Gothenburg
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Maritime Gothenburg is the second largest city of Sweden and is situated on the estuary of the Göta River and west coast of the country, by Kattegat Strait. It has appr. 540, 000 residents. The city was ranked as the 12th-most inventive city in the world by Forbes magazine in 2013.
Shopping
The main shopping area of Gothenburg is Nordstan. It’s located next to Brunnsparken and it is connected to the central train station. Along this street is many outlets selling many top trademarks. Saluhallen near Kungstorget is a charming indoor food hall, which offers fresh bread, vegetables, meat and vegetables.
Recreation
Liseberg amusement park is one of the most popular in Scandinavia and a splendid all-family site. It has over 30 different rides, and many restaurants as well as stages and a dance hall. Additional to the summer season, the park is also open during November and December, and it hosts a Christmas market.
The nature reserve around the lake Delsjön is a popular walking site.
Paddan tourist boats offers boat rides in the city’s canal system and harbour.
Something to explore
Skansen Kronan
This 17th century fortress lying on the hilltop, southwest of the city center, is one of most important sights of the city. It has been used as a prison during the 19th century and as a military museum in the 20th century. Nowadays it houses a restaurant and conference facility. In the old army barracks next to it, there is a summer café serving home baked goods.
Kronhuset
This majestic house was built in 15th century and it was briefly home of the Swedish Parliament. The buildings nearby houses currently cafes and crafts workshops.
Art Museum
Gothenburg Art Museum (Götaplatsen 412) houses a splendid collection of 19th century Nordic art. Exhibition shows works from e.g. famous Norwegian painter Edvard Munch as well as masterpieces of Rembrandt, Picasso and Monet. Museum also offers art classes every second Wednesday.
Haga district
This historical district, locating partially on the south bank of the Göta River, has population about 4,000 and it is known as a former working class suburb full of beautiful 19th century wooden houses. Whole district was renovated in 1980s, and today it is a ”hipster area” with its cozy cafés.
How to get around in Gothenburg
City’s public transportation operates with ferries, trams and buses, administered by Västtrafik. Ticket info and a journey planner are here. Västtrafiks smartphone app “Reseplaneraren” helps with finding a best route.
Two ferry services run across the river; Älvsnabben is the regular ferry service with traffic every thirty minutes, and Älvsnabbare that only run between Rosenlund and Lindholmspiren (free of charge) during work hours.
Taxi fares in Gothenburg are not regulated and could be very expensive. Initial fare from 35 SEK, and then from 10 to 14 SEK/km, plus a by-the-minute charge. Every taxi must have comparing prices well visible according to the Swedish law.
How to get in Gothenburg
Gothenburg has international Landvetter Airport located 25 km east of the city. List of its destinations is visible here, and its airlines here. E.g. SAS, KLM, Finnair and Lufthansa offers flights here.
There is a Flygbussarna bus service connecting the airport and the city center, which runs about three times in an hour.
There are hourly Öresundståg trains from Copenhagen, the journey takes 3 hours 50 minutes. Norwegian train operator NSB operates from Oslo to Göteborg, the journey takes 3 hours 40 minutes.
Luxury train Blå Tåget travels the route Gothenburg-Stockholm-Uppsala often. See more information about train timetables in Raileurope.com.
Eurolines and Swebus Express operates couch lines to and from Gothenburg.
The highways E6, E20 and E45 pass through Gothenburg.
Top 5 in Gothenburg
- Shopping at Lundstan
- Liseberg amusement park
- Haga district
- Skansen Kronan
- Boat ride along the canals
Text: Timo Hellman
Photos: Wikipedia Commons with the CC licence / David Lindecrantz, Andrzej Otrębski, B****n, JensPersson, Västgöten[/fusion_text]
