Before beginning a sightseeing tour in Gothenburg it is worth buying the Gothenburg Pass which can be obtained from any hotel, camping site, hostels and the Gothenburg Tourist Office. In most cases you will save 50% of the entrance fee. A 24 hour adult Pass costs 245 Kroner (child 170 Kr) and a 48 Hour Pass costs 390 Kr. (child 270 Kr). If you buy the ticket before arriving in Gothenburg, or from the Tourist Office at the airport, you can travel 2 for 1 in the airport coach into Gothenburg city centre.
Armed with the Gothenburg Pass, here are some of the unmissable things in that great city.
Guided Tour by Bus
Start with a one hour guided tour through the city when you will be shown the most interesting things to see and do in the city. It's a good idea to make plans now as to what to see later.
LISEBERG - Scandinavia's Greatest Amusement Park
Amusement Park doesn't do justice to this enclave of delights for all ages, from children's carousels to breathtaking rides and roller coasters. There are gardens to walk in, cafes and restaurants in which to eat, shops, and dancing to live music.
This is also where the magical Christmas Market is held so if you are here in December, make sure to visit the design and crafts market, browse the 80 or so cabins selling crafts, enjoy the Christmas buffet with wonderful smells, and have a go on the ice rink. Santa Claus will be visiting so have the young ones bring their lists with them.
Universeum Discovery Centre in Central Gothenburg
Covering 7,000 square metres, this Science Centre is packed with animals and nature from the human body to outer space. You pass through various climate zones as you chat with the guides who are there to answer your questions.
The Big Eye, Gothenburg
Down by the harbour is the big wheel with capsules that seat six people, the perfect way to get an overview of the city and the waters of the harbour and outlying areas. A smooth ride that repeats the journey about 4 times so you see everything by moving around a little. Well worth the trip.
Paddan Boats, Gothenburg
The Paddan Cruise, a Gothenburg speciality, is the ideal way to experience the city from the water. The Paddan Boats leave right from the centre of the city (not far from the Fish Market where you can also have a fantastic meal).
New Älvsborg Fortress, Gothenburg.
Considered the best preserved fortress in Sweden this famous fortress was last used during the early 18th century war with Denmark when it was besieged time and again without being occupied. Take a boat out to the Fortress and enjoy the guided tour that is included.
Maritime Adventure Centre, Gothenburg
Moored at Packhuskajen Quay visitors go beneath the surface of the Gota River and explore the submarine from the inside. You will learn about navigation on board the lightship Fladen and explore the destroyer Småland.
Museum of Art, Gothenburg
Of the many Museums in Gothenburg this is my favourite, with its unique collection of Nordic Art as well as an extraordinary collection of Impressionists. The City Museum on the waterfront, The Sports Museum with its Olympic Games Room, the Natural History Museum, Maritime Museum, and the Museum of World Culture are all worth seeing but on a short trip it is just impossible to fit them all in.
Shopping in Gothenburg
Shopping in Gothenburg is a delight in the world-class stores where the goods, although higher priced than in some other parts of Europe, are invariably of very high quality. Nordstan is the largest store, Arkaen is modern and trendy, Kompassen has street fashion and Avenyn is the famous boulevard where shopping and coffee-drinking at a sidewalk cafe seem to go hand in hand.
Something for everyone, every day and every season, in Sweden's 2nd City.
Mari Nicholson - Award Winning travel writer and historian, member of British Guild of Travel Writers.Travelwriters.co.uk, and Society of Women Writers and ...
