Skansen Lejonet stands on Gullberget in central Gothenburg and is one of the city’s most distinctive historic landmarks. From its hilltop position, the site once played a strategic role in defending the area around the Göta älv river, long before present-day Gothenburg took shape. Today, the location also offers an unusual view of the city and the area around the river.
The present fortress was built between 1687 and 1689, based on drawings by Erik Dahlbergh, and was inaugurated by King Charles XI. Together with sites such as Skansen Kronan, Nya Älvsborg fortress and the moat, Skansen Lejonet is one of the few remaining parts of Gothenburg’s old defensive works.
The building has a round tower surrounded by four pointed projections and thick walls built to withstand attack. On the roof stands the black copper lion with its gilded crown – a familiar silhouette for anyone arriving in Gothenburg by train or passing through Gullbergsvass.
Over time, Skansen Lejonet lost its military role and was later used, among other things, as a storage building. After a major renovation in the 1970s, the fortress was given a new life and is now used as a venue for events and meetings.
Guided tours are held on selected occasions, offering a chance to step inside and learn more about the site’s history.
Even from the outside, Skansen Lejonet is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in Gothenburg’s early defensive history. Its position on Gullberget, enclosed form, city views and close connection to the river make it easy to understand why this place once mattered.