Gothenburg holidays

How to reach Gothenburg

• Flight time: Flights to Gothenburg from London take around 2 hours.

• Transfer time: From Gothenburg’s Landvetter Airport, about 25km from the city centre, the Flygbussarna airport coach whisks you to Nils Ericsons Terminalen in around 30 minutes, while taxis offer a door-to-door ride in roughly 20–25 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Price: The airport coach costs around £9 one way, while a taxi will set you back between £35 and £40.

Best time to visit Gothenburg

This will depend on what you want to do during your Gothenburg holidays; the weather is likely to influence your decision.

• March to May: Gothenburg’s springtime revival. In March the light slowly returns after a dark winter. May is a particularly lovely month to visit, ideal for exploring the city’s natural spaces, including the cherry blossom in Seminarieparken. Temperatures rise from 5°C in March to a comfortable 13°C by May, and the days gradually lengthen to 9–11 hours of sunshine.

• June to August: Very long days and warm temperatures characterise Gothenburg’s summer months - and it’s the ideal time to explore the archipelago where the sea reaches swim-friendly degrees. Temperatures range from 18°C to 22°C, with mild evenings perfect for alfresco dining. Rainfall is light, around 50–70mm, and there’s plenty of sunshine, averaging 10–12 hours daily.

• September to November: Glorious colours mark the onset of autumn, as does the Göteborg Book Fair, Scandinavia’s largest literary event. It’s a good time, too, to indulge in the city’s myriad cultural attractions. Temperatures drop from around 15°C in September to around 6°C by November, and daylight hours shorten to 6–8 hours.

• December to February: With fewer crowds and Christmas markets in full swing, December is a wonderful time to visit Gothenburg. Consider a visit to one of Gothenburg’s many local spas, which are open come rain, shine or snow. Although milder than elsewhere in Sweden (temperatures between 0°C and 4°C), expect snowfall in January and very short days, typically around 5–6 daylight hours.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Swedish is the official language, though English is widely spoken throughout the city.

• Local habits and customs: On meeting, friends of both sexes usually hug rather than kiss each other. In more formal situations, people shake hands while saying their name. Nude lake swimming and sunbathing are common practices across the country. If other people are around, show them consideration, but you’re unlikely to meet opposition. Haggling over prices is not the done thing.

• Health and safety: Gothenburg is very safe, and medical care is excellent. British nationals can take advantage of Sweden’s health system, for which you’ll need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which can be obtained for free.

• Currency: Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK). Cards are widely accepted, with cash rarely used.

• Getting around: Trams are the most convenient form of public transport: a colour-coded system of tram lines serves the city and its outskirts. Gothenburg has a fairly extensive bus network, but pedestrianisation in the city centre can lead to some odd and lengthy detours. The best-value tickets to buy are travel passes, either a day pass (about £9) or a 3-day pass (around £18), which are available from machines and local convenience stores.

• Electricity and plug types: Standard European two-pin plugs (Type C and F) are used. UK travellers will need an adaptor for Swedish outlets.

• Time zone: Gothenburg is in Central European Time, 1 hour ahead of GMT, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

• Required travel documentation: UK passport holders can visit Sweden without a visa for up to 90 days.

Local dishes in Gothenburg

One of the best parts of holidays to Gothenburg is experiencing the city’s culinary delights, which draw on Swedish staples such as good bread, exceptional herring and salmon and, in summer, glorious soft fruits.

Some typical dishes

• Herring: The quintessential Swedish dish is usually served marinated and best enjoyed with a cold beer or punchy shot of akvavit.

• Köttbullar: Potato and meatballs served with a brown creamy sauce and lingonberries.

Meat dishes

• Sjömansbiff: Sailors’ beef casserole: thin slices of beef baked in the oven with potatoes and onions, topped with parsley.

• Pytt i panna: Cubes of meat and fried potatoes with a fried egg and beetroot.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Gravad lax: A Swedish take on cured salmon, this dish is marinated with dill and sugar and served with mustard sauce on crisp bread.

• Surströmming: Baltic herring fermented for months until it’s rotten and the tin it’s in buckles – very smelly and eaten in very, very small quantities. Not for the faint-hearted!

• Fisksoppa: Fish soup comprising several sorts of fish, prawns and dill.

Sweets and desserts

Swedish pastries are a must, particularly during fika time. Try kanelbullar (cinnamon buns), with their soft, spiced dough; semlor, a cream-filled cardamom bun; and kladdkaka, a gooey chocolate cake served with whipped cream.

Local drinks

• Aquavit: Made from potatoes, served ice-cold in tiny shots and washed down with beer. It comes in dozens of weird and wonderful flavours, from lemon to cumin-and-dill.

• Glögg: Mulled wine, usually fortified with spirits to keep out the cold, and drunk at Christmas.

Discovering Gothenburg's charm involves a journey through its unique blend of natural beauty, historic sites, and family-friendly attractions. Here's how you can fully experience what Gothenburg holidays have to offer:

Things to do in Gothenburg

• Viewpoints and Panoramas: Don't miss the breathtaking city views from the top of the Artxanda Funicular. It's a quick ride to the summit where you can enjoy panoramic views of Gothenburg, making it a perfect photo opportunity.

• The Best Districts: A stroll down Avenyn, Gothenburg's main boulevard, is essential. Here, you'll find bustling cafes, shops, and the cultural heart of the city. The historic charm of Haga offers cosy cafes and unique shops in a quaint setting.

• Parks and Gardens: Slottsskogen, a vast park and zoo in one, provides a green escape with plenty of wildlife to observe. The Gothenburg Botanical Garden, one of Europe's largest, showcases over 16,000 species.

• Day Trips in the Area: The picturesque fishing village of Marstrand offers majestic fortress views and sailing adventures. The Bronze Age rock carvings at Tanum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are just a short drive away, providing a fascinating day out.

Activities for Families in Gothenburg

• Swimming Pools and Playgrounds: The city's largest amusement park, Liseberg, not only has thrilling rides but also features pools and playgrounds suitable for all ages.

• Aquarium & Zoos: The Universeum offers interactive exhibits and an aquarium that fascinates both children and adults. Slottsskogen's zoo is home to Nordic animals like moose and gotland ponies.

Free Things to Do in Gothenburg

• Free Events/Museums: Many of Gothenburg's museums, including the City Museum, occasionally offer free admission days. The Museum of Art has an impressive collection of Nordic art.

• Explore Gothenburg by Public Transport: Utilise the efficient public transport to explore hidden gems across the city without spending a penny.

• Free Guided Tours: Join one of the city's free walking tours to learn about Gothenburg's history and modern-day marvels from a local perspective.

Wellness in Gothenburg

• Spas & Thermal Baths: For relaxation, the Hagabadet Spa in Haga offers a historical ambiance combined with modern wellness treatments, including thermal baths and traditional body care services.

Nature & Outdoor Activities

• Hiking: The area around Gothenburg is ripe for hiking, with trails like the Gotaleden offering routes through stunning landscapes.

• Outdoor Activities: From kayaking in the archipelago to zip-lining in adventure parks, Gothenburg provides an array of activities for those seeking a thrill in nature.

Crafting a trip around these highlights ensures a rich experience of Gothenburg, blending its cultural offerings with natural beauty and providing plenty of options for both relaxation and adventure.