Step back in time and discover the roots of Gothenburg’s industrial history. On this guided industrial heritage tour, you’ll explore the historic area of Klippan and Röda Sten, once the beating heart of the city’s maritime and industrial life. From Gothenburg’s oldest harbor to the mighty Älvsborg Fortress, this journey connects past and present along the southern riverbank of the Göta Älv.
Our tour begins in Klippan, one of Gothenburg’s oldest and most important harbor areas. For centuries, ships arrived here with goods, people, and stories from across the world. The East India Company once had warehouses nearby, and Klippan became a gateway that shaped Gothenburg’s growth as a trading city.
Today, Klippan’s cobbled streets and preserved buildings still tell the story of a bustling port. Your guide will reveal how life looked for sailors, merchants, and workers, and how this harbor became a symbol of Gothenburg’s rise as a maritime hub.
A hidden gem of this tour is a visit to Ankarmsmedjan (The Anchor Smithy), where anchors for Sweden’s naval and merchant fleet were once forged. Here you’ll learn how skilled blacksmiths worked in fire and iron to create the massive anchors that secured ships in stormy seas. It’s a unique reminder of the craftsmanship and heavy labor that supported Gothenburg’s shipping industry.
From Klippan, we continue along the waterfront to Röda Sten, an area that combines raw industrial heritage with contemporary culture. Once dominated by factories, warehouses, and working-class life, Röda Sten has been transformed into a lively meeting place where history and creativity blend together.
Here you’ll see:
The Röda Sten Art Center, located in a former boiler house under the Älvsborg Bridge.
Industrial relics that still stand as reminders of Gothenburg’s shipyards and factories.
Street art and murals, which give the area its colorful, urban character today.
Your guide will share stories of how Röda Sten became a cultural landmark and how its industrial past still shapes the identity of the district.
The tour continues with views toward the Älvsborg Fortress (Älvsborgsslott), guarding the entrance to the Göta Älv. Built in the 17th century, it played a crucial role in defending Gothenburg and Sweden against naval attacks. Though now partly in ruins, it remains a powerful symbol of the city’s strategic maritime position.
From the riverbank, you’ll hear about the fortress’s dramatic history, wars fought along this coastline, and how it connects to Gothenburg’s growth as both a military stronghold and an industrial port.
This tour is more than a walk through historic sites—it is a journey through the lives of the people who built Gothenburg’s industrial identity. From the blacksmiths at Ankarmsmedjan to the dockworkers at Klippan and the modern artists at Röda Sten, you’ll discover how different eras have left their mark on this unique district.
Explore Gothenburg’s oldest harbor and its maritime history.
Visit Ankarmsmedjan, the Anchor Smithy where anchors were forged.
Discover Röda Sten, where industry meets modern culture.
Learn about Älvsborg Fortress and Gothenburg’s military past.
Enjoy stunning waterfront views along the Göta Älv.
This tour is perfect for history lovers, cultural explorers, and anyone curious about how Gothenburg grew from a small trading port to a major industrial city.
Walk through centuries of maritime and industrial history with us. The Industrial Heritage Tour – Klippan, Röda Sten & Älvsborg Fortress offers a unique perspective on Gothenburg’s past and present.
Contact us to arrange your guided tour and experience the stories, sights, and atmosphere of this iconic waterfront district.
Wheel Chair user? Some areas have cobble stones. Contact us for more information.
Discover what our customers have to say about their experience with us.
The program in Gothenburg was very well received, and several people compared it to the level of events in Cannes. With glorious sunshine and a well-planned program, it was a great success!
The event agency led by Petra was very impressive. The team was professional, skilled and always available when needed, which gave the event an extra boost.
Thank you very much for your support on our AIDA tour in November 2024.
Thanks also to the tour guide Petra, who was truly a great guide for our group. She allowed us to experience the beauty of Gothenburg intensively and fully.
Thank you very much and kind regards from Kulmbach
I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your outstanding support during our recent annual conference in Gothenburg. The archipelago tour, the excursions, and the Old Hollywood party on Saturday were a great success, and our guests were thrilled.
We would especially like to thank you both for your dedication and flexibility. You played a significant role in making our event run so smoothly.
The food was delicious, and the band was fantastic. Everyone really enjoyed themselves.
Thank you again for your gift and for your excellent service.
Thank you for a very nicely organized Christmas market. Thanks also to your lovely and helpful staff.
A new and exciting environment for me and my boards. Hope to hear from you when a new event becomes relevant.
Partnering with Limited of Sweden for our Chamber’s inaugural international trip was an outstanding decision. Petra and her team delivered an impeccably organized experience, handling every logistical detail with precision and care.
Their thoughtful planning provided our group with meaningful cultural immersion, while also allowing ample free time for individual exploration.
We had an unforgettable experience thanks to Limited of Sweden. The guides were knowledgeable, engaging, and made the trip enjoyable from start to finish.
Every stop felt thoughtfully curated, and their enthusiasm was infectious. I am incredibly grateful that they were the ones to take us around Sweden, it would not have been the same without them.
