Location: Bohuslän, Västergötland
Gothenburg is located on the west coast of the Swedish region of
Götaland. With just over half a million inhabitants, Gothenburg is
the second largest city in Sweden. It is an important transport hub,
especially for boat trips and train journeys from Stockholm to
Norway.
Gothenburg was founded in 1619 by King Gustav II
Adolf at the mouth of the river Göta Älv in the Kattegat. The city
was granted city privileges in 1621. Previous cities were further
upstream in what is now Lödöse (now only 1200 inhabitants) and on
the site of the current district of Gamlestaden. In the 17th century
there were still territorial disputes with Denmark; the regions
south of Gothenburg only became Swedish in the middle/end of the
century. The city was therefore planned as a fortified city with a
moat and fortifications. Dutch city builders shaped the cityscape,
which can still be seen today in the canals running through the
center (part of which has since been filled in and converted into a
tram route). In 1805 the city fortifications were abandoned and in
the first half of the 19th century the city grew out of the center
surrounded by the moat.
The city is characterized as a port,
trade, industry and shipyard location. The automobile industry with
Volvo Cars and Volvo Trucks is particularly dominant. The city was
once the center of Swedish shipbuilding. In the 1970s, however, many
shipyards had to close due to increasing international competition.
However, the traces of the working class of the past are still
omnipresent. Politically, the city was and is social democratic.
Gothenburg's port is the largest in Scandinavia and is one of the
top 25 in Europe.
For those interested, there is information
about the historical background in the city museum, in Lödöse in the
Lödöse Museum. In Gamlestaden, there are basically no traces of
history visible anymore.
St. Christine's Church (Tyska kyrkan), Norra Hamngatan 16 . Home of
the German church community. The magnificent colored church windows are
particularly worth seeing.
Gothenburg Cathedral (Göteborgs domkyrka),
Kyrkogatan 28 . Built in 1825 on the ruins of its predecessors. The two
predecessors had existed since 1633, but both fell victim to fire.
Masthuggskyrkan, Storebackegatan 15 (in the Majorna district). The
church is a landmark that can be seen from afar and was completed in
1914 in the national romantic style.
Oskar Fredrik's Church (Oscar
Fredriks kyrka), Oscar Fredriks kyrkogata 1A . Completed in 1893 in the
neo-Gothic style, the church is located just west of the city center on
a small hill between the Haga and Masthygget districts. The church was
named after King Oscar II (1829-1907) and belongs to the Swedish Church
(Svenska kyrkan). From the streets above the church and the
Masthyggsterrassen you have a good view of the roof and the polygonal
tower of the church. The interior features worth seeing include the
leaded glass windows, the wall paintings, which like the glass windows
are by the artist Adalbert Eldh, the triptych and the side chapel. The
interior of the church is rather unusual due to its focus on green
elements, such as the green benches and chairs, but harmonizes
particularly well with the colorful glass windows.
Gothenburg was built in the 17th century as a fortified city. The
moat around the city center is still clearly visible today. The city
wall that once lay behind it has largely been demolished.
The
remaining remnants of a bastion are still preserved at Esperantoplatsen.
To defend the city, the following ramparts and fortresses were also
built outside the city walls, directly around the city center:
Skansen Kronan, Skansberget, Leijonsparres väg 10, SE-413 04 . The
rampart, originally a complete fortification, was built on Risåsberget,
a natural hill in what is now the Haga district, from 1639 under Gustav
II Adolf and completed in 1689. The rampart complex was located directly
outside the city walls, from which any besiegers of the city could have
been fired upon with cannons. Today, the only building that remains is
the rampart tower, which bears the crown, "Kronan", on its roof, after
which the complex was named. Over the years - since demilitarization in
1806 - it has had a varied history of use, serving as a residential
building, prison, museum and storage room. The interior of the ski jump
tower cannot be visited, but there is a small metal ladder to a small
platform halfway up. The outdoor facilities are freely accessible and
offer a beautiful view of the city center and the historic district of
Haga.
Skansen Lejonet (Skansen Westgötha Leijon), Emerentias backe
25, 411 04 . This ski jump was also built on a natural elevation and was
completed in 1697. The ski jump can only be visited once a month on
Sundays. The location is not very nice today, as the ski jump is now
surrounded by the railway facilities of Gothenburg Central Station.
Nya Älvsborg . The fortress on an island in the harbor entrance was
built from 1653 onwards. Today the facility is only accessible during
the summer, with boats leaving from the city center.
Also located
outside the city gates are:
Bohus Fortress (Bohus fästning),
Färjevägen 1, Fästningsholmen, SE-442 31 . (17km north) -- Fortress in
Kungälv, partly in ruins, can be visited for a fee.
Carlsten Fortress
(Karlstens fästning; 30km northwest) . Fortress in Marstrand, can be
visited for a fee. The complex is quite extensive (plan at least two
hours for a visit) and, together with the island of Marstrand, is worth
a day trip.
Ragnhildsholmen Castle Ruins (Ragnhildsholmen; 16km
north) . A castle ruin from the 13th century. Only the foundations of
the castle remain, freely accessible. The ruins are quite manageable,
about 30 minutes are enough for a visit.
Gunnebo Castle (Gunnebo
slott; 8km south) . A manor house in Mölndal with a park. The park is
freely accessible, but there is an admission charge for visiting the
manor house.
Tjolöholm Castle (Tjolöholms slott; 35km south). A manor
house in Kungsbacka with a park.
The 11th Kronhuset is somewhat hidden in the middle of the city center. Together with the surrounding buildings Kronhusbodarna, it forms a historic courtyard that is worth a quick visit during a city tour. The Kronhuset was built between 1643 and 1655 as an armory. In 1660, the Swedish Parliament met in the building. Today it is mainly used as a concert hall for the Gothenburg Wind Orchestra.infoedit
The museums run by the city of Gothenburg are marked with a (☆). The
one-time entrance fee is 65 SEK for adults (children/young people up to
20 years old are free), and an annual ticket is available for 130 SEK,
which is valid in the city's museums during the current year.
Universeum, Södra Vägen 50, 400 20 Gothenburg. Tel.: +46 31 335 64 50,
E-mail: info@universeum.se . The main attractions are several large
aquariums with various sharks and very large viewing windows, as well as
a large, recreated rainforest over several floors with tropical
temperatures. Here you can also meet wild animals (birds, butterflies).
A spectacular feature is an open tank with several smaller rays that you
can touch. The animals are naturally curious and enjoy being touched.
There are several halls with numerous scientific experiments and devices
to try out, and explanations are also given in English. Among other
things, you can also take a trip through the different climate zones of
the earth. Much of it is self-explanatory, however. Children can spend
hours here, but much is also interesting for adults. At the end there is
a larger shop with scientific books (mostly in Swedish, of course) and
many technical gadgets, souvenirs and children's toys. Some of it is so
unusual that it could even be in a museum. The prices in the shop and
for food are high, so you should plan on about 4-5 hours for the visit.
Open: daily 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Price: adults 190 SEK, children 3-16
years 135 SEK.
Volvo Museum (Volvo Museum), Arendal Skans, 405 08
Gothenburg (10 km west of the center). Tel.: +46 31 66 48 14 . The Volvo
factory museum is worth a visit for anyone interested in technology. The
museum is located on the old Götaverken shipyard in Arendal on the
island of Hisingen. In addition to a complete collection of Volvo cars,
there are also commercial vehicles, construction machinery, boat drives
from Volvo Penta and products from Volvo Aero.
Maritiman (Göteborgs
Maritima Centrum), Packhusplatsen 12, 411 13 Gothenburg. Tel.: +46 31 10
59 50, E-mail: info@maritiman.se . Worth seeing museum fleet at
Packhuskajen with the lightship Fladen, numerous decommissioned naval
ships, a harbor ferry and the submarine Nordkaparen. All ships are
connected to each other by walkways so that you can go from ship to ship
without returning to land in between. Almost all of the ships can be
walked through, including the submarine. Small children must wear life
jackets to visit the Maritiman, which are available at the entrance.
Allow enough time if you want to explore all the ships thoroughly.
Göteborg City Museum (Göteborgs stadsmuseum), Norra Hamngatan 12,
Gothenburg. Tel.: +46 31-368 36 00, email:
stadsmuseum@kultur.goteborg.se . The city museum is centrally located in
the city center in the former building of the Swedish East India
Company. The collection shows an overview of the city's history and the
museum offers a collection of works of art from the 15th century to the
present day. Open: Tue+Thu 10:00–18:00, Wed 10:00–20:00, Fri–Sun
10:00–17:00, Mon closed. Price: Adults 65 SEK, children free.
Gothenburg Art Museum (Göteborgs konstmuseum, ☆), Götaplatsen, 412 56
Gothenburg, Götaplatsen 6, 412 56 Gothenburg. Tel.: +46 31 368 35 00,
Email: info.konstmuseum@kultur.goteborg.se . The museum has a collection
of works of art from the 15th century to the present day. There are
regular photo exhibitions in the adjoining Hasselblad Center. Some art
exhibitions require additional admission. Price: adults 60 SEK, children
free.
Natural History Museum (Göteborgs Naturhistoriska museum, ☆),
Museivägen 10, Gothenburg (2 km southwest of the center). Tel.: +46 10
441 44 00, Email: gnm@vgregion.se . The natural history museum is
located in Slottskogen Park. The most important exhibit is a blue whale
that stranded in Gothenburg in 1865. A large part of the permanent
exhibition has not changed for decades and therefore appears historical
itself. Open: Tue–Sun 11:00–17:00, closed Mon. Price: Free admission
(new since 2018).
Maritime Museum (Sjöfartsmuseet Akvariet, ☆), Karl
Johansgatan 1-3, 414 59 Gothenburg, Karl Johansgatan 3. Tel.: +46 31
368 35 50, E-mail: info.sjofartsmuseum@kultur.goteborg.se . (3km west of
the center) The Maritime Museum describes the themes of ports and
seafaring and also has an aquarium that is particularly popular with
children. Open: Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00, Wed 10:00–20:00, closed Mon. Price:
Adults 65 SEK, young people up to 20 years free.
Aeroseum, Holmvägen
100, 417 46 Gothenburg, Holmvägen 100, SE-417 46 (Bus 35 to "Granhäll";
do not use the airport bus to Säve as this only stops on the opposite
side of the airport). Tel.: +46 31 55 83 00, email: info@aeroseum.se .
The Aeroseum is a museum for military aircraft. The entire facility is
housed underground in a former nuclear bunker at the former military
Gothenburg City Airport. Guided tours are offered on Saturdays and
Sundays at 13:00. Open: depending on the season, see website. Price:
Adults 100 SEK, children 50 SEK.
Världskulturmuseet, Södra Vägen 54.
Tel.: +46 31 63 27 00, email: info@varldskulturmuseet.se . The World
Culture Museum, which opened in 2005, offers changing exhibitions and
installations with impressive video and audio sequences on various
cultures of the world, but also on ecological and social issues, in the
immediate vicinity of the Universeum. Restaurant, café, shop. Feature:
free WiFi. Open: Tue–Fri 12:00–17:00, Sat–Sun 11:00–17:00, closed Mon.
Price: parts of the museum are freely accessible, individual exhibitions
cost admission (40 SEK).
East Indiaman Gothenburg (Ostindiefararen
Gothenburg), Pir Fyra 2. Tel.: +46 31 779 34 50 . The sailing ship
Götheborg is a replica of a cargo sailing ship that sank in 1745 in
front of the Gothenburg harbor on its return from India. It completed a
circumnavigation of the world between 2005 and 2007, and then made
several more trips. It can be visited during the season (when not
sailing). More information about the ship here. A visit to the pier can
be easily combined with a walk along the quay. The former shipyard and
harbor area has only been developed into a new residential area since
the turn of the millennium. Open: see website. Price: Adults 100 SEK,
children 50 SEK.
Trädgårdsföreningen . Right in the center along the moat is the
Trädgårdsföreningen park (garden society), which was established here in
1842. Of all the parks in Gothenburg, this is where you will find the
most flowering plants, including a rose garden. Price: free entry.
Slottskogen . 2km south of the center is the 'Slottskogen' park. In
addition to a wide range of sports facilities and the natural history
museum, there is also a small animal park (free entry) with animals
typical of Sweden: moose, deer, horses, but also penguins, aquarium fish
and birds. In summer, a petting zoo with pony rides for children is also
open. Contrary to the name Slottskogen (castle forest), there is no
longer a castle. You can get there by tram via the Linnéplatsen or
Botaniska Trädgården stops. There are parking spaces for cars on the
south side. Price: free entry.
Botaniska Trädgården (Göteborgs
botaniska trädgård), Carl Skottsbergs Gata 22A . Opposite Slottskogen is
the Botaniska Trädgården (botanical garden). The focus here is on the
botanical cultivation of various plant species from all parts of the
world. Access by tram via the Botaniska Trädgården stop. There are a
limited number of parking spaces for cars. At the back, the botanical
garden leads into the Änggårdsbergen nature reserve. Price: 20 SEK
(voluntary).
Outside the center are:
Ramberget / Keillers Park
(Ramberget, Hisingen) . (2km northwest) On the island of Hisingen lies
the mountain Ramberget, 87m high, in Keillers Park. The mountain offers
a wonderful view of the entire city at any time of year and day. It can
be accessed on foot or by car on a small ring road (Panoramavägen). The
park was created in 1908 from a donation by shipyard owner James
Keiller. The vegetation is largely natural. Take the tram to the
Wieselgrensplatsen stop.
Delsjön / Skatås / Härlanda Tjärn. The
extensive recreational area of Delsjön / Skatås / Härlanda Tjärn is 5
km east of the city center. There are numerous walking and hiking trails
and running routes in the wooded and slightly hilly area.
Göteborgsoperan, Christina Nilssons Gata. Tel.: +46 31 13 13 00 . The
Gothenburg Opera was rebuilt between 1991 and 1994 and is located
directly on the banks of the Göta Älv near Lilla Bommen.
Gothenburg's
City Theatre, Götaplatsen. Tel.: +46 31 708 71 00 . Gothenburg's city
theatre is located right on Götaplatsen. It was built in 1934.
Liseberg. Tel.: +46 (0)31 40 01 00 . Northern Europe's largest amusement park, Liseberg, is located in the middle of the city and has many spectacular rides. The park was opened in 1923 to celebrate the city's 300th anniversary. In addition to the rides, concerts by well-known artists are also offered on two stages. During Advent, there is a Christmas market on site that is well worth seeing. Open: Daily from 11 a.m. in summer, otherwise see website. Price: Adults 90 SEK (plus rides).
Utkiken. (the lookout) is located on the red and white striped "lipstick" (because of its slanted tip) right by the harbor and offers a good view of the city. Open: Daily in summer 11:00–16:00, see website. Price: Adults 40 SEK, children 20 SEK.
Explore the city centre on foot
The immediate centre of Gothenburg
is easy to explore on foot. Start within the old moat and take a walk
along the Göta Älvs, past the Maritima Museum, the Opera, the Kronhuset,
the German Church and the Cathedral.
You should also follow the
boulevard Avenyn to its southern end, where you will find the statue of
Poseidon, which is framed by the Art Museum, the City Theatre, the
Concert Hall and the Library.
Cross the moat at Esperantoplatsen and
you can catch a glimpse of the last remnants of the former city wall.
From here you walk into the Haga district to Haga Nygata. This district
is the first to be built outside the old city walls. It was planned to
be redeveloped (demolished) in the 1970s, but the residents successfully
resisted this. The buildings here are typically Landshövdingehus, which
are bricked on the ground floor for fire safety reasons and built in
conventional wood construction above. From Haga you can climb up to
Skansen Kronan, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city
center. The Slottskogen park and the restaurants on Linnégatan are also
within easy reach.
"Paddan" - city tour on the water
For a
quick overview, you can take a city tour on the water with the "Paddan"
(toad). The open boats depart centrally from Kungsportsplatsen, the tour
lasts 50 minutes and leads over the old moat to the Göta Älv. The city
guide's explanations are usually also in German if required. Cost: 160
SEK (adults).
Trip with the Älvsnabben harbor ferries
A good
and inexpensive way to see the harbor facilities and new residential
areas on the Göta älv from the water (at least when the weather is good)
is a trip with the Älvsnabben harbor ferries (line 285): You start at
the Lilla Bommen Hamn stop, which is furthest in the river, then the
trip goes past the opera, the ships of the Maritiman Ship Museum and the
Packhuskajen to Stenpiren, then it goes to the other side of the river
to the Lindholmspiren of the university, to the Slottsberget stop and to
the former Eriksberg shipyard, now an upscale residential area. The
small Älvsnabben then cross the river again and dock one last time at
Klippans färjeläge right next to the pier for the Stena Line's Germany
ferries, before returning to the starting point - again with the stops
listed on the outward journey (not always all of them). The journey
takes around 1.5 hours without a break and is therefore valid with a
normal Västtraffik ticket. For cyclists and pedestrians who want to
travel back to Germany with Stena Line, it is also the most beautiful
way to get to the ferry dock, as neither the footpath nor the cycle path
to the Tysklandsterminal are particularly beautiful.
Archipelago
Islands
A visit to the archipelago islands is a must when visiting
Gothenburg.
The southern archipelago islands are car-free,
largely unforested and characterized by a granite coast. Take tram line
11 to the Saltholmen terminus and from there take the boat to the
archipelago. Check the timetable; depending on the island, the ferries
run every 60-90 minutes during the day. Be sure to plan your return
journey options and check when the last boat leaves. The same ticket is
valid for the ferries as for trams and buses in Gothenburg.
The
northern archipelago islands around Öckerö are easier to reach, as a car
ferry runs from Vargholmen every 20 minutes during the day and in the
evening. The Hönö Klåva harbor on the island of Hönö is a tourist
attraction. There is also a small fishing museum here. Another ferry
also leaves from the northern tip of the island of Burö to smaller and
therefore more original islands in the north.
Note the "discovery walks" in the center described above
The
Slottskogen and Botaniska Trädgården parks offer good walking trails
close to the center.
The Delsjön nature reserve offers longer hiking
trails. The walk around the Great Delsjön is about 8 km.
For hiking
close to the city, Vättjefjäll is a good option (15 km northeast,
Kryddnejlikegatan bus stop). There are circular trails of 5 to 15 km.
Sturdy hiking boots (because of wet conditions) and maps are required.
The 360km long Bohusleden hiking trail starts not far from Gothenburg.
There are many opportunities in the beautiful nature in and around
the city.
Cycling: Gothenburg has a well-developed network of
cycle paths that make it easy to get to the sights and the surrounding
area. There is a bike rental system in the city center. The 3-day ticket
costs 25 SEK and allows you to ride 30 minutes between stations.
Inline skating: Gothenburg is not ideal for skaters. Because of the many
mountains, driving is interesting but also tiring. The tarmac is very
rough from the spikes of cars and can be very unpleasant if you fall.
The best way to get around is along the cycle paths.
Jogging: There
are marked running routes in the Delsjön nature reserve from the Skatås
sports center.
Volleyball, basketball, soccer: In Slottskogen there
is always the opportunity to take part in a game. On the large meadows
there are always groups playing one or another ball sport. There is also
a Frisbee golf course in Slottskogen.
Swimming:
There are several
indoor swimming pools in the city, for example
Valhallabad,
Valhallagatan 3. located directly in the city center behind the
Skdinavium. Price: 60 SE adults
Gothenburg has several large
lakes with bathing areas, e.g. at Delsjön.
There are also nice
bathing spots on the coast, for example
Sillvik. A bay with a bathing
beach, 15 km northwest of the center on Hisingen. Price: Free entry.
Kayak rentals:
Escape Outdoor Center, in Önnered, 10 km south of
the center. From here you can explore the archipelago in seaworthy
kayaks.
Point 65 Kayak Center, Lilla Bommens Hamn, right in the city
center on the Göta Älv.
Canoe rental in Vättjefjäll, 15 km north of
the center. Canadian canoe rental in the lake district.
Ice skating:
In winter there are several ice skating rinks and halls.
Gothenburg often hosts major sporting events, such as the European Athletics Championships in 2006. Gothenburg is also home to several outstanding sports clubs. Ullevi, the large stadium, also occasionally hosts games of the Swedish national team. The largest international youth handball tournament, the Partille Cup, has been held in the first week of July since 1970. The youth football tournament Gothia Cup also takes place every year in July.
The Ullevi (the big stadium) often hosts large concerts by
international stars. In addition, the clubs, especially Sticky Fingers,
offer concerts by national and lesser-known bands.
The Liseberg
amusement park also regularly hosts concerts by well-known artists on
two open-air stages during the summer months. See the program. The visit
costs the park entrance fee of 90 SEK (adults).
Opera fans get their
money's worth at the Gothenburg Opera House.
Every year in August
there is the Kulturkalaset, a cultural city festival with music stages
(free) and snacks throughout the city center. The program also includes
quieter and smaller items.
Festivals also take place in the summer:
Way Out West in Slottskogen or Metaltown
By plane
Göteborg Landvetter Airport (IATA: GOT) is located 25km
east of Gothenburg. There are direct flights to Frankfurt am Main,
Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Vienna and Zurich.
The
transfer to the city center is provided by Flygbussarna express buses,
which run up to every 15 minutes depending on the time of day. On the
way to the final stop Nils Ericson Terminalen (near the central
station), the buses also stop at a few intermediate stops within the
city. The ticket price for adults is 149 SEK (129 SEK online) for a
single trip or 269 SEK (239 SEK online) for a round trip. In addition to
buying online, tickets can also be purchased by card on the bus, at
ticket machines and at sales points such as 7-eleven.
The smaller
Säve Airport (IATA: GSE) (until 2017: Gothenburg City Airport) is only
about 10km north of the city center. The airport is now only in use for
private flights and helicopters. (As of May 2018)
By train
The
main train station, Göteborg Centralstationen, can be reached from
Copenhagen via the Öresund Bridge with good direct connections to the
Öresund Bridge. Deutsche Bahn offers trains from German train stations
to Gothenburg for €59 (one way) or €118 (round trip). The journey time
from Hamburg, for example, is ideally around 9½ hours with only one
change in Copenhagen. You can book directly online via the Deutsche Bahn
website.
Gothenburg is a central hub both for the other major
cities in the country and especially for regional transport on the
entire west and south coast and in the southern inland. More information
on the Swedish Railways and Västtrafik websites.
The station is a
terminus and is therefore also accessible for people with limited
mobility.
By bus
At the central bus terminal Nils Ericson
Terminalen, right next to the main train station, not only regional
buses stop, but also coaches with national and international
connections. Flixbus has connections to
Malmö/Copenhagen/Hamburg/Oldenburg, Warsaw,
Jönköping/Linköping/Stockholm and Oslo, and Vy bus4you to
Malmö/Copenhagen, Jönköping/Linköping/Stockholm and Oslo.
By road
By car, you can either use one of the ferry connections from Denmark,
Germany or Norway, or drive directly overland across the Öresund Bridge
between Copenhagen and Malmö.
The following highways reach
Gothenburg:
E6 to Oslo — developed as a motorway — distance to Oslo:
300km
E20 to Alingsås and further towards Stockholm — not fully
developed as a motorway
40 to Borås, Jönköping — largely developed as
a motorway. This is the fast route to Stockholm, to Jönköping and then
the E4. — Distance to Stockholm: 470km
E45 to Trollhättan and further
north—largely developed as a motorway up to Trollhättan.
E6 to Malmö
— developed as a motorway — Distance to Malmö: 300km
Parking in
Gothenburg city center can be very expensive, free parking spaces are
virtually non-existent and even the paid ones are often full. The cost
per hour varies considerably. Parking spaces are divided into different
zones and cost between 5 and 30 SEK per hour. Between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
the parking fee is 2 SEK per hour.
A city toll (Trängselskatt)
has been levied in the center of Gothenburg since 2013. The cost is 9-22
SEK per passage on weekdays, only one passage is charged within an hour.
Cameras register the license plate and the vehicle owner later receives
an invoice and pays by bank transfer. Since 2015 the toll also applies
to foreign vehicles. Attention: The surcharge for missed payment is 500
SEK (approx. 50€). For cars rented in Sweden, the costs are usually
already included in the flat rate. For cars rented at Gothenburg
airport, they are always included.
By ship
Stena Line operates
ship connections from Kiel and Frederikshavn in North Jutland. The piers
are located close to the city center on the southern bank of the
Götaälv: the STENA Masthuggsterminalen (to Frederikshavn) and further
out to sea on the bank of the Götaälv just before the Älvsborgsbron is
the STENA terminal Jaegerdorffsplatsen (Tysklandsterminalen, to Kiel).
If you book early, there are usually good deals, both with and without a
car. If you forego the luxury of an outside cabin and don't mind a bunk
bed, you can have a lovely sea voyage at very low cost. Only the costs
for the optional food on board are a little more expensive. The entrance
to the port is spectacular, as you drive under a bridge, the
Älvsborgsbron, under which the ship only just fits. This spectacle is
best viewed from the top deck.
Gothenburg is also a port of call
for passengers on cargo ship journeys. These mostly dock at the
Skandiahamn container port. The journey from there to the city by public
transport is quite time-consuming. Due to the limited port stays of
modern container ships, it is better to take a taxi.
By bike
Long-distance cycle routes in Sweden are signposted to varying degrees.
In particular, EuroVelo 12, also known as the North Sea Cycle Route or
North Sea Coast Cycle Route, and EuroVelo 3, also known as
Pilgrimsleden, are generally not signposted. However, they always follow
the same route as Swedish cycle paths, which are usually well to very
well signposted (the newly built Kattegattleden). These signs are
usually easy to follow, so a sat nav is not absolutely necessary. Even
within Gothenburg, inner-city destinations are usually very well
signposted.
Cyclists coming from the south can reach Gothenburg
on the North Sea Cycle Route or EuroVelo 12, the Sverigeleden and the
Kattegattleden. The cycle paths split about 10 km before the city
center, Sverigeleden and EuroVelo 12 lead directly into the city, the
Kattegattleden takes a detour to the west and then leads into the center
on a beautiful cycle path along the banks of the Göta älv under the
Älvsborgsbron and directly past the Stena Line's Germany terminal.
Coming from the north, you can get to Gothenburg using the signs for
the Sverigeleden and (if available) the North Sea Cycle Route/EuroVelo
12 and the EuroVelo 3 - to get to the city center, you cross the
Götaälvsbron.
Public transport is well developed. The hub of the tram system is
Centralstationen Brunnsparken. From here you can reach practically every
part of the city by tram. All means of transport operated by the local
transport company Västtrafik can be used for 43 SEK (36 SEK in the app)
for 90 minutes, 115 SEK for 24 hours and 230 SEK for 72 hours. In
addition to city buses and trams, Västtrafik also operates the harbor
ferries and boat lines to the Gothenburg archipelago.
Tickets can
be purchased in the app, at machines, from the bus driver and at points
of sale. In most cases, only card payments are possible!
Taxis
are more expensive in Gothenburg than in Germany. Please also note that
prices are not regulated by the state. A comparative price for a 10km
journey is displayed on the outside of the taxi. For the larger taxi
companies, this is 300 to 350 SEK; With dubious companies it's double,
so check before getting in. At night, especially in the entertainment
districts, for example on the Avenyn, you may be offered so-called black
taxis. These are operated illegally and are not safe. Refuse at all
costs.
1 Nordstan . Right next to the main train station there is the large
Nordstan (Northern Town) shopping center with the usual chains. The
prices are quite high, however. There is also a tourist information
center in the shopping center.
2 Feskekôrka . One attraction is the
Feskekôrka (“Fish Church”), a market hall with a dozen fish stalls and a
small fish restaurant. The prices are more touristy. The church-like
hall was built in 1874 and is a listed building.
3 Saluhallen,
Kungstorget . The Saluhallen, a market hall on Kungsportsplatzen with
over 30 smaller stalls that primarily sell food and also cheap snacks,
is more recommended. The hall was built as a covered market place in
1889 on Kungstorget.
4 Kungsportsavenyn (Kungsportsavenyen),
Kungsportsavenyn . Gothenburg's shopping mile stretches along
Kungsportsavenyn, or Avenyn for short. Every major chain store is
represented at least once. There are also small independent shops for
pretty much everything.
Supermarkets are not as common as in
Germany. The selection is comparable to the German offering, although
the Swedes have a preference for sweets that are as delicious as they
are very rich. Be careful: sugar (socker) can also be found in products
where you wouldn't expect it! Bread and mustard are usually(!) sweet.
You mainly come across the chains ICA, Coop, Hemköp, Willys and Lidl.
Stora Coop and ICA Maxi have particularly large shop areas and ranges,
while Willys, along with Lidl, is somewhat cheaper in terms of price.
Most supermarkets close between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., and practically all
are also open on Sundays.
International specialties can be found
in the ICA-Focus in Focushuset, directly opposite the Liseberg main
entrance or next to the Gothia Towers hotel. Accessible by tram line 5.