Gothenburg Travel Guide
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Positioned on the Göta River, Gothenburg, or Göteborg, was founded in 1621 by King Gustav II Adolf to secure access to the Atlantic, but the city was settled and planned by Dutch merchants who used it as their base for trade. The numerous canals and gabled houses are evidence of this early influence. Shipping and commerce have always been important industries in Gothenburg and the port is the arrival point of hundreds of visitors a year.
Gothenburg is also a stunningly beautiful city with its waterside location, green open spaces and fine architecture, and boasts a wide selection of cultural establishments with no shortage of theatres and museums. The main street, Kungsportavenyn, known simply as Avenyn, is a hive of restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and shops and is at the centre of life in the city. Gothenburg is also well known as an event city, hosting major international events and artists, yet despite its sophisticated feel it still maintains a small town charm with its own special character. In many people's opinion, Gothenburg is more beautiful and entertaining than Stockholm, and also provides a better understanding of the people and the Swedish way of life.
Attractions
Elfsborg Fortress
The well preserved, 17th century fortress is located on a small island at the entrance of the harbour, at the mouth of the Göta River. With a fascinating history of battles against the Danes, the fortress was once the mightiest citadel in Sweden... see full details
Göteborg Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden in Gothenburg is one of the largest in Europe and the most beautiful in Sweden boasting about 13,000 different species of plant. The area covers 175 hectares (432 acres), most of which is a nature reserve including an arboretum. Pride of... see full details
Liseberg Amusement Park
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Sweden, Liseberg Amusement Park has been welcoming millions of visitors a year for almost 80 years. Besides popular rides like the wooden roller coaster Balder and tamer rides for the children, there are over 30 different... see full details
Excursions
Gothenburg archipelago
Boat trips to the southern and northern archipelago of Gothenburg are popular trips for both visitors and residents alike. The southern archipelago includes eight car-free, inhabited islands that boast sandy beaches, good swimming, beautiful nature, walking paths and a charm of their own. The... see full details
Göta Canal
One of the most well known attractions in Sweden, the Göta Canal was an important transport route for passengers and goods between Gothenburg and Stockholm throughout the 19th century until the building of railways and roads. It was also one of the biggest civil... see full details
