Gothenburg is Sweden's second biggest city. It combines vibrant urbanity, a friendly vibe and seaside charm. It also has culinary prowess and a world-class craft beer scene. Gothenburg is situated off the Göta älv river on the country's west coast. An important seaport, it's known for its Dutch-style canals and leafy boulevards like the Avenyn, the city's main thoroughfare, lined with many cafes and shops.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Pigalle
Hotel Pigalle, the renowned boutique hotel in Gothenburg, is expanding with 17 new rooms this year, bringing the total number of rooms to 77. Launching on 25 November, the rooms will be located in the same building, in a section which used to belong to Palace (an old hotel and restaurant). The building is an old bank office with incredible details from the past. Hotel Pigalle is influenced by 1920s Europe, A fin di sieclé experience, catered to the present. Guests can have a cocktail at Bar Amuse, or head to the fourth floor Restaurant Atelier, which serves an international and French taste experience. Rates from £109.
Upper House
Halfway to heaven, at the top of Gothia Towers, awaits our exclusive Upper House. A paradise for the senses encompassing a five-star hotel, a Michelin-star restaurant and a spa that brings a whole new meaning to well-being. This modern designer hotel offers large rooms and amazing views across Gothenburg. It is situated on the 18-25th floors of one of the three iconic Gothia Towers, opposite Liseberg theme parks attraction.
WHERE TO EAT
TAVOLO
The creators of the Michelin starred SK Mat & Människor, TOSO, Mr P and At Park have opened TAVOLO, a new dining experience in a unique location. The Götaplats group has breathed new life into the neighbourhood’s preserved building, which was built as the regiment's stable and riding hall in 1835. The unique interiors create an immersive atmosphere, with a 6,800kg horse sculpture that is a replica of Leonardo da Vinci's Cavallo di Forcione, taking more than four years to complete. With flooring from northern Sicily, a mosaic instalment inspired by traditional homes in Pompeii, and doors ‘honestly stolen’ from an estate in Florence, it’s not only the interiors that take inspiration from Italy. The menu includes Burrata di Puglia, Nasello alla siciliana and Black horse Tuscan – combining carefully crafted dishes with innovative Scandi design.
Fiskbar 17
Adding to Sweden’s incredible seafood offering is the new Fiskbar 17, ‘a loving tribute to its home port of Gothenburg, where fresh seafood is accompanied by flavours from far beyond the horizon.’ Worlds away from the stiff atmosphere of chandeliers and white tablecloths, the new fish bar in Magasinsgatan aims to deliver fish in a true street-food spirit. The trio behind Fiskbar 17, Joel, Antonio and David, offer guests modern flavours from all over the world and a relaxed vibe. Visitors can pop by for oysters and a glass of cava, or stay for a whole dinner - the evening menu is inspired by port cities around the world with fresh seafood as the focus, and herbal elements from both sea and land. www.fiskbar17.se
Brasserie Lavette
Offering an ideal spot for a more formal occasion, new seafood and grill restaurant has opened serving decadent dishes from duck liver to scallops to lobster.
Alkemisten
In 2015, Kristian Hedborg and his sister Mikaela Hedborg built and opened the now award-winning Alkemisten on the island Hisingen in Gothenburg. This month, after a hugely successful five years of business, a second venue has opened on Lindholmen (also in Gothenburg), and in addition to the focus on speciality coffees, the venue will also offer vegetarian dishes for visitors. The food will be colourful with popular food flavours from around the world.
Boqueria
One of Sweden’s most loved tapas spots, Boqueria, is opening a venue in Gothenburg in December. Currently operating venues in Stockholm and Åre, the team serve authentic Spanish food such as tapas, pintxos and high quality delicacies in a relaxed and warm atmosphere throughout the day.
WHAT TO DO
Pilgrimpath Göta Älv from Gothenburg to Vänersborg
Pilgrimsleden Göta Älv is a 120 kilometre path stretching from Masthuggskyrkan in Gothenburg via Ale, Lilla Edet, Trollhättan and Vänersborg. The trail offers stunning views and takes walkers through scenic places across varying terrain, passing local buildings, forests, moors and ancient remains. Whilst walking through Göta Älvdalen, hikers are met by beautiful countryside that has been inhabited for over 7,000 years. Here, history has left its traces from the Bronze and Iron Age, Viking and Middle Ages and from Industrial history. There are different ways to hike Pilgrimsleden Göta Älv; the full stretch, or one or several stages.
Gothenburg welcomes new ocean bus
Visitors to one of Europe’s greenest cities can now explore Gothenburg's gems on land before splashing into the river via the new amphibious bus sightseeing tour. Ocean Bus provides sightseeing tours on land and by the river Göta älv, which allows visitors to explore the city within the same vehicle for the whole tour. Ocean bus is Gothenburg's new attraction, having been re-designed from old Volvo trucks. The guided tours can be booked in English and take 75 minutes. Tours are available up to five times a day.
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