Gothenburg, Sweden cruises
Your guide to Gothenburg.
From exploring green spaces to discovering world-class museums, dazzling architecture and historic sights, a visit to Gothenburg offers the chance to unwind with nature while savoring city life. In Gothenburg itself, you’ll find countless ways to enjoy the outdoors, while traveling just a short distance from the city connects you with endless beauty spots. Soak up the atmosphere at Saluhallen market, walk the historic streets of Haga, or spend an afternoon admiring 15th-century masterpieces in Konstmuseum, the Gothenburg Museum of Art. Beyond the city, you’ll encounter some of Sweden’s most spellbinding scenery as well as the 17th century stone fortress of Carlstens Fästning on Marstrand Island.
Exploring.
Most of Gothenburg’s central sights, including its old town, are confined to a relatively compact area but trams are available should you wish to venture further afield. Old Gothenburg lies between the waterfront and Rosenlundskanalen, with Gustaf Adolfs Torg Square marking the city’s center. The Town Hall and former Stock Exchange are both located here. Haga, one of Gothenburg’s oldest neighborhoods, offers many traditional landshövdingehus buildings in an area rife with independent shops and cafés. The award-winning Museum of Art holds works by a variety of celebrated artists and the Maritime Museum offers the opportunity to step aboard submarines, tug boats and a destroyer.
Eating and drinking.
Gothenburg caters to all tastes but is known for its seafood and embrace of organic seasonal produce. Dagens rätt (dish of the day) is often available at lunchtime and elevated versions of Husmanskost (traditional home-cooked food) can be found in many of Gothenburg’s restaurants. The city’s lively café culture revolves around “fika” – relaxing with a coffee and baked goods. Some say there is no more authentically Swedish experience and you’ll find many opportunities to “fika” along the main boulevard Avenyn and in Haga. Liseberg Amusement Park also offers a number of notable eateries, ranging from gourmet restaurants to casual snack stalls.
Shopping.
If you’ve come to Gothenburg to shop you won’t be disappointed. The city’s shopping offer blends trendy boutiques and quaint chocolate shops with mega malls and vintage stores. The main boulevard of Avenyn and its side streets, the narrow Victoriapassagen, and the charming Haga neighborhood each offer shops selling fashions, homewares and gift items. In the city center, you’ll find several interconnecting shopping streets offering an eclectic mix of independent labels alongside famous Swedish brands and high street staples. The city’s biggest shopping mall, Nordstan, is located in this area as is the atmospheric Saluhallen market, which offers around 40 shops and places to eat.
Beyond Gothenburg.
The outskirts of Gothenburg offer beautiful botanical gardens and historic manor houses, while further afield introduces centuries-old fortresses and idyllic islands. Just beyond Gothenburg, across from lake Rådasjön you’ll find Gunnebo House and Gardens, the former summer villa of a wealthy merchant. Gothenburg Botanical Gardens can be reached on several tram routes from town and neighbor the scenic Änggårdsbergen nature reserve. Northwest of Gothenburg brings you to Marstrand Island, home to the historic Carlstens Fästning fort, as well as several art galleries and boutiques. To the west of the city, lie the islands of Hönö and Öckerö, linked by a bridge and with some attractive beaches to explore.