Gothenburg

Location: Bohuslän, Västergötland

 

Description of Gothenburg

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.

 

Destinations

Churches

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.

 

Castles, palaces and palaces

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.

 

Buildings

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

 

Museums

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.

 

Streets and squares

Parks

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.

 

Opera and theater

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.

 

Amusement park

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).

 

Miscellaneous

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.

 

Activities

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.

 

Walking and hiking

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.

 

Sport

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.

 

Sports events

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.

 

Concerts and festivals

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

 

Getting there

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.

 

Around the town

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.

 

Shopping

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.