Planning a trip to Sweden, but not sure which cities to add to your itinerary? Well, make sure to add Gothenburg to your list! Located on the west coast of the country, Gothenburg is most known for being a seaport with a strong fishing heritage. Additionally, it’s where the car company, Volvo, first started. However, what I remember most were the beautiful city landscape, the Scandinavian lifestyle, the delicious cinnamon buns, and the incredibly hospitable people. Gothenburg is definitely a city you’ll want to visit when you travel to Sweden. If you only have a weekend, like I did, then here are the top 5 things to do in Gothenburg:
1. Explore the Haga Neighborhood
Haga is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Gothenburg, where you can shop, grab a coffee at a café, or a cinnamon bun at a local bakery. There’s lots of specialty shops, so plan to spend a couple hours browsing the area. It was winter in Gothenburg when I visited, so although it was cold, I loved experiencing the Swedish culture. That said, I would highly recommend visiting this area during your trip. To learn more about the Haga neighborhood in Gothenburg, check out this website for all the details!
2. See the Volvo factory
As previously mentioned, the car company, Volvo, first began in Gothenburg, so we thought it’d be fun to drive past the factory. Although we didn’t end up going inside, I will forever think of Gothenburg when I see a Volvo passing by me on the road. 😎
3. Take a stroll through Slottsskogen
Craving a little relaxation during your trip in Gothenburg? Head over to Slottsskogen, the main park in the city filled with lots of greenery, nature, and places to enjoy the fresh air. This area is the perfect spot to take a quick break. When I think of the top 5 things to do in Gothenburg, the natural beauty of Slottsskogen definitely comes to mind. Check out this website for more information regarding what you’ll find in Slottsskogen.
4. savor Cinnamon buns & sweets
When in Gothenburg, you have to eat a huge cinnamon bun. As shown in the picture at the beginning of this post, some cafes/bakeries will sell these massively delicious cinnamon buns, so, of course, it’s tempting to give one a try. You should be able to find them easily around the city, at the markets, and even Ikea. Additionally, you can frequent a candy shop and chow down on some Swedish fish. May not be the healthiest of choices, but moderation is key. 😉
5. Shop at Ikea
Have you ever wondered why the colors of Ikea are blue and yellow? You’ll be surprised to find out that it’s because of the Swedish flag, of course! Sweden was the birthplace of Ikea, so if you have some extra time in your day, then be sure to stop by. If you’ve never been to Ikea, they are one of the largest furniture retailers in the world, so chances are you’ve probably heard of them. In addition, every Ikea includes a café, where, at least in Sweden, they serve Swedish specialty foods for purchase.
In conclusion, I hope this list of the top 5 things to do in Gothenburg helps with your future travel planning. Although this post only scratches the surface of everything there is to do and see, make sure to keep researching in order to make your trip as smooth as possible. Gothenburg is an amazing Swedish city filled with the friendliest people. Let me know in the comment section where your travels end up taking you!
Need another dose of travel inspiration? Check out my most recent blog posts all about travel here. Happy wandering! 😄✈