Älvsborg Fortress

Älvsborg Fortress is a coastal defense installation at Gothenburg's harbor, built to protect the port entrance. The complex includes several buildings and structures connected by long pathways, originally housing various functions from administration to storage and residential quarters.

Construction of the fortress began in the late 1800s to defend Gothenburg's harbor against naval threats. The site became less important militarily after the 1930s and later served different purposes during the 20th century.

The fortress carries the name of a historic region, reflecting how the port and this defense structure were linked to Gothenburg's identity. Visitors can sense how the site represented the city's connection to the sea and maritime life.

Walk through the connected pathways to explore the different sections and get a sense of how the space was organized. The location at the harbor entrance means you can see maritime activity from the site.

After its military role ended, the fortress served as a storage facility for decades before being reconsidered for public access. This lesser-known chapter shows how defense structures sometimes find new uses in changing times.