Gothenburg Travel Guide
The second-largest city in Sweden and Scandinavia's most important port, Gothenburg (or ) is situated on the west coast of the country. Situated at the outlet of the Gota Canal that links Gothenburg to the Baltic Sea and Stockholm, Gothenburg was founded in 1621 by King Gustav II Adolf to secure access to the Atlantic, but the city was mainly settled and planned by Dutch merchants who used it as their base for trade. The numerous canals and gabled houses are evidence of this early influence. Shipping and commerce have always been important industries in Gothenburg and the port is a popular arrival point for visitors.
Today, Gothenburg is a beautiful city, with its waterside location, green open spaces, and fine architecture, as well as the wide selection of cultural establishments. The main street, Kungsportavenyn, known simply as Avenyn, is alive with edgy bars, cafes, and trendy shops. Far more down-to-earth and youth-driven than Stockholm, Gothenburg's buzz is augmented by the large student population from the University of Gothenburg. While certainly not as magnificent as Stockholm, Gothenburg is often regarded as friendlier and cheaper, and certainly has enough going on to keep even the most energetic travellers occupied.
Things to do in Gothenburg
Gothenburg is much smaller than Stockholm and it is possible to see most of its prime attractions in only a couple of days. Gothenburg's attractions are fascinating, giving tourists a good sense of the long history of Sweden in museums such as the Gothenburg City Museum, Museum of World Culture, Maritime Museum, and the Natural History Museum.
There are also many historical buildings in Gothenburg, including several forts and cathedrals, and the Crown House, former home of the Swedish Parliament. There is even a life-sized reconstruction of the Swedish Ship, Gotheborg, which is open for visits in the harbour.
Outside the city, several popular attractions around Gothenburg include the Liseberg Amusement Park and the Wheel of Gothenburg. Paddan tourist boats run in the city canals, while Börjessons offer boat tours of the archipelago.
Tourists in Gothenburg can purchase a Go City pass (formerly the Gothenburg Pass), which grants them unlimited access to public transport, and free admission to Liseberg, the Botanical Gardens, and more than a dozen museums in Gothenburg.
Goteborg Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden in Gothenburg is one of the largest in Europe and is generally considered the most beautiful in Sweden, boasting about 13,000 different species of plant. The area covers 175 hectares (432 acres), most of which is a nature reserve including an arboretum. Inaugurated in 1923, on the city's 300th anniversary, the garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Gothenburg and indeed in Sweden. The pride of the garden is the Rock Garden, but other worthwhile areas to visit include the Japanese Glade and the Rhododendron Valley. The greenhouses display an impressive collection of about 1,500 orchids, among many other remarkable and rare plants, including extensive collections of Australian and South African flora. They host a series of exhibitions throughout the year, so travellers should check the official website listed below to see what's showing during their visit. Well-maintained and extensive walking trails make the gardens a pleasure for hikers, and there are many beautiful nooks for picnics and relaxation. There is also a lovely cafe for refreshments. Travellers should note that although the botanical garden is open all year, in the cold months there is not much to see outside of the greenhouses.
Liseberg Amusement Park
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Sweden, Liseberg Amusement Park has been welcoming millions of visitors a year for almost 80 years. Besides popular rides such as the wooden roller coaster Balder and tamer rides for the children, there are more than 30 different attractions, restaurants and entertainment venues where concerts and shows attract huge crowds. Apart from all the fun rides, Liseberg Amusement Park offers many diversions in the form of games, shops, and scenic or themed areas. Adults may enjoy strolling through the attractive garden area, with its waterfalls and sculptures. There is a good range of restaurants and eateries in the park, with some fine dining options and plentiful fast food. Besides the ever-popular summer season, Liseberg is also open over the festive season for the biggest Christmas market in Scandinavia, as well as food specialities of the season, an ice bar, and holiday entertainment. This is a must for travellers in Gothenburg over Christmas, when many locals feel that Liseberg is at its most special. As opening times, dates, and prices all fluctuate according to season, visitors are advised to check the official website in advance to plan their trip.
Alvsborg Fortress
The well-preserved, 17th-century Alvsborg Fortress is located on a small island at the entrance of the harbour, at the mouth of the Gota River near Gothenburg. With a fascinating history of battles against the Danes, the fortress was once the mightiest citadel in Sweden for coastal defence and is said to be the best preserved of its kind in the country. A boat trip to the fortress is one of the most popular activities for tourists in Gothenburg. Boat tours of the archipelago offer passage to the fort, along with views of the pretty waterways. There is also a good view of the harbour from the island and some walking trails around the fortress to explore independently. A dramatised tour in English or Swedish explaining the history of the castle is included in the admission fee. It tells the history of the region from the 1600s to the present, introducing visitors to the colourful characters of the past. There is a cafe and a small craft shop on the island for refreshments and souvenirs. It's also possible for visitors to bring their own picnic basket. The boat trip to the island takes about 30 minutes each way, and travellers should note that the boats only run seasonally.
Gota Canal
One of the most famous attractions in Sweden, the Gota Canal was an important transport route for passengers and goods between Gothenburg and Stockholm throughout the 19th century. One of the biggest civil engineering projects to ever take place in the country, the canal stretches 118 miles (190km) from Sjotorp on Lake Vanern to the Baltic Sea at Mem and has 58 locks. Gothenburg is linked to the canal at Lake Vanern by the Gota River. The picturesque, tree-lined channels are popular for cruises, which pass through the beautiful lakes of Vattern and Vanern, usually lasting about five to six days. Many boat trips are available on the canal, but they are almost always seasonal and often only operate in the summer months. A good option for travellers visiting in spring or autumn is a cycling trip along the banks of the canal. Canal trips are wildly popular with visitors and locals, providing a glorious way to traverse the pretty countryside. The official website listed below gives details on the different cruises, activities, and accommodation options along the Gota Canal.
Gothenburg Archipelago
Boat trips to the southern and northern archipelago of Gothenburg are popular with both visitors and residents. The southern archipelago includes eight car-free, sparsely inhabited islands that boast sandy beaches, good swimming, beautiful nature, walking paths, and a charm of their own. The southern islands frequently feature in Viking mythology, adding to their wild mystique. The island of Branno is thought to be the location for the famous Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf. Vargo is a nature reserve and a great spot for bird watchers. Kopstadso is a small island with picturesque, narrow walking trails. Styrso is more developed and boasts some accommodation for holidaymakers, having been a kind of bathers' resort since the 1830s. The northern archipelago is more heavily populated and offers numerous hotels, restaurants, and sea-based activities. Although the islands can be explored independently by those who hire boats, and some travellers choose to spend some time staying in the archipelago, most tourists simply join the general boat tours of the archipelago, which take roughly four hours and show passengers the beauty of the River Gota, River Nordre, Bjorko Fjord and Goteborg's harbour as well as some of the islands.
Getting Around
Getting around in Gothenburg is fairly simple thanks to the city's organised layout. The city centre is pedestrian-friendly, and walking is considered the best way to take in all the sights. Bicycles are also available for hire, and a network of bike paths make it a pleasant and convenient mode of transport.
Public transportation is made up of a network of buses, trams, and ferries. Tickets are sold at 7-Eleven shops, transport service centres, and Pressbyran shops and online. Single tickets are also available on trams; however, more economical options for busy travellers would be the one, three, or 30-day tickets, or the Gothenburg City Card.
Bicycle and tram traffic can make driving in Gothenburg a bit confusing, and renting a car is generally only necessary for trips outside the city centre. Taxis are available by phone, but they are not regulated and can be quite expensive. Uber and Lyft are options as well.
Gothenburg Climate and Weather
Gothenburg is located on the west coast of southern Sweden and has an oceanic climate, enjoying milder weather than one might expect due to the moderating influence of the warm Gulf Stream. In summer, between June and August, the city gets as much as 17 hours of daylight. But in the winter months, between December and February, Gothenburg only gets about seven hours of daylight.
Summers are warm, with average high temperatures of 72F (22C) and lows of 55F (13C), but temperatures of up to 86F (30C) can occur. Winters are cold and windy with average temperatures around freezing, but seldom dropping below 14F (-10C).
Snow falls mainly between December and March, but it is not unusual in November and April, and can even fall in October and May. Gothenburg is a rainy city, with moderate rainfall possible at any time of year. Every month the city experiences between 10 and 18 rainy days.
The best time to visit Gothenburg is between May and September, with the peak tourist season being the short summer, between June and August. Even at this time, rain and cold weather is possible and travellers should pack layers to prepare for both sunny warm weather and cold wet weather.
Sweden travel info
Electricity
Electric current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Standard European two-pin plugs are used.
Language
Swedish is the main language, and the Sami population in the north speaks Lapp. Most Swedes speak and understand English; many are proficient in other European languages such as German, French, and Spanish.
Money
The Swedish monetary unit is the krona or crown (SEK), which is divided into 100 ore. Banks exchange money during business hours from Monday to Friday; visitors can also change money at airports, ferry terminals, post offices, and Forex exchange offices, which are open daily. There are numerous ATMs throughout the country, most of which accept MasterCard and Visa. Most major credit cards are accepted throughout Sweden, and mobile payment apps are very popular.
Tipping
A service charge is included in restaurant bills and waitrons may see a tip as demeaning. It's best to check how a tip will be received before leaving one. Passengers generally round up the fare when using a taxi. Tips are welcome for exceptionally good service in hotels, but are not expected.
Health
No health risks are associated with travel to Sweden and medical care in the country is excellent. Reciprocal health agreements exist with other European Union countries, though the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens after Brexit. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. All non-EU travellers should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance. Everyone 16 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before travel.
Safety
Sweden is an extremely safe country to visit. There is some petty crime in the cities where tourists congregate, but crime is generally at much lower levels than elsewhere in Europe. Most visits to Sweden are trouble free.
Local customs
Sweden is very liberal and secular, and equality is an important part of the culture. Boastfulness and open conflict are usually avoided, as is discussing work as an entry into a conversation.
Chivalry is often considered an outdated concept in Sweden, which is one of the most gender equal countries in the world. Gestures such as opening doors for women are not considered necessary.
Smoking is not allowed in indoor establishments such as restaurants and bars; swedes have a reputation for being meticulously tidy, so it is polite to remove shoes when entering a Swedish home.
Doing business
Sweden is no stranger to corporate culture and is home to many global companies such as Skype and Spotify, not to mention popular automotive company, Volvo. Scandinavians, and Swedes in particular, value the inherent equality and dignity of all people; this is reflected in business, where consensus and compromise is valued in the decision-making process.
Decisions often take a long time to be made, as all opinions are considered. It best to avoid overt displays of wealth or status; business practice and personal conduct should always be rational, calm, and disciplined. Swedes often come across as overly reserved, but business meetings are efficient.
The business world in Sweden draws a strict line between work and social gatherings, so foreigners shouldn't expect many post-work social events or dinner invitations. The best way to circumvent the reserved nature of most Swedes in the business environment is at the twice-daily fika, or coffee break, when the general rules regarding business behaviour are relaxed a little.
Punctuality is vital and it is a point of pride for many Scandinavians, illustrating mutual respect. It is important to schedule an appointment in advance and have it confirmed shortly before any engagement. Handshakes for men and women are common after introduction and first names are often used instead of surnames.
Dress codes are conservative and smart, but suits are not always necessary. Business people in Sweden should endeavour to show honesty, transparency, professionalism, and mutual respect in all business dealings. Sweden is one of the least corrupt countries in the world, making it a pleasure to do business here.
Business hours run from 8am to 5pm from Monday to Friday. The language of business is Swedish, but English is generally spoken throughout the country and many multinationals will use it as the language of business when necessary.
Duty free
Travellers to Sweden over 18 years from non-EU countries and residents who arrive on a commercial flight, from a trip exceeding 20 hours do not have to pay duty on the following items: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cheroots, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco, or a proportional mix of these. One litre of spirits with alcohol content higher than 22 percent, or two litres of fortified or sparkling wine, and two litres of non-sparkling wine and beer are allowed duty free; other goods to the value of SEK 1,700 are also allowed. Prohibited items include drugs, other than those for medical or scientific purposes; and potatoes that are grown outside the EU.
Communications
The country code for Sweden is +46. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; public WiFi is widespread.
Passport & Visa
All visitors are required to have visible means of support as well as tickets and documentation for return or onward travel. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. All of these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
To enter Sweden, US citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
United Kingdom citizens require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay, with the exception of passports marked 'British Citizen', 'British Subject' (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and 'British Overseas Territories Citizen' issued by Gibraltar, which will be accepted if valid on arrival.
No visa is required for passports endorsed 'British Citizen', 'British Overseas Territories Citizen' issued by Gibraltar, Identity Cards issued by Gibraltar, and 'British Subject' (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom). All other British nationals are entitled to a maximum stay of 90 days without a visa, within a 180 day period.
Canadians require a passport valid for the period of three months beyond the intended stay to enter Sweden. No visa is required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
For entry to Sweden, Australian citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
South Africans require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay as well as a visa for entry to Sweden.
Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary.
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is necessary for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Useful contacts
Swedish Tourist Office: www.visitsweden.com
112 (General).Embassies / consulates in other countries
Swedish Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 467 2600.
Swedish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7917 6400.
Swedish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 244 8200.
Swedish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6270 2700.
Swedish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 426 6400.
Swedish Consulate General, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 265 0888.
Consulate-General of Sweden, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 499 9895.
Embassies / consulates in Sweden
United States Embassy, Stockholm: +46 8 783 5300.
British Embassy, Stockholm: +46 8 671 3000.
Canadian Embassy, Stockholm: +46 8 453 3000.
Australian Embassy, Stockholm: +46 8 613 2900.
South African Embassy, Stockholm: +46 8 824 3950.
Irish Embassy, Stockholm: +46 8 5450 4040.
New Zealand Embassy, Brussels (also responsible for Sweden): +32 2 512 1040.