The Danes were led by the famous Peter Tordenskjold.

The Swedish land defence was led by Fredrik of Hessen, and it consisted of the land batteries Billingen and Rya Nabbe with 12 guns each, and the Älvsborg fortress, who had 400 soldiers with 90 guns.

The Danish-Norwegian attack was intended as a surprise attack but failed, after the Swedes opened fire at them after they passed Älvsborg fortress.

The bombardment was led as a cross-fire from the fortress and the Swedish ships - which went across the river - against Tordenskjold and his soldiers.

After 5 hours of fighting, the Danes and Norwegians retreated after losing several ships.