Göteborg
Just 30 mins north of Åsa lies the city of Gothenburg, with everything you’d expect to find there: Liseberg, Nordstan, Universeum, Ullevi, Scandinavium, shows, theatres, soft play centres …. yep, almost everything you can think of. But those big attractions you’ll find by yourself anyway. What we want to do here is give you some other Gothenburg tips that aren’t always so obvious. Our own favourite places if you like…
The archipelago
Many visitors to Gothenburg overlook its fantastic archipelago. Ferries to the southern archipelago leave from Saltholmen every day, and make stops at most of the islands from early morning to late evening. And who hasn’t dreamt of a sunset picnic on an idyllic island? Each one has its own special character.
A visit to the archipelago will probably take you the best part of a day. But what a day it’ll be!
Foto: Peter Kvarnström
/Göteborg & Co
Lunch
f you’re staying in the city we recommend lunch in the Stora Saluhallen food hall or at one of the food trucks in Artillerigården. Take the opportunity to buy some goodies to bring back with you! As in all cities you often get better food cheaper if you head away from the main tourist areas. If you want a nice dinner out in the evening there’s an abundance of good restaurants – many more than we have room for here. We’re happy to help with suggestions and booking in reception.
Foto: Peter Kvarnström
/Göteborg & Co
Gardens
The Botanical Garden is another gem not to be missed. Everything anyone interested in gardens and botany would want to see is here. And if you’re not already a garden fanatic you might well become one. The rhododendron valley in May is magical!
Right opposite the Botanical is Slottskogen, the communal green space for all Gothenburgers, with lots of room for picnics, spontaneous football, yoga classes and play. A zoo, Natural History Museum and the Plikta playground can be found in Slottskogen too.
Foto: Hendrik Zeitler
Balm for the soul?
Rest a while with your feet dangling from the jetty while you enjoy watching the boats and harbour activity from the Klippan heritage area. Clamber up to the ruins of the Älvsborg fortress. Have a beer at Porter Pelle. Right next to it: Röda Sten, the former industrial area that is now a venue for new, exciting modern art.
And the Museum of Art! Gothenburg’s Museum of Art has original work by many old masters but even so can sometimes feel a bit forgotten, hidden in plain sight at the top of Avenyn. On its walls hang works by Rembrandt and Rubens, Chagall, Picasso and many in between. Its collection of late 19th century Nordic art is considered to be Sweden’s finest. And if you are interested in photography and photographic art the Hasselblad Centre just happens to be in the same building.
Foto: Marie Ullnert
/Göteborg & Co
Långgatorna
Take the tram to Järntorget and stroll around the parallel Långgatorna streets, a bit of a more relaxed alternative. Here you can be yourself, just as you want to be. Nobody goes around posing unnecessarily. Little quirky shops, second-hand stores, food markets, bars and loads of restaurants and cafes. Pustervik if it’s clubbing and gigs you’re after. There are four Långgatorna, numbered from north to south. We think you can maybe give the first a miss, and head for numbers two to four.
Foto: Superstudio D&D
/Göteborg & Co
Shopping
Few miss out Nordstan when it’s shopping you’re after in Gothenburg. Most major brands can be found there. When you’ve done Nordstan cross the river to Brunnsparken and NK on Fredsgatan. We often mooch around the smaller shops on the back streets crossing the area between the cathedral (Domkyrkan) and Grönsakstorget: Vallgatan, Södra Larmgatan and Magasinsgatan.