An enormous straw goat with a Christmas theme is a major highlight of Gävle. In addition to the goat souvenirs in shops and windows, the town is also known as the former home of Cat Stevens and the birthplace of some of Sweden’s most popular candies. Explore the sights of Old Town Gävle for a sense of its history and culture.
Learn about regional art and traditions in the old quarter’s Länsmuseet Gävleborg. Its exhibits trace the town’s prehistoric and modern history, while also exploring its port traditions, textile trade and silver collections. Wander along the sides of the old quarter’s alleys and admire the historic façades of the buildings that survived a 19th-century fire.
Stroll along wide avenues in the city center and relax on sunny days in the many green areas. The verdant lung of the city is the Boulognerskogen Park, where you can play mini-golf and swim in the river.
Stop at a café and try the Gevalia brand of coffee that is roasted in Gävle. Your kids will enjoy the Ahlgrens and Läkerol candy that were also conceived here. Sit on a bench by the river, where fishing enthusiasts hope to catch salmon and sea trout.
Among the city’s highlights is the Gävle Concert Hall, which has a sleek, modern design and overlooks the water. Attend a symphony orchestra performance in this glassy and tile-laden auditorium. Visit the intriguing Railway Museum and the neoclassical Gävle Castle. As Christmas approaches, check out the enormous Gävle Goat that glows at night and has become an emblem of the city.
The town is in the southern part of Gävleborg County on the eastern side of Sweden. Rent a car in Stockholm for the 105-mile (170-kilometer) journey north, which should take about 2 hours. Stop at the student city of Uppsala on the way or continue north for the port town of Hudiksvall.
A range of extraordinary discoveries make Gävle a fascinating destination.
