Gävleborg
countiesquarteredgoatfish
The coat of arms of Gävleborg County is quartered, combining the arms of its two historic provinces. The first and fourth quarters display a black billy goat rampant on a gold field for Gästrikland — the goat being a canting reference to the province name. The second and third quarters show three silver fish (often depicted as salmon) on a blue field for Hälsingland, representing the region's abundant rivers and fishing traditions. The quartered design reflects the county's dual provincial heritage.
The city of Gävle is famous for its giant straw Yule Goat erected each Christmas since 1966 — and equally famous for the many times it has been illegally set on fire by arsonists.
Adopted: 1943
