Welcome to Gothenburg
It is situated on the west coast of Sweden at the mouth of the river Göta Älv.
To this day the city owes much to the influence of people from abroad.
The street Avenyn has the highest density of restaurants in Sweden, and the terrace café's, nightclubs and bars are vibrant with life. This is the place to stroll at your leisure, to see and be seen, whether you are a local or a tourist.
One of the many reasons to visit Gothenburg is definitely the food.
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.
Tourist information
There are two tourist information offices in central Gothenburg - one in the Nordstan shopping center (next to the central train station) and one on Kungsportsplatsen
about ten minutes walk from Nordstan. Gothenburg's official tourist website: www.goteborg.com is another source of information.
They offer the Gothenburg City Pass.
Getting to Gothenburg
Landvetter Airport is Gothenburg's main airport, located 25 km east of the city.
There is a bus service from Landvetter terminating at the Nils Ericson terminal (cost SEK 70) which takes approximately 30 minutes. About 30 airlines fly to Landvetter.
SAS - Fly Nordic - Lufthansa - KLM - City Airline
Skyways - Sterling - Malmö Avation
Gothenburg City Airport was previously known as Säve Airport. This is definitely in the 'small' category of airport, and you should expect to wait a while for your bags.
It is closer to Gothenburg than the main Landvetter airport. A bus (cost SEK 50) meets each flight, and takes you to the bus and train terminal in 30 minutes.
Travel by train
Trains from all different parts of Sweden arrive and leave from Centralstationen.
From Gothenburg you can take train to Copenhagen via Malmö and to Oslo.
Information and booking of train tickets at SJ
Travel by car
The roads E6, E20 and E45 pass through Gothenburg.
If you come by car from Stockholm you should take E4 and national road 40. Be aware that parking in Gothenburg can be difficult and expensive, as free parking doesn't seem to exist. Parkingprices per hour vary between 7 different zones and can be as high as 30 SEK the hour.
Free parking is however included in the Gothenburg pass
Travel by bus
Several coach services operate in and out of Gothenburg.
Eurolines - Säfflebussen - Swebus Express
Nils Ericsson Terminalen, located in connection with the central station, is the most common bus stop.
Travel by boat
There are ferries to Gothenburg from Denmark and Germany, most with several departures a day.
Stena Line
Gothenburg - Fredrikshamn, Gothenburg - Kiel
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Get around
Public transportation within Gothenburg (and the west of Sweden) is run by Västtrafik and consists of trams, buses and boats.
By tram
Gothenburg has a famous network of trams (13 lines) that covers most of the city.
The main tram hub is Brunnsparken, where you can catch trams to all parts of the city. It is located only a 2 minute walk from the train station.
The trams run every 10 minutes during daylight and once every hour at night.
By bus
The main bus hub for buses leaving the city is Nils Ericsson Terminalen located in city center in connection with the train station.
Buses within the city go from places spread over the city. Some go from the inner city. Usually trams take you to these places. Check maps at the tram stops.
Please note that all passengers enter the bus through the front door, except on buses marked Stombuss (line 16,17,18 and 19).
By ferry
The ferries Älvsnabben and Älvsnabbare run across and along the river, where the port and wharfs used to be, from Lilla Bommen and Rosenlund to Klippan, stopping on the other side (Hisingen). Besides being a transport, it can be a good way to see the city from the river. You can also take the ferries from Saltholmen where you can take trips out to the archipelago.
You can still use the same ticket you bought for the tram.
By taxi
Several companies, for example Taxi Göteborg, Taxi Kurir and Minitaxi.
By foot
Walking in Gothenburg during the summer can be quite nice, especially in one of the parks, in the inner city, along the river or in the Haga area.
What to see
Skansen Kronan (Crown Keep) is a hilltop fortification, southwest of the city center, built in the 17th century.
In the 19th century it served as a prison, and now houses a military museum.
Its twin Skansen Lejonet (Lion Keep) unfortunately finds itself in the middle of a railroad and industrial area but occasional tours are held.
Close to Skansen Kronan is Haga , a city district with picturesque wooden houses from the 19th century.
Don't forget to explore the more bohemian Långgatan streets (Första, Andra, Tredje and Fjärde Långgatan) nearby.
The indoor Fish Market , called “Feskekörka” (Fish Church) because of the shape of the building, is located by the canal near the harbour.
Museums
Gothenburg Museum of Art (Göteborgs Konstmuseum at Götaplatsen) is renowned for its collection of Nordic art from around the close of the 19th century.
The Art Hall (Göteborgs Konsthall) is a centre for contemporary art in Göteborg. (free entry)
Gothenburg City Museum (Göteborgs Stadsmuseum) Norra Hamngatan 12 covers the history of the city and region from prehistoric times to the present, with emphasis on the 19th-century Swedish East India Company, which was once housed in the building.
Universeum Södra Vägen 50 (Liseberg). A new museum focusing on the environment with an indoor rainforest, experiment workshop etc.
Museum of World Culture Södra Vägen 54 (Liseberg).
A cultural counterpart to the science-oriented Universeum, it's a museum of ethnography and anthropology, with a thoroughly contemporary approach.
Maritiman Packhuskajen 8,5. “The world's biggest floating museum of ships” consists of 19 boats of all sizes. The biggest attraction is the former military destroyer Småland.
Gothenburg Natural History Museum Slottsskogen (Linneplatsen).
The oldest museum in Gothenburg includes a stuffed blue whale and is situated in Slottsskogen.
The Röhsska Museum is the national museum of Swedish design and applied art.
Historical buildings
Gothenburg Cathedral, Västra Hamngatan. Built in 1815.
Christinae Church (German Church) Norra Hamngatan.
Built in 1748.
Oscar Fredrik Church, Värmlandsgatan. The largest and most well decorated church. Built 1893.
Crown House (Kronhuset), Postgatan. Built in 1643-1655, and briefly home of the Swedish Parliament. The surrounding buildings are now cafes and crafts workshops.
Parks and gardens
Slottsskogen - a big English garden close to the Botanical Garden with a small zoo and old homestead houses.
The Gothenburg Botanical Garden - Carl Skottbergs Gata 22 A has an area of 175 hectares and was selected as the most beautiful garden in Sweden in 2003.
Don't miss the rare Easter Island tree. Free entrance, except for the greenhouse.
Trädgårdsföreningen - a picturesque garden with a very nice collection of roses in the city centre.
What to do
Liseberg is the biggest amusement park in all of Scandinavia, with lots of different rides for all ages.
Lisebergslinjen is a vintage tram line that runs during summer from the central station to Liseberg.
Börjessons does tourist boat tours in the archipelago every day in the summer and is very popular.
Gothenburg Opera House is one of the world's most modern opera houses, situated at the Packhuskajen quay in central Gothenburg.
The square at the top of Avenyn is the location of the magnificent
Gothenburg Concert Hall and the city's drama theatre.
Shopping
The main shopping center is Nordstan.It's located next to Brunnsparken and it is connected to the central train station.
It has many outlets with international companies such as H&M, Espirit, Vero Moda and Swedish companies such as Åhlens City, Rock, Nordic Design etc.
Close to Nordstan is the smaller shopping center Arkaden , with a number of fashion boutiques.
Saluhallen , Kungstorget, is a charming indoor food hall.
NK (Östra Hamngatan 42) is the more expensive type of shopping center.
International brand names such as Paul Smith, Patek Philippe, Ardemar Piquet Dior, YSL and Prada share space with equally well-known Swedish brands - for instance the crystal manufacturers Orrefors and Kosta Boda.
Where to eat
Gothenburg offers a great variety of restaurants to suit every taste and wallet. Whatever you prefer you are sure to find it here.
Aveny No 1
A new exciting meeting place with a choice of the 3 different experiences under the same roof.
Kungsportsavenyn 1
Tel: +4631-10 77 30
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Basement
Imaginative modern cuisine using Swedish produce specialty tasting menus.
Götabergsgatan 28
Tel: +4631-28 27 29
Bitter Bar & Matsal
Traditional Swedish food. The bar is 17 meters and a popular place to mingle. A wide selection of drinks.
Linnégatan 59
Tel: +4631 - 24 91 20
Brasserie Lipp
Gothenburgs own mingle paradise set in the hustle bustle of the Avenue.
Cross kitchen of Mediterranean and Asian dishes, as well as our famous classics.
Kungsportsavenyn 8
Tel: +4631-10 58 30
Cabaret Lorensberg
Our artists who are also our waiters invite you to experience high class entertainment at the same time as you enjoy a first class dinner. Popular nightclub.
Kungsportsavenyn 36-38
Tel: +4631-20 60 58
Casino Cosmopol
Menu with inspiration from the Swedish West Coast. Bars, bistro and caf é. Package solutions, savour menu and, in summertime, a veranda by the sea.
Packhusplatsen 7
Tel: +4631-333 55 00
Fiskekrogen
Fish and shellfish of top class. Wine list with over 300 varieties.
Lilla Torget 1
Tel: +4631-10 10 05
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Hamnkrogen, Liseberg
Enjoy the delicacies of the sea in Lisebergs harbour. Besides, the restaurant also offers the biggest amusement park in Scandinavia.
Liseberg, Örgrytevägen 5
Tel: +4631-733 03 00
Heaven 23
23 floors above the ground we combine an inspiring gourmet menu and a fabulous view over Gothenburg!
A true experience in a trendy designed environment with an international atmosphere. Hotel Gothia Towers, Tel: +4631-750 88 05
Hos Pelle
Traditional Swedish food of high quality.
Classical ingredients prepared with modern simplicity.
Djupedalsgatan 2
Tel: +4631-12 10 31
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Joe Farelli's
Mix of Italian/American in both food and drinks. Popular and often full in the weekends.
Kungsportsavenyn 12
Tel: +4631-10 58 26
Kajskjul 8
One of Gothenburg's largest show restaurants for up to 900 guests. The perfect venue for corporate functions. Large outdoor dining area in summer, specializing in shellfish.
Packhuskajen 8
Tel: +4631-10 75 50
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McDonald's
Locations on the main boulevard Avenyn, Scandinavium Arena, Kungsgatan, Nordstan shopping centre, Backaplan, Frölunda & Hisings Backa.
Burger King
Locations on the main boulevard Avenyn, Delsjömotet, Eriksberg. Nordstan shopping centre, Backaplan, Göteborg Central, Järnbrott DT, Järntorget, & Liseberg.
Pasta +
One of Gothenburg's real Italian restaurants, where you can savour the taste of Italy.
Södra Vägen 2
Tel: +4631-16 56 00
Restaurang Fond
Swedish tradition with new flavours. A modern place to meet friends or make business over a good meal. Food inspired by ingredients chosen from our Nordic landscape.
Götaplatsen
Tel: +4631-81 25 80
Restaurang Gabriel
A unique fish and shellfish restaurant in the historic setting of the city's famous Fish Market Feskekörka
Feskekörka
Tel: +4631-13 90 51
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Restaurang Linnéa
Fish, seafood and meat of the highest international standard. Courses served on plates made of Swedish glass and sublime wines served in splendid crystal.
Södra Vägen 32
Tel: +4631-16 11 83
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Restaurang Sjomagasinet
Culinary class in an atmosphere that is both friendly and exclusive. Fish- and shellfish, cooking events, boat charter and conferences.
Klippans Kulturreservat, Adolf Edelsvärdsg 5
Tel: +4631-775 59 20
Restaurang Tradgarn
Fish and shellfish buffet, Ã la carte, outdoor café, show stage, conference facilities, cooking classes, catering, banqueting hall, party floor and nightclub.
Nya Allén
Tel: +4631-10 20 80
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Where to go
Near Gothenburg is the beautiful southern archipelago. There's a resident population on most islands, so ferries run all year.
Private cars are not allowed. Take tram 11 (or 9 in summer) to Saltholmen, and then one of the ferries to Styrsö, Köpstadsö or any of the other islands.
Here you can swim in the ocean, buy ice cream and maybe eat at the restaurants on Brännö, Styrsö or Vrångö. Be warned that the tram is packed with people on sunny summer days, especially when the 9 doesn't run, and going by car isn't better since you are unlikely to find a parking place. The ferries, however, usually make extra tours such days.
The Elfsborg fortress - or Elfsborg Fästning - is located on a small island near the entrance of the harbour.
It dates back to 1670 and for a long time was the crucial part in Gothenburg's defence against the Danes. Guided tours leave from Lilla Bommen from May to September.
You can also walk around by yourself, and visit the museum and the cafeteria.
Vinga - the last outpost before the sea and the place where Evert Taube (a famous Swedish poet) grew up.
Gunnebo Castle in the neighbour municipality of Mölndal, is an 18th century large wooden mansion with Rococo interiors and with a Baroque park.
Tjolöholm Castle in Kungsbacka municipality south of Gothenburg, is an anachronistic Tudor castle built in the years around 1900 for the Scottish-Swedish merchant and factory owning family Dickson, one of Gothenburg's many generous donors
"they founded Gothenburg's first public library and built decent homes for the families of their factory staff".
Where to stay
Many Youth Hostels only offer their lowest prices to members of STF or IYHF.
Slottsskogen Youth Hostel
Prices start at 120 SEK.
Vegagatan 21, +46 31-42 65 20
Nearest tram stop: Olivedalsgatan.
Vandrarhem Stigbergsliden
Located close to the Stena Line boat terminal to Denmark.
Prices start at 135 SEK.
Stigbergsliden 10, +4631-24 16 20
Nearest tram stop: Stigbergstorget
Lisebergsbyn Kärralund
Located 2.5 km from Liseberg amusement park, one time entry to Liseberg included in the price during summer but they are a lot higher during peak months.
Olbersgatan 9
+46 31 840 200
Nearest tram stop: Welandergatan Tram 5
Book Gothenburg Package and you will get hotel, breakfast and Gothenburg Pass
The pass gives you free entrance to the city.
Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel - Södra Hamngatan 59-65
Elite Park Avenue Hotel - Kungsportavenyn 36-38
Elite Plaza Hotel Goteborg - Västra Hamngatan 3
Scandic Opalen - Engelbrektsgatan 73
Scandic Rubinen - Kungsportavenyn 24
Scandic Crown - Polhemsplatsen 3
Scandic Backadal - Bäckebolsvägen, Hisings Backa
Scandic Europa - Köpmansgatan 38
Scandic Mölndal - Barnhemsgatan 23
Best Western Hotel Riverton - Stora Badhusgatan 26
Best Western Eggers - Drottningtorget
Best Western Mornington - Kungsportsavenyn 6
Best Western Tidbloms Hotel - Olskroksgatan 23
First Hotel G - Nils Ericssonplatsen 4
Quality Hotel Panorama - Eklandagatan 51-53
Quality Hotel 11 - Maskingatan 11
Quality Hotel Winn - Gamla Tingstadsgatan 1
Clarion Collection Hotel Odin - Odinsgatan 6
Hotel Opera - Norra Hamngatan 38
Hotel Örgryte - Danska Vägen 68-70
Hotel Royal - Drottninggatan 67
Ibis Hotel Göteborg City - Gullbergs Strandgata
Landvetter Airport Hotel - Flygets Hotellväg
Hotel Poseidon - Storgatan 33
Rica City Hotel Goteborg - Burggrevegatan 25
Hotel Vanilj - Kyrkogatan 38
Hotel Gothia Towers - Mässans gata 24
Hotel Lorensberg - Berzeliigatan 15