We drove through the city and crossed the 3,060-foot-long Älvsborg Bridge with its stunning views of Gothenburg.

First stop: Masthugget Church:

Masthugget Church was built in 1914 and is positioned on a high hill overlooking the city and near the Göta River. It’s a lovely church, filled with artwork and a great energy, but our tour guide told us it’s not unusual to have only 20 to 30 people at a Sunday service. Religion appears not to be a huge priority here nor does it appear to be used as a psychological group control tool. There is a government tax required of all church members, and perhaps that is one reason attendance is low? Also, the Swedes do not need to rely on the beneficence of the church for social and basic needs–Sweden takes care of their citizens–and perhaps this is also related?

View of Gothenburg © 2018 Bo Mackison

Early realization: It’s next to impossible to get any sort of decent photograph when you’re shooting from a dirt-smudged, reflective-windowed tour bus. That will just have to be okay. And I’ll keep trying anyway.

The included tour was a great overview and the guide was knowledgeable. But after the tour, Bob and I both wished we would have chosen to stay in town to explore on our own. Instead, we returned to the ship to meet our previously scheduled afternoon tour to the Archipelago. Something to keep in mind–we simply can’t see and do everything, thus the need to make more considered choices in the future. Since this was the first time in Sweden, I wish I’d planned to stay IN the city–maybe check out the art museum or the Botanic Gardens. This is a good thing to remember for next time…

Back to the ship for lunch (and to rest my unhappy feet) and it was a joy to sit in Pool Grill and indulge in such healthy and tasty fare

This afternoon we boarded a ferry in Saltholmen and crossed the Sound to Styrsö. Styrsö is one of the many small islands in Gothenburg’s Southern Archipelago and one of the six largest residential islands in the Archipelago. These islands are unique in that there are no cars on the islands. That does not mean there are no crazy drivers–but instead of driving cars, they are behind the wheel of golf carts (or maneuvering wheelbarrows or riding bicycles.)

A brisk walk on island roads, past quaint gingerbread-trimmed houses, red cottages, and all white summer homes perched on rocky terraces. Often we could spot flowerpots of blossoms in rows of windows.

We always enjoy visiting the various historic churches and the Styrsö Kyrka was no exception. This picturesque, white-walled, red-roofed church was built in 1752.

Styrsö Kyrka ©2018 Bo Mackison

The church yard encircles the structure itself, with family sections well maintained with shrubs and flower plantings. The church bell, which is inscribed with the phrase Soli Deo Gloria, was cast in Gothenburg in 1712. The bell has tolled every Sunday since the church was consecrated.

Archipelago Ship in the Church © 2018 Bo Mackison

The ship model is an “ordinary archipelago boat” and was donated by an islander who once captained a similar ship.