10 Best Things to Do in Gothenburg

If the conditions are right for the northern lights in Trondheim, then Kristiansten Fortress is the place to go. Surrounded by history and solid walls, sit back and enjoy the amazing light display on the dark and star-filled sky.

Getting to the fortress is easy, and there is plenty of space in the large green area if you are a group or you have a comfy chair with you. Perhaps King Christian, who initiated the construction of the old structure, admired the northern lights from here himself.

Oscar Fredrik Church may not be the oldest in Gothenburg, but it's an impressive edifice offering excellent photo opportunities both outside and in. The church is located in the district of Masthugget which is home to a great many interesting shops and cozy cafés. The gorgeous red and turquoise green tower can be seen from far and wide across the city. The highest point measures a whole 60 meters into the sky.

Equally impressive is the bright, arched interior which offers ample opportunity to snap interesting geometric compositions or to find alluring backdrops that play with space. You'll also find some gorgeous paintings and stained-glass windows to point your lens at.

Gothenburg Botanical Gardens has over 16,000 plant species that are cultivated in greenhouses and landscaped gardens. Highlights include a rock garden, a kitchen garden that grows hundreds of vegetables, and an herb garden with an 18th-century summerhouse. Gothenburg Botanical Gardens is free to enter all year round, but an admission fee of 20 kr is required if you want to check out the greenhouses.

A 5-minute stroll from Gothenburg city center brings you to the cobbled streets of the formerly working class district of Haga, the city’s oldest quarter. The main street Haga Nygata is lined with alternate cafés and art galleries that may draw you for hours. Shopping options here range from antique stores and vintage boutiques to independent chocolatiers and toyshops. Haga is also home to one of Gothenburg’s oldest spas, the neo-Romantic-style Hagabadet Spa, which dates to the 1870s.

Feskekôrka, located in central Gothenburg, is a historical seafood market dating back to the 19th century. Designed by Swedish architect Victor von Gegerfelt, this Gothenburg landmark is known as the Fish Church as it resembles a Gothic-style church. Inside, you can find dozens of stalls selling a variety of fish and ready-to-eat meals in the main hall, together with 2 seafood restaurants. On sunny days, grab a seat at the outdoor terrace to enjoy your meal with views of the Rosenlund Canal.

Stora Saluhallen is home to a variety of fresh produce stalls, delicatessens, bakeries, bars, and restaurants. Built in 1888, this indoor market is usually packed with locals shopping for groceries in the morning. A semi-circled glass roof plenty of natural light into the main hall, where you get to shop from over 40 vendors, many of which have been operating since the late 19th century. Must-tries include gourmet cheeses at Hugo Ericson Ost, handmade chocolate at Flickorna Kanold, and Kåges Hörna’s pannbiff med lök (pancake with potatos, onion sauce, and lingonberries).

Slottsskogen (Castle Forest) is a family-friendly park directly across the street from Gothenburg Botanical Gardens. This 1.37-sq-km green expanse attracts animal lovers with its children’s zoo, which is home to Gotland ponies, elk, sheep, seals, and penguins. Slottsskogen has a natural forest that’s popular for enjoying nature trails and foraging for wild berries. The northern end of the park has an observatory that organizes stargazing events for visitors in the summer months.

The old docks on the north side of Gothia River form a backdrop to the Maritiman Museum, one of the world’s largest ship museums. Marine enthusiasts, adults and children alike, get to explore the museum’s extensive collection of ships and boats. You’re free to climb into the Nordparken submarine and board the Småland warship. Admission to Maritiman Museum costs around 125 kr per adult and 70 kr for children aged 5 to 15 years old, but rates are higher during summertime (June–August).

Liseberg, one of the largest amusement parks in Sweden, features more than 40 thrill rides and family attractions dating back to 1923. Enjoy an adrenaline rush with a ride on the Balder wooden rollercoaster, which has a maximum speed of 90 km/h. Young children get to enjoy colorful slides and swings at Barnens Paradis playground, boat rides at Kaninresan (Rabbit River), and a double-decker carousel at Children's Paradise. Liseberg Amusement Park is open throughout the summer months, with very limited opening hours in winter.

Avenyn is Gothenburg’s trendy nightlife quarter, with dozens of bars, theatres, and nightclubs that have been around since the 1900s. The main boulevard is located between 2 public squares, namely Kungsportsplatsen and Götaplatsen. Enjoy a night of dancing at some of the city’s oldest nightclubs, such as Trädgår’n, Valand, and Port Du Soleil. If you’re a fan of theatre and classical music, the southern end of Avenyn is home to several venues, including the Lorensbergsteatern performing arts theatre and Gothenburg City Theatre.