Sweden Map |
 |
|
|
 Gothenburg The second largest city in Sweden, and Scandinavia's most
important port, Gothenburg is situated on the west coast of the
country, at the outlet of the Göta Canal which links
Gothenburg to the Baltic Sea, and indirectly to the country's
capital, Stockholm.
Positioned on the Göta River, Gothenburg, or Göteborg,
was founded in 1621 by King Gustav II Adolf to secure access to the
Atlantic, but the city was settled and planned by Dutch merchants
who used it as their base for trade. The numerous canals and gabled
houses are evidence of this early influence. Shipping and commerce
have always been important industries in Gothenburg and the port is
the arrival point of hundreds of visitors a year.
Gothenburg is also a stunningly beautiful city with its
waterside location, green open spaces and fine architecture, and
boasts a wide selection of cultural establishments with no shortage
of theatres and museums. The main street, Kungsportavenyn, known
simply as Avenyn, is a hive of restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and
shops and is at the centre of life in the city. Gothenburg is also
well known as an event city, hosting major international events and
artists, yet despite its sophisticated feel it still maintains a
small town charm with its own special character. In many people's
opinion, Gothenburg is more beautiful and entertaining than
Stockholm, and also provides a better understanding of the people
and the Swedish way of life.
Attractions  Elfsborg Fortress Elfsborg Fortress
The well preserved, 17th century fortress is located on a small
island at the entrance of the harbour, at the mouth of the
Göta River. With a fascinating history of battles against the
Danes, the fortress was once the mightiest citadel in Sweden for
coastal defence and is highly popular with visitors. A dramatised
tour is included in the admission fee.
Address: Byggnad 29;
Website: www.elfsborgsfastning.se;
Telephone: (0)31 158 151;
Transport: Boat tours depart daily to the fortress island from Lilla Bommen jetty between May and August, and weekends only in September;
Admission: Boat tours: 100kr (adults), 50kr (children 6-12)
 Göteborg Botanical Garden Göteborg Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden in Gothenburg is one of the largest in
Europe and the most beautiful in Sweden boasting about 13,000
different species of plant. The area covers 175 hectares (432
acres), most of which is a nature reserve including an arboretum.
Pride of the garden is the Rock Garden, but other worthwhile areas
to visit include the Japanese Glade, the Rhododendron Valley and
the greenhouses.
Address: Carl Skottsbergs Gata 22A;
Website: www.gotbot.se;
Telephone: (0)31 741 1100;
Transport: Tram 1, 7, 8 or 13 to Botaniska Trädgården stop;
Opening time: Daily 9am to sunset;
Admission: Voluntary admission to the garden is 20kr. A fee of 20kr is charged for entry to the greenhouse
 Liseberg Amusement Park © Stig Kälvelid - Göteborg & Co Liseberg Amusement Park
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Sweden, Liseberg
Amusement Park has been welcoming millions of visitors a year for
almost 80 years. Besides popular rides like the wooden roller
coaster Balder and tamer rides for the children, there are
over 30 different attractions, restaurants, and entertainment
venues where concerts and shows attract huge crowds. Besides the
summer season, Liseberg is also open over the festive season for
the biggest Christmas market in Scandinavia, as well as food
specialities of the season, an ice bar and Christmas
entertainment.
Website: www.liseberg.com;
Telephone: (0)31 400 100;
Opening time: Open between April and October, as well as for the festive season in November and December; hours vary;
Admission: 195kr (free for children under 7). Ride coupons are 15kr each. A variety of discount passes are also available
Excursions Gothenburg archipelago
Boat trips to the southern and northern archipelago of
Gothenburg are popular trips for both visitors and residents alike.
The southern archipelago includes eight car-free, inhabited islands
that boast sandy beaches, good swimming, beautiful nature, walking
paths and a charm of their own. The northern archipelago is more
populated and has numerous hotels, restaurants and sea-based
activities.
Transport: Southern archipelago: daily ferries depart from Saltholmen year round; northern archipelago: car ferries depart from Hjuvik and Hisingen
Göta Canal
One of the most well known attractions in Sweden, the Göta
Canal was an important transport route for passengers and goods
between Gothenburg and Stockholm throughout the 19th century until
the building of railways and roads. It was also one of the biggest
civil engineering projects to ever take place in the country. The
canal stretches 118 miles (190km) from Sjötorp on Lake
Vänern to the Baltic Sea at Mem and has 58 locks. Gothenburg
is linked to the canal at Lake Vänern by the Göta River.
The picturesque tree-lined channels are popular for cruises, which
pass through the beautiful lakes of Vättern and Vänern,
usually lasting about five to six days.
E-mail: info@gotakanal.se;
Website: www.gotakanal.se;
Telephone: (0)141 215 550
|
