Marstrand
Marstrand
Locality in Bohuslän, Sweden
Marstrand (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈmâʂːtrand])[2] is a seaside locality situated in Kungälv Municipality, Västra Götaland County, Sweden. It had 1,320 inhabitants in 2010.[1] The town got its name from its location on the island of Marstrand. Despite its small population, for historical reasons Marstrand is often referred to as a city.
The city had free port status, which was declared by King Gustav III,[3] from 1775 to 1794.[4] Religious liberty established by the same sovereign allowed the first Swedish congregation of Jews to be established there in 1775[5] and Scandinavia's first synagogue to be set up in the fortress in 1780. Making it a notable site to the history of the Jews in Sweden.
Following the abolishment of the free port status and the decline of herring fishing, Marstrand established itself as a seaside resort in the 19th century.[6]
Important annual sporting events held in Marstrand include the Stena Match Cup Sweden and Marstrand Regatta. Marstrand is known as a playground for celebrities and wealthy Swedish residents alike, who come in the summer for the sea, shopping and the nightlife.[7]