Top 20 attractions in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a large beautiful city in the southwestern part of Sweden. This is the industrial and cultural center of the country, famous for its magnificent architecture, interesting museums, cozy beaches and amusement parks.

Who and why goes to Gothenburg

Gothenburg, located on the banks of the Kattegat at the mouth of the Göta Elv, was founded at the beginning of the 17th century to protect the coastline from the Danes. The city grew rapidly and soon became a major port through which goods were imported and exported. Until today, many architectural monuments have been preserved here, attracting people from all over the world.

Tourists come to see the central streets paved with cobblestones, defensive fortresses, Gothic churches, an old fish market on the banks of the Rosenlund canal.

Gothenburg is the recognized center of Swedish contemporary music. It was here that such famous bands as In Flames, Yaki-Da, Ace of Base were formed and the death-metal style was born.

At different times of the year, their annual cultural events are held here:

• In June, young people flock to Summerburst to listen to famous artists working in different musical genres.
• In August, the grandiose rock festival Way Out West invites guests.
• In January, several music festivals start at once, where famous bands and DJs perform.
• At the end of October, Gothenburg celebrates Culture Night in a big way. The festival, organized by the local authorities, is designed to develop the cultural potential of the city. The program includes theatrical performances, concerts, master classes, training seminars.

The coast of Kattegat and the mouth of Göta Elv are suitable for active pastime. In summer, excursions to the islands and competitions in canoeing and kayaking are regularly held here. Tourists enjoy sunbathing on the beaches, swimming and fishing.

Gothenburg is a great family holiday destination. In city parks, there are a huge number of attractions designed for different age groups. Children and adults go to the zoo, oceanarium, botanical garden, have picnics in the fresh air and visit interesting museums.

architectural landmarks

Bohus fortress

On the island of Bagaholm at the mouth of the Göta-Älv River, a defensive fortress, founded in 1308 by King Hakon V of Norway, rises. In the Middle Ages, it was besieged more than once, but never submitted to enemies.

After the end of the Danish-Swedish war of 1675-1679, the fortifications were rebuilt in a peaceful manner. The residence of the governor was located on the territory, and a little later a prison.

In the 18th century the complex began to fall into disrepair. Restoration work began only in 1934. Now the Bohus fortress is almost completely restored and receives tourists.

Karlsten Fortress

Fort Karlsten on the island of Marstrandsen was founded by Charles X Gustav in 1681. For many years it was the largest defensive structure in Europe and a prison where especially dangerous criminals were kept. The modern fortress is a huge historical attraction.

Thematic halls with a completely recreated interior of the past are available for tourists. During the tour, you can see the cells of prisoners, torture instruments, ancient cannons and weapons.

Chuleholm

In the vicinity of Gothenburg, it is easy to find a manor stylized as Tudor architecture. The palace, built of granite stone in 1904 for the aristocrat Frederik Dixon, is considered the most beautiful building in Sweden. Luxurious apartments are furnished with antique furniture, decorated with paintings, tapestries, crystal chandeliers, stucco.

The interiors and the park are open to visitors. Tourists are exploring the main halls, billiard room, library. Every year, the palace hosts Christmas markets where arts and crafts are sold.

Kronhuset

The oldest secular house in Gothenburg was built in 1655. The two-story red brick building with a gabled roof was intended for the storage of military ammunition and ammunition. At the end of the last century, the city brass band was located here and music concerts began to be held on the premises.

On the square in front of the entrance to Kronhuset, an exhibition is open that tells about the Great historical era of Sweden, exciting 1611-1721. Adjacent to the house are old buildings with craft, pastry shops, shops and cafes.

Covered fish rows

The covered fish market near the Rosenlund Canal opened its doors for the first time in November 1874. The stone building, designed by Viktor von Gegerfelt, incorporated the features of Gothic churches and wooden Norwegian houses. Lancet windows, arches, powerful beams were used in the design.

The recognizable silhouette of the market is the calling card of Gothenburg. Here you can also buy fresh fish, seafood and go to a restaurant to try national cuisine.

Elvsborgsbrun

The suspension bridge over the Göta Elv River connects the southern and northern districts of Gothenburg. The total length of the structure, which rises 45 meters above the river, is 933 meters, and the height of its pylons reaches 107 meters. The impressive dimensions make the building a well-known landmark of the city.

The bridge has 3 traffic lanes in both directions and is used for the movement of cars, bicycles and pedestrians. In 1993, it was painted green in honor of the athletics championship. Passing over the bridge, you can admire the magnificent view of the river and the embankment.

Temples of Gothenburg

Cathedral

In the historical center rises the cathedral, founded in the 17th century. The first two buildings erected with the money of the townspeople were destroyed by fires.

New construction, in which the foundations of past temples were used, began in 1804 and lasted about 20 years. The classical style cathedral is decorated with columns and arched windows, and its territory is surrounded by a beautiful park.

Church of St. Christina

In the center of Gothenburg stands the Church of St. Christina, dedicated to the daughter of the Swedish monarch Gustav II Adolf. The temple, built in 1648, suffered from fires several times, but was always restored. Inside there is an altar painting from 1658, a royal organ, and marble sculptures of saints.

Mastuggschurkan

A striking attraction of Gothenburg is the Mastuggschurkan Church, located on top of a cliff near the strait. The building in the National Romantic style, built in 1910, attracts attention with a high central tower topped with a spherical dome and a cross with a weather vane in the form of a rooster.

The church is not only a decoration of the city, but also an important maritime landmark, because it can be seen from afar.

Museums in Gothenburg

Art Museum

On Götaplatsen Square, it is easy to find a yellow brick mansion that houses an art museum. Its huge collection is formed by donations from the townspeople and consists of works of art dating back to the 15th-21st centuries.

Visitors can admire original works by Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso, Van Gogh, Claude Monet. A selection of Scandinavian paintings is stored in separate rooms.

City Museum

The Museum of the City of Gothenburg is located in a palace that previously belonged to the office of the West India Company. There are numerous exhibitions that tell about the development of the region in different historical eras.

Popular exhibits are a Viking ship decorated with runic inscriptions, medieval weapons, jewelry and photographs taken at the beginning of the last century. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that shed light on certain historical events.

Rehss Museum

The museum, which reveals the secrets of fashion and design, is housed in a beautiful building in the city center. Inside, 50 thousand items are collected, including samples of fabric and clothing from different countries and historical eras. Tourists are shown fashion collections from Parisian designers, colorful lace, handmade knitwear. A separate exhibition is devoted to the arts and crafts of China and Japan.

Aeroseum

In an underground hangar inside a declassified Cold War bunker, there is a military history museum covering all stages of aviation development.

In the hangars there are military models of Wiggen and Draken aircraft, civilian ships, helicopters, gliders and much more. Museum guests explore the cockpits of aircraft, try themselves on a flight simulator and take interesting photos.

Maritime Center

19 ships are moored on the embankment next to the opera house. Among the exhibits of the Maritime Museum are the 1952 destroyer Småland, the 1962 submarine, military and civil ships, as well as boats and sailboats. All of them are made at factories in Gothenburg and are the pride of local shipbuilders.

Tourists can go inside each ship and explore its interior. The Maritime Center has a small cafe and a souvenir shop. The museum accepts visitors only in the warm season.

Volvo Museum

In the industrial zone of the city there is a museum of the transport company «Volvo», which tells about the history of the development of the brand from the moment of its foundation to the present day.

The museum halls display engines manufactured by the company for the Swedish army, rare models of Volvo cars, modern trucks and cars. Among the popular exhibits is the 1983 LCP 2000 car, which runs on various fuels, including vegetable oil.

universe

The Universum Museum in Gothenburg will be interesting for the whole family. It is full of sections devoted to nature and science. Exhibitions revealing the secrets of space, criminalistics, seas and oceans are available to visitors. The museum has an aquarium with a volume of 1,400,000 liters, in which tropical fish, sharks, moray eels, stingrays live. In a separate zone there are reptiles, insects, poisonous spiders and snakes from different parts of the world.

Nature and entertainment

Botanical Garden

In Gothenburg you can admire one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe. On an area of ​​175 hectares, 16,000 species of plants grow. Collections of bulbous and medicinal herbs, rare trees of temperate latitudes are of great scientific value. There are also greenhouses with tropical flora.

Walking along the shady alleys, tourists can visit the rock garden, the rhododendron valley, orchid beds, the Japanese pavilion and ponds.

Liseberg

The construction of Liseberg was dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the city. Since then, the park has been regularly updated and never ceases to amaze tourists. On the territory of 25 km² there are 35 attractions for adults and children. Guests ride a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, participate in contests and quizzes.

On the territory there are areas for small children with cheerful animators, as well as cafes and restaurants. In winter, a large skating rink is filled in the park and a Christmas market is organized.

Opera theatre

The grand opening of the Gothenburg Opera took place in 1994. The building, stretching 160 meters long and 85 meters wide, quickly became the cultural center of the city. The 500 m² stage is equipped with movable platforms, and the auditorium can accommodate 1,300 people.

The impressive interior and excellent acoustics have made the opera house a popular tourist attraction. It shows ballet, opera performances, musicals and operettas.

Zoo

In the middle of the city park Slottskogen there is a small petting zoo open all summer months. Ponies, moose, sheep, goats, piglets walk on trimmed green lawns. Children stroke pets, give food, watch them.

Seals, penguins and waterfowl live in a separate zone. Guests can ride horses, take pictures with animals. Near the zoo there are duck ponds, carousels, ice cream kiosks and playgrounds.