Gustav Adolf Square Tours

Gustav Adolf Square featuring signage
Choose one or more items to build your trip:
Some of Gothenburg’s most important buildings and a statue of a 19th-century king adorn this formal-looking town square.

Gustav Adolf Square, along the canal, is a good point for a coffee or lunch break in between sightseeing excursions. The stately square is overlooked by the fine architecture of Gothenburg City Hall and nearby law court. The red brick paving, interspersed with geometric designs and the neat facades of the buildings surrounding the square create a pleasant setting to relax for a while.

Gustav Adolf Square was originally known as Stortorget, which translates literally as “big square,” but was renamed when the large statue of King Gustavus II Adolphus was erected in 1854. Known by many as the Golden King, Adolphus led Sweden to victory in the 30 Years’ War. You can see his imperial figure, a replica statue, standing proudly in the center of the square, pointing to the ground with one hand. The statue is said to represent the moment when he proclaimed: “This is where the city shall be.”

The square is surrounded by major city streets. In the north is Köpmansgatan, Norra Hamngatan is to the south, Östra Hamngatan lies east and Torggatan flanks the west side.

Look past the statue and admire the many arches of the City Hall. Formerly the Gothenburg Stock Exchange, this building opened in 1849 and is a fine example of neo-Classical architecture, with its neat arches and colonnades. It incorporates an 18th-century townhouse built for a former city councilor. During the week, you’ll see formally dressed council workers walk in and out of the building, as the City Hall is still in use as a municipal administrative building.

Also noteworthy are the law courts designed by the renowned architect Gunnar Asplund. Nearby, the Dutch-style Kronhuset dates back to 1643 and is the oldest house in the city. In stark contrast to this heritage building, which is now a museum, stands the shining glass of the massive, modern shopping center behind the square, the Nordstan retail complex.

Gustav Adolf Square is centrally located and can be reached on foot from all attractions and hotels in central Gothenburg.

Plan a trip to see Gustav Adolf Square

Jacy'z Hotel & Resort
Live and Stay - Ekmanska
Olof Wijksgatan, by Anna&Jesper
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Gustav Adolf Square

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Gustav Adolf Square

Gothia Towers & Upper House
Gothia Towers & Upper House
4.5 out of 5
Mässans Gata 24, Gothenburg
Gothia Towers & Upper House
Clarion Hotel Post, Gothenburg
Clarion Hotel Post, Gothenburg
4.5 out of 5
Drottningtorget 10, Gothenburg
Clarion Hotel Post, Gothenburg
Scandic Goteborg Central
Scandic Goteborg Central
4 out of 5
VIKINGSGATAN 7, Gothenburg
Scandic Goteborg Central
Jacy'z Hotel & Resort
Jacy'z Hotel & Resort
5 out of 5
Drakegatan 10, Gothenburg, Västra Götaland
Jacy'z Hotel & Resort
ProfilHotels Opera
ProfilHotels Opera
3 out of 5
Nils Ericsonsgatan 23, Gothenburg
ProfilHotels Opera
Scandic Europa
Scandic Europa
4 out of 5
Nils Ericsonsgatan 21, Gothenburg
Scandic Europa
Clarion Hotel Draken
Clarion Hotel Draken
4 out of 5
Olof Palmes Plats 2, Gothenburg
Clarion Hotel Draken
Hotel & Ristorante Bellora
Hotel & Ristorante Bellora
4 out of 5
Kungsportsavenyn 6, Gothenburg
Hotel & Ristorante Bellora
First Hotel G
First Hotel G
4 out of 5
Nils Ericssonplatsen 4, Gothenburg
First Hotel G
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.