Gothenburg, Sweden's second largest city, is stylish and relaxed. Its manageable size makes it easy to explore the city on foot or by bike. #Gothenburg is known for its Dutch-style canals and green avenues, such as Kungsportsavenyn, the largest shopping street in Gothenburg with many cafés and shops. The cobbled city centre (a hardcore hippie meeting place in the 60s and 70s) enchants with traditional redwood buildings and impressive contemporary architecture. 

Gothenburg has a remarkably young population that cultivates the Swedish tradition. It is a place that immediately feels at home, but is full of surprises around every corner. Old, light blue trams carry locals through the parks dotted with lakes and squares smelling of fika (the hopelessly Swedish ritual of coffee and sweet treats).

Sights and activities

Gothenburg Archipelago

On warm days, locals head to Gothenburg's famous archipelago, a collection of twenty islands scattered along the coast, full of fishing villages, wild lands and clean beaches. 

Take a day to explore Gothenburg's scattered southern islands. They are easily accessible from the Saltholmen boat terminal. Hönö is one of the most popular islands. Here you will find the fishing museum, and there are excellent fish restaurants around Hönö Klåva harbour. 

Visit the Slottskogen Gardens and the zoo

On sunny days (and nights) you can take full advantage of the endless parks and green spaces of Gothenburg. #Slottskogen is a beautiful park with a botanical garden (one of the largest in Europe) and a zoo where you can find everything from penguins and horses to a beautiful waterfall.

The botanical garden is right next to the zoo. The entrance is free, but you have to pay a small fee to enter the greenhouses. In this extensive botanical garden you will find about 16,000 specimens of tropical orchids, carnivorous plants and flowers, spread over bright greenhouses, rock gardens and herb beds.

At the top of a hill inside the botanical garden is the Håberget viewpoint, from where you have a great view of Gothenburg.

Ascent to Skansen Kronan

Skansen Kronan, the fortress from the 1690s in Haga, was used for defence against possible attacks, as a prison, emergency shelter and museum.

When it was built, Skansen Kronan was outside Gothenburg, but the city has grown around it ever since. The walls are 4 metres thick, and the fort was once equipped with 23 cannons. However, it is in perfect condition, as it has never been attacked. 

The best part of Skansen Kronan is actually the view. It is only a short climb to reach the top, from where you have a fantastic view over Gothenburg. 

Liseberg

Liseberg is Scandinavia's largest amusement park with rides, performances and a sculpture garden. The #Liseberg was first opened in 1923 and is open in three seasons: summer, Halloween and Christmas. There are numerous rides for all age groups. There are also concerts and performances.

The Palm House in Trädgårdsföreningen

The Palm House is an impressive greenhouse, modelled on the Gothenburg Garden Society and the Crystal Palace in London. It has wide windows and a facade of glass and cast iron. 

Visit the fish market of Feskekôrka

One of the most popular sights of Gothenburg, #Feskekôrka literally means fish church. The Fish Church is a fish market hall, which was completed in 1874 according to a design by the city architect Viktor von Gegerfeldt. And yes, it actually looks like a church.

In addition to the stalls selling fresh seafood, inside you'll find two restaurants and shops selling ready-made meals and takeaway menus.