Gothenburg tourist information
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. One of Europe's finest archipelagos lies no more than a tram ride away.
Göteborg is Sweden's second biggest city. Many think it's just the right size. Home to its own culture, its own language and its own special character.In Göteborg, entertainment, nature and places of interest are never far away. Despite its cosmopolitan stamp though, it still has a typical small-town charm.
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. Over the years many of them became rich and donated fortunes which founded a hospital, library and university.Modern-day Göteborg with its wide boulevards, parks and stone houses was built around the end of the 19th century.Götaplatsen and Liseberg were opened for the World Expo in 1923..
Companies like SKF, Volvo and the shipyards grew large in the 20th century. Today Göteborg is a city of industry and expertise, with two universities and many service companies. On Norra Älvstranden, where the shipyards used to be, a completely new city district is emerging with workplaces, university buildings and residential areas.
January to March can bring snow storms, cold spells and bright sunshine, slush and rain with milder temperatures, which tend to come in March. The days seem shorter as dusk comes in the late afternoon, but from the middle of winter onwards the days actually get lighter.
In early April the long-awaited green shoots of spring begin to appear, and a month later the birch trees and the city's many pavement cafés start to blossom. The sun and the long days are eagerly awaited, and like the vegetation the people of Göteborg seem to come to life again after the long winter.
Summer proper arrives some time in June, and Midsummer Eve in mid-June signals that summer is definitely here. During the summer months from June to August Göteborg's waters are a pleasant temperature for bathing, and the waters along the coast and in the city centre are a hive of activity.
In September summer passes to autumn, and the leaves change colour from green to gold and orange.During this month the temperatures are usually pleasant and the sun's rays somehow manage to push through. This is the time of year to set out in the forests and countryside to pick mushrooms. In October however, the autumn weather becomes more changeable, sometimes bringing lively storm winds and rain. From October and early November the real autumn weather with lower temperatures begins, and more and more often an umbrella is necessary.
December usually brings frost and cold days, the water freezes over and some winters bring plenty of snow. However, despite the darkness of December there's still light in the windows, as advent stars and candle bridges are dusted off and displayed to illuminate the city.And so a year passes, and a new one approaches with four new seasons.
The harbour is a vital artery for Göteborg and Sweden. These days though, there are also pleasant streets and attractive residential areas close to the water.
Göteborg harbour is easily the biggest in the Nordic region, and a large proportion of Sweden's international trade passes through here. Today it's rare to see large vessels further in than the Älvsborgsbron bridge. They load and unload their cargoes further out. Large passenger ferries from Stena Line and DFDS still dock at the inner harbour.
The old harbour and shipbuilding areas on both sides of the river are being transformed into residential areas, workplaces and streets where people can enjoy themselves and take in some culture.A whole new city district is being built on Hisingen island, containing IT companies, housing and university buildings. On the opposite side of the river, building work for the Göta Tunnel is currently in progress. It will open in 2006 and there will be a long stretch that is virtually car-free allowing people to stroll along the water.
By the Göta Älv bridge is Göteborg Opera House, and next door is Casino Cosmopol. This is where you will find Göteborg's most central guest harbour for small boats.The large gantry crane in Eriksberg is a striking landmark where there is also a guest harbour. This is also where the East Indiaman Götheborg is being built, a replica 18th century ship that will sail to China in autumn 2004. The area has also been used for events such as the Volvo Ocean Race and the Tall Ships' Race.
Being close to the sea makes Göteborg special. And nowhere is the sea so close as in the archipelago.
Whether blue and tranquil or turbulent and restless, the sea is always a source of fascination. As are the cliffs, houses and boats. A trip out into Göteborg's archipelago is a magnificent experience whatever the season. Take the ferry from Saltholmen for the southern archipelago. Travel free with the Göteborg Pass, otherwise it costs the same as a tram ride.
Vrångö, Brännö, Styrsö, Vargö and the other inhabited isles each have their own charm. All of the islands in the south are free of cars, and there are plenty of paths between the genuine fishing cottages and wonderful bathing rocks. The northern archipelago includes Hönö, Öckerö and Björkö which can be reached by car ferry from Torslanda.
The theatres draw packed houses. The music scene is flourishing. Göteborg boasts a rich diversity of culture and many places of interest.
The Poseidon statue presides imposingly over Götaplatsen square, the city's cultural hub. Some of Göteborg's 17 museums, 25 theatre stages and 38 cinema screens are located nearby. But the city is not only home to established venues such as the City Theatre and Folkteatern, and gems like the Göteborg Opera House, the Art Museum and Concert Hall with the Göteborg Symphony Orchestra. You will also discover many free theatres and an active free cultural scene. Most of the places of interest are within walking distance of Avenyn. They are easy to find if you go on a sightseeing tour, or take the tram and explore the city yourself with your Göteborg Pass and a map.
From fashionable boutiques and department stores, to picturesque markets selling crafts, souvenirs and antiquities. All guaranteed to make shopping in Göteborg a real experience to remember.
Close proximity to the sea ensures access to the best raw ingredients. This is why fresh fish and seafood are often on the menu at the city's many fine restaurants. Göteborg is a city of top-class cuisine. The Chef of the Year award has been won by a Göteborg chef seven times in the past decade. The city also boasts a stimulating array of restaurants with food from all over the world.
Göteborg has a special pulling power for attracting talented chefs. Perhaps it’s due to the choice of first-class ingredients,or maybe it’s because the people of Göteborg knowgood food when they taste it.
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.
Many of the hotels are also part of the Göteborg Package, which includes the Göteborg Pass and enables you to book theatre or show tickets at the same time.
Of course you can also stay at one of the city's youth hostels or campsites. There's every conceivable kind of accommodation in the Göteborg region.
Gothenburg aerial map
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