the history of Arken
A place of traditions, near the sea and harmony
It is no coincidence that Arken Hotel & Art Garden Spa is located where it is. It is safe to say that the site has been inhabited as early as the 13th century. That’s when the foundations of Arendal Farm, which is adjacent to Arken, were laid. But there are archaeological remains that suggest settlements from further back than that. In the 1950s, the Gothenburg Archaeological Museum conducted a survey of the area and found no fewer than eleven permanent ancient remains.
Recreation since time immemorial
It is easy to understand why the area around Arken has always been an attractive place. The harbor entrance was and is of course a strategically important landmark. But spending time in Arken’s coastal area is also pleasant and soothing for the soul. The proximity to sea, wind and sun contributes to this.
Prisoners and socialites in Arendal
The first survey of the Arendal area is dated 1726 and in the early 19th century an inn was opened on the farm itself. In those days, prisoners were also kept in the cellar, waiting to be transported to or from Älvsborg Fortress. When the fortress ceased to exist in 1869, the time was also up for the inn and a new era awaited Arendal.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Gothenburg society discovered Arendal. Several stately summer residences were built and Gothenburg resident Adolf Andersson established a hot bathhouse. His advertisements stated, for example, that hot saltwater baths with showers were offered from 9 am every day. For 1st class with shower and bath linen, you had to pay 75 öre, while 2nd class cost 50 öre.
Golf has deep roots in the area. In 1902, Viktor Hugos Setterberg built Sweden’s first golf course in Arendal. Around the same time, he founded the Gothenburg Golf Club and started the Swedish Golf Association. In addition to golf, tennis and croquet were also played as long as the season allowed.
It started as a facility for staff
In the 1970s, the idea of a staff facility for Götaverket’s employees was raised, but the many ancient remains in the area caused great opposition to the development of the area. After lengthy negotiations in the building committee, the building permit was finally approved by a narrow majority.
Arken, as the facility was named, was inaugurated in May 1975. Its main purpose was to provide space for Götaverkens study activities as well as for meetings and gatherings of employees’ associations. Above all, it was to provide opportunities for exercise, sport and relaxation for all employees.
Sports and exercise occupied a larger area of Arken during this period. With everything from volleyball, basketball and badminton to billiards, judo and bowling. Swimming, gymnastics, and dancing were other popular activities. The practitioners could be counted in 1000s.
The new Arken
The shipbuilding industry went out of business in the early 1980s and the facility had to be sold. This was the start of a privately run Arken – with a conference and recreation focus. In 1989 and 1990, 150 hotel rooms were added to the complex. And as the number of guests grew, the restaurant eventually became too small. Obtaining permission to expand was out of the question, so the swimming pool had to be closed in favor of a larger restaurant, with room for 400 guests. In 2000, this work was completed.
The current owners took over in 2007 and major investments were made together with the then property owner Higab. The reception, entrance, conference area and hotel rooms were renovated. Equipment and technology also received a major boost. The new ownership also meant that Arken got a sister hotel in Varbergs Stadshotell & Asia Spa. In 2014, the Port of Gothenburg became the property owner.
Art Garden Spa, our unique oasis for relaxation and recreation was built in 2010 and became the crowning glory. Today it is one of Sweden’s most complete spa concepts with around 1,500 square meters of boundless enjoyment. You could say that “the circle is closed”. That we manage and develop Adolf Andersson’s idea of recreation at Arendal. We take up where his hot baths left off.
