Is Skansen Kronan in Gothenburg worth visiting?
Gothenburg was freezing in February… so a steep walk up to a mediaeval fortress was sure to warm me up!
Skansen Kronan overlooks Gothenburg from the top of a natural hill, and has held this position of strength since the 17th century when it was first constructed.
Visiting the famous fortress offered a different dimension to my city break in Gothenburg, and it definitely activated my imagination about the history of life in Sweden’s second largest city.
This blog will detail how you can go and enjoy Skansen Kronan during your Gothenburg break!
It is worth visiting and very close to the quirky Haga District in the city, therefore, a must during your travel plans.
My favourite part of the building was the gleaming crown on top of it, which at night, has an extra special glow.
The crown on full display on top of Skansen Kronan.
What is Skansen Kronan in Gothenburg?
Skansen Kronan is a fortified relic from the 17th century, from under Erik Dahlbergh’s reign, when he turned Gothenburg into the best defended city in the Nordic region.
Although I didn’t think it was as grand as other fortresses that I have visited, its position sitting on top of Skansberget Hill and overlooking the whole of Gothenburg gives it a strategic advantage.
Skansen Kornan’s main design features are its four internal floors and signature crown on top.. Its bright red wooden window frames also give it a touch of modern quirkiness.
The historical significance of the fortress is a popular draw to Gothenburg.
Another angle of Skansen Kronan from the top.
As Gothenburg was growing as an important trade centre for Sweden, many of its fortifications were demolished at the start of the 19th Century to clear space, however, Skansen Kronan survived!
Despite it deteriorating, the city found Skansen Kronan useful as a prison and emergency housing throughout the 19th century.
Skansen Kronan was listed as a historical monument in 1935 and has been well looked after ever since.
In today’s world, visitors are not allowed to enter inside the landmark unless it’s pre-booked for functions such as weddings.
Erik Dahlberg’s vision is now a centrepiece for the very popular Haga District in the city and draws in visitors from around the world.
A beautiful crown on top of the building.
The signature crown on top of Skansen Kronan was built out of gilded wood and placed on top of the monument in 1699, however, it was later replaced and improved with wooden lantern.
Today, the crown is colourful and glows up the night sky over Gothenburg!
A stone plaque at the top.
Information board at the bottom of the steps.
How to visit Skansen Kronan?
Skansen Kronan is very close to the Haga District, so is an easy point in the city to reach.
Public Transport.
Haga is a very popular place for trams and buses to stop, then it is a very short walk to the landmark.
Stops you should look out for when using public transport options are:
Hagakyrkan.
Pilgatan.
Prinsgatan.
Järntorget.
More information and bookings can be made on Gothenburg’s public transport website.
By car.
Skansen Kronan., Leijonsparres Väg 15, 413 04 Göteborg, Sweden.
You can park at the beginning of Leijonsparres väg, around Lilla Risåsgatan or at Skanstorget.
The quirky Haga District in Gothenburg.
Walking.
You can start your climb up to Skansen Kronan from three different sides. From Haga you will come to the stairs option. They are steep, but only take around 5 minutes to reach the top.
If you are coming from Skanstorget – a KarlX11 bridle path goes up the mountain.
This will be a better option for disabled visitors, as it is not as steep as the stairs and is a smoother walk.
Map from Haga to Skansen Kronan.
A colourful house right next to the steps up to Skansen Kronan.
So many steps!
If you take the walking option from Haga, you will see this colourful house right next to the base of the steps.
It is around 200 steps to the top of Skansberget Hill, however, there are various spots on the way up to take a break and admire the views of Haga.
There are several park benches to sit down on.
You will know when you have nearly completed the ascend when you walk through a stone underpass near the top.
The start of the climb to Skansen Kronan.
Halfway there.
Visit on a historical tour of Gothenburg.
Gothenburg is a city steeped in history, so it is recommended that you take a private tour of the city with a knowledgeable local.
Skansen Kronan is one of many important points of interest in Sweden’s second largest city.
Some other points of interest in Gothenburg:
Haga District.
Liseberg.
Gothenburg Museum of Art.
Universeum.
Archipelago of Gothenburg.
Gothenburg Harbour.
Nearly there!
Reaching the top.
When you reach the top of Skansberget Hill, the impressive Skansen Kronan building is not your only reward.
There are several cannons overlooking Gothenburg, which I found to be interesting.
There were said to be 23 canons when Skansen Kronan was first completed, but they were never used as the historic building has never been attacked.
There is also a stone plaque detailing a brief history of the fortress and an information board which stretches quite wide with a timeline of the history of Gothenburg.
A nice free history lesson for you after you have finished your fika in Haga.
A good spot for a fika.
If you are visiting on a nice warm day, then you should take your coffee and cinnamon buns from the popular Haga cafes up to the fortress and sit on the grass and enjoy an outdoor fika with the beautiful nature.
A nice winter shot.
The colourful side.
Awesome city views.
If you are fortunate enough to visit on a clear day then you will be treated to fantastic views of Gothenburg!
Through the daytime, the colourful building architecture stands out among the city’s cranes, but if you visit at night, it is a different vibe, with the glowing windows capturing your attention.
If you want the best experience, then head to Skansen Kronan at sunset.
There are beautiful city views in the day.
Gothenburg glows at night.
A quirky Swedish cafe.
I visited on a freezing winter day, so grabbing a coffee from the cafe at the top was very welcoming.
The cafe sells food, along with hot and cold drinks, and there are plenty of seating options in and around Skansen Kronan, therefore, you can relax for a while and enjoy the ambiance of the quirky spot.
The Swedish flags flying proudly add to the historical feeling of the monument.
A cafe at the top to grab a coffee.
Cafe entrance.
Swedish flag on display.
Skansen Kronan in the snow.
If you are heading to Gothenburg in the winter, there is a very good chance you will experience the famous building when it is snow covered.
This makes for some special scenery!
Skansen Kronan is picture perfect in the snow.
Skansen Kronan at night.
At night, it is all about the glowing crown on top of the fortress.
Its picture perfect glow lights up the whole area on top of the hill.
You can still explore the area in the dark, as there are also street lights lighting up the walkways.
Skansen Kronan offers a different vibe in the dark.
The crown shines brightly on a night.
A night time stroll makes for a very peaceful end to your day exploring Gothenburg.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.