Gothenburg has been named the world's most sustainable city. Here is all you need to know about the city's sustainability and what to see and do while on a weekend break in Gothenburg.
Located on the west coast of Sweden, Gothenburg is the second-largest city in the country that is known for its vibrant culture and dedicated approach to sustainable development. For those who are looking for a weekend break destination this summer, Gothenburg just might be an ideal fit if you are looking to escape crowds and experience that Scandinavian lifestyle.
About Gothenburg and Its Sustainability
Being the second-largest city in Sweden, Gothenburg has a bit different atmosphere than the more well-known Swedish capital Stockholm. While the capital can be considered an international hub characterized by its fast pace, Gothenburg appears as a breath of fresh air with its vibrant cultural scene, variety of world-class restaurants, stunning natural landscape, and idyllic seaside charm that can be easily recognized by the laid-back nature of locals.
One of the most important features of the city is its sustainability. Recognized by Lonely Planet as the “best sustainable city stay,” the city is a perfect destination for those who want to experience sustainable city tourism. Because of its incredible performance, Gothenburg has held the number one ranking on the Global Destination Sustainability Index ever since 2016.
What to Do in Gothenburg
You can easily spend the whole weekend exploring Gothenburg and its nearby locations. From modern art museums to fun bars and relaxing beach spots, the city has it all. Fortunately, the majority of the city can be explored on foot or by bike because of its great infrastructure and size. Asides from getting lost in the streets of Gothenburg, tasting its cuisine, and taking in the views from one of the many observation decks, here are some more unique things to do in Gothenburg.
Explore the Islands of the Gothenburg Archipelago
If nature is your second home, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of this archipelago. The archipelago is made up of more than 20 islands, all with their unique characteristics and charm. There are southern and northern parts of the archipelago that you can visit on a day trip from the city center.
Each island has plenty of things to do, as well as local cafes, restaurants, and beautiful walking trails. The archipelago is a perfect summer day trip destination where you can discover the quaint fishing villages and walk around beautiful nature reserves. One of the top favorites among locals and tourists is Vrango, the southernmost island in the archipelago that is known for its beautiful nature reserves and incredible sandy beaches.
Discover Swedish Fika in Haga
Situated in the city center, Haga is a unique neighborhood that can easily be recognized by its cobbled streets that are filled with independent shops and charming cafés. By visiting this neighborhood, you can actually step back in time and learn more about the authentic history of Gothenburg because Haga was actually the city’s first suburb when it was originally planned in the mid-17th century. This is why you can still notice many well-preserved wooden houses that were built between 1870 and 1940.
While in Haga, you can also enjoy a traditional Swedish Fika, a custom of enjoying a cup of coffee with a cinnamon bun. For the most authentic experience, head over to Café Husaren on Haga Nygata, the main street of Haga. Here you can taste the famous cinnamon bun also known as ‘Hagabullen’.
Have Fun at Liseberg Park
Liseberg is a legendary amusement park that has been open since 1923 and soon will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. Known as one of the top amusement parks in the region, Liseberg offers a wide range of thrilling rides, rollercoasters, and other fun activities for the whole family. It really doesn’t matter if you are a kid or an adult, there is something fun to do for everyone.
Featuring Scandinavia’s longest and fastest rollercoaster Helix, Europe’s largest free-fall attraction AtmosFear, and ‘the best wooden rollercoaster in the world’ named Balder. If you really want to spend more than just a few hours in the park, you can take advantage of the park’s wide range of food places, as well as stay overnight at a youth hostel, a B&B, a cabin, or even a hotel — all of which are located within the park or close by.
Photo: AlejandroRodriguezAlcazar/Shutterstock
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