Gothenburg is a Swedish City I knew very little about. It is a city that is overshadowed by the popular and Capital city of Stockholm, and not often explored or written about.
None the less, it was a city that I was about to explore, after a spontaenous decision and a few clicks later, I got myself booked on a cheap flight.
I decided to go to Gothenburg in order to achieve my 40 before 30 aim. Gothenburg (Sweden) was to be country 39, and Croatia was country 40, for my 30th birthday.
After exclaiming to my family that I would be off in a few weeks time, which they are well used to; I set about some time to research into the trip. I was only going for just 36 hours!
Is it possible to actually see a city in 36 hours? I think so!
So if you happen to be planning on a trip to Gothenburg, and only have a short period of time, then here are some things you can get up to in just 36 hours!
Travel
Gothenburg is well connected with good transport links, and once you land at Göteborg Landvetter Airport, you will see a variety of transport options to connect you into the city and beyond. The airport bus will cost £17 return for a 30 minute journey. It sounds pricey, but Sweden will be.
Stay
When in Gothenburg, I choose to base myself at the Spar Hotel, Marjona which is a little further out from the city centre, but is affordable and well connected with transport, with a tram right outside.
See
View the city from Skansen Kronan
I love to view cities from elevated points. It gives you a different perspective and help you appreciate the scale of the city.
Skansen Kronan is a fortress situated on the hill Risåsberget, and takes about 10-15 minutes to walk to the top.
It was orignially built with the purpose of defending a battle, but was never attacked.
In summertime, there is a cafe open, selling homemade cakes and ice creams.
Hang out in the Haga
Haga is one of Gothenburgs oldest neighbourhoods. Here you can walk along cobbled streets and dart in and out of the independent shops, in the perfectly perserved wooden houses.
It felt very artsy and every shop felt like an IKEA display.
Along the streets, you will also find people selling their handcrafted wares. It felt like a lovely place to be.
Alternatively there is Nordstan, a mall close to the central of the city.
Check out the Cog
A short boat ride will take you over to the area of Lindholmen, which has a science park. Around this park, you’ll see the Kuggen (translated is the Cog). It is a circular building with triangular windows.
Completed in 2011, and owned by a real estate company. The Kuggen has won awards for being a truely green building, due to energy consumption and building materials used.
Visit Gothenburg City Museum
Gothenburg City Museum is known as a house full of stories, and has everything from arts to history and culture.
It is situated beside the main river bank in the centre of the city.
Stroll around Slottsskogen
Gothenburg has a number of beautiful green spaces to enjoy. Slottsskogen is one of the largest and main parks, and is approximatlely 30 minutes from the centre of the city, on foot.
It has a spacious lake, long winding paths and leafty areas. It is the ideal place to relax.
If you are lucky enough to be in the area at the correct time, you may just see some deer.
Peruse the Port of Gothenburg
The Port of Gothenburg is the largest Port in Scandinavia, and has over 11,000 ship visits per year. Ships come from over 140 different countries.
If you are a ship enthusaist, then you’ll love it in this area.
Eat
Fika
Fika is a concept in Swedish culture, with the basic meaning ‘to have coffee’. It is an institution in Sweden. Wherever you go, you’ll see locals sat out drinking coffee, and eating cake and socialising. Sounds like not a bad life to me!
If you are looking for your next short break away, then consider Gothenburg. It has great things to see and do and a wonderful culture to discover.
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