We’ve arrived in Gothenburg, Sweden on a rather gloomy, rainy day…….but what IS THAT on the pier?
It’s a marching band, greeting us to the city! EVEN IN THE RAIN! Well, we can’t let them down…..let’s take a look at Gothenburg!
Going up to higher ground on the bus…….
and we can look back over the city……..is that the sun coming out? We’re at Keiller’s Park……land donated to the city in 1906, by James Keiller. The park is a mix of landscaped park and natural forest.
We can see quite far away from up here!
Our main goal this morning was the Masthuggskyrkan Church at the top of the hill………masthugget means high hill….. You can see this church from the sea, so was well known to seafarers. It was built in 1914 in the National Romantic style of Nordic architecture and is noted as THE Landmark for Gothenburg!
The weather vane on top of the 197 foot tower, is not just for ornamentation, it does indicate the direction of the wind. Gothenburg is known as a windy city, since rain and wind are constantly battering it. No exception today! I am told by the locals that they are immune to it. I am also told that punctuality is one of the defining traits of Swedish people! Keep an eye on that clock too!
A green door in front…….
and A green door in back……
The stonework really defines the setting of this church!
Now for the inside…..mostly white on the inside, which most of the time denotes a Lutheran church. But, the church had priests and adornments that can be found in a Catholic church, as well. It holds 500 people, but in the early, early times, when it was just a long house, it could hold up to 1000.
How would you have liked to put that ceiling in? Or cut all that wood?
The boat hanging from the chandelier represents the men, who make their living from the sea. Many prayers are said to keep them safe.
This is an old hand-carved bench from earlier days.
In 2009, the city council launched a new logotype for Gothenburg, to make it more “hip” and up to date. Since the name Göteborg (the Swedish spelling) contains the Swedish letter “ö” they decided to turn the “ö” sideways . Now, the name is spelled Got:eborg on many signs in the city! Got to love a place like this! More to come ! Stay tuned!
ThatTravelLadyInHerShoes 
I don’t know a whole lot about Sweden really, beyond the capital. Somehow I was surprised that you took us up the hill. Why did I think there weren’t any hills in Sweden? Anyway, it looks a pleasant place, if cool and windy. And I love the wooden ceiling, stonework and that carved bench. 🙂 🙂
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There were no hills in Stockholm that I could see! Very flat place……but the Gothenburg area was more like the coast of Norway, more hilly! Definitely rolling hills….. That church street was very uphill though!
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My favourite Scandinavian city for its accessibility (actually, most Scandi cities are very accessible), its laid-back air compared to others, and its lovely walks. I hope you managed to find time to eat in the Fiskmarkt, and to visit the old town. I look forward to the next post.
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We did get to the Fiskmarkt and to some other places as well. I don’t know if I’ll be doing a stand alone post or use some of the photos as onesies for challenges…….Haven’t made up my mind yet!
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Can I ask you how you got your ‘badge’ for the Award Free Blog’. Did you make this yourself or is there one I can download. I wish to make my blog Award Free as well, but I’m not clever at making things like that.
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Good morning, Maris! Just copy and paste mine….I’ve had it since Day 1…..
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That welcoming band that greeted you reminded me of the lone Scots bagpiper, in full kit and regalia, who welcomed us to Victoria, B.C., as our boat rounded the bend to head to the Inner Harbour. He thrilled me that first time. The next times, I knew to watch out for him.
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There was a bagpiper on several streets in Edinburgh…..one was so old and bent over and red in the face, I felt bad for him every time I saw him!
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The wood ceiling is really something
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That church is completely awesome and the band gets high marks for being insanely hospitable. As for turning the “o” on its side and then getting rid of it altogether, just leaving the umlaut, I think that’s a bit weird but as “they” say these days, “Whatever.”
janet
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Thank you for permission to copy your Award Free logo. I shall do that today. I’m thinking of changing my Theme as well – another job during lockdown!
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Oh I love changing THEMES! I have done it 3 times and I think every change made my blog better…….took some doing to get it the way I wanted it, but I think the Theme I have now is perfect for me
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