Gothenburg

Understand

Gothenburg is a fairly green city with parks, which is divided by the Göta River. Built after being founded by royal decree in 1621 it was modelled after the Dutch city style, with plenty of canals. By far the largest non-capital city of the Nordic countries, the city has a strong local identity, and many nicknames that allude to its canals, such as "little London", "little Amsterdam", and "little Venice". Early, on Gothenburg was famous for its port and trade, has prominently hosted the Swedish East-India Company, and is one of few Swedish cities referred to by an English name. Due to its historically industrial character Gothenburg has had strong working class associations, being known for its friendly yet brusque "goa gubbar". This together with its large port has given rise to the moniker "Marseille of the North". Today, with over 50,000 students in the city and two major universities it has a young side with plenty of bars and night clubs. Gothenburg has a reputation for being a very friendly place, and more welcoming than Stockholm, the Swedish capital.

History

Gothenburg is at the mouth of the river Göta älv. Lödöse, some 40 km (25 mi) upstream from Gothenburg was one of the largest cities in Sweden during the Middle Ages, and is considered a precursor to Gothenburg. During the Middle Ages the mouth of Göta älv was controlled by Sweden, while Bohuslän immediately north of it was Norwegian and Halland to its immediate south was Danish. The area thus became a tripoint of the three kingdoms. In order to consolidate Swedish control of the area, the fortress of Älvsborg was constructed near modern-day Gothenburg. Several failed attempts were also made to build a city in the area. The modern city of Gothenburg was built in 1621 by the Swedish king Gustav II Adolf. During the 17th century Sweden conquered Bohuslän and Halland, thus making Gothenburg the centre of an expanded western Sweden. During this era the older Danish Älvsborg fortress was demolished. It was replaced by a new castle, ingeniously called New Älvsborg fortress, on an island in the mouth of the river. Gothenburg eventually became a major gateway into Sweden, and one of the busiest ports in the Nordic countries. As the largest port in Sweden Gothenburg became the seat of the Swedish East India Company in the 18th century, and a hub for American emigration in the 19th century. During this era the city also became heavily industrialized, particularly as a centre for the Swedish shipbuilding industry. Its large port, strong trade community and proximity to Marstrand meant the city had

Getting there

By plane 1 Landvetter Airport (GOT IATA) (25 km (16 mi) east of the city). Gothenburg's main airport, about 25 km from central Gothenburg along Highway 40 (towards Jönköping). It is served by about 30 airlines, including SAS, Norwegian Ryanair and Wizz Air, who offer the most connections. The city's international airport, Landvetter, serves mainly flights from other European destinations – larger cities and sun-and-sea destinations in southern Europe. To fly in from other continents, you must connect at a larger airport offering intercontinental flights. Most carriers offer connecting intercontinental tickets. Domestically, there are about half a dozen flights a day from Stockholm, and the odd flight from other Swedish airports. There are two coffee shops, burger fast food service, and a newsagent land-side. Air-side you can find a few cafes, restaurants, bars, gift shops and duty-free shops. There is quite little shopping. Foreign exchange facilities are available on both sides of security. The airport provides free Wi-Fi, but charging stations and power sockets are not in abundance. Most of the major car rental companies have facilities opposite the airport exit. There are two hotels: Scandic is located adjacent to the terminal building and Landvetter Airport Hotel is within walking distance beyond the car rental facilities.

To and from the airport There is a Flygbussarna bus service from Landvetter into the city. It runs every 15–20 minutes (during the pandemic it is adapted to the reduced flight schedules so check the website for the current timetable), costs 119 kr one way (238 kr return) if you pay online (otherwise it is 139 kr and 249 kr respectively). The journey takes approximately 20–35 minutes. It stops at several locations (first stop near Liseberg; final stop: the Nils Ericson Bus terminal which is next to the Central Train Station). The only method of payment for the ticket is by credit card. Free Wi-Fi is available on the coach. There is also Flixbus. It may or may not be cheaper, depending on their dynamic pricing, but it also runs to other nearby cities. Service is not as frequent as Flygbussarna. Taxis are expensive. To the city it takes about 25 minutes and costs between 520 kr and 560 kr. It is best to arrange fixed fare before getting in taxi. Gothenburg City Airport (GSE) closed in 2014.

By train

SJ high speed trains run hourly and VR trains every two hours from Stockholm Central station, taking just over 3 hours via Södertälje, Katrineholm and Skövde. Trains from Oslo take 4 hours and are run by VY. Trains run from Cope

Getting around

Public transportation within Gothenburg (and the west of Sweden) is operated by Västtrafik and consists of trams, buses and ferries. You can find more information about tickets and a journey planner on their homepage. Public transport in Gothenburg can be fairly slow: For example, to cross one side of the city to the other (20 km) can take up to an hour. It can be a good idea to look up alternative routes, with some of the express buses being considerably faster, and it sometimes being possible to save many minutes by walking a few hundred meters to a tram-stop located on a different line. Inside the central area, transport is fairly rapid, as the tram tracks generally are separated from normal car lanes. The local transport company (Västtrafik) has removed maps from just about all the tram stops; be prepared and have a map ready before you get there. The phone app or web site is very handy when wanting to find routes, but will not ask you to walk any distance in order to save time — for this Google maps is better.

Västtrafik's ticket system If you travel inside Gothenburg's zone A you can simple tap on contactless card readers to buy a single ticket. See ticket page for the current ticket options

Day Ticket Tourists and others planning to travel every day are advised to buy a 1- or 3-day ticket. A blue card called the Västtrafik card is charged with ticket information. They are bought at Västtrafik's service centres or from Seven-Eleven or Pressbyrån or some other stores. They cost 120 kr (24 hours) or 240 kr (72 hours) inside Gothenburg's zone A which includes the archipelago (as of May 2026). Longer period tickets (30 or 365 days) can be loaded onto a västtrafik card.

Single ticket If you only travel occasionally, you can either buy tickets at 7-Eleven, the Västtrafik "Tidpunkten" customer service centres, the Pressbyrån shops, from the blue ticket machines on the trams – which accepts coins or major credit cards, online via the Travel planner, or via a phone app if you have a Swedish credit card. During daytime the cost is 41 kr for an adult within the city zone (34 kr with app ticket). It might seem easy to get on one of the buses or trams without a valid ticket, but if a biljettkontrollant (ticket controller) would find out, you will be charged with a fee of 1500 kr.

Smartphone app Västtrafik has an app called "Västtrafik To Go", in which single tickets, 1- or 3-day tickets, and period tickets can be bought. It is also a fully functional travel planner that can suggest when walking or cycling is a good or better alternative. It is available f

See

Notable buildings 1 Gothenburg Cathedral (Göteborgs Domkyrka), Kyrkogatan 28. Built in 1815, in the centre of old town. The seat of the Diocese of Gothenburg. It is the third church standing there – the earlier two burned down in city fires. Domkyrkoplan, the park surrounding the church, used to be the cemetery of the second church. (updated Nov 2019) 2 Christinæ Church (Deutsche Kirchengemeinde Göteborg), Norra Hamngatan 16. The church of Gothenburg's German community, built in 1748. This church is likewise the third church standing here, as the earlier ones have burned down. (updated Nov 2019) 3 Crown House (Kronhuset), Postgatan. Built in 1643-1655, and briefly home of the Swedish Parliament. It houses Göteborgs Musik, and the surrounding buildings are now cafes and crafts workshops. It is Gothenburg’s oldest still-standing non-religious building. (updated Dec 2017) 4 Feskekôrka, Rosenlundsgatan (by the canal near the harbour). Tu-F 10:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-15:00. The indoor Fish Market, called "Feskekôrka" (Fish Church) because of the shape of the building and Gothenburgers mythical devotion to fish. (updated Dec 2017) 5 Haga (close to Skansen Kronan). A city district with picturesque wooden houses from the 19th century. Don't forget to explore the more bohemian Långgatan streets (Första, Andra, Tredje and Fjärde Långgatan) nearby and to visit the Haga Church (Hagakyrkan). (updated Nov 2019) 6 Oscar Fredrik Church (Oscar Fredriks kyrka), Värmlandsgatan. This Neo-Gothic brick church with a tower about 70 meters high is the largest and most well decorated church in Gothenburg. Built 1893 and named after then-Swedish king Oscar II, it has been renovated four times afterwards. (updated Nov 2019) 7 Skansen Kronan (Crown Keep), Leijonsparres väg 15 (Skansberget). A hilltop fortification, south-west of the city centre, built in the 17th century. In the 19th century it served as a prison, and now houses a military museum. Its twin Skansen Lejonet (Lion Keep) unfortunately finds itself in the middle of a railroad and industrial area but guided tours are held the first and third Sunday of every month. (updated Nov 2019) 8 Skanskaskrapan (Läppstiftet / Lilla Bommen), Lilla Bommen, ☏ +46 31156147. Jul–Aug: daily 11:00–16:00 (lift goes several times per hour); rest of the year: M–F 11:00–15:00 (lift goes every hour). Informally called "the lipstick" by the local, it features a viewing platform (Götheborgsutkiken) at 86 metres, which offers great views over the city. 40 kr, children 5–15 years: 20 kr, family: 100 kr. (updated Nov 2019) 9 Karlatornet, Lodjursstråket

Do

1 Liseberg. The biggest amusement park in all of Scandinavia, with lots of different rides for all ages. Be sure to try Balder, the wooden roller-coaster. Liseberg is the number one attraction in Sweden by number of visitors. A new indoor water park, Oceana, will open 2026/2027. (updated Nov 2023) Lisebergslinjen. A vintage tram line that runs during summer from the central station to Liseberg. Adults 30 kr, children 20 kr, small children free. (updated Feb 2024) 2 Ale Vikingagård, Vikingavägen (25 km north of Gothenburg along E45, a few km south of Älvängen), [email protected]. Irregular hours, not daily. A Viking farm. Events throughout the year including feasts and markets in the spring (early May), autumn after harvest time in late October to early November and around Jul, a Norse pagan celebration at Christmas time.

Boating There are many ways of seeing Gothenburg and surroundings from the water, as the city is not only where the Göta älv river flows into the sea but there are canals as well. For a low price one can visit the islands in the southern archipelago with regular passenger boats. These islands are car free and very picturesque. The boats go from the tram stop "Saltholmen". It is difficult to park there. Tram tickets are valid on the boat too. Other option are a chartered yacht or kayaks.

3 Paddan, Kungsportsplatsen. The tourist boats run in the city canals and in the harbour. 240 kr. (updated Jan 2023) 4 Delsjön Canoeing (Delsjön Kanotcentral), Alfred Gärdes väg 110 (6 km south-east of the city center). In summer, you can go canoeing in or walking around the lake Delsjön. It can be a good way to experience nature. Börjessons. Does tourist boat tours in the archipelago every day in the summer and is very popular.

Concert and entertainment venues 5 Göteborgs konserthus (Concert Hall), Götaplatsen, ☏ +46 31 726-53-10. The concert hall is home of the Göteborgs Symfoniker (Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra) which is the National Orchestra of Sweden and offers regular concerts there. (updated Nov 2019) 6 Göteborg Stadsteater (City Theatre), Götaplatsen 4, ☏ +46 31 708-71-00. The oldest city theatre in Sweden. Plays, movie screenings and concerts. 7 GöteborgsOperan (Opera House), Christina Nilssons Gata, ☏ +46 31 10-80-00. By Lilla Bommen is the modern opera house of Gothenburg where great operas, both new and old, as well as musicals are performed regularly. You can take a guided behind-the-scenes tour to learn how the performances are created. (updated Nov 2019) 8 Lorensbergsteatern, Berzeliigatan 4. In addition to theatre, thi

Buy

Gothenburg hosts most of the types of shopping that is available internationally. Swedish design goods and local specialties can be found at some places. The main shopping districts and malls are:

1 Arkaden, Fredsgatan/Brunnsparken (tram/bus stop Brunnsparken). If you cannot find your favourite retail store at Nordstan, it is probably at the Arkaden. 2 Nordstan, Nordstadstorget (tram and bus stops Nordstaden, Brunnsparken or Lilla Bommen). Opens every day at 10:00, closes 20:00 during the week or 18:00 on weekends, closes only for Midsummer, parking garage open 24/7. Gothenburg's largest shopping centre, with 180 stores, is just outside the Centralstation, to which it is linked by an underground tunnel. Walkways also link the centre to Lilla Bommen and the Opera. Inside you will find the usual mix of convenience stores (including a Systembolaget), global retail formats, including Espirit, H&M and Yves Rocher, as well as an outlet of the Swedish department store chain Åhléns City and some popular Swedish shopfronts such as Hemtex or Nilson Shoes. The centre also hosts a tourist information stand in its middle. 3 Avenyn (Kungsportsavenyn), Kungsportsavenyn. Ranging between Kungportsplatsen with Kopparmärra, the statue of king Karl IX, to Götaplatsen with the statue of Poseidon and the Gothenburg art museum: Avenyn and Kungsportsplatsen hosts a variety of shops that cater to most wants. Quite a few restaurants lie along the street as well, and it is the main tourist street, where in the summers few Gothenburgers will be found, apart from at the tram stations and by the Gothenburg city library at the Götaplatsen end. (updated Dec 2017) 4 Inom vallgraven, Fredsgatan, Kungsgatan, Vallgatan, Östra Hamngatan (tram/bus stops Brunnsparken, Kungsportsplatsen, Domkyrkan). Gothenburg’s major retailers outside Nordstan and a number of out of city-center malls lie around these four streets in the area Inom Vallgraven. Some interesting shops lie off the beaten track, but for general shopping these are the main locations. (updated Dec 2017)

Swedish design 5 Acne, Magasinsgatan 19. While Acne is a Stockholm design studio, there is a smaller shop in Gothenburg. A larger outlet store can be found south of the city in Freeport Outlet in the Kungsbacka suburb. More interestingly the Acne store is in the same house as Artilleriet. (updated Dec 2017) 6 Nudie Jeans Vallgatan, Vallgatan 15. Nudie Jeans is a Gothenburg-based design house specializing in jeans. Made to last and with a number of repair shops in the city and elsewhere, they are a good buy when in Gothenburg. Th

Eat

The main restaurant street in Gothenburg is Linnégatan running from Järntorget to Linnéplatsen. It has a high concentration of good restaurants of all kinds in the low to moderate price range. Most restaurants offer lunch menus in the range 90-130 kr. Mostly they are served between 11:30 and 14:00. Most restaurants are closed on Mondays, so you need to plan in advance if you want a nice dinner It can be worth to take out an intro subscription to the local paper Göteborgs-Posten that has a dedicated restaurant section to read their reviews

Food markets The market hall Saluhallen, listed in Buy above, also hosts a range of eateries. 1 Feskekörka, Fisktorget 4. The historical fish market – the "fish church" – has reopened after a major renovation in the early 2020s. Now there are just a couple of restaurants and shops (formerly there was a much larger number of them), though the place is still all about fish and seafood. (updated Jun 2024)

Budget 2 Alexandras Grekiska Soppkök (Alexandra's Soup Kitchen), Stora Saluhallen, Kungstorget. This small soup kitchen located in Saluhallen delivers a wide range of Greek food. Among the most popular dishes is the excellent lentil soup served with fresh bread. The dishes are for 80–90 kr. (updated Jan 2022) 3 Baguetten, Södra Vägen 57. Sandwiches: baguettes and panini. 25-75 kr. (updated May 2022) 4 Franks, Burggrevgatan 1. 11:00 to 22:00 mostly. A hamburger and hot dog stand right in front of the Gothenburg Central Station. 100 to 150 kr. (updated May 2026) 5 Gourmetkorv, Södra Larmgatan 6, ☏ +46 31 13-62- 33, [email protected]. 10:00-20:00 mostly. "Korv" means "sausage" in Swedish and this restaurant has them in abundance. There are 13 different choices of sausage, and these are served as portions with potato salad or mashed potato, and your choice of mustard. The service is very fast, your order should be ready in less than fifteen minutes. No table service, you have to carry your food to your table yourself. There is another location at Bohusgatan 13 (near the Ullevi stadium). You can also buy sausages, potato salad, sauerkraut and mustard by the kilogram to take home with you. 50–130 kr. (updated May 2022) 6 Govindas, Karl Johansgatan 57. 11:30-15:00. Vegetarian restaurant operated by the local Hare Krishna community. They speak German (natively), English and Swedish. 125 kr. (updated May 2022) 7 Hedens Pizzeria, Wadmansgatan 4. Pizza, kebab and falafel. 110-150 kr. (updated May 2022) 8 Café Hängmattan, Karljohansgatan 16. Vegetarian buffet. Closed for renovations until September 2025. 100 kr for the buffet

Drink & nightlife

In the summertime there are outdoor serving along Avenyn and Linnégatan. You can pick up the free Nöjesguiden and Djungeltrumman magazines in various stores to read more about Gothenburg's nightlife. They are only available in Swedish though.

The Bishops Arms. A chain of English pubs. In Gothenburg there are three located at Kungsportsavenyn 36, Västra Hamngatan 3 and Järntorget. Good selection of beer on tap and fine single malt whiskey. A bit pricier than other pubs. 1 Kellys, Andra Långgatan 28. Cheap beer. Lots of vegan food. Mixed crowd of middle-aged regulars and young people. 2 King's Head, Andra Långgatan 32A, ☏ +46 31 24-20-40. On this street well known for its cheap pubs and porn stores, this pub is an alternative for those who wants to spend time in a little more sophisticated environment. The clientele is more well adjusted in this place. Beer 32 kr. 3 Heaven 23, Mässans gata 22 (Gothia Towers at Korsvägen). One of the finest bars in town if you want cocktails and a nice view. You can also have dinner here. 4 Rockbaren, Kristinelundsgatan 14 (in a parallel street to Avenyn, just across from Dancin Dingo). A traditional rock bar 5 Sejdeln, Andra Långgatan 28. When Kellys is packed Sejdeln is a perfectly adequate option, it's right next to Kellys and has even cheaper beer and roughly the same clientele. 6 Steampunk Bar, Kungsgatan 7, ☏ +46 31 361-88-08, [email protected]. M-Th 16:00 - late, Fr 16:00 - even later, Sa 14:00 - even later, Su 16:00 - a little earlier than late. Scandinavia's first Steampunk-themed restaurant and bar. Has one of Gothenburg's widest selections of drinks, gin & tonic, as well as a unique atmosphere. (updated Jun 2019) 7 Tre Små Rum, Kristinelundsgatan 4, ☏ +46 31 18-19-04. M–Sa 16:00–. The top priority is the well-selected beers both draft and bottled, in combination with carefully selected jazz that flows from the speakers 8 Ölhallen 7:an, Kungstorget 7, ☏ +46 31 13-60-79. One of the best places for good beer, and the only traditional "Beer-hall" left in the city. It is situated next to Saluhallen 9 Ölrepubliken, Kronhusgatan 2B. A good selection of beers on tap with a bias toward British and Belgian beers, this pub is an excellent alternative to the mid centre locations. Found not far from Kronhusbodarna a couple of hundred meters from Nordstan.

Clubs There are several different clubs in Gothenburg, with a wide array of music styles.

10 Gretas, Drottninggatan 35. The biggest gay nightclub in the city, with 2 dance floors playing schlager, pop, 1980s, 90s and disco downstairs, house and r'n'b upst

Sleep

Budget Many youth hostels only offer their lowest prices to members of STF or IYHF. The Tourist Bureau just off Avenyn organises an excellent private home B&B service.

Great Living, ☏ +46 31 12-06-21. Company mediating private accommodation. All apartments are located in the centre of Gothenburg. 1 Lisebergsbyn, Olbersgatan 9 (2.5 km from Liseberg amusement park), ☏ +46 31 400 100, [email protected]. Cottages and camping. Prices start at 345 kr (one time entry to Liseberg included during summer) but they are a lot higher during peak months. 2 Slottsskogens Youth Hostel, Vegagatan 21, ☏ +46 31 42-65-20, [email protected]. Check-in: 14+18, check-out: 11. Vegagatan 21. Open 24 hr. Popular among travellers. Free Internet. Prices start at 195 kr for dorm beds. Situated in the lively Linnéstan – an area with a lot of pubs, restaurants, cafés etc. Tram stop: Olivedalsgatan (tram 1,2,6 and 13). The backpackers section is clean and modern. All beds in dorms have lockers under the bed, and some beds have curtains around them for privacy. Arrive early if you want one of these since beds aren't assigned - when you check in you just go and grab any free bed in the dorm. Sheets and towel are an extra 65 kr. Breakfast is quite nice – fairly standard buffet style with bread, cheese, meats, cereal, muesli, coffee, juice etc. But it is a bit expensive at 70 kr. 3 Kvibergs Vandrarhem - Hostel, Lilla regementsvägen 35, ☏ +46 31 43-50-55, [email protected]. A family run hostel since 1995 that offers free WiFi and parking. A breakfast buffet is served every morning. Room in different sizes and cottages with 5 beds. Access to a kitchen 24h and TV in all rooms and cottages. Surrounding the hostel is a large garden with grass for the kids to run around. (updated Aug 2023)

Mid-range 4 Hôtel Eggers, Drottningtorget, ☏ +46 31 333-44-40, fax: +46 31-333 44 49, [email protected]. Established in 1859 as a railway hotel next to the station — the line to Stockholm would be completed three years later. The hotel has a beautiful 19th century interior, and the rooms are different from each other. The rooms have modern amenities like ensuite bathrooms, televisions and hairdryers, though some of the executive rooms also feature some surprises like gramophones or old-fashioned clawfoot tubs. Free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, and conference rooms. 5 Hotel Gothia Towers, Mässans gata 24. Scandinavia’s largest hotel, with good quality rooms and four popular bars and restaurants. Gourmet restaurant Heaven 23 is on the 23rd floor with an unbeatable view of Gothenburg. Try

Go next

Near Gothenburg is the beautiful Gothenburg archipelago. Here you can enjoy nature, have great views over the islands, swim in the ocean, buy ice cream and maybe eat at the restaurants on Brännö, Styrsö or Vrångö. The ferry terminal in Saltholmen which connects to the islands is easily reachable by tram from Gothenburg city center. There's a resident population on most islands, so ferries run all year. Älvsborgs fortress (Älvsborgs fästning) from the 17th century was built on an island to protect the city from being attacked from the sea. Tourist boats Stromma make the trip regularly during summer. Vinga - the last outpost before the sea and the place where Evert Taube (a famous Swedish poet) grew up. Gunnebo House and Gardens, in the neighbouring municipality of Mölndal, is a large 18th-century wooden mansion built in the neo-classical style with Rococo interiors set in a Baroque park. There is a restaurant, a gift shop, guided tours and annual markets in the autumn and at Christmas. Tjolöholm Castle, in Kungsbacka municipality south of Gothenburg, is an anachronistic Tudor castle built in the years around 1900 for the Scottish-Swedish merchant and factory-owning family Dickson, one of Gothenburg's many generous donors (they founded Gothenburg's first public library and built decent homes for the families of their factory staff). Suburban Gothenburg: Alingsås, Lerum, Härryda, Mölndal and Partille Bohuslän region with its scenic coastline landscapes is easily reachable by Västtrafik buses and trains, the company also operating the public transport in Gothenburg. Denmark: Frederikshavn on the northern tip of Denmark has daily ferry connections operated by Stenaline. Depending on the ferry, the ride takes between 2 and 3 hours. The ferry itself can also be attraction in its own right, as you get good views of the Gothenburg Archipelago, and you will see a lot of Scandinavians going crazy because of the duty-free alcohol sale on the boat. Copenhagen can also be easily reached by bus.