Gävle Town

Gävle is a port town on the Gulf of Bothnia coast in east-central Sweden, laid out with a grid pattern of streets and broad open spaces. The Gavleån River runs through the center, with historic wooden structures still standing along its banks.

The town was founded in 1446 and grew from a fishing settlement into a major export hub for copper and iron products. These raw materials made it a significant trading center on the Swedish coast.

The Swedish Railway Museum and Prison Museum present exhibitions about transportation evolution and criminal justice through different periods in Swedish society.

The city center is easy to navigate since the straight grid of streets provides clear orientation and most attractions are within walking distance. The university campus with its technology and humanities programs sits north of the center and is easily reached by regular buses.

Every December the city constructs a giant goat figure made of straw in the main square, which has become so famous that it regularly faces attempts at destruction. This annual tradition has gained the town widespread attention and draws interest from far beyond the local community.

Location: Gävleborg County

Inception: 1442

Capital city: Gävle

Part of: Gästrikland, Gävle rådhusrätts domkrets

GPS coordinates: 60.66513,17.17502

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:25