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Guide to Gothenburg, Sweden
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Gothenburg
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Gothenburg Gothenburg, said to be the second most popular destination in Sweden, has as somewhat different approach to city life than the nation's capital, Stockholm. Stockholm is where you'll see massive movements of culture and the arts, whereas here in Gothenburg you're more likely to run across centuries-old buildings. It doesn't skimp out on museums, however. Both the Maritime Museum and the Volvo Museum are big draws, and independently run art houses attract sizeable audiences when special exhibits are showcased (rotations happen throughout the year). Gothenburg may not be as picturesque as one might wish it to be, but as those who live here or have visited state: it's what's inside that counts. Like many Swedish cities, Gothenburg has more than enough bars to placate everyone's craving for draughts and ales, and if you've had a long night and are in need of a pick-me-up, the city has a good number of corner cafes as well. Restaurants run the whole gamut, from the fast-food staples of any international destination to those with five-star quality kitchens. If you're looking to Sweden for your next trip, take the less-trodden-upon road and come to Gothenburg.
When to go:
Gothenburg is in the south of Sweden, allowing it some of the warmest weather to pass over the country. Touching the North Sea, its coastal areas are not as calm as those of the eastern coast, but the channel in which it resides offer some pacification. Nevertheless, winters are much less ferocious than those experienced by locations in the north of the country. Snowfall does come, however, and if you wish to keep your heavy layers at home, book your flight for the months in and around summer. Of course, the city is busier at this time of year, but you'll also gain access to a multitude of activities in the harbor and do so without freezing your fingers. Rainfall is persistent throughout the year, so the best one can do to avoid an encounter with a storm is to check the weather authorities before heading out on your vacation.
Getting there and around:
Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport is so close to the city you'll feel like the runways are avenues! At 2.5km, it'll take you approximately 15-20 minutes to get to most hotels within the downtown area; travel time will vary depending on what time of day your flight arrives or departs. Buses are almost as frequently available as taxis, so you might want to save your money and wait 15 minutes (at most). For all its sights, one would think Gothenburg was a grand metropolis, but in fact it's so compact that it is completely ordinary to walk one's way around town. In the evening, it's a different story, when safety precautions should surely be taken, but if you're at the harbor and feel like visiting a museum or two before lunch, save the bus or cab money and go by foot. Bus tickets are available as single rides or unlimited daily passes.
Attractions:
Among all the monuments and historic sites, one wouldn't expect an amusement park to exist in Gothenburg, but one does indeed. Liseberg, as it's known, has all the rides that children (and adults) love, but if you don't feel like doing a few loops you can always wander over to one of the city's park. The smell of fish doesn't appeal to a great number of people, but if fresh is what you desire, you'd better wake at the break of dawn and head on over to the harbor for some breakfast. Fish auctions take place in the morning for all of the city's vendors but if you're in the crowd don't make any noticeable movements or you'll be carrying around a crate of tuna. History buffs will love some interaction with the Elfsborg Fortressz. This 1670 structure was an important point of defense for Sweden and can make for an interesting destination on a sunny day. There are a museum and a cafeteria on-site for those spending more than a few minutes here.
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