Gothenburg Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Gothenburg

Sweden's second city has always been the natural gateway to the West. A city characterised by international style, local creativity and a natural, relaxed charm.The pulse of a big city, cultural
experiences, beautiful countryside and shopping, all within comfortable walking distance. Göteborg's parks are famous, as are the events held at the large arenas.

The city is often likened to San Francisco because, like the American city, this west-coast location has plenty of bridges, hills, water, trams and seafood restaurants. Göteborg has a long and successful tradition of trade and industry, and some of Scandinavia's best known corporations such as Volvo, SKF, ESAB, Hasselblad - have their origins and head offices here. A significant proportion of Sweden's exports and imports pass through Göteborg's port, the largest in the Nordic region.

Göteborg is the administrative capital of Västra Götaland county. Trade, shipping and international contacts have characterised Göteborg ever since the city was founded in 1621. The city, established by Gustav II Adolf, was built by Dutchmen and in the 17th century the official languages were Dutch, German, Swedish and English. In 1731 Sweden's gateway to China opened when the Swedish East India Company began trading with the east.

Porcelain, tea, spices, textiles and other luxury goods of the time were shipped to Göteborg.The British lifestyle and customs became the height of fashion and Göteborg was given the nickname 'Little London'. In the 19th century Göteborg became industrialised, largely due to the arrival of Scottish and English businessmen. January to March can bring snow storms, cold spells and bright sunshine, slush and rain with milder temperatures, which tend to come in March.

Luxury or budget accommodation? The range is wide, and the choice is yours. The majority of Göteborg's hotels are centrally located within easy walking distance of all events, entertainment, culture, restaurants and shops. Or perhaps you prefer something closer to the harbour or archipelago? Göteborg has something for everyone.

If you like harbours, Gothenburg is the place to be. It has the only harbour in Sweden that usually doesn't freeze over winter, and even though it's not the thriving industry it used to be, the harbour still plays an important part in city life and atmosphere. This is reflected in the excellent Gothenburg maritime museum, where you can look around on about 15 ships and boats.

But it's not all fish and ships in Gothenburg. There's also plenty of shopping, culture and night life going on. It has some nice 17th century architecture.

Gothenburg got its city rights in 1621 and was built by Dutch immigrants. This explains the gabled houses and the Amsterdam-style canal around the old centre. Walk around in the Haga part of town and see the many small but charming shops and Gothenburg,Pubs & Bars.

Take in some culture in one of the many museums. Art, history, natural science, armies, you name it, Gothenburg has a museum about it. And of course no visit to Sweden would be complete without a trip to the Volvo museum.

When you've seen enough culture for the day, you can visit the Liseberg amusement park, the largest of its kind in Scandinavia. Situated right in the centre of town, it has entertained millions of people since 1923. You can ride the roller coasters or see popular artist perform.

Though not as beautiful and entertaining as Stockholm, Gothenburg has more than enough to offer to keep you occupied for a while.

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Population: 9.001.800
Languages: Swedish, small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minoriti
Currency: Swedish krona
Currency code: SEK
Local Times:
Sweden - Stockholm

Country Dialling Code: +46
Voltage: 230V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

'Schuko' type with two earth connectors on the sides

Sweden is the largest of the Nordic countries in Northern Europe, with a population of about 9.3 million. It borders Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark via the bridge of Öresund (Öresundsbron). The Baltic Sea lies to the E of Sweden, as well as the Gulf of Bothnia, which separates Sweden from most of Finland. Sweden, which occupies the eastern part of the Scandinavian peninsula, is the fourth-largest country in Europe.

Sweden's forests are beautiful, its lakes giant. Stockholm, the country's capital, is a progressive city with pockets that maintain a village feel. Most visitors to the capital take an excursion to explore the offshore islands. Stockholm's archipelago of 14 islands offer some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Europe, and can be enjoyed from the city on a single day cruise trip.

Gothenburg and Malmö also beckon with urban delights. Away from the cities, Sweden takes in vast areas of scenic coastline and idyllic islands. The wilderness areas of Norrland have the legendary midnight sun in summer, Arctic Scandinavia's highest mountain and marvellous hiking trails.

Eating and drinking is nothing like as expensive as it used to be in Sweden, though filling up at breakfast and lunch is still much better value than eating out at restaurants in the evening. At its best, Swedish food is excellent, largely meat-, fish- and potato-based, but varied and generally tasty and filling. Specialities include the northern Swedish delicacies - reindeer and elk meat, and wild berries - and herring in many different guises.

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