Goteborg: Guide, Hotels, Map & Photos
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SEK 370 - 1,400 Linné Hostel
 This hostel lies within walking distance from the Slottsskogen Park and the Botanical Garden. It offers a communal kitchen with stove and refrigerator… MoreSEK 520 - 880 Kville Hotel
 Conveniently located only a 5-minute tram ride from Gothenburg Central Station, this combined hotel and hostel offers functional, good-value accommoda… MoreSEK 1,500 - 3,000 IQ Suites
 Located a 15-minute walk from Avenyn, Gothenburg’s main shopping street, these stylish suites feature large LED TVs, iPod docking stations and a pri… MoreSEK 506 - 2,995 Mornington Hotel Stravaganza Göteborg
 This eco-friendly boutique hotel overlooks the main street of Avenyn in central Gothenburg and is surrounded by shops, museums and nightlife. It offer… MoreSEK 820 - 2,090 Novotel Göteborg
 Enjoy a first-class restaurant and tastefully furnished rooms at the Novotel Göteborg, situated at the entrance to Gothenburg harbour in an area of g… MoreSEK 702 - 2,530 Quality Hotel 11 & Eriksbergshallen
 Take a dip in the outdoor jacuzzi and enjoy breathtaking harbour views from the complimentary wellness area at this stylish hotel. Relax and enjoy spa… MoreSEK 52 - 1,750 Nya Varvet Studios
 Overlooking Gothenburg’s historical harbour district, the Nya Varvet Studios feature built-in kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. On-site … MoreSEK 595 - 1,330 Ibis Hotel Göteborg City
 This quayside hotel is set on board a ship, 12 minutes’ walk from Gothenburg Central Station. It offers a sun deck and nice views of the harbour and… MoreSEK 720 - 1,990 Hotell Onyxen
 Situated in a beautiful 19th century building, Hotell Onyxen is close to Gothenburg centre. The Scandinavium Arena and Liseberg Amusement Park are loc… MoreSEK 495 - 5,000 Hotel Vasa
 Hotel Vasa in Gothenburg is a family hotel of middle class standard in the city centre.
Its history reverts back to the beginning of the 20th centur… MoreSEK 795 - 1,695 Hotel Royal
 Dating back to 1852, this elegant hotel is 5 minutes’ walk from Gothenburg Central Station. It offers a peaceful inner courtyard, free Wi-Fi and fre… MoreSEK 900 - 4,500 Hotel Villan
 Situated in the Eriksberg district, just a 10-minute ferry ride from Gothenburg city centre, this intimate waterfront hotel offers rooms with free Wi-… MoreSEK 530 - 1,320 Hotell Kusten
 Found close to local transport links in the charming Majorna district of central Gothenburg, this hotel offers guests free breakfast, Wi-Fi and privat… MoreSEK 795 - 1,795 Hotell Lisebergsbyn Kärralund
 Hotell Lisebergsbyn Kärralund offers cottages and guest rooms within 8 minutes’ tram ride of Liseberg Amusement Park. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and p… MoreSEK 745 - 5,000 Hotell Liseberg Heden
 This hotel is within 10 minutes’ walk of Liseberg Amusement Park and the main street, Avenyn. It offers free internet, a pleasant garden and a popul… MoreSEK 493 - 2,280 Quality Hotel Panorama
 Stay centrally in Gothenburg, at walking distance from the Swedish Trade Fair, the Liseberg Amusement Park and the main shopping street Avenyn, at the… MoreSEK 663 - 2,180 Quality Hotel Winn
 Located just a 10 minute bus ride from Gothenburg city centre is Quality Hotel Winn, with Gothenburg’s largest hotel pool and bubble bath, sauna and… MoreSEK 795 - 1,720 Spar Hotel Gårda
 Spar Hotel Gårda is 1.5 km from Gothenburg Central Station and Liseberg Amusement Park. It offers a roof terrace, free Wi-Fi and free sauna and gym a… MoreSEK 590 - 920 Slottsskogen Hostel
 Excellently located in the relaxed, charming area of Linnéstaden in central Gothenburg, Slottsskogen Hostel offers simple and effective guest rooms, … MoreSEK 720 - 23,330 Scandic Rubinen
 The Art Deco inspired Scandic Rubinen is located in an exciting district of Gothenburg and just 1 km from the Central Station and Liseberg Amusement P… MoreSEK 795 - 1,720 Spar Hotel Majorna
 This hotel is 2 minutes’ walk from Chapmans Torg Tram Stop and 700 metres from Gothenburg’s Ferry Terminal. It offers a popular breakfast buffet, … MoreSEK 690 - 1,790 St Jörgens Hotell
 A cosy Gothenburg hotel situated on Hising Island, just 4 km north of the city centre. St. Jörgens Hotell is a charming house from the turn of the ce… MoreSEK 650 - 850 Villa Balder Bed & Breakfast
 Situated in a green residential area, 10 minutes’ walk from Liseberg Theme Park, this B&B provides rooms with LCD TVs and free Wi-Fi. Central Gothen… MoreSEK 455 - 995 Torpet Mon
 Stay close to the centre of Gothenburg and the Skatås Leisure Centre, with a multitude of activities on offer, at the environmentally friendly and un… MoreSEK 820 - 16,501 Scandic Opalen
 Situated in the heart of Gothenburg’s city, the Scandic Opalen enjoys a convenient location close to the exhibition centre, Ullevi Stadium, Scandina… More | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goteborg: Guide
Gothenburg (Swedish: Göteborg, pronounced "Yutheboori") is the second largest city in Sweden with approximately 485,000 inhabitants (2005) in the municipality. It is situated on Sweden's west coast at the outlet of the river Göta Älv. With over 60,000 students Gothenburg is the largest university city in Scandinavia. Gothenburg has a reputation of being a friendly place, even more welcoming than the Swedish capital.
Understand
Gothenburg is a city founded in the beginning of the 17th century by the Swedish king Gustav II Adolf. It was once the center of the Swedish ship-building industry but in 1970, with rising competition from foreign ship wharfs, many of the docks had to close down. Many of the ship wharf areas has given way to hi tech-industries. Today it's a city that tries to be big (e.g. organizing international sport events) and small (e.g. there are not many buildings higher than six floors) at the same time.
Politically it is dominated by the Social Democrats (Labour Party), and has been for many years.
People
The working-class history is easily visible, for example in the harbour area. Traditionally there has been few fashion houses or posh cafeterias, but that has changed in recent years with the reconstruction of the indoor malls in the city centre and with the opening of quite a number of American-styled coffee shops. In the city centre, where the university is located, there are quite a number of students.
The dialect of the Gothenburgers is, for other Swedes, associated with cheerfulness and witty humour.
Gothenburg is a twin town of Chicago and Shanghai.
Tourist information
There are two tourist information offices in central Gothenburg - one in the Nordstan shopping center (next to the central train station) and one on Kungsportsplatsen.
Get in
By plane
Landvetter Airport (airport code: GOT) is Gothenburg's main airport, located 25 km east of the city. There is a bus service from Landvetter terminating at the Nils Ericson terminal (cost SEK 70) which takes approximately 30 minutes. About 30 airlines fly to Landvetter e.g. , , , and .
Gothenburg City Airport (airport code: GSE) was previously known as Säve Airport. This is definitely in the 'small' category of airport, and you should expect to wait a while for your bags. It is closer to Gothenburg than the main Landvetter airport. A bus (cost SEK 50) meets each flight, and takes you to the bus and train terminal in 30 minutes. , and are the only airlines that use it.
By train
Trains from all different parts of Sweden arrive and leave from Centralstationen (tram Centralstationen/Drottningtorget). There is also a service to Copenhagen via the Øresund bridge. Information and booking of train tickets at .
By car
The roads E6, E20 and national road 45 (riksväg 45) pass through Gothenburg. If you come by car from Stockholm, you should take E4 and national road 40.
Approximate distances & travelling time:
DFDS Seaways operates ships to/from Norway (Kristiansand) and United Kingdom (Newcastle).
DFDS Torline is a cargo line with limited passenger capacity. They can take a small number of passengers to Gothenburg from Belgium (Ghent) and United Kingdom (Immingham and Tilbury).
Liseberg - the biggest amusement park in all of Scandinavia, with lots of different rides for all ages. Be sure to try Balder, the new wooden roller-coaster. The number one attraction, by number of visitors, in Sweden.
Gothenburg is with over 60,000 students Scandinavia's largest university city.
Gothenburg University . In its current form since 1954, Gothenburg University offers higher education in a large number of areas. International students are offered both programmes and independent courses in English.
Close to Nordstan is the smaller shopping center Arkaden, with a number of fashion boutiques.
Saluhallen, Kungstorget, is a charming indoor food hall.
Göteborgskalaset takes place annually in August. City-festival featuring musical performances, a wide array of foreign food booths and lots and lots of beer. Massive public drunkenness and under-aged intoxication has made the city council consider to cancel the whole thing. If you stay off the absolute city-centre like the Avenue (Avenyn) you may find interesting parties and activities though.
Once a year during the summer, football playing youths from more than 50 countries take part in Gothia Cup, the world's biggest football tournament with over 1,000 teams.
Göteborgsvarvet is half a marathon (21 km) which is run in central Gothenburg once a year, with 30,000 participants.
On weekends during season Gamla Ullevi stadium hosts soccergames featuring one or two of the local teams IFK Göteborg, Örgryte IS or GAIS. The fourth major team, Häcken, plays at Rambergsvallen.
At Scandinavium hockey stadium the local team Frölunda Indians plays games every week during season.
On occasion you can see wrestling on different locations in Gothenburg.
Every Friday some pubs and restaurants have After Work specials. Free buffet and happy hour prices in the bar. .
Respekt - Gay, pop, etc. Järntorget tram stop.
Slottsskogen Youth Hostel, Vegagatan 21, +46 31-42 65 20, . Prices start at 120 SEK. Nearest tram stop: Olivedalsgatan.
Riverton, Stora Badhusgatan 26, .
Roman catholic churches ():
, Parkgatan 14. Holy mass: Sat: 11:30, 16:30 (span.), 18:00, 19:00 (polish); Sun: 9:30, 11:00, 13:00 (pol.), 16:00 (croatic), 19:00; Mon-Fri: 8:00, 11:30, 18:00
Elfsborgs fortress (Elfsborgs fästning) from the 17th century was built on an island to protect the city from being attacked from the sea. Tourist boats make the trip regularly during summer.
Vinga - the last outpost before the sea and the place where Evert Taube (a famous Swedish poet) grew up.
Gunnebo Castle, in the neighbour municipality of Mölndal, is an 18th century large wooden mansion with Rococo interiors and with a Baroque park.
Tjolöholm Castle, in Kungsbacka municipality south of Gothenburg, is an anacronistic Tudor castle built in the years around 1900 for the Scottish-Swedish merchant and factory owning family Dickson, one of Gothenburg's many generous donors (they founded Gothenburg's first public library and built decent homes for the families of their factory staff).
This "Travel Guide" section is drawn from the Wikitravel article "Goteborg". We hope you will edit and improve it. It is available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5 license.
to Malmö (E6/E20 south): 300km, 3hrs
to Oslo (E6 north): 320km, 4hrs
to Stockholm (40 east, E4): 500km, 5 to 6hrsBy bus
Several coach services operate in and out of Gothenburg including , and . Nils Ericsson Terminalen, located in connection with the central station, is the most common bus stop.By ship
Stena Line operates ships to/from Denmark (Fredrikshavn) and Germany (Kiel).
The terminals are situated near the city centre. Tramway stops: Masthuggstorget (Frederikshavn), Chapmans Torg (Kiel).
The terminal is situated near the city centre. Tramway stop: Frihamnen. This service closes at the end of October 2006 as the ship has been sold.Get around
Public transportation within Gothenburg (and the west of Sweden) is operated by and consists of trams, buses and boats. During the spring/summer of 2006, a new system of payment is being introduced throughout the region which may cause some confusion.By tram
Gothenburg has a famous network of trams (13 lines) that covers most of the city. With over 150km the Gothenburg tram is the largest light rail network in Scandinavia. The main tram hub is Brunnsparken ('Well Park'), where you can catch trams to all parts of the city. It is located only a couple of stones' throws (one tram stop to be precise, or a 5 minute walk) from the train station.
Gothenburg tram network map By bus
The main bus hub for buses leaving the city is Nils Ericsson Terminalen located in city center in connection with the train station. Buses within the city go from places spread over the city. Some go from the inner city. Usually trams take you to these places. Check maps at the tram stops. Please note that all passengers enter the bus through the front door, except on buses marked Stombuss (line 16 and 17).By ferry
The ferries Älvsnabben and Älvsnabbare run across and along the river, where the port and wharfs used to be, from Lilla Bommen and Rosenlund to Klippan, stopping on the other side (Hisingen). Besides being a transport, it can be a good way to see the city from the river.By taxi
Several companies, for example Taxi Göteborg, Taxi Kurir and Minitaxi. A more risky option is the illegal taxis ("svarttaxi"), which are generally cheaper. A warning though: don't travel alone, as muggings and rapes have occurred.By bicycle
Gothenburg has a nice network of bicycle paths, reaching all parts of the city. By foot
Walking in Gothenburg during the summer can be quite nice, especially in one of the parks, in the inner city, along the river or in the Haga area.See
Skansen Kronan (Crown Keep) is a hilltop fortification, southwest of the city center, built in the 17th century. In the 19th century it served as a prison, and now houses a military museum. Its twin Skansen Lejonet (Lion Keep) unfortunately finds itself in the middle of a railroad and industrial area but occasional tours are held.
Close to Skansen Kronan is Haga, a city district with picturesque wooden houses from the 19th century.
The indoor Fish Market, called "Feskekôrka" (Fish Church) because of the shape of the building, is located by the canal near the harbor.Museums
Gothenburg Art Museum (Göteborgs Konstmuseum), Götaplatsen. Housed in a magnificent edifice flanked by the theater and concert hall, it features a world-class collection of Nordic art. The adjacent Hasselblad Center periodically holds public exhibitions, and the Art Hall (free entry) features contemporary art.
Gothenburg City Museum (Göteborgs Stadsmuseum), Norra Hamngatan 12. Covers the history of the city and region from prehistoric times to the present, with emphasis on the 19th-century Swedish East India Company, which was once housed in the building.
Universeum, Södra Vägen 50 (Liseberg). A new museum focusing on the environment with an indoor rainforest, experiment workshop etc.
Museum of World Culture, Södra Vägen 54 (Liseberg). A cultural counterpart to the science-oriented Universeum, it's a museum of ethnography and anthropology, with a thoroughly contemporary approach. There are regular special events such as concerts, films, and lectures. Free entry to the museum; events extra charge.
Maritiman, Packhuskajen 8½. "The world's biggest floating museum of ships" consists of 19 boats of all sizes. The biggest attraction is the former military destroyer Småland.
Maritime Museum, Stigbergstorget, Majorna, explains the maritime history of Gothenburg, West Sweden and of the fishing industry; has models of sailing ships. There is a lookout, in pillar of the "Seamans wife", just by the museum where you can view the harbour.
Gothenburg Natural History Museum, Slottsskogen (Linnéplatsen). The oldest museum in Gothenburg includes a stuffed blue whale and is situated in Slottsskogen.
Volvo Museum, Hisingen - yes of course, in the home town of Volvo you can view the past and present models of the Swedish car.Historical buildings
Gothenburg Cathedral, Västra Hamngatan. Built in 1815.
Christinae Church (German Church), Norra Hamngatan. Built in 1748.
Crown House (Kronhuset), Postgatan. Built in 1643-1655, and briefly home of the Swedish Parliament. It currently houses Göteborgs Musik, and the surrounding buildings are now cafes and crafts workshops.
Oscar Fredrik Church, Värmlandsgatan. The largest and most well decorated church. Built 1893.
Parks and Gardens
Slottsskogen, a big English garden close to the Botanical Garden with a small zoo and old homestead houses.
The Gothenburg Botanical Garden has an area of 175 hectares and was selected as the most beautiful garden in Sweden in 2003.
Trädgårdsföreningen, a picturesque garden with a very nice collection of roses in the city centre.Itineraries
Gothenburg is the starting point of the itinerary 'Sixteen days in Götaland and Svealand'.Do
The sailing ship Götheborg has departed for China and will not return until 2007. Its wharf Terra Nova has closed but an exhibition about the project has opened at Eriksberg Pir 4 (Norra älvstranden).
The Paddan tourist boats run in the city canals and in the harbour.
In summer, you can go canoing in or walking around the lake Delsjön. Only 6 km from city center, it can be a good way to experience nature.
Lisebergslinjen is a vintage tram line that runs during summer from the central station to Liseberg. Prices: Adults 18 SEK, Children 9 SEK, Small children Free.
Börjessons does tourist boat tours in the archipelago every day in the summer and is very popular.
Southern Archipelago. For a low price one can visit the islands in the southern archipelago with regular passenger boats. These islands are car free and very pittoresque. The boats go from the tram stop "Saltholmen". Note that it is difficult to park there. Tram tickets are valid on the boat too.
Charter a Sailing Yacht gives you independent information on how to find a yacht charter in Gothenburg.Learn
Chalmers University of Technology . Founded in 1829, Chalmers offers education in engineering and architecture. International students can apply for one of the 25 different master's programmes taught in English.Buy
The main shopping center is Nordstan. It's located next to Brunnsparken and it is connected to the central train station. It has many outlets with international companies such as H&M, Espirit, Vero Moda and Swedish companies such as Åhléns City, Rock, Nordic Design etc.
If you are looking for more expensive stuff, visit NK at Östra Hamngatan 42.Events
Every year in February, the town is invaded by cinema buffs for the annual Gothenburg Film Festival . The festival, which is growing every year, is now one of the major Scandinavian movie festivals.Sport events
Between 6 - 13th of August 2006, Gothenburg hosted the European Athletics Championships at Ullevi Stadium.Eat
The main restaurant street in Gothenburg is Linnégatan running from Järntorget to Linnéplatsen. It has a high concentration of good restaurants of all kinds in the low to moderate price range.
Budget
Andrum, Östra Hamngatan 19A. Tasty and healthy vegetarian/vegan buffet.
Bar Centro, Kyrkogatan 31. Small Italian-style espressobar, takes coffee very seriously.
Condeco, Cafe with coffee, tea, soft-drinks, sandwiches, cakes and muffins. 4 outlets: at Avenyn, Kompassen, Fredsgatan and Linnégatan.
Maharani Första Långgatan 4, Indian food in a cosy atmosphere. Starters for 30-40 SEK and main courses for about 110 SEK.Mid-range
Gyllene Prag, Sveagatan 25 (Sveaplan). Cheap and wonderful Czech restaurant with good beer in generous helpings. The breaded cheese is a classic, and you won't be hungry again for at least a week.
Kungstorgskaféet, Kungstorget 11. It's an old, classic, small and inexpensive restaurant, open in the daytime, right in the city centre. The menu is very Swedish.
Pasta e contorni, Nordensköldsgatan 21. Italian.
Etc, Etc comes in two flavours - "Etc Grande" at Kungsgatan 12 and "Etc" at Vasaplatsen 12 where the later is smaller and cozier but doesn't serve quite as many. Serves fantastic pasta in various flavours.
12-52, Linnégatan 52, Modern food with excellent service. Main courses for 150-250 SEK. Splurge
Sjömagasinet, Adolf Edelsvärdsgata 5, +46 31-775 59 20. Excellent (and pricey!) fish restaurant at Klippan.
28+, Götabergsgatan 28, +46 31-20 21 61.
Hos Pelle, Djupedalsgatan 2, +46 31-12 10 31.
Basement, Götabergsgatan 28, +46 31-28 27 29.Drink
In the summertime there are outdoor serving along Avenyn and Linnégatan.
Ölhallen 7:an, Kungstorget 7, +46 31-136079. One of the best places for good beer, and the only traditional "Beer-hall" left in the city. It is situated next to Saluhallen.
Kellys, Andra Långgatan 28. Cheap beer. Mixed crowd of middle-aged regulars and young people.
Sejdeln, Andra Långgatan 28. When Kellys is packed Sejdeln is a perfectly adequate option, it's right next to Kellys and has even cheaper beer and roughly the same clientele.
Kings Head, Andra Långgatan. On this street well known for its cheap pubs and porn stores, this pub is an alternative for those who wants to spend time in a little more sophisticated environment. The clientele is more well adjusted in this place.
Dancin Dingo, Australian pub on a street parallel to Avenyn, "Let's put another shrimp on the barbie!"
Delirium Cafe The name implications couldn't be further from the truth, serving a massive selection of 1500+ different types of beer and whiskeys that you've most likely never heard of, this pub is an excellent alternative to the mid centre locations. Found not far from Kronhusbodarna a couple of hundred meters from Nordstan.
Bitter Linnégatan 59, one of the best bars in town if you want drinks rather than beer.
The Bishops Arms A chain of English pubs. In Gothenburg it's located at Kungsportsavenyn 36 and Västra Hamngatan 3. Good selection of beer on tap and fine single malt whiskey. A bit pricier than other pubs.Clubs
There are several different clubs in Gothenburg, with a wide array of music styles.
Haket (Masthuggstorget). Indie pop. Often arranges theme nights, with music, videos and even drinks featuring a certain artist.
Trädgår'n - EBM & Synthpop , House
Nefertiti - House, Jazz, Northern Soul
Cockpit - Gay
Sticky Fingers, Kaserntorget 3, +46 31-7010717. Rock
Uptown/Studio One - Reggae
Peacock Dinner Club - House
Gretas - Drottninggatan 35. Gay, schlager, pop, dance, cabaret.Sleep
Budget
Many Youth Hostels only offer their lowest prices to members of STF or IYHF.
Vandrarhem Stigbergsliden, Stigbergsliden 10, +46 31-24 16 20, . Located close to the Stena Line boat terminal to Denmark. Prices start at 135 SEK.
Kärralund Camping Youth Hostel. Located 2.5 km from Liseberg amusement park, the prices start at 345 SEK (one time entry to Liseberg included during summer) but they are a lot higher during peak months.Mid-range
Radisson/SAS, Södra Hamngatan 59-65, . Near the central train station.
Scandic Europa, Köpmansgatan 38, . Also near the train station.
Hôtel Eggers, Drottningtorget, +46 31-333 44 40 (fax +46 31-333 44 49) . Located right by the train station, with nearly 150 years of history.Splurge
Elite Plaza Hotel, Västra Hamngatan 3, +46 31-720 40 00. Five star hotel where the rock stars sleep after giving a concert in Gothenburg.
Elite Park Avenue Hotel, Kungsportsavenyn 36-38, +46 31-727 10 00. Four stars.Cope
Religious services
Get out
Near Gothenburg is the beautiful southern archipelago. There's a resident population on most islands, so ferries run all year. Private cars are not allowed. Take tram 11 (or 9 in summer) to Saltholmen, and then one of the ferries to Styrsö, Köpstadsö or any of the other islands. Here you can swim in the ocean, buy ice cream and maybe eat at the restaurants on Brännö, Styrsö or Vrångö. Be warned that the tram is packed with people on sunny summer days, especially when the 9 doesn't run, and going by car isn't better since you are unlikely to find a parking place. The ferries, however, usually make extra tours such days.