Information about the city of Gävle

Welcome to Gävle

A taste of Sweden – a city of contrasts

Gävle is a vibrant coastal city in east-central Sweden, offering a unique blend of nature, culture, and innovation. Conveniently located approximately 95 km from Uppsala, 160 km from Stockholm, and only 60 minutes by train from Arlanda International Airport, Gävle is easily accessible for international conference participants.

With nearly 100,000 residents, Gävle is known for its high quality of life and strong connections to the rest of Sweden. The city is surrounded by forests, rivers, lakes, and the sea, providing excellent opportunities for outdoor activities alongside a rich urban cultural scene.

Culture, History and Innovation

Historically, Gävle was one of Sweden’s most important shipping and shipbuilding cities during the 19th century, a legacy still visible in its architecture and historic landmarks. Today, Gävle has a diverse economy, combining traditional industries such as paper, packaging, and steel with innovative sectors including clean technology, GIS, fiber optics, tourism, and creative industries.

Several well-known Swedish brands originate from Gävle, including Gevalia, Läkerol, and Mackmyra Swedish Whisky.

Experiences in Gävle

Visitors to Gävle can enjoy a wide range of attractions:

• Gävle Symphony Orchestra & Concert Hall – One of Sweden’s professional symphony orchestras, performing in a modern concert hall beautifully located by the Gävle River.
• Boulognerskogen City Park – One of Sweden’s largest city parks, ideal for walks, exercise, picnics, and summer café visits.
• Mackmyra Swedish Whisky Distillery – Located just outside the city, offering guided tours and tastings of Swedish single malt whisky.
• The Swedish Railroad Museum – One of the finest collections of historic railway equipment in Sweden, with interactive exhibitions.
• Gävle Prison Museum – A powerful historical museum housed in former prison buildings at Gävle Castle.
• Gävle Old Town – A preserved historic district with cobbled streets, gardens, and museums, including the childhood home of labor activist Joe Hill.
• Furuvik Zoo and Amusement Park – A popular family destination just outside Gävle, combining wildlife, rides, and concerts.
• Högbo Bruk Estate – Located 30 minutes away, offering nature, cultural heritage, crafts, and outdoor activities.

A World-Famous Tradition

Gävle is internationally known for the Gävle Christmas Goat, a 13-meter-high straw goat erected every year since 1966. The goat attracts global attention and is followed by visitors from around the world via live webcam.

Regional Heritage

The surrounding Gävleborg region is rich in cultural heritage, including industrial history and the famous Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland, seven of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.