Panoramic view of Gothenburg, water with boats, blue sky, skyline © dudlajzov/stock.adobe.com
Panoramic view of Gothenburg, water with boats, blue sky, skyline © dudlajzov/stock.adobe.com

Gothenburg – Green Metropolis on the Kattegat

Published: 11 January 2024, 12:00

Gothenburg is a port city on the Kattegat known for its relaxed atmosphere, fascinating architecture and a sensational selection of fresh fish and seafood. Sweden's second largest city is home to some of the country's best seafood restaurants. Even a church has fish in its name and serves as a market hall for some of the sea’s treasures. Gothenburg's harbour is home to historic ships, the Maritiman adventure museum and the Lilla Bommen skyscraper - a Gothenburg landmark offering panoramic views over the city.

Gothenburg, which the Swedes pronounce "Jöteborje", is located on Sweden’s picturesque west coast and acts as a gateway to the beautiful archipelago, an island world with an abundance of unspoilt nature. Gothenburg is a very green city with many parks, gardens and forests. If you want to combine a city atmosphere, including a lively cultural scene, with walks in the fresh air and in nature, this is the right place for you.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: none
  • Population: 597.000
  • Official Language: Swedish
  • Currency: Swedish krona (SEK)

Discover Gothenburg – Ten Highlights

Island Hopping in the Gothenburg Archipelago

Just off the coast of Gothenburg lies one of Sweden's most enchanting areas of natural beauty, the West Swedish Archipelago. The coastal landscape, consisting of around 20 islands, stretches from the southernmost island of Vrångö off Gothenburg to the Koster Islands in the north. Whether it's just a day trip or even island hopping - anyone who goes on vacation here can look forward to lonely bays, rugged rocks, colourful wooden houses, picturesque fishing villages and dense pine forests. The ferries to the offshore islands can be reached from the centre of Gothenburg by tram. The islands vary in size and offer an excellent escape from city life. Some parts of the archipelago are car-free and only accessible in the warm months.

Escape the city: Trip to the Archipelago

Gothenburg from BER

Five Travel Tips for…

1. Explore the city from the water on a Paddan canal cruise

2. Sample fresh fish and seafood at Feskekörka

3. Stroll through shopping streets like Kungsgatan or Kyrkogatan

4. Take in the view from the Skansen Kronan fortress

5. Stop at a cosy café in the Haga district

1. Take a fika (coffee break) and snack on cinnamon rolls

2. Take a ferry trip to the archipelago islands

3. Stroll through the botanical gardens

4. Visit Sweden's oldest zoo in the Slottsskogen or Castle Forest

5. Relax in one of the many parks

1. The colourful, round building known locally as the Gear

2. The Allmänna Bastun sauna, created from recycled material

3. Gothenburg City Hall

4. The Palm House made of glass and cast iron in Trädgårdsföreningen

5. The striking red and white Lilla Bommen office tower

Picture source title: 
© dudlajzov/stock.adobe.com

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