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Gothenburg Travel Guide

About Gothenburg

Situated on the southwest coast of Sweden, where the Göta River meets the North Sea, Gothenburg has a cosmopolitan feel at odds with its historic cobbled streets.

Boasting the largest harbour in Scandinavia, and a captivating archipelago (skärgård to the locals), you’re never far from a tangy salt-laden breeze or some of the finest shellfish you’ll ever eat.

But there’s more to the city than quaint streets and seafood: with its strong local character, elegant architecture and a down-to-earth cultural robustness, Gothenburg is both authentic and attractive.

The hardest part is working out where to start. Do you shop up a storm in the hip Linné district? Or do you kick back and watch the world go by in the peaceful Kungsparken? Maybe check out the city’s numerous monuments and museums, including one that allows visitors to pit their wits against a roster of visiting Nobel Prize winners.

Gothenburg's contributions to Swedish history can be sniffed out via the exhibitions and crafts on show at the gorgeous old City Hall and at the city’s fabulous maritime museum – aptly set on the world’s biggest boat.

Ships also play a large part in the local food, with fish and shellfish on the menu in just about every restaurant. But you don’t have to wait for it to turn up cooked on the table: archipelago fishing trips are easily arranged.

Gothenburg’s excellent city bike scheme is a pleasant (and cheap) way of seeing the main sights, while quirky attractions such as the Beach Centre enable visitors to have a stab at volleyball.

Those on a more cerebral bent can indulge in a visit to the harbour-side opera house, or get involved in a piece of performance art at one of the many contemporary theatres.

Gothenburg might not have the clout of Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, but with a beguiling blend of stunning countryside, a city centre that’s easy to explore and enough activities to keep you busy for a year, you won’t be missing out on a thing.

Currently, Gothenburg is preparing for its 400th anniversary in 2021 with projects that revolve around the three themes "Closer to the water", "Building bridges" and "Open spaces". 

Key facts

Population:
533,000
Latitude:
57.712623
Longitude:
11.996414
A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Upper House

The clean and contemporary sleeping chambers at Upper House, with their Nordic sharpness and modern apartment-like space, are found in the top floors of the Gothia Towers. While the attention to detail is first rate, with king-size, cushion-filled beds, complimentary Wi-Fi, choice flat screen TVs and a changing room service selection, it's famed for the large, wall-sized windows that afford incredible views over the city vista. The hotel also has three swimming pools, Turkish baths, spa treatments and a locally-sourced breakfast.

Hotel Bellora

With a choice of 98 chic rooms, the Hotel Bellora is a beautiful lifestyle-hotel that mixes Italian Dolce Vita with a cosmopolitan flair. With an Espresso Bar warmly nestled in reception area that sources speciality beans to complement its indulgent chocolates and Italian pastries, it’s not just the 4-star comfort of the rooms that keeps visitors returning.

Hotell Liseberg Barken Viking

The 4-star Hotell Liseberg Barken Viking is housed in one of the few remaining four-masted barques in the world. The ship was built in 1907 and is moored in the Gothenburg guest harbour next to the Gothenburg Opera. The hotel offers rooms and a restaurant with a unique maritime atmosphere and furnishings. There are several conference rooms on board as well.

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel

This sophisticated luxury hotel in Gothenburg, opposite the central train station, has 349 elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi access, swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna and fitness centre. The hotel also offers excellent conference facilities. The Atrium Bar & Restaurant is located in the hotel lobby.

Hotel Riverton

A recent sharp and stylish update of the Premium Queen rooms at Hotel Riverton means this city centre sanctuary now offers 4-star comfort without having to inform the bank manager. With rain showers in the glass-walled bathroom, cinema aspiring TV screens and Nespresso machines in each bedroom, plus new extra thick doors to keep corridor clamour to a minimum, the hotel is perfect for a short or long break. It also has a Sky Bar that overlooks the harbour and a riverside restaurant.

Elite Plaza Hotel

A stylish business hotel in a more than 100-year-old building, the Elite Plaza Hotel opened in 2000 and is one of the most luxurious hotels in Gothenburg. There are 121 rooms and six suites, all with satellite TV and broadband internet connection. The hotel has an excellent restaurant, Svea Hof Restaurang & Bar, as well as an English pub, The Bishop's Arms.