The configuration of Sweden's borders have made the region around the Älvsborg Fortress, originally a castle built by the Swedes in the fourteenth century and gradually expanded, strategically important as the Swedish gateway to the west, lying on the west coast in the narrow area between the territories of Denmark-Norway.

After several failed attempts, Gothenburg is successfully founded in 1621 by King Gustavus Adolphus.

The city is heavily influenced by the Dutch immigrants and traders already resident in the area.

Dutch city planners are contracted to build the city as they have the engineering skills needed to build in the marshy areas around the new city.

Gothenburg is today the second largest city in Sweden after Stockholm and the fifth largest among the Nordic countries.