburg was transformed by the Industrial Revolution, which ultimately led to the incorporation of some of the city's best-known manufacturing brands in the early 20th century, including SKF and Volvo. The lure of new jobs and the changing industry saw Gothenburg's population multiply many times, and even today - suffering from the aftermath of recession - Gothenburg is an important manufacturing city in Sweden.
The city's offerings have changed with the times, of course, and today tourism is an important business too, with Gothenburg hotels being among the city's biggest earners. Gothenburg has also earned a reputation for excellent cuisine, home to a number of Michelin-rated restaurants that are especially known for their seafood dishes.
If you're interested in finding out more about Gothenburg past and present, and tracing back its cultural and sporting heritage, you're sure to find what you're looking for in the city's museums, including the Natural History Museum of Gothenburg and the Museum of World Culture. The latter also features famous artworks by Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt and other masters.
If you're visiting Gothenburg with all the family, you'll find many attractions great for kids too - including the botanical gardens and Liseburg Amusement Park, which is the largest park of its kind in Northern Europe.
