Gothenburg Holidays 2012

Gothenburg Cityscape

Welcome to Gothenburg! Located on the west coast of Sweden, the city is the second largest in the country (after Stockholm). With lots to see and do, the city is quickly becoming a destination of choice for travelers visiting this part of Europe.

Attractions that shouldn’t be missed include the ‘Liseberg amusement park’, which offers over 35 rides and attractions for visitors of all ages, the ‘Wheel of Gothenburg’, a 60- meter high glass-enclosed gondola providing breath-taking views of the entire city, and ‘Universeum’, an environment-focused science museum.

Getting Around Gothenburg

The Gothenburg City Pass, which can be purchased from most tourism outlets in the city, gives access to these key attractions as well as various other museums and sites, including the Gotenburg Opera House, the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, and the Aeroseum.

Eating and Drinking

When it comes to eating, the traditional Swedish food typically involves simple tastes with complementary flavours; however, the country is often influenced by neighbouring countries, offering a well-rounded menu to any visitor. Dining out in Gothenburg will likely include a visit to Linnégatan (between Järntorget and Linnéplatsen), the main drag of restaurants.

This street provides a wide range of dining options for those with a low or high budget. As well, Saluhallen, Kungstorget is a flavourful indoor food hall, which offers food for every taste and from every background. For the seafood lover, the Feskekora (also known as the “Fish Church”) is the place to go to purchase fish products. This market was aptly named as a result of the structure’s likeness to a gothic church, which is worth a visit in itself.

Weather

With mild temperatures throughout the year, the city has favourable climate for visitors. The warm summer months (averaging around 20°C / 70°F) and plenty of sun, provides the best time to visit, despite some infrequent rain showers. Winters generally sit around the freezing mark (-1°C / 30 °F), often being cold, windy, and snowy, to some degree, making it somewhat of a less desirable season for travel.

When To Go

Regardless of the time of year you visit the city, there are plenty of events to keep you entertained. The Gothenburg Film Festival, the largest in Scandinavia with over 450 films shown, is held over 10 days every year in January and February. Other special events include the Gothenburg Horse Show (February), the International Science Festival (May), Paddan Boat Tour (summer months), the Gothenburg Book Fair (September), and the Gothenburg Culture Night (October).

Nightlife

For nightlife, the main boulevard of Kungsportsavenyn (known as Avenyn or “the Avenue”) is the place to be, with a large number of clubs and pubs that suit every taste, including techno dance clubs and quaint pubs. To get away from the touristy scene, head down Vasagatan Street, where you will find more local-friendly bars and pubs.