Gothenburg Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Gothenburg, Vastergotland, Vastra Gotaland County, Sweden)

There are various sightseeing options presented to tourists visiting Gothenburg, including regular guided open-top bus tours departing next to the central Kungportsplatsen and Kungsportsbron, which pass many tourists attractions, including those around the Gustav Adolfs Torg (Gustaf Adolf's Square) and the Götaplatsen. Paddan cruises along the city's famous 17th-century canal are always extremely popular in Gothenburg and also leave from the Kungportsplatsen, taking in many waterfront attractions, such as the opera house, the shipyard of Eriksberg, the fishing harbour and the docklands.

During the sunny summer months, the neighbouring beach of Askimsbadet soon becomes crowded, so if you are intending to enjoy a spot of sunbathing or swimming here, you are advised to arrive early. The Näsets Badplats beach is also relatively close to central Gothenburg and features a stretch of fine, imported sand.


Sightseers visiting the city are strongly advised to purchase the Gothenburg Card (Göteborgskortet), which if well used, is an excellent investment. The card allows visitors to gain free entrance or large discounts at many of the leading tourist attractions, together with free transport on the city trams and harbour ferries.

Boat Trips and Cruises

Address: Gothenburg, SE-41104, Sweden, SE
Although once very much a commercial harbour and still connected to many of the city's canals, the Lilla Bommen of today is used primarily by sightseeing boats and for pleasure cruises. Lilla Bommen is just a shot walk from the Brunnsparken and is home to the historic Barken Viking ship and the 19th-century Marstrand sailing boat, which offers cruises around the northerly archipelago, passing through the Albrektsunds Canal and heading towards Gothenburg's popular resort of Marstrand. Further cruises are available around the island of Hisingen, taking place during the evening and featuring an experienced guide and plenty of tasty food, starting on the Göta Älv River and finally docking at the city's harbour.
Open hours: daily, seasonal variations
Admission: charge, discounts available

Ringlinjen Tram Rides

Address: Centralstationen, Drottningtorget, Gothenburg, SE-41103, Sweden, SE
Tel: +46 031 19 0027
The historic Ringlinjen trams can be caught from the Central Station (Centralstationen) in the Drottningtorget area and offer a cheap and pleasant way to travel around the city, allowing you to sightsee along the way. Tram rides regularly travel to the Liseberg Amusement Park during the summer months and are reasonably priced, and completely free of charge to those in possession of a Gothenburg Card, known locally in Swedish as a 'Göteborgskortet'.
Open hours: April to June, August and September - Saturday and Sunday; July - daily, hours vary
Admission: charge, discounts for children under 16 years old, children seven years old and under are free

Akvariet (Gothenburg Aquarium)

Address: Karl Johansgatan 1-3, Gothenburg, SE-41459, Sweden, SE
Tel: +46 031 61 2900
The many fishy attractions and reptiles at the Gothenburg Aquarium (Akvariet) are sure to be a big hit with children and the exhibits range from many marine favourites, to colourful tropical species and red-bellied piranhas, known for their ferocious nature. The Akvariet's Terrarium area is where many of the best exhibits reside, such as huge snakes, alligators and countless reptiles in all shapes, sizes and colours.
Open hours: daily, seasonal variations
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Askimsbadet (Askims Beach)

Address: Askims Badväg, Askim, SE-43645, Sweden, SE
A natural beach with reasonable sand, Askimsbadet lies on the far southerly outskirts of Gothenburg, in the neighbouring municipality of Askim. The beach itself has the distinct advantage that it is easy to reach and features good access. Many apartments are located close by, along with a small selection of shops.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Liseberg Amusement Park

Address: Örgrytevägen 5, Gothenburg, SE-41266, Sweden, SE
Tel: +46 031 40 0100
Not only is the Liseberg the biggest of all amusement parks in Sweden, but the largest in the whole of Scandinavia. You can easily spend an entire day here and still come back for more. Liseberg is actually extremely historic and first opened its doors to the public as long ago as 1923 and today sees annual visitor numbers approaching four million. Both the Balder and Lisebergbanan (Liseberg Rail Line) roller coasters are particular favourites, along with the Fairy Tale Castle, the rapids on the Kallerado River, and the Trummeliten Carousel. There are also plenty of attractions designed for younger children below the height restrictions on the fastest rides.
Open hours: May to August - daily; April, September and October - Saturday and Sunday
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Saltholmen Beach Resort

Address: Saltholmsvägen, Gothenburg, SE-42676, Sweden, SE
Well connected to the city centre by regular trams, Saltholmen is a popular rocky beach area, where crowds flock during the summer months, arriving to soak up the Swedish sun whenever possible. Areas of the beach are quite secluded and hidden by large rocks, while the calm waters are highly suitable for paddling, bathing and swimming.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Tropikhuset (Tropical House Animal Park)

Address: Björngardsvillan Slottsskogen, Gothenburg, SE-41308, Sweden, SE
Tel: +46 031 41 4050
Situated within the Linnéstaden neighbourhood of Gothenburg, the Tropikhuset is a small zoo with many exciting animal attractions. The Tropical House, as it is otherwise known, will particularly appeal to those with children and boasts a rainforest area, monkeys, many reptiles, birds and even a huge bat cave, which is famous for being one of the biggest in the whole of Sweden.
Open hours: daily, seasonal variations
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Langedrag Beach Resort

Address: Gothenburg, SE-42605, Sweden, SE
Situated on the very outskirts of Gothenburg, the Langedrag is a buzzing beach resort and tourists have been coming here for around 150 years, to enjoy the coastal attractions, seafood restaurants and exceptional sunsets. Langedrag is well placed for those arriving from the areas of Nya Varvet and Saltholmen, and is always busy during the summer holidays, long into the evening.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free