Gothenburg: Nature, Culture and Archipelago

East of Gothenburg lies Delsjöområdet, a recreational area covering around 1,370 hectares. Its lakes and ponds are home to a rich variety of birdlife. Gothenburg’s natural attractions range from botanical collections and deciduous woodland to coastal meadows and larger hiking areas, with landscapes in many different forms.

Green spaces and trails

Gothenburg Botanical Garden is home to 20,000 plant species from more than 130 countries, and its arboretum covers 55 hectares. Japandalen adds a peaceful garden setting to the collection, with understated, Zen-inspired design. Lush deciduous trees, winding paths and open clearings define Rya skog. The clearings are ideal for picnics; the nature reserve also contains historic remains of a 17th-century defensive wall.

Välen Nature Reserve encompasses grazed coastal meadows, marine soft-bottom habitats and noble deciduous woodland. It has walking and cycling paths, rest and barbecue areas, and a birdwatching tower. Near Gothenburg, Vättlefjäll is a recreational area characterised by coniferous forest and lakes, with several hiking trails. Several of its lakes are used for swimming, paddling and fishing. Vättlefjällsleden is a circular hiking trail about 25 kilometres long. Gothenburg also offers walking trails close to the city, multi-day hiking routes and many excursions accessible by public transport.

Parks, wildlife and experiences

Slottsskogen brings together diverse plant and animal life, expansive picnic lawns and numerous walking paths. Slottsskogens djurpark is open year-round and free to enter; its focus is on tame and wild Nordic animals. As visitor information may change seasonally, check the latest details in advance. At Barnens zoo, visitors can see Swedish farm animals in an enclosure, and children can ride Gotland ponies.

Liseberg offers a different kind of experience: set among greenery, the park combines rides and attractions with games, music stages and a dance floor. There are also several restaurants and other dining options. Trädgårdsföreningen is considered one of the best-preserved 19th-century parks in Europe. In summer, Göteborgs Rosarium is filled with several thousand colourful, fragrant roses; flowering is seasonal. Palmhuset is an elegant glasshouse dating from 1878, with palm trees and other tropical plants. Restoration work may temporarily affect access to some areas.

Art, history and science

Göteborgs konstmuseum spans the 15th century to the present day, with a focus on Nordic art. The exhibition “Göteborgs födelse” explores everyday life in the 17th century and the city’s rise to prominence as a leading trading metropolis. Göteborgs stadsmuseum displays Äskekärrskeppet, Sweden’s only surviving Viking ship on display.

At Röhsska museet, visitors can explore different design histories. The permanent exhibition “Inspiration Östasien” looks at the meeting of Nordic and East Asian applied arts and also includes contemporary design. “Designhistorier” presents more than 500 objects from the museum collection and traces the development of design from the late 19th century to the present day.

At Aeroseum, the exhibitions focus mainly on the Cold War and other aviation topics. The simulator hall has several flight simulators for aircraft and helicopters. Sjöfartsmuseet Akvariet adds a maritime perspective with talks on seafaring and the environment, as well as creative sea-themed workshops; event dates vary. In the aquarium, an underwater journey introduces visitors to animals and fish from around the world.

Archipelago and city life

The southern islands of the Gothenburg archipelago are car-free and can be reached year-round by boats operated by Styrsöbolaget. Ferries from Saltholmen generally run once an hour to the larger islands; frequency may vary depending on the season and timetable. Check the timetable and tickets before travelling.

Feskekörka also brings together city history and food. Since 1874, this market hall has been a destination for fish and seafood, as well as a distinctive Gothenburg landmark. After reopening in spring 2024, it became home to several fish and seafood restaurants; there are also other delicatessens, restaurants and bars.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Hjuvik, Hisings Kärra, Styrsö, Säve, Nödinge, Torslanda, Gothenburg, Fiskebäck, Donsö.

Back to the main travel overview: Västra Götaland.