Gothenburg is a working-class city and a port city. Here, hard work and international trade culture mix. Gothenburg is a bustling city. Sweden’s big trade fairs, big congresses, big sporting events and big concerts often take place here rather than in Stockholm. Bruce Springsteen’s performances in Gothenburg, for example, are legendary.

When we moved from Germany to Gothenburg over 25 years ago, we felt at home after just a few weeks. We love this city because most people here are honest, humorous and direct. However, Gothenburg also has big problems. More about that at the end of the article.

Easy to reach by plane and ferry

Low-cost flights to Landvetter airport make Gothenburg easily accessible from all over the world.

The night ferry from Kiel in Germany is both exciting and convenient, as it docks directly behind the Älvsborgsbron bridge and not far from the centre of Gothenburg. There is also a ferry service from Fredrikshavn in Denmark. Both ferry services are run by Stena Line.

Fascinating archipelago

The centre of Gothenburg is only a stone’s throw from the fascinating archipelago.

The car-free southern archipelago can be reached in just one hour from the city centre by first tram and then boat. On the islands you can find small, charming seaside villages, fantastic hiking and cycling opportunities, secluded beaches, traditional restaurants and accommodations, such as the homely inn on the island of Brännö.

The northern archipelago can be reached by car and free car ferries from Lilla Varholmen. Several of the northern islands are linked by bridges.

Hiking and nature

Gothenburg’s hinterland is rich in lakes and is therefore sometimes called the Lake District. Particularly beautiful lakes are Lygnern, Mjörn, Sävelången, Anten and Aspen.

There are many hiking trails here that are also fun in spring or autumn. Between Gothenburg and Alingsås there is a long hiking trail, the Gotaleden. To the north you will find Bohusleden and to the south Hallandsleden. You can also walk along Kattegattleden, although it is considered a cycle path.

In addition, Gothenburg’s hinterland has numerous recreational areas and nature reserves. Almost all of them can be reached by public transport. Bunketorp in Lindome (Mölndal) is our personal favourite.

Urban development

Unfortunately, Gothenburg has a complex. The city is not the capital, it is only number two in Sweden. But it would so much love to be number one. That’s why Gothenburg always wants to have everything that Stockholm and Malmö have. And that has to be better, higher, and more expensive, if possible. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes it goes disastrously wrong.

Sweden’s tallest skyscraper (Karlatornet, 246 m high) will probably become a success.

The Västlänken infrastructure project, on the other hand, is a great disaster. It is pointless and expensive. The money is missing elsewhere. In particular, there will be no train connection to Landvetter Airport and no train connections to Borås and Jönköping for the foreseeable future. This affects the whole region very severely.

Our recommendations for Gothenburg

Overview

• 12 favourite spots

Sightseeing

• Sightseeing tour on land and water: the Ocean Bus
• The classic Paddan boat tour: City tour and harbour cruise
• Haga, one of the oldest parts of the city
• Market halls
• Cafés: Five fika spots
• Bellora’s rooftop bar – voted top five in the world

Day trips

• Southern archipelago
• Northern archipelago
• Southern archipelago in winter
• To the south: A day at the seaside in Gottskär, Halland
• To the north: A day by the sea in Fiskebäckskil, Bohuslän
• To the north: The Åstol island in Bohuslän
• To the east: The city of Lödöse, Gothenburg’s medieval predecessor

Activities

• Serneke Arena: indoor ski tunnel and indoor beach volleyball centre
• Free outdoor skatepark in the city centre

Christmas

• Seven reasons to visit the Christmas City Gothenburg

Accomodations

• Hotel for tonight – Nine hotel deals
• Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel
• Hostels

  Hotels in Gothenburg

Book now:  Hotels, hostels, B&Bs in Gothenburg

Here are some hotels we especially recommend:

• 5 star: the new  Upper House at Gothia Towers, next to the amusement park Liseberg
• 4 star:  Clarion Hotel Post not far from the central station
• 3 star:  Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel – excellent bar and magnificent view from the top
• 3 star:  Comfort Hotel City – right in the centre of Gothenburg
• Hostel:  Slottsskogen Hostel, one of the best and friendliest hostels in town

  Sightseeing tours, activities and entrance tickets

Book now: The best Gothenburg tours, activities and tickets

In the southern archipelago