About the park
History
In the Middle Ages, the land was part of the old Älvsborg Slott mansion estate, which was used for deer hunting, fruit cultivation and grazing land. It was from here that Slottsskogen derived its name. At the beginning of the 18th century, the middle classes of Gothenburg were allowed to use Slottsskogen for outdoor pursuits.
By 1864, the population of Gothenburg had increased substantially. The County Governor, Albert Ehrenswärd, saw the need for a green area available to everyone in the city. The cause was taken up by August Kobb, at the time a member of the city council. Using Nordic nature as a starting point and deriving inspiration from English parks and the Skansen park in Stockholm, Slottsskogen became a park in the true sense in 1874, complete with large grassed areas, winding paths, a zoo, cottages representing building styles in various parts of the country, and a dance pavilion.
August Kobb’s portrait can be seen today in the rock at the bottom of Säldammsbacken.
Nature
In the northern part, you can enjoy the view from the highest point in the park. Beside the animal enclosures, you can look at what are known as jättegrytorna – giant holes carved out of the rock by inland ice over 12,000 years ago.
Trees
A large part of Slottsskogen is made up of normal, natural forest with domestic trees such as linden, beech, oak, and maple. A Chinese sequoia in the Rhododendron Valley and the imposing Serbian spruce trees below Björngårdsvillan are examples of exotic trees that have been planted in the park. Although the Azalea is not native to Sweden, it has been planted in Slottsskogen and has given its name to the popular Azalea Valley.
Wildlife
The contrast between the planned park and the natural forest can be seen in the rich wildlife in Slottsskogen. After visiting the deer and elks in the zoo, you could meet a flock of wild deer in the park. Slottsskogen is also rich in birdlife, including the blackbird, wood pigeon and the odd owl. The ponds attract all kinds of waterbirds and migratory birds, and bullfrogs and salamanders live happily in the many pools in the park.