Gothenburg
Situated on the west coast, Gothenburg is Sweden’s second largest city.
However it’s also a city with lots of green-space and access to the stunning archipelago.
Getting Around
The blue trams are a familiar site around Gothenburg and make it easy to get around. I would recommend downloading the Vasttrafik To Go app where you can plan your journey and buy tickets. It gives you detailed information about the route and ticket types and we found it really useful. It also works for the bus network (including the airport run) as well as the island ferries.
Exploring City Life
If you want to be in the heart of town and close to lots of bars and restaurants, the canals or access to the Archipelago there are a range of hotels to choose from to suit your budget.
If your focus is on music, entertainment and sport when you’re in Gothenburg then basing yourself around the Liseberg area on the east side of the city is a good move. Our visit to Gothenburg included a trip to Ullevi, Scandinavia’s largest stadium so this is where we chose to stay. It’s a short tram ride between Liseberg and Ullevi along a straight road. Walking between the stadium and Liseberg will take about 25 minutes.
In the stretch in between there are some great restaurants, including an Italian and an Indian which we really enjoyed.
Also along the way you’ll pass Scandinavium a 12,000 capacity indoor arena which hosts concerts and sporting events.
The other big attraction in Liseberg is the amusement park,
Liseberg Amusement Park is the biggest theme park in Sweden. We spent time going round it but with over forty rides and attractions and limited time we didn’t manage to get round all of it. As well as the rides, there are several cafes and restaurants on the site, ranging from Swedish cuisine to international fare.
Various ticket prices are available for adults and children and it’s cheaper to book online. Check the website for details.
We stayed in the hotel next door to the Park. The Gran Curiosa Hotel is a fabulous hotel with lots of quirky, interesting features. Being next to the amusement park it’s geared up for kids with a pony carousel and an indoor slide which comes down from the first floor into the large reception area. There’s also a tram stop right outside the hotel which made it really easy for us to get around.
There are other hotels in the stretch between Liseberg and Ullevi such as the Gothia Towers or the Scandic Opalen if the theme park experience is not your thing.
Universeum
Close to Liseberg Amusement Park is Universeum, Gothenburg’s Science Museum.
Divided into different zones, you can explore space, the wilderness, the reptilarium, the seas or go shark spotting in the aquarium.
Tickets are cheaper if you buy them online and you’ll get an admission time.
Further details including ticket prices and opening hours can be found on the website.
Haga
South of the city centre is the district of Haga, one of Gothenburg’s oldest areas. Wander round the cobbled streets, with its wooden houses dating back to the 19th century, many of which have been turned into independent shops and cafes.
If you want to get a good view over the city climb up Skansberget. At the top as well as the view you’ll also find the old fortification Skansen Krona which was built around 1700 to protect the city against possible attack. Today it’s used for events and not otherwise open to the public.
Getting Out in Nature
Slottsskogen
In the centre of Gothenburg is Slottsskogen, Gothenburg’s City Park. With 140 hectares of parkland, you can wander amongst native trees and plants or visit the zoo with its Nordic animals such as moose, sheep and ponies.
Located at the northern edge of the park, the Natural History Museum is the oldest museum in Gothenburg with a collection of over 10 million animal exhibits. Check out the newly renovated Whale Hall with its 16 metre long blue whale which was found in southern Gothenburg around 150 years ago.
Gothenburg Botanical Gardens
With over half a million visitors a year, the Botanical Gardens is a popular attraction in Gothenburg.
There are lots of different areas to enjoy including the Cultivated Garden area, the Rhododendruns and the Japanese Dell.
The website gives you details of the time of year when each area is at its best.
The visitor centre and glasshouses are currently under renovation. However there is a cafe where you can grab a coffee and pastry or a light lunch.
Download the Vasttrafik To Go app to plan your journey to the Gardens.
The Archipelago
Over 30 islands make up the archipelago off the west coast of Sweden.
A retreat from city life locals and tourists head to the islands for outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, kayaking or exploring the hiking trails.
Divided into the north and south islands, the north islands are accessible by car. Larger than the islands in the south, they are more commercial with shops and restaurants. The smaller south islands are more rustic and car free, only accessible by ferry from the Stenpiren Travel Centre or Saltholmen Boat Terminal.
Swedish Culture - Fika
Fika is the Swedish tradition of stopping for a coffee break. But it’s more than that. It’s about taking time to slow down and socialise with friends, family or work colleagues.
So after a busy morning of sightseeing, why not Fika and treat yourself to a tea/coffee and pastry. I certainly don’t need an excuse to stop for coffee so we were more than happy to find a nice little cafe and tuck into a kanelbullar (giant cinnamon bun) and coffee.
Finally
Gothenburg is not a city with major landmarks to tick off your list. However there is still lots going on. Whether you’re into sport, music, outdoor adventures or looking for somewhere to take the kids for a few days, Gothenburg could be worth a visit.
One thing to remember is that although Sweden is a European country they don’t use the euro. Their currency is the Swedish Krona. Having said that Sweden is one of the most progressive countries in Europe when it comes to being a cashless society and contactless payment is in many places the only option so make sure you have a debit/credit card with you.