This year’s Christmas tree at the Gothenburg facility for the 105th time

The Christmas tree that is installed each year in Gustaf Adolf Square has a long history. In 1915, the first fir tree was installed near Brunnsparken. In the early years it was in the Fontänbron, but now it is in the square in front of the town hall where the Christmas tree is placed.

This year’s fir is about 45 years old, between 15 and 16 meters tall and weighs about 2.5 tonnes, according to Kenneth Bräck, fir manager for the company that handles transport for the municipality.

– We bought fir trees from a person in Bollebygd who ran into a lady who had wanted to get rid of this for a few years so we went and took a look and it was, he says.

Logistical challenge

Transportation to the city requires some logistics. The spruce is loaded onto a truck and the overhanging branches tied. Still, the cargo will be just over four meters wide. During last night’s trip, the crew was followed by several other cars with trucking leaders.

– We are not allowed to arrive before 12 o’clock to the municipality of Gothenburg, due to the traffic so that we do not have to stop too much, because it takes up so much space. It usually occupies the entire width of the highway, says Kenneth Bräck in the production of the HTE company.

This year’s fir trip was challenging, says Kenneth Bräck.

– It got a bit more complicated than usual due to all the construction projects that are underway. We got to the square around 12.30am and we were ready an hour later, he says.

Once in place, the tree was raised on top of a crane truck to be placed at the foot of the plaza. The whole gang waited a while for the Christmas tree to be completely straight, but in the end Kenneth Bräck was also satisfied. A couple of arborists also assisted in the process, including a man who had to climb to the top of the fir tree when it arrived, to remove the band it was lifted on.

The Christmas tree will be lit later this week.