Things to see in Gothenburg
Attractions
Universeum
If you’ve ever fancied pitting your wits against a Nobel Prize winner, Universeum could prove the place for you. A hugely impressive science museum and scientific centre, Universeum offers a glimpse of the latest scientific and technological advances presented in a way that makes it easy (and fun) for the layman. Some sections deal with engineering and biotechnology, while others focus on eco-systems and biology. There’s also a visiting roster of speakers, many of whom are Nobel Laureates and all of whom are happy to engage in a spot of lively debate with visitors.
Address: , 50 Södra Vägen, Gothenburg,Telephone: (031) 335 6400.
Opening times:
Mon-Sun 1000-1800.
Website: http://www.universeum.seAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Maritiman
An unusual combination of museum and aquarium, the Maritime Museum is set on the world's largest floating sea vessel museum, Maritiman, and is home to 19 different vessels, including a submarine. Covering all the major developments of the last 400 years, highlights include the brilliant high-tech navigation simulator, and a touching display of treasures once owned by ordinary Swedish sailors. Also worth a visit is the aquarium which combines tropical tanks crammed with colourful inhabitants and the duller, but equally interesting, Nordic tanks that will, if nothing else, put you off having langoustines come supper.
Address: , Packhusplatsen 12 (Packhuskajen quay), Gothenburg, 41113Telephone: + 46 (031) 10 59 50.
Opening times:
Tues and Thurs-Sat 1000-1700, Wed 1000-2000. Open daily in the summer months.
Website: http://www.maritiman.seAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Feskekörka
The name translates as ‘the Fish Church’ and for fans of seafood, Feskekörka truly is a godsend. Opened in 1874, it was named for its basilica-shaped building although the interior doesn’t have much in the way of religion about it. Designed by Victor von Gegerfel, the structure was inspired by Norwegian stave churches and as a result, boasts sky-high ceilings that bely the fishy trade going on below. Along with bustling market stalls, the building also houses several shops and a cosy restaurant, where you can tuck into some of the freshest fish in Gothenburg.
Address: , Rosenlundsvägan, Gothenburg, 41125Telephone: (031) 138 234.
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 1000-1800, Sat 1000-1500.
Website: http://feskekörka.seAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Gothenburg Botanical Garden
One of the largest gardens of its kind in Europe, the Gothenburg Botanical Garden covers 175 hectares (430 acres) and boasts an astonishing 16,000 plant species. But you don’t have to be a botanist to love it: the park is criss-crossed by walking paths and is dotted with shady groves and benches. Other highlights include the herb gardens, a bamboo grove, a Japanese garden, an arboretum with woodland plants from all over the world, a rock garden and greenhouses with orchids. There’s also a dangerous-looking collection of carnivorous plants and one of the last remaining examples of the rare Easter Island tree, now extinct in its homeland.
Address: , 22A Carl Skottsbergs Gata, Gothenburg,Telephone: +46 (010) 473 77 77.
Opening times:
Mon-Sun 0900-2100.
Website: http://www.botaniska.se/sv/kulturplattformen/Goteborgs-Botaniska-Tradgard/Startsida-Goteborgs-Botaniska-tradgard/Admission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Göteborgs Konstmuseet (Gothenburg Museum of Art)
A fabulous place to get a taste of Nordic masters such as Anders Zorn, Carl Larsson and Edvard Munch, the Gothenburg Museum of Art is heaven for the culturally inclined. Located by Götaplatsen in an impressively palatial pile, complete with a columned portico, the museum also houses a permanent collection of contemporary pieces as well as a revolving roster of visiting artists. Don’t forget to search out gems by Picasso, Chagall, Monet and more, and end your visit with a peek at the Hasselblad Centre for Photographic Art which is housed in the same building.
Address: , Götaplatsen, Gothenburg, 41256Telephone: (031) 368 3500.
Opening times:
Tues and Thurs 1100-1800, Wed 1100-2000, Fri-Sun 1100-1700.
Website: http://goteborgskonstmuseum.se/Admission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Liseberg Amusement Park
Liseberg is Scandinavia's biggest amusement park and the most popular tourist attraction in Gothenburg and in Sweden. It attracts more than three million visitors annually and offers a huge variety of attractions ranging from theatre and musical shows to swings and rides - among them Balder, a roller coaster made entirely from wood and the Liseberg Wheel which provides a spectacular aerial glimpse of the surrounding countryside. Along with a summer opening season, the park re-opens at Christmas, complete with an enchanting festive fair where you’ll find plenty of mulled wine to warm you up after a chilly spin on Balder.
Address: , 5 Örgrytevägen, Gothenburg,Telephone: (031) 400 100.
Opening times:
Opening hours vary throughout year. See website for details.
Website: http://liseberg.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Röda Sten Konsthall
Appropriated by graffiti artists and ravers in the 1980s, Röda Sten Konsthall has been transformed from an abandoned heating plant in a grotty industrial site under a bridge spanning the Gota River to a contemporary artists’ paradise. The four-story building boasts a mixture of large-scale installations, exhibitions, experimental dance and theatre projects and lays on events such as club nights and readings. Travel there by bike: the route includes a jaunt across the Älvsborg Bridge and into the Nya Varvet area, which boasts stunning views of Vinga island and the seascape beyond.
Address: , Röda Sten 1, Gothenburg, 41451Telephone: (031) 120 816.
Opening times:
Tue, Thur and Frid 1200-1700, Wed 1200-2000, Sat and Sun 1200-1800.
Website: http://www.rodasten.com/index.php/en/homeAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Världskulturmuseet (Museum of World Culture)
Set in a gorgeous glass and steel structure designed by top London architects Cécile Brisac and Edgar Gonzales, the Världskulturmuseet or Museum of World Culture is an anthropologist’s dream that takes you on a tour of the world via a series of interactive exhibitions. If you’d rather tour the world using your stomach, head to the museum’s Tabla Café which serves up an eclectic menu drawn from all over the planet.
Address: , 54 Södra Vägen, Gothenburg,Telephone: (010) 456 1200.
Opening times:
Tues 1200-1700, Wed 1200-2000, Thur-Fri 1200-1700, Sat-Sun 1100-1700.
Website: http://www.varldskulturmuseerna.se/varldskulturmuseet/Admission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Kronhuset (Old City Hall)
The Kronhuset or Old City Hall is the oldest building in Gothenburg and began life in 1654 as a storehouse for military equipment owned by the local artillery unit. Later, it found fame as the spot where the four-year-old son of King Karl X Gustav was proclaimed King Karl XI in 1660. Today it is home to Göteborg Wind Orchestra, a professional brass band and a craft centre. Most of the crafts are to be found in the Dutch-style courtyard where you’ll find several traditional shops and workshops; among them a glassblower, a goldsmith, a clockmaker and a chocolate kitchen.
Address: , 6-8 Postgatan, Gothenburg,Telephone:
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 1000-1700, Sat 1100-1400.
Website: http://www.goteborg.com/en/kronhuset-och-kronhusbodarna/Admission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Röhsska Museum
Sweden is no stranger to style and this museum celebrates it all, whether fashion, design or handicrafts. Permanent exhibitions include a fascinating display of the history of Western interior design and there’s a vast section dedicated to Chinese and Japanese art and design. For those with an eye on their wardrobes, inspiration can be found in the museum’s enormous collection of 20th and 21st century couture, much of it designed by iconic names such as Chanel, Dior, Schiaparelli and Lanvin. If you get peckish, there’s also a café and design shop.
Address: , 39 Vasagatan, Gothenburg,Telephone: (031) 368 3150.
Opening times:
The museum will re-open 2 June 2018.
Website: http://rohsska.se/Admission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Gothenburg Tourist Office
Address: , Nordstadstorget 1, Gothenburg,Telephone: (031) 368 4200.
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 1000-2000, Sat and Sun 1000-1800.
Website: http://www.goteborg.com/
Tourist passes
The Gothenburg Pass (Göteborgspasset) can be bought at Gothenburg's tourist information centres, hotels and youth hostels (or in advance at www.goteborg.com). It gives free admission to attractions and museums as well as to several sightseeing tours by bus or boat. Free parking, unlimited access to city bikes and free public transport are also included. Passes are available for a choice of 24, 48 and 72 hours and discounted children’s cards are also offered.
