Gothenburg

Sweden’s west coast gem, Gothenburg (Göteborg), is a laid-back and creative city with a maritime soul, a thriving food culture, and easy access to nature. Often dubbed the culinary and festival capital of Sweden, Gothenburg is smaller and more relaxed than Stockholm — yet packed with charm, character, and surprises.

Whether you’re exploring its canals, riding vintage trams, hopping between islands, or indulging in a seafood feast, Gothenburg offers a perfect blend of city energy and coastal escape.

Gothenburg is very accessible. Gothenburg Landvetter Airport welcomes direct flights from many European cities including London, Amsterdam, and Berlin. From the airport, you can be in the city centre in around 20–30 minutes via airport bus or taxi.

Alternatively, you can reach Gothenburg by train from Stockholm (around 3.5 hours), Copenhagen (around 4 hours) or even Oslo (4 hours) — making it a great option for a scenic twin-centre itinerary.

The city centre is compact, walkable and threaded with canals that give it a distinct Dutch feel. Stroll along the leafy boulevard of Avenyn, visit the Gothenburg Museum of Art, or wander around the quaint neighbourhood of Haga, known for its cobbled streets, wooden houses, and giant cinnamon buns.

Gothenburg is also a city that knows how to have fun — hosting major events like the Way Out West music festival, Gothenburg Film Festival, and Göteborgsvarvet half marathon. Even outside of festival season, there’s always something happening.

One of Gothenburg’s best features is its proximity to nature. Just 30–60 minutes by tram and ferry brings you to the Gothenburg Archipelago — a car-free wonderland of rocky islands, hidden beaches, colourful cottages and charming villages like Styrsö, Vrångö, and Brännö.

You can hike, cycle, kayak, or just soak up the salty sea air. Inland, you’ll find Slottsskogen Park, Botanical Gardens, and the expansive Delsjön Nature Reserve for forest walks and lake swims.

Gothenburg’s food scene is famous across Scandinavia. With its access to the North Sea, it’s a seafood lover’s paradise — think fresh langoustines, oysters, and the city’s signature shrimp sandwich (“räkmacka”). The city is also home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, plus a growing number of plant-based and modern Nordic eateries.

Don’t miss Feskekôrka (the fish church) — an indoor market hall that celebrates the region’s maritime culinary heritage — or grab a local beer and some pickled herring on a sunny terrace in the Magasinsgatan district.

Gothenburg has a temperate oceanic climate. Winters are relatively mild but can be wet, with average temperatures around 0 to 2°C. Spring and autumn are cool and crisp — ideal for city strolls and coastal hikes. Summer (June to August) is the most popular time to visit, with long daylight hours, outdoor events, and highs often reaching 20–25°C.