Attractions Nearby Gothenburg, Day Trips and Excursions

(Gothenburg, Vastergotland, Vastra Gotaland County, Sweden)

Free of cars and just a short distance from the bustling city of Gothenburg, the southern archipelago contains many seasonal attractions. During the summer months, the sandy beaches here can get busy, but there is generally plenty of space for everyone and you are usually able to find a quiet space or peaceful stretch of sand.

Many of the main attractions outside of Gothenburg are based around the southern archipelago's many appealing islands, where day trips are extremely popular, particularly to the islands of Asperö, Brännö and also Vrangö. However, if it is the attractions of city life that you crave, Malmo is also close to Gothenburg and is a continental-style city with a population rapidly approaching 300,000 people.

Malmo

Malmo is a vibrant place to visit and contains many quality attractions for all ages. The Old Town (Gamla Stan) area of Malmo is completely encircled by a well-preserved canal, and contains three main squares, the Gustav Adolfs Torg, the Lilla Torg and the Strortorget. The western side of Old Town Malmo is dominated by the imposing architecture of Malmöhus Castle (Malmöhus Slott), where you will find the Malmo Museer and an interesting aquarium with colourful fish and landscaped recreations of coral reefs. For the biggest collection of 20th-century Scandinavian art, the Malmo Konstmuseum is a must-see, while the Malmo Konsthall is another notable art gallery where both Swedish and international artists exhibit their works.

Brännö

The many sandy beaches and large, open-air dance floor are amongst the main attractions on the island of Brännö. Located 15 km / 9 miles directly west of Gothenburg, the main ferry terminal on Brännö can be found at Rödsten, although ferries also regularly dock at Husvik. Evening cruises from Lilla Bommen harbour to the dance floor at the Husvik pier are available on Thursdays, offering passengers the chance to have a quick boogie before their return.

Marstrand

A former spa town once regularly frequented by Sweden's royal family, Marstrand offers a host of coastal attractions and is around 48 km / 30 miles to the north-west of Gothenburg. Lying in western Sweden, Marstrand enjoys an especially scenic island setting and is where you will find the most popular 'guest harbour' (gästhamn) in the whole of Sweden. Presiding over much of Marstrand is the Carlstens Fästning, an imposing fortress built in the middle of the 17th century, while other important buildings include the 13th-century Maria Kyrka and Marstrand Town Hall itself, which is actually the oldest stone building in Sweden.

Strömstad

A buzzing seaside resort with a pleasant fishing harbour, Strömstad is a popular spa town and sits next to the Norwegian border, around 160 km / 99 miles north of Gothenburg. Near to the famed Svinesund bridges, many attractions await in Strömstad, such as the Strömstads Museum on the Södra Hamngatan, which concentrates on a number of local themes. However, it is the coastline and beaches that are the main draw card of Strömstad, along with the summer seal safaris and the regular boat trips to the Koster islands.

Ljungskile

Enjoying a particularly scenic seaside setting, Ljungskile is just under 60 km / 37 miles to the north of Gothenburg. A number of beachfront hotels are to be found in Ljungskile, where you can enjoy exceptional coastal views from a choice of guest rooms. The town is also the home ground of Sweden's premiership Ljungskile SK Football Club.

Vallda Sandö

One of the most appealing of all the beaches within the area known as Greater Gothenburg, Vallda Sandö is well worth visiting as a day trip. Attractions at Vallda Sandö include sandy beaches, a rocky coastline and plenty of secluded and peaceful spaces where you can sit and enjoy the scenery. There is also a impressive nature reserve close by, where visitors can experience a wealth of Swedish flora and fauna.