Sightseeing tour on land and water: the Ocean Bus in Gothenburg

It is an exciting, even breathtaking feeling when the ten-ton amphibious bus lands with a splash in the water. It looks like a normal bus and behaves the same way for half of the journey. But then it happens – the bus plunges from the shore into the water. The scene: the harbour entrance in the centre of Gothenburg. Then it’s a lap around the harbour before it’s time to return to shore.

The sightseeing tour starts at Stora Teatern, in the middle of the famous Kungsportsavenyn in the centre of Gothenburg (see picture above). The bus, also called the Shark Bus, stands there and attracts many curious looks with its special appearance – five metres high and painted like a shark.

The passengers listen to a guide who accompanies them live (not from a tape, that is). The guides tell interesting historical facts about what can be seen along the way, mixed with anecdotes, Gothenburg humour and music. The guides speak both English and Swedish, and there are often German-speaking staff as well.

Famous places

The bus passes many famous places such as Chalmers (Technical College), Järntorget, Kungsparken, Feskekörka, Olof Palmes House and the shipyard cranes. Statues such as the Sailor’s Wife and Poseidon can also be seen.

Under the Älvsborg Bridge

Half of the sightseeing tour takes place on land. The other half is through the harbour, which is a river in Gothenburg. The bus passes under the Älvsborg Bridge and the passengers get to see the Eriksberg trestle crane, the Red Stone and Gothenburg Harbour. At the same time, you hear how the city was built not once, but twice.

(Mostly) open bus

The bus travels with the windows open. It offers a good view, as more than half of the bus is open. If it rains or is too windy, the windows can be closed.

All year round

The bus runs all year round. From April to September, several departures are offered daily.

In 2024, the demand will be so high all year round that you should definitely buy tickets in advance – see booking link below. It is uncertain whether Ocean Bus will be able to operate another bus. The buses are custom-built.