Gävle received its city privileges in 1446, but already in 1413 the area was called a town. From here the mining riches from Bergslagen were shipped to Europe. As with many other cities Gävle was pilaged from 1718 to 1721 during the war against Russia. This, and a big fire in 1869, means that the older parts of Gävle are from the end of the 19th century. Babsan, one of the most popular drag queens in Sweden, comes from Gävle, and it was here that the the competing drag act to After Dark, Surprise Sisters, first started in the eighties.
During a visit in Gävle you will probably visit the Railway Museum or use the city as a starting point to discover the beautiful region of Gästrikland.