If you want to get an excellent first impression of Gothenburg, I highly recommend starting with a Paddan boat tour. It is the ultimate way to see the city’s 17th-century moats, historic canals, and the bustling harbour from a completely different perspective. Over my nearly thirty years of exploring Sweden, I have seen many attractions come and go, but the “Paddan” remains the undisputed classic – and for good reason.
The tour takes just fifty minutes, making it the perfect “appetizer” for your stay. You get a mix of history, local humor, and fantastic photo opportunities. But what exactly makes this boat trip so special?
Sightseeing from the water level
The traditional Paddan tour begins at Kungsportsplatsen, located just a few meters from the main tourist office. You board these iconic, very flat boats and set off to navigate the city’s intricate canal system.
Every year, around 100,000 visitors travel with these canal boats. But it is not just for tourists – many native Gothenburgers love to take their guests on this tour to show off their city. It truly is a local institution. I remember being on board back in the 70s – as a black and white photo in my archives from 1974 proves – and while the city has grown, the charm of the Paddan has remained exactly the same.
Book your Paddan boat tour
Don’t risk standing in line at the quay! Secure your spot on the classic 50-minute guided tour through Gothenburg’s canals and harbour.
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Insider tips from 30 years of Sweden travel. This guide contains affiliate links (marked with ➔) to help support my work at no extra cost to you.
Watch your head: The Cheese Slicer
One of the highlights – and a great example of typical Gothenburg humor – is passing under the 20 bridges on the route. Some are so low that you literally have to duck.
There is one bridge in particular called the “Cheese Slicer” (Osthyveln). It is so low that you actually have to crouch on the floor in front of your seat to get through safely. It’s always a moment of shared laughter among the passengers. All in all, you will pass under 20 bridges, each with its own story.
Highlights along the route
In the city centre, the boat glides past several major landmarks:
- The Central Railway Station and the Nordstan shopping centre.
- The historic Gustav Adolf’s Torg square.
- The German Church and the house of the East India Company.
- The famous Feskekörka (Fish Church) market hall.
As the boat enters the Port of Gothenburg, the scale of things changes. You will see the naval museum Maritiman, the majestic tall ship Viking, and the red and white high-rise building affectionately known as the “Lipstick” (Läppstiftet).
You will also pass the former dry dock shipyards and Lindholmen, a modern district that has transformed into a hub for tech companies and education. Near the Sjömanstornet (Seaman’s Tower), the boat turns around to head back to Kungsportsplatsen.
Practical tips for your visit
Since the Paddan boats are completely open with no roof, it is vital to dress according to the weather. Even on a sunny day, the breeze in the harbour can be quite chilly.
Accessibility note: Please be aware that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Passengers must navigate about 12 steps down to the quay and a few more to board the boat. Also, remember that you must be mobile enough to bend down or sit on the floor for the Cheese Slicer bridge.
Timetable and tickets
The tour runs from spring to late autumn. Departures usually happen every 30 to 60 minutes between 11:00 and 17:00.
If you prefer more flexibility, there is also a hop-on hop-off version available with a 24-hour ticket.
Final thoughts
Is the Paddan tour “touristy”? Yes, absolutely. But is it worth it? Definitely. There is no better way to understand the layout and the maritime soul of Gothenburg in such a short time. Whether it is your first time or your tenth, that moment under the “Cheese Slicer” never gets old.
Tickets
Get your ticket now: Gothenburg: City Canal Sightseeing Cruise
The “Cheese Slicer” on the classic Paddan boat tour in Gothenburg
Another low bridge
The renovated Feskekörka fish market hall as seen from a Paddan boat
Picture from 1974: I was a teenager then with really long hair, see me next to the arrow.
Alternative: The Ocean Bus
Want to stay in your seat while the bus drives straight into the water? Check out the amphibious Ocean Bus for a quirky alternative to the traditional Paddan boat tour.
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