Activities & Sights

Sebastian
Activities & Sights

Sightseeing

If you feel like soaking up some nature in between touring the city sights, this serene 432-acre garden is a wonderful place to unwind. Part nature reserve and arboretum, with walking paths weaving through the trees and part cultivated gardens, this peaceful oasis is one of Europe's largest botanical gardens and is home to around 16,000 different plant species, including some extremely rare specimens. Highlights include the Japanese Glade, the colorful Rhododendron Valley, and the rock garden awash with the soothing sounds of a waterfall. Orchids and other species of exotic plants flourish in the greenhouses, and you can even see a rare tree from Easter Island that is extinct in the wild. The park is particularly pretty in the spring and summer when colorful blooms cluster on the trees.
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Botanískur garður í Göteborg
22A Carl Skottsbergs gata
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If you feel like soaking up some nature in between touring the city sights, this serene 432-acre garden is a wonderful place to unwind. Part nature reserve and arboretum, with walking paths weaving through the trees and part cultivated gardens, this peaceful oasis is one of Europe's largest botanical gardens and is home to around 16,000 different plant species, including some extremely rare specimens. Highlights include the Japanese Glade, the colorful Rhododendron Valley, and the rock garden awash with the soothing sounds of a waterfall. Orchids and other species of exotic plants flourish in the greenhouses, and you can even see a rare tree from Easter Island that is extinct in the wild. The park is particularly pretty in the spring and summer when colorful blooms cluster on the trees.
A short walk from the city's historic Haga district, up a steep flight of stairs, Skansen Kronan fortress offers a glimpse of Swedish history, as well as sweeping views over the city. Completed in 1697, the fortress was built to defend against perceived threats of Danish attacks from the south. However, Gothenburg was never attacked in this way, and the cannons inside have stood idle for centuries. The building served as a prison, as a private residence during the 19th century, and as a military museum in the 20th century. Today, the site encompasses a restaurant and conference center. In the old army barracks adjacent to the tower is a summer café serving home-baked cakes, pastries and ice cream.
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Skansen Kronan AB
15 Leijonsparres Väg
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A short walk from the city's historic Haga district, up a steep flight of stairs, Skansen Kronan fortress offers a glimpse of Swedish history, as well as sweeping views over the city. Completed in 1697, the fortress was built to defend against perceived threats of Danish attacks from the south. However, Gothenburg was never attacked in this way, and the cannons inside have stood idle for centuries. The building served as a prison, as a private residence during the 19th century, and as a military museum in the 20th century. Today, the site encompasses a restaurant and conference center. In the old army barracks adjacent to the tower is a summer café serving home-baked cakes, pastries and ice cream.
One of the best free things to do for both locals and tourists in Gothenburg is to stroll around the beautiful 338-acre Slottsskogen, a leafy park in the heart of the city. This is a fantastic place to bring the entire family. Many people also come here to relax and wander through the peaceful parklands and wild forests of maple, beech, and oak. Roller skating, biking, jogging, and miniature golf are other popular activities. Cafes and well-designed children's playgrounds lie within the park, and concerts and events are also staged here, including the popular Way Out West music festival in the summer. As a person against animal abuse, I also have to mention that there is a small zoo in Slottskogen with several animals, some that are not indigenous to Sweden, which all live in very confined spaces without the ability for a happy normal life. I recommend most of the things in Slottsskogen but this part of it I am strongly against.
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Slottsskogen
Slottsskogspromenaden
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One of the best free things to do for both locals and tourists in Gothenburg is to stroll around the beautiful 338-acre Slottsskogen, a leafy park in the heart of the city. This is a fantastic place to bring the entire family. Many people also come here to relax and wander through the peaceful parklands and wild forests of maple, beech, and oak. Roller skating, biking, jogging, and miniature golf are other popular activities. Cafes and well-designed children's playgrounds lie within the park, and concerts and events are also staged here, including the popular Way Out West music festival in the summer. As a person against animal abuse, I also have to mention that there is a small zoo in Slottskogen with several animals, some that are not indigenous to Sweden, which all live in very confined spaces without the ability for a happy normal life. I recommend most of the things in Slottsskogen but this part of it I am strongly against.
In the heart of the city, the Garden Society of Gothenburg (Trädgårdsföreningen) is one of Europe's most beautifully preserved 19th-century parks. Here, you can stroll amid rolling lawns, exotic plants, and historic buildings. The woodland gardens and magnificent collection of roses are a feast for any eye, while the splendid glass and cast-iron Palm House at the park's center was inspired by the famous Crystal Palace in London and has been a popular attraction since 1878. For the kids, there's a terrific playground with swings, slides, and secret paths to explore. Restaurants and cafés are on-site, and concerts and performances take place here throughout the year. The Garden Society is only a short walk from the apartment which makes it a great stop for a short excursion.
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Horticultural Society
1 Slussgatan
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In the heart of the city, the Garden Society of Gothenburg (Trädgårdsföreningen) is one of Europe's most beautifully preserved 19th-century parks. Here, you can stroll amid rolling lawns, exotic plants, and historic buildings. The woodland gardens and magnificent collection of roses are a feast for any eye, while the splendid glass and cast-iron Palm House at the park's center was inspired by the famous Crystal Palace in London and has been a popular attraction since 1878. For the kids, there's a terrific playground with swings, slides, and secret paths to explore. Restaurants and cafés are on-site, and concerts and performances take place here throughout the year. The Garden Society is only a short walk from the apartment which makes it a great stop for a short excursion.
Älvsborg, in the harbor inlet, is arguably the best-preserved fortress in Sweden. Famed for holding back the Danes during the 1717-19 war, the fortress was attacked time after time without ever being occupied. Today, it's one of the most popular boat excursions in Gothenburg. The trip includes a dramatized historical guided tour, which as well as being informative is great fun. The boat trip takes approximately 30 minutes one way. On the island is a café, a small handicraft shop, winding paths, and beautiful surroundings. The onboard guided tour is in Swedish and English and broadcast through loudspeakers. The dramatized fortress tour is also in Swedish and English, but note that it only operates during select dates in July and August.
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Nya Älvsborg Castle
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Älvsborg, in the harbor inlet, is arguably the best-preserved fortress in Sweden. Famed for holding back the Danes during the 1717-19 war, the fortress was attacked time after time without ever being occupied. Today, it's one of the most popular boat excursions in Gothenburg. The trip includes a dramatized historical guided tour, which as well as being informative is great fun. The boat trip takes approximately 30 minutes one way. On the island is a café, a small handicraft shop, winding paths, and beautiful surroundings. The onboard guided tour is in Swedish and English and broadcast through loudspeakers. The dramatized fortress tour is also in Swedish and English, but note that it only operates during select dates in July and August.
The turquoise bridge is one of Gothenburg's most popular landmarks on Instagram. Under it on the land side is an art gallery called “Röda Sten Konsthall”, named after a big rock painted red on the shore. Röda Sten art center is situated in the old boiler house in the harbor inlet. It's an alternative arena for contemporary art in all its forms. The art center almost always has exhibitions worth a visit and often a solid program with workshops and more. The restaurant serves lunch on weekdays, featuring three new dishes daily and one of the options is always vegetarian or vegan. On Sundays, don't miss the popular Meat Free Sunday brunch. Booking is recommended, and double check opening hours on the website. Various club nights are hosted here on some Fridays and Saturdays, take a look at their social media. The other side is an island called Hisingen, where I grew up but it’s so big, 199 sq. km with 130 000 people on it, that you forget it’s actually an island sometimes.
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Röda Sten
1 Röda Sten
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The turquoise bridge is one of Gothenburg's most popular landmarks on Instagram. Under it on the land side is an art gallery called “Röda Sten Konsthall”, named after a big rock painted red on the shore. Röda Sten art center is situated in the old boiler house in the harbor inlet. It's an alternative arena for contemporary art in all its forms. The art center almost always has exhibitions worth a visit and often a solid program with workshops and more. The restaurant serves lunch on weekdays, featuring three new dishes daily and one of the options is always vegetarian or vegan. On Sundays, don't miss the popular Meat Free Sunday brunch. Booking is recommended, and double check opening hours on the website. Various club nights are hosted here on some Fridays and Saturdays, take a look at their social media. The other side is an island called Hisingen, where I grew up but it’s so big, 199 sq. km with 130 000 people on it, that you forget it’s actually an island sometimes.
Located in Brunnsparken, the city public transport hub and also the place where the shopping mall Nordstan is located, are the steps by the canal Stora Hamnkanalen. It’s a popular spot to sit and catch some sun with a cup of coffee or ice cream. From here you have a great view over the canal which makes it a popular spot to take scenic photo of the canal.
The Lion Stairs
Östra Hamngatan
Located in Brunnsparken, the city public transport hub and also the place where the shopping mall Nordstan is located, are the steps by the canal Stora Hamnkanalen. It’s a popular spot to sit and catch some sun with a cup of coffee or ice cream. From here you have a great view over the canal which makes it a popular spot to take scenic photo of the canal.

Amusement Park

A Gothenburg institution, the Liseberg Amusement Park is a true family favorite. Thrilling rides and rollercoasters, regular concerts, and a wonderful Christmas market make this a popular attraction with locals and tourists. Around 40 different attractions and rides, such as AtmosFear, the tallest free fall ride in Europe, and the award-winning wooden roller coaster Balder along with the internationally praised Helix and Valkyria steel roller coasters will keep you entertained for hours. On the Liseberg Wheel, you'll be treated to terrific views over the city and there's also good food, music, games, and hundreds of thousands of flowers in bloom during the summer months.
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Liseberg
5 Örgrytevägen
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A Gothenburg institution, the Liseberg Amusement Park is a true family favorite. Thrilling rides and rollercoasters, regular concerts, and a wonderful Christmas market make this a popular attraction with locals and tourists. Around 40 different attractions and rides, such as AtmosFear, the tallest free fall ride in Europe, and the award-winning wooden roller coaster Balder along with the internationally praised Helix and Valkyria steel roller coasters will keep you entertained for hours. On the Liseberg Wheel, you'll be treated to terrific views over the city and there's also good food, music, games, and hundreds of thousands of flowers in bloom during the summer months.

Museum

The Gothenburg Museum of Art hosts a collection of works that is regarded as one of the finest in Northern Europe. The collection covers artworks from the 15th century to contemporary pieces, with a special emphasis on Nordic art. Artists featured here include Carl Larsson, Edvard Munch, Anders Zorn, Picasso, Chagall, Monet, Rembrandt, and many others. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, as well as family activities, lectures, workshops, guided tours, a shop, and café. The photo exhibitions at the Hasselblad Centre in the museum are also well worth seeing. A highlight is the annual Hasselblad Award Winner's Exhibition. Next door is the City Theatre and Art Deco Concert Hall. Before entering you can also take a nice picture and take in the view of the whole “Avenyn” street and the “Poseidon” statue in the foreground from the museum steps.
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Borgarsögusafn Göteborg
12 Norra Hamngatan
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The Gothenburg Museum of Art hosts a collection of works that is regarded as one of the finest in Northern Europe. The collection covers artworks from the 15th century to contemporary pieces, with a special emphasis on Nordic art. Artists featured here include Carl Larsson, Edvard Munch, Anders Zorn, Picasso, Chagall, Monet, Rembrandt, and many others. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, as well as family activities, lectures, workshops, guided tours, a shop, and café. The photo exhibitions at the Hasselblad Centre in the museum are also well worth seeing. A highlight is the annual Hasselblad Award Winner's Exhibition. Next door is the City Theatre and Art Deco Concert Hall. Before entering you can also take a nice picture and take in the view of the whole “Avenyn” street and the “Poseidon” statue in the foreground from the museum steps.

Neighborhoods

In the west of the city, Haga is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Gothenburg and dates from the mid-17th century. Stroll along the charming neighbourhood of Haga Nygata, which is lined with beautifully preserved timber houses, boutique shops, and pleasant cafés. Try one of the world's largest cinnamon buns (Kanelbullar), visit the spa, restaurants and in the southeast area you can gaze out over the city from Skansen Kronan. As the evening approaches you can head to Järntorget just outside Haga, for an active nightlife at the square and throughout Andra Långgatan.
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Haga
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In the west of the city, Haga is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Gothenburg and dates from the mid-17th century. Stroll along the charming neighbourhood of Haga Nygata, which is lined with beautifully preserved timber houses, boutique shops, and pleasant cafés. Try one of the world's largest cinnamon buns (Kanelbullar), visit the spa, restaurants and in the southeast area you can gaze out over the city from Skansen Kronan. As the evening approaches you can head to Järntorget just outside Haga, for an active nightlife at the square and throughout Andra Långgatan.
The trendy, bustling neighborhood around Magasinsgatan, in central Gothenburg, used to be a warehouse district and is well worth a visit. Grab a cup of coffee and something to eat or browse shops with everything from interior design to vintage clothing. There are plenty of gourmet-, traditional restaurants and the open space at the street Magasinsgatan is a popular stop for food trucks and a coffee in the sun. The district is in the city center at the end of the Kungsgatan. If staying downtown, the easiest way to get there is to walk. Alternatively, you can take the tram or bus to either Grönsakstorget or Domkyrkan.
Magasinsgatan
Magasinsgatan
The trendy, bustling neighborhood around Magasinsgatan, in central Gothenburg, used to be a warehouse district and is well worth a visit. Grab a cup of coffee and something to eat or browse shops with everything from interior design to vintage clothing. There are plenty of gourmet-, traditional restaurants and the open space at the street Magasinsgatan is a popular stop for food trucks and a coffee in the sun. The district is in the city center at the end of the Kungsgatan. If staying downtown, the easiest way to get there is to walk. Alternatively, you can take the tram or bus to either Grönsakstorget or Domkyrkan.
The main boulevard features nightlife, shopping and restaurants. Kungsportsavenyn, commonly known as Avenyn, stretches from the bridge Kungsportsbron by the canal to Götaplatsen and the Museum of Art, the City Theatre and the Concert Hall. The main boulevard is busy all day until late. The main boulevard, Avenyn, runs from Kungsportsplatsen to Götaplatsen where the landmark statue of merman Poseidon, by Carl Milles, is overlooking the neighbourhood. Shops, restaurants and night clubs are lining the street and there are plenty of choices for al fresco lunch or dinner on a fine summer's day.
Kungsportsavenyen
Kungsportsavenyen
The main boulevard features nightlife, shopping and restaurants. Kungsportsavenyn, commonly known as Avenyn, stretches from the bridge Kungsportsbron by the canal to Götaplatsen and the Museum of Art, the City Theatre and the Concert Hall. The main boulevard is busy all day until late. The main boulevard, Avenyn, runs from Kungsportsplatsen to Götaplatsen where the landmark statue of merman Poseidon, by Carl Milles, is overlooking the neighbourhood. Shops, restaurants and night clubs are lining the street and there are plenty of choices for al fresco lunch or dinner on a fine summer's day.

Experience

Since summer 2015, the people of Gothenburg have a new favorite place to cool off on hot days. The pool is located in Frihamnen, on the Hisingen side of the river Göta Älv. It is 20 meters long, 8 meters wide and open to all who want to take a dip. The sauna is situated in the park Jubileumsparken which is part of the city’s quatercentenary in 2021. It was created by German architect collective Raumblabor Berlin and in large parts it’s constructed from recycled material. For instance, the changing rooms were made from 12 000 recycled bottles. In summer the sauna timeslots are drop-in, and the rest of the year you have to book in advance. You can choose between ladies, gentlemen and mixed. And it’s free! Just like the sauna and the sandy beach in the same place, the pool is part of Gothenburg's 400th anniversary in 2021 and has been built as a response to the citizens' desire to get closer to water. The water is cleaned entirely without chlorine and the pool is developed to be socially and ecologically sustainable.
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Jubileumsparken
7 Frihamnen
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Since summer 2015, the people of Gothenburg have a new favorite place to cool off on hot days. The pool is located in Frihamnen, on the Hisingen side of the river Göta Älv. It is 20 meters long, 8 meters wide and open to all who want to take a dip. The sauna is situated in the park Jubileumsparken which is part of the city’s quatercentenary in 2021. It was created by German architect collective Raumblabor Berlin and in large parts it’s constructed from recycled material. For instance, the changing rooms were made from 12 000 recycled bottles. In summer the sauna timeslots are drop-in, and the rest of the year you have to book in advance. You can choose between ladies, gentlemen and mixed. And it’s free! Just like the sauna and the sandy beach in the same place, the pool is part of Gothenburg's 400th anniversary in 2021 and has been built as a response to the citizens' desire to get closer to water. The water is cleaned entirely without chlorine and the pool is developed to be socially and ecologically sustainable.
You don't have to travel far from the city to find charming villages, stunning scenery, and pristine beaches. Seal safaris, sailing, and boat excursions are just some of the activities to tempt tourists in the Gothenburg archipelago (Skärgården). Regular ferry links run to most anywhere you'd like to go. The southern islands, reached from Saltholmen ferry port, remain a car-free zone making it a perfect destination for cyclists and hikers. Styrsö Island, with four quaint villages and about 1,400 inhabitants, is a real treat. The oldest village, Byn, which literally means village, dates back to 1752. There's also a post office, cafés, shops, guesthouse, and restaurant as well as plenty of places to relax and swim.
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Archipelago of Gothenburg
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You don't have to travel far from the city to find charming villages, stunning scenery, and pristine beaches. Seal safaris, sailing, and boat excursions are just some of the activities to tempt tourists in the Gothenburg archipelago (Skärgården). Regular ferry links run to most anywhere you'd like to go. The southern islands, reached from Saltholmen ferry port, remain a car-free zone making it a perfect destination for cyclists and hikers. Styrsö Island, with four quaint villages and about 1,400 inhabitants, is a real treat. The oldest village, Byn, which literally means village, dates back to 1752. There's also a post office, cafés, shops, guesthouse, and restaurant as well as plenty of places to relax and swim.