Majorna, were Gothenburg comes alive: The history, the people and the culture

Majorna is certainly Gothenburg's most intriguing neighborhood, older than the city it selph with historic architecture and an unmatched atmosphere. It is here that some of the citiy's most important historical events took place and bloodiest battles were fought. At the same time, it has always been the home of the working class of Gothenburg.

Here you can get to know the "real" Gothenburg, trure booth historically as well as prescent. Like no other neighberhood in the city, Majorna thrives with life and community.

You connect with the spirit of Majorna learn about the faith of the men and women that built their shacks on the hillsides along the muddy roads of the city. The dockworkers, longshoremen, and sailors. The soldiers, the prostitutes. and the drunks. We make a slightly shorter tour during winter, with six stops along the way. Instead we go inside some of the most unique places in the city and get a bit warmer as well :)

Former radio journalist Sebastian is a third generation "Majbo" and will tell you an exciting story about a place he loves.

PLEASE NOTE! This tour is held in English only and using translation aps may not work perfectly as I talk while walking and also because of noise from the city. And! Dont forget to bring your very best walking shoes!

The tour lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes

Available in English

Guide: Sebastian

Guiding since 2024

I'm a former journalist who used to work for our local public service radio station. I have a love for storytelling, old buildings, history, local sports and culture. I'm also a musician and I've been part of the Gotheburg underground rock scene for over a decade.

5 stops

1.1 km walking

1 hour and 30 minutes

Meeting point:Gathenhielmska HusetBy the small cobblestone square there is a large 18th century villa called Gatenhielmska Huset. On the stairs of that building, a tall skinny guy wearing a green cap will be waiting for you. The adress is Stigbergstorget 7!Open in Google Maps →

Outside visit

Allmänna vägen 9We stroll down Allmänna Vägen, the road that connected Gothenburg with the docks down the estuary. Here the the soldiers and sailors passed on there way to the city. During the 19th century, 80 bars and brothels were located along the road, so often sailors had to turn back having lost all there pocket money or ending up in an ditch beaten down by police. We stop at the Golden Hog and learn about Long Liz, the farmgirl from Hisingen who worked at the brothels and how she eventually met Jack the Ripper.

Outside visit

PölgatanThe culture reserve behind Stigbergstorget is maybe the best perserved area of wooden strutures in Gothenburg. The area shows old buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries before the big fires. We learn about the struggles of the shipyard workers who lived here, the poverty, housing crisis but also why they loved to live here and struggle for locals to perserve the city.

Outside visit

Allmänna vägen 11Here the characteristic Landshövdingehus (Govenor's House) starts to pop up. The three story buildings (one in stone and two in wood) are unique to Gothenburg, and Sweden, and most common here in Majorna. They tell a fascinating story about illegal architecture, housing crisis and the struggle to prevent the city from tearing down the homes working class people.

5 stops

1.1 km walking

1 hour and 30 minutes

Outside visit

4.75

186 reviews

Professionalism

4.86

Entertainment

4.69

Communication

4.76

Quality

4.74

Route

4.60

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.

Accessibility

Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Groups

Does not accept large group bookings.

Pets

Suitable for bringing pets.

Minimum attendees

Requires a minimum of 5 people to conduct the tour.

Additional costs

The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.

Free cancellation

If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.