Top Attractions - Sweden

Attractions - Stockholm

Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg is Sweden’s most important industrial and commercial city and is Scandinavia’s most important port. This does not take away from the fact that Gothenburg is simply a stunningly beautiful city and has a fascinating architectural heritage.

Situated on the Göta älv river, Gothenburg was founded by King Gustav II Adolf in the early 17th century. Gustav invited Dutch merchants to trade and live in Gothenburg and their influence on the city can still be felt. Most of the main sights in Gothenburg are in easy walking distance of the centre of the town. Walk down the majestic Kungsportsavenyn – Sweden’s version of the Champs Elysées - and stop off to have a snack at one of the many restaurants and cafes that line either side of the street. Stop about halfway down the avenue and visit the excellent Röhsska Museum of Arts and Crafts, which celebrates Swedish design through the ages. Continue on to Trädgårdsföreningens Park. This park is the location of a miniature version of Crystal Palace, the Palmshuset, as well as Europe’s largest rosarium with 2,600 varieties of rose and the Fjärilshuset (Butterfly House) where all kinds of tropical butterflies are free to fly around. Climb up Ramberget in Keillers Park to get one of the best views of the city – or take a bus if you want a more leisurely ascent.

The place to eat, drink and be seen...

There is no shortage of museums in Gothenburg. The Stadtsmuseum is located in the former site of the headquarters of the Swedish East India Company and includes an extensive collection of porcelain and the famous Äskekärr Viking ship. Visit the nearby Maritima Centrum and clamber aboard the destroyer and submarine moored at the quayside. Götaplatsen is the modern cultural centre of Gothenburg, home to a concert hall, theatre and the Konstmuseet (Art Museum), whose enormous collections include a good selection of Impressionist paintings, Pop Art and – most impressively – superb Swedish work. The extensive Nordic and European collection include works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Picasso.

Walk to the west and visit the old working-class district of Haga, now one of the trendiest areas of the city. Continue toward Linnegatan, rapidly replacing Kungsportsavenyn as the place to eat, drink and be seen. Enjoy a meal at one Gothenburg’s many restaurants and then take in a concert at Göteborgs Konserthus or go to the ballet at GöteborgsOperan. Otherwise visit one of Gothenburg’s pubs and nightclubs, many of which feature live music.

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