This ancient port city has sprawling parks, cobblestone squares and a passion for the sea. Visit fish markets, cruise the harbour and watch live music in bars.
Gothenburg’s wide streets gain comparisons to the streets of Paris while its parks and culture have earned it the nickname Little London. Even its canals and cobblestone streets are said to resemble Amsterdam because of the impact of Dutch immigrants on the early layout of the city. These international influences along with Gothenburg’s traditional Scandinavian charm give this port city a cosmopolitan feel.
Start your visit in central Gustav Adolf Square by City Hall and walk to the Kronhuset, a craft centre housed in one of Gothenburg’s oldest buildings. From here, it’s a short stroll to the modern Götaplatsen (Göta Square), dominated by the Poseidon Statue. Continue up Avenyn, the city’s main hub for art, shopping and nightlife, including Gothenburg’s famous live music scene.
See a Viking ship and learn about the earliest inhabitants of Gothenburg in the City Museum (Stadsmuseum). Then, visit the Maritime Museum, which deals with the city’s seafaring past. Taste seafood caught fresh from the North Sea at the Fish Market (Feskekôrka).
Due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, Gothenburg has heavy snowfall and long nights during winter. Arrive around the December holiday season to see millions of Christmas lights brighten the streets.
Plan your stay during summer for long daylight hours and outdoor fun. Open-air restaurants are filled with diners, cruises operate on the Göta Canal and residents flock to the green grass of Slottsskogen and the thrill rides of Liseburg Amusement Park. Drive out into the hills of southwest Sweden and head north to Kungälv to see the turrets and dungeons of Bohus Fortress.
Fly into Gothenburg’s international airport, come by ferry from Denmark or cruise to the city via canal from Stockholm. Due to the high price and scarcity of car parks, it is best to get around the compact city by tram, bicycle or taxi. Hire a car to explore the beautiful countryside of Sweden’s western archipelago.
