Tourist Attractions in Gothenburg

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Gothenburg

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a typical Scandinavian city with the usual array of attractions. However, each of its buildings holds some interesting history or stands out from the rest. For example, the fish market, although still operating as usual, is an architectural monument. And the Haga district has transformed from a once poor and suburban neighbourhood into an affluent, economically and culturally important area of Gothenburg.

The local Botanical Garden is one of the best in Europe. Some museum collections are also unrivalled. The Swedes do not forget about entertainment, and Liseberg Park was founded for this purpose. Young tourists and their parents will also enjoy the Universum, a science centre where everything is explained visually, allowing them to gain knowledge through experience.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Gothenburg

Haga

 0/5

In the past it was considered a suburb of Gothenburg. It was founded by Queen Christina in the 17th century and was outside the city walls. The neighbourhood gradually developed and became part of the city. It is characterised by well-preserved architecture. However, some houses had to be demolished and replaced with replicas. People with high income live here. Tourists are attracted by the promenade areas and the atmosphere of the past centuries.

Liseberg

 4.5/5

36227 reviews

It was built for the 300th anniversary of the city. Mass events dedicated to this date were held there. One of the largest parks in Scandinavia. It is divided into several zones. There are areas for walking and a picturesque corner where hares run. Tourists are more attracted by breathtaking rides or places for concerts. On weekends and holidays, the place is traditionally crowded.

Open time

Gothenburg Botanical Garden

 4.7/5

8810 reviews

It was opened in 1923 with money from both the authorities and local residents. It is a gift to the city on its 300th anniversary. One of the best botanical gardens in Europe. Since 2001 it has been under the management of the Vestra Region. The area is over 175 hectares, of which 40 hectares are permanently cultivated, and the rest of the territory is protected areas and arboretum. Attractions: rock garden, rhododendron valley, Japanese garden.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

The Garden Society

 4.5/5

9460 reviews

It was created in 1842 by a community of gardeners with the direct involvement of King Charles XIV. It is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Europe of its era. The best time to visit is in summer, when everything is in bloom and fragrant. There is a rose garden where almost 2 thousand species of roses are grown. Palm greenhouse appeared in 1878, it allowed to work with five different climatic conditions.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Slottsskogen

 4.6/5

13529 reviews

It was laid out in the 80s of the 19th century almost in the centre of the city. In the past, since the foundation of Gothenburg, there was a dense forest here. Among the neat lawns and walking paths you can find a lot of interesting things to do: a zoo, a pond and sports fields. The Way Out West festival is held annually. Each season provides some unique experiences. For example, in winter, penguins live in the outdoor pool.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Universeum

 4.3/5

12455 reviews

It occupies seven floors and is aimed at both toddlers and older people. The pavilions house a mini jungle with real tropical butterflies and a small oceanarium with sharks. There is a room that allows you to practically study the principles of lie detector operation. In another room you can test your agility and bypass laser security beams. The experiments teach and entertain at the same time.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

VOLVO Museum

 4.6/5

6375 reviews

Located on the island of Hisingen in the industrial area. The museum is fully dedicated to the history of the company. “Volvo” is the main manufacturer of vehicles in Sweden. On display are models from different periods, from the earliest to prototypes of future cars. There are also samples of engines for tanks and aeroplane parts – all this is supplied for the needs of the country’s army.

Place is closed permanently

Maritiman

 4.4/5

1686 reviews

The largest of the “floating” shipbuilding museums. The total number of ships in the collection is 19. The oldest of them was launched in 1875. Tourists can go on board and look around. There is a guide who will tell about each ship: the history of its creation, purpose, how it appeared in the museum. Inside one of the ships there is a restaurant, a cafe, a shop with souvenirs.

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Aeroseum

 4.6/5

2532 reviews

Founded in 1999, when the foundation of the same name became involved with bunkers located near the city airport. The area of the two bunkers, built in the 1950s, is 8 thousand m² and 22 thousand m². They go underground for 30 metres. The exposition tells about aviation, from the first myths of flight to the present day. Although the tours are conducted in Swedish, you can arrange for an interpreter to be present.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Gothenburg Museum of Art

 4.5/5

2876 reviews

It can be found in Getaplatsen Square. Unlike other museums, this collection was started thanks to donations. The exhibition includes paintings by internationally renowned masters like Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet. It also houses one of the largest collections of Scandinavian art. In the 1990s, the building was expanded to include space for temporary exhibitions, the Hasselblad Centre, a shop and a café.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Poseidon statue

 4.4/5

1368 reviews

One of the symbols of Gothenburg. The statue is 7 metres high. The creator of the fountain, Carl Milles, completed it by 1930. Poseidon looks like an athletic young man holding a shell and a fish. The bowl of the fountain is decorated with additional decorative elements – fantastic creatures and waterfowl. All this creates the effect of dynamics and makes the composition more lively.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Gothenburg City Museum

 4.3/5

2829 reviews

It started receiving visitors in 1861. Its aim is to collect all the information about the city from ancient times and bring it to the visitors. In its present form it has existed since 1993, when 5 different museums were united under the sign. The most notable exhibit, a Viking ship, is the only one of its kind. The museum hosts lecturers, seminars and even guided tours of the city.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Gothenburg Museum of Natural History

 4.5/5

4255 reviews

Founded in 1833. The oldest museum in Gothenburg. The current building was given over to the exhibition 90 years later. It is located in Slottsskugen Park. Part of the premises are occupied by temporary exhibitions and experimental projects. The main exhibits are stuffed animals from different parts of the world. For example, an African elephant shot in Angola or a young blue whale found on the southern coast of the city.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Göteborgsoperan

 4.5/5

4114 reviews

It was opened in 1994. Construction progressed quickly, as financing allowed for forcing the deadline. The auditorium seats 1,301 people. The area of the stage is 500 m². In addition to opera, ballet, operettas and musicals are staged here. Externally, the building looks unusual: the designers wanted to emphasise lightness in its construction. Inside, however, nothing changes the classical style of decoration.

Open time

Masthugget Church

 4.5/5

964 reviews

Construction began after a competition, where Siegfried Erikson’s design won. The prerequisites were a capacity of at least a thousand people, a strong structure to withstand the weather, and a simple design to reduce costs. In 1914 the grand opening took place. The building is made of red brick, standing on a grey foundation. There are two massive bells.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Gothenburg Cathedral

 4.4/5

1773 reviews

It was laid in the first half of the XVII century. A wooden church stood on this place earlier. The cathedral was badly damaged in fires in 1721 and 1802. The building had to be rebuilt practically from scratch. It owes its present appearance to Carl Wilhelm Carlberg, who did not manage to complete the project before his death. The church was illuminated in 1815, but some details, such as the tower, were completed later.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Oscar Fredrik Church

 4.6/5

595 reviews

It was completed in 1893. It is considered an impeccable example of neo-Gothic architectural style. Despite three restorations, the external appearance has not changed. The chapel is 75 metres high on the eastern side. There are many small details in both the exterior and interior. Since the installation of the organ in 1967, organ concerts have been organised in the church.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 5:00 – 6:30 PM

Feskekörka

 4.2/5

3172 reviews

The covered fish stalls opened on the bank of the canal in 1874. Because of its resemblance to religious buildings, it got its name, which translates as “fish church”. Here you can not only buy seafood, but also have a bite to eat at a local restaurant. The roof of the market descends almost to the ground, and inside there is a lot of free space and no columns. The building was given the status of an architectural monument in 2013.

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Lilla Bommen

 0/5

Located in the harbour of the same name. It was completed in 1989. The premises inside the building are divided into three types: office, commercial and utility. On the top floor there is an observation deck. Given the height of 86 metres, the building offers a beautiful view of Gothenburg. The Viking barque, a four-masted ship that has been converted into a hotel, is anchored nearby.

Skansen Kronan

 4.4/5

3474 reviews

It was built in the 17th century on a hill southwest of Gothenburg city centre. There were 23 cannons on the walls, which are up to 5 metres thick. They were never fired, as there were no attacks on the fortress. Having lost its defence value, it was empty for some time. Later, until 2004, it was used by a military museum. Now it can be rented for events.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Oscar II Fort

 4.3/5

332 reviews

It was built in the early 14th century to protect trade routes. It is located on an islet on the river Geta. It was regularly shelled, participated in all the wars of the region, was rebuilt and again fulfilled its functions. In 1612, after a long siege, the defenders of the fort surrendered to the enemy. What remains of the fortress today are the fortified walls – one of the most secure in Europe. The buildings inside the perimeter have not survived.

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Gunnebo Palace and Gardens

 4.3/5

2412 reviews

Located on the outskirts of Gothenburg. The manor house dates back to the end of the 18th century. The architectural style is neoclassical. The construction was commissioned by merchant John Hall, who made the palace his summer residence. There is a landscaped park around it. Nowadays you can get inside with an excursion, a walk through the park is available to everyone. In addition to the exposition there is a restaurant and a souvenir shop in the building. In summer, a theatre company performs in the garden.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Älvsborgsbron

 4.4/5

784 reviews

Connects the banks of the Geta Elw River. The suspension structure was built in the 1960s. It is 933 metres long and 45 metres above the water. The central part is painted green. This was done in honour of the World Athletics Championships, which took place in the city in 1995. The bridge could have been called “West Bridge” in English for ease of pronunciation, but the Swedish version was retained due to public demand.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Archipelago of Gothenburg

 4.7/5

20 reviews

Among the group of islands, the most famous is Vrango. The small village located on it has a well-developed infrastructure. There is everything you need for a tourist holiday, including a hotel and cafes. Travellers must take walks along the northern beaches and to the rocky shores to appreciate the beauty of Swedish nature. The island of Stirso is also inhabited and can be reached by ferry.

Vinga Fyr

 4.7/5

210 reviews

It takes about an hour and a half to get here from the city. There are many holidaymakers on the island in the summer season. You can go here on your own or hire a guide. The first lighthouse was built in 1890. The work of the present one – the third one – was automated in 1974. From its top you can enjoy a panoramic view. Although the practical meaning of the structure has been lost, it is not taken out of service at the request of the public.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM