I recently returned from a few days in Gothenburg and thought I might share some photos from this beautiful Swedish city.
As the typically stunning sunset reaches out around the Christinae Church and bathes the lions next to me at Brunnsparken in a golden glow I am reminded what a magical city Gothenburg is. A vibrant cosmopolitan centre inhabited by people of all creeds Sweden’s second city and international centre of culture is a wonderful place to visit.
I had visited Gothenburg before but this time I had the privilege of a several day tour around the city by a beautiful friend who introduced me to sights and experiences I had not encountered before.
The delicate spring blossom flutters aside to reveal the elegant buildings as frequent blue trams whistle past in front of them.
Suddenly one finds oneself ambling along one of the picturesque canals soaking in sun-blessed reflections.
Walk along the main avenue through town, Kungsportsavenyn, past the shops, restaurants and Stora Teatern (Grand Theatre) and soon one is dwarfed by the grand stone buildings in the Vasastan District with their ornate and multi-coloured masonry.
To the west is Haga Nygata, a tranquil pedestrian street through the Old Town Haga renowned for its wooden buildings and quaint cafes.
Of the city’s many green spaces the Botanical Garden was a colourful autumnal highlight during my previous visit but I think my favourite is still Slottsskogen City Park with its cute resident grey seals.
Gothenburg boasts a rich milieu of architectural achievements and the Oscar Fredrik Church is an exquisite gothic example, just as sumptuous to behold inside as it is outside.
But modern architecture is in abundance too, as exemplified by the striking Gothenborg Opera House overlooking the marina.
Across the water is the Barken Viking ship, a hotel floating proudly in front of ‘The Lipstick’ at Lilla Bommen.
One of my favourite bridges in the world is the Alvsborg Bridge, whose unassuming daytime appearance belies its vivid nocturnal glow against the cobalt blue dusk. Photographing it from the water’s edge near Eriksberg was a simple exercise in patience waiting for the window of perfect blue light.
Of the many excellent museums and galleries in Gothenburg I was particularly impressed by the Universeum, with its large aquaria and rich and varied collection of marine life. A genuinely quenching experience for those with a thirsty curiosity for the natural world.
Food is a luxury of unlimited choice in Gothenburg and after the late afternoon ‘Fika’ of coffee and cake one can indulge oneself in any number of excellent restaurants.
And of course no trip to Sweden would be complete without indulging in their classic meatballs.
Well I hope some of you enjoy this sample of my photos from this terrific city. I am very grateful for the customary warmth and hospitality of the native Gothenburgers, and especially to my dear friend Christina for her company, kindness and patience while I took my photos during these cold spring evenings.
If it matters (and it doesn’t) these images were taken with the Olympus E-M5 coupled to one of the Olympus 12-40mm F/2.8, 45mm F/1.8 or 60mm F/2.8 (reduced in size and quality for posting here).
You can see more photos from Gothenburg here.
Nice evocative shots, as usual. Ready to pack my bags.
Thank you Jim :)
Some very lovely photo’s – enjoyed viewing them.
Thank you Bob :)
Nice captures. Thank you for taking me on the journey with you!
Thank you Duffy, you’re most welcome :)
Sharif,
Great photos, as always!
Don
Thank you Don :)
“If it matters (and it doesn’t) ”
On this page – of course it does :) I was wondering throughout the entire article. Nice shots, thanks for sharing! I really like the second one, very pleasing composition. I always enjoy your pics and writings.
+1 I hope in future the post processing done is also briefly explained. Certainly would make it more informative then simply viewing pretty pictures.
Not to detract from the quality of the photos at all.
Sometimes pretty pictures is all I got :) But yes, I take your point. Thank you Sha :)
Thank you Judit, I appreciate it :)
Thanks for the wonderful tour and photos, Sharif!
Thanks Tom! You’re welcome! :)
Wonderful photos. Having never got an opportunity to travel to these destinations, it is photos like these that bring the places closer to me. The photos are very appealing, wonderfully shot, your narrative though minimal, details the locations and the compositions speak for itself. Thanks for sharing these beautiful countries. Sweden is indeed one of the most charming places. The bridge shot was awesome as was the shot of the various architectural masterpieces. Keep it coming
Thank you Srikanth, I appreciate it. Sweden is a great place indeed. :)
You are most welcome !!! Have always enjoyed your photos
Amazing pictures. The lesson to me is that one has to be patient to capture that magical light or moment.
I like your philosophy as stated in your intro, ” he hopes that by sharing them he can encourage others to worry less about gear and simply go out and shoot”.
I enjoyed and appreciated your skills even more in your post about humming birds in Costa Rica. What a beautiful world.
Thank you very much urodoc45 :)
Beautiful city, beautiful images!!
Thank you Lois :)
I’ve seen that city a hundred times. Although familiar views, those photos makes me want to see it again.
I think I’ll take that as a compliment :)
Thanks Erik.
Your photos are terrific. You are fortunate to be able to travel.
Thank you very much :)
Looks like you caught our town on a good day. Lovely shots!
It’s a photogenic city so I’d imagine it’d be pretty hard to take a bad photo there :) Thanks Niklas! :)
Nice shots from the town I live in!
By the way, I work for the company that runs the trams, but I work in the bus division.
Thank you Tord :)
It’s a beautiful town with beautiful trams :)