June 17 - Hello Sweden 🇸🇪

We alit early this morning in Goteborg, Sweden, the second largest city in this country of 10 million. Sweden is twice as populated as its Scandinavian neighbours, Denmark, Finland and Norway each of which have only small populations of 5-6 million. Goteborg is a very pretty but relatively small city (population 600,000) on the west coast of Sweden. An important seaport, it’s known for its Dutch-style canals and leafy boulevards. The Swedes fought many historical battles to protect this place as it’s the country’s only west coast access to the sea which was incredibly important to its trading business with India & China. A little known fact is that Swedes love their bananas. They are the highest per capita banana eaters in the world, averaging 20 kilos per citizen per year! The first shipments ever to land in Sweden arrived in Goteborg!

Haga is the oldest district in the city of Goteborg with its wooden buildings and quaint shops. Today it’s a collection of eateries, coffee shops and small boutiques. A great place to enjoy “Fika” which is a snack with coffee or drink.

The highest point in Goteborg is a 300 foot hill, at the top of which is Skansen Kronan, built in the latter half of the 17th century and fitted with 23 guns!

Skansen Kronan

Enjoying Fika in Haga District, Goteborg