Introduction
Gothenburg is Sweden’s most important industrial and commercial
city and is Scandinavia’s most important port. This does not take
away from the fact that Gothenburg is simply a stunningly beautiful city
and has a fascinating architectural heritage.
Situated on the Göta älv river, Gothenburg was founded by King
Gustav II Adolf in the early 17th century. Gustav invited Dutch merchants
to trade and live in Gothenburg and their influence on the city can still
be felt. Most of the main sights in Gothenburg are in easy walking distance
of the centre of the town. Walk down the majestic Kungsportsavenyn –
Sweden’s version of the Champs Elysées - and stop off to
have a snack at one of the many restaurants and cafes that line either
side of the street. Stop about halfway down the avenue and visit the excellent
Röhsska Museum of Arts and Crafts, which celebrates Swedish design
through the ages. Continue on to Trädgårdsföreningens
Park. This park is the location of a miniature version of Crystal Palace,
the Palmshuset, as well as Europe’s largest rosarium with 2,600
varieties of rose and the Fjärilshuset (Butterfly House) where all
kinds of tropical butterflies are free to fly around. Climb up Ramberget
in Keillers Park to get one of the best views of the city – or take
a bus if you want a more leisurely ascent.
Gothenburg
Attractions Guide
There is no shortage of museums in Gothenburg. The Stadtsmuseum is located
in the former site of the headquarters of the Swedish East India Company
and includes an extensive collection of porcelain and the famous Äskekärr
Viking ship. Visit the nearby Maritima Centrum and clamber aboard the
destroyer and submarine moored at the quayside. Götaplatsen is the
modern cultural centre of Gothenburg, home to a concert hall, theatre
and the Konstmuseet (Art Museum), whose enormous collections include a
good selection of Impressionist paintings, Pop Art and – most impressively
– superb Swedish work. The extensive Nordic and European collection
include works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Picasso.
Walk to the west and visit the old working-class district of Haga, now
one of the trendiest areas of the city. Continue toward Linnegatan, rapidly
replacing Kungsportsavenyn as the place to eat, drink and be seen. Enjoy
a meal at one Gothenburg’s many restaurants and then take in a concert
at Göteborgs Konserthus or go to the ballet at GöteborgsOperan.
Otherwise visit one of Gothenburg’s pubs and nightclubs, many of
which feature live music.
Getting to Gothenburg
Airport
Gothenburg City Airport is situated approximately 12 kilometers to the
north west of the city.
Bus
A coach service from the airport to Gothenburg leaves 30 minutes after
the arrival of Ryan Air flights. The bus back to the airport leaves the
bus terminal 90 minutes before the departure time. The journey takes approximately
30 minutes.
Taxi
There is a regular taxi service to Gothenburg Central Station from the
airport that costs in the region of SEK265.
Within Gothenburg
Gothenburg has a very well developed public transport system
comprised of numerous buses, 9 tramlines and regional trains, which offer
excellent connections within the city and also with the wider region.
The Gothenburg's City Pass, available from all tobacconists allows unlimited
use of the city's excellent tram and bus system.
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