This coastal Swedish city has 17th-century canals, wooden houses in Haga district, and Europe's largest amusement park. Local trams run on renewable energy, and fresh fish markets dot the harbor.
Liseberg Amusement Park
Sweden's largest amusement park since 1923, with over 40 rides including Europe's tallest free-fall tower. Hosts seasonal events like Christmas markets and Halloween attractions.
Art Collection in Gothenburg
Explore Gothenburg Museum of Art with its Nordic art from the 15th century and modern photography in a classic building.
A Floating Maritime Museum
Maritiman in Gothenburg is a floating museum with 19 historic ships, such as a submarine and destroyer.
One of Europe's Largest Botanical Gardens
Gothenburg Botanical Garden has over 16,000 plant types in 175 hectares, plus exotic greenhouses and gardens.
18th-century country house
Explore the neoclassical Gunnebo House and gardens near Gothenburg with guided tours, seasonal events, and locally-sourced dining.
Explore the Southern Archipelago
Explore the Gothenburg Archipelago with its quiet islands, old villages, and scenic nature trails.
Picturesque 19th Century District
Haga: old Gothenburg area with traditional wooden houses, cobblestone streets, cafes, and shops.
Panoramic View of Gothenburg
Visit Skansen Kronan, a 17th-century fort in Gothenburg with historical exhibits and city views.
Slottsskogen
Explore Slottsskogen's zoo, vast green spaces, and Natural History Museum in Gothenburg for a blend of recreation, education, and leisure.
Science Discovery and Aquarium Center
Universeum in Gothenburg has interactive exhibits, a rainforest, and a big aquarium.
Delsjöområdet
Come for the lakeside trails, bird-watching, water activities, and winter sports in a peaceful setting.
Explore Gothenburg’s 17th-century canals shaped by Dutch engineers, ride roller coasters at Liseberg amusement park, and walk through Haga’s cobblestone streets where cafés serve large cinnamon rolls. The city hosts events like the Gothenburg Film Festival and connects to rocky islands via ferries from the center. Parks such as Slottskogen provide spaces with walking trails and free animal exhibits. Trams run on renewable energy, and many restaurants use fish caught nearby.
Dutch Canals and Early History
King Gustavus Adolphus established Gothenburg in 1621 as a trading hub on the Kattegat Strait. Dutch architects created a grid pattern with canals, still visible in the Nordstaden district. Remains of the old moat and defensive structures like Skansen Kronan tower show how the city was protected. Visit the City Museum in the former Swedish East India Company building to learn about trade routes and ship models. The Feskekôrka market, with its high ceilings and stained glass, sells fresh fish and reflects the city’s fishing traditions.
Liseberg Amusement Park Rides and Events
Liseberg, located near the city center, includes roller coasters like Balder, known for its steep drops and wooden structure. Children enjoy themed play areas and gentle rides, and live music fills the park on summer nights. In winter, ice-skating rinks and holiday decorations attract visitors. Tickets for adults cost 145 SEK, with options to buy passes for multiple rides. The park uses solar energy and recycles most of its waste.
Haga District Shops and Food
Haga’s low wooden buildings from the 1800s now hold cafés and small stores. Café Husaren bakes cinnamon rolls as wide as plates, served with coffee. Shops along Haga Nygata sell handmade jewelry, secondhand clothes, and leather goods. Walk up to Skansen Kronan for views of the district’s rooftops and the harbor. Nearby, Saluhallen Briggen market has stalls serving soups, sandwiches, and fresh produce.
Islands Near Gothenburg
Over 20 islands form the Gothenburg Archipelago, split into northern and southern groups. Ferries from Saltholmen reach Styrsö and Vrångö in 30 minutes, where trails cross forests and rocky beaches. On Hönö island, restaurants prepare smoked fish and local shellfish. Rent a kayak near Lilla Varholmen to explore quieter bays, or take a direct ferry in summer. Some islands have public saunas and basic cabins for overnight stays.
Slottskogen Park and Botanical Gardens
Slottskogen covers meadows, woods, and a free zoo with moose, seals, and penguins. People gather here for picnics and walks past historic houses like Villa Belparc, now a café. The Botanical Garden southwest of downtown grows 16,000 plants, including rare orchids and a large rhododendron collection. Trädgårdsföreningen, near the train station, has rose beds and a glasshouse with cacti and palm trees. Both parks organize free concerts and performances during summer.
Film, Books, and Museums
The Gothenburg Film Festival in January shows movies from over 60 countries at venues including Hagabion. In September, the Book Fair brings authors to discuss new novels and nonfiction. The Museum of Art displays paintings by Rembrandt and Nordic artists, with free entry on Tuesday evenings. The Museum of World Culture hosts exhibits on climate change and cultural traditions. Way Out West in August mixes live music with eco-friendly practices like compostable food containers.
Swedish Food and Coffee Traditions
Try fried herring or shrimp sandwiches at Feskekôrka’s market stalls. KöttbulleKällaren near Kungstorget square serves meatballs with potatoes and lingonberries. For coffee breaks, Da Matteo in Magasinsgatan roasts beans on-site and bakes fresh pastries. Stigbergets Brewery experiments with sour beers and IPAs, and Wine Mechanics produces urban-grown wines. Vegetarian dishes like beetroot burgers and lentil stews are common in restaurants such as Solrosen.
Public Transport and Access
Trams run every 10 minutes between the central station, Liseberg, and suburbs. A single ticket costs 35 SEK and works on trams, buses, and ferries for 90 minutes. Ferries to the islands leave from Saltholmen, with more frequent trips in summer. Rent bikes from city stations or walk easily across the flat downtown. Coaches from Landvetter Airport take 30 minutes to reach the city center.
