A whistle stop trip to Sweden's second city and a great value chilled little city break. I had only 38 hours 30 minutes in Gothenburg, flying in London Stansted (STN) to Gothenburg (GOT): 7:35am-10:25am, 1h50 and flying out Gothenburg (GOT) to Stansted (STN): 10:25pm-11:30pm (but with a 2h30 delay!). Here's what I got up to.
Haga
First stop was a mooch around Haga, the pretty touristy old town (head to Haga Nygata 1, Gothenburg, if you want to find it). It's charming, all cobbled streets and bunting, but it's pretty much just one street, so make sure you take your time, browsing all the cafes and shops along the way.
Café Husaren
While in Haga, you pretty much have to go to Café Husaren. there, you can order a giant cinnamon roll, or hagabullen as it's known locally. It was bigger than my head! It cost me £13.56 for a hagabullen and a hot chocolate (believe me, you're going to need something to wash it down with!).
Skansen Kronan
For nice views over the old town, head to Skansen Kronan. It's a steep but short walk up the hill to this 17th century military fortress, but it's worth it. You get breathtaking, unparalleled 360 degree panoramic views of the city's red brick roofs from up there.
Eat Sweadish Meatballs
You can't go to Sweden and not eat meatballs. I went to Bamba in Masthugget and they were delicious, looked amazing and were very affordable too, at £14.64.
Slottsskogen Park
Slottsskogen Park is a free zoo, just a short walk from the city center. It is home to native Swedish animals including lots of deer wandering about, nestled in a pretty wood. A lovely, easy way to relax.
Feskekörka (Fish Church)
Feskekörka, or the Fish Church, is a fish market shaped like a church. Well worth a look even if you're not planning on buying anything.
Stora Saluhallen (The Great Market Hall)
Stora Saluhallen, the Great Market Hall, is another good spot for browsing and picking up food. Where Feskekörka is more fancy and all about the fish, Stora Saluhallen is more laid back and has more variety. Good to pick up a few free samples too!
Kronhuset Courtyard
Kronhuset Courtyard has some pretty shops selling crafts, tucked away from the main streets. A nice quiet stop if you want to grab a coffee, look at some beautiful old buildings and buy some gifts.
A Boat Trip
A nice way to get a quiet moment is to sit on the massive wooden steps of the Stenpiren Travel Hub, watching the big ships and commuter ferries glide past. If you're in the mood for a short and free trip, hop on lines 286 or 287, which fly a green flag showing they're free to ride. It's only seven minutes one way, but it's a short, cheap way to see the city from a different angle.
Oscar Fredrik Church
Oscar Fredrik Church is a beautiful building, my favourite church in the city. It has a prominent green copper roofs and spires, which are completed by a green interior too. This wasn't on my initial list but I spotted the church from Skansen Kronan and had to go for a visit.
Charity Shops
I was very impressed with the charity shops in Gothenbury- one of them was even 4 stores high! I seem to especially see a lot of them in the area near Järntorget.
The Costs
- Flight return: £39.90
- Flygbussarna airport bus: £14.64 return
- Accommodation, STF Vandrarhem Stigbergsliden: £23.44 (though I had this covered by Hotels.com credit, so it was free)
- Food and drink: £34.68
- Gifts: £7.14
Total spend: £96.36.
All told, I had 38 hours 30 minutes in Gothenburg from landing to my actual, delayed departure. Not bad for a city that gave me deer, some beautiful buildings and a cinnamon roll the size of my head!
