Gothenburg - Gotemburgo

View of the city of Gothenburg (Västra Götaland Province, Sweden)

Gothenburg[1], (in Swedish: Göteborg) is the second largest city in Sweden. It is located on the west coast of Sweden at the mouth of the Göta Älv River. With around 60,000 students, Gothenburg is the largest university city in Scandinavia. According to a recent Swedish media poll, Gothenburg was voted the most popular city, well ahead of Stockholm Y Malmö. More than 60% of Swedes would like to live in Gothenburg, which has a reputation for being friendlier and even more responsive than the Swedish capital.

Understand

Gothenburg is a city founded in the early 17th century by the Swedish King Gustav II Adolf. It was once the center of the shipbuilding industry but in 1970, with increasing competition from foreign docks, many of the landing sites had to be closed. Many of the docks have given way to high-tech industries. Today it is a city that tries to be big (for example, by organizing international sporting events) and small (for example, there are not many buildings larger than 6 floors) at the same time.

Politically it has been governed by the Social Democrats (Labor Party) for many years.

People

The history of the working class is visible, for example, in the port area. Traditionally there have been few luxury fashion houses or cafes, although this has changed in recent years with the rebuilding of shopping centers in the city center and the opening of a large number of American-style coffee shops. In the city center, where the university is located, there are many students.

The Gothenburg dialect is funny and sympathetic to the rest of the Swedes.

Gothenburg is twinned with Chicago and Shanghai.

Information for tourists

There are two information offices for in central Gothenburg - one in the Nordstan shopping center (near the central train station) and one in Kungsportsplatsen. Gustavii Domkyrka Cathedral which was built in 1633.

To get

By plane

The Landvetter airport (airport code: GOT) is Gothenburg's main airport, located 25km east of the city. There is a bus line from Landvetter that goes to the Nils Ericson Terminal and takes approximately 30 minutes. It costs SEK 70 -about 7.60 euros-. About 30 airlines fly to this airport, such as SAS, Flyme, Lufthansa, KLM or City Airline.

The Gothenburg City Airport (airport code: GSE) [2], formerly known as Säve Airport. This is definitely in the category of "small" airports; You should be patient with your bags. It is closer to Gothenburg than the main Landvetter airport. The bus costs SEK 50 (5.4 euros) and takes you to the bus and train terminal in about 30 minutes. Ryanair, Wizz air Y Germanwings they are the only airlines that use it.

By train

Trains from different parts of Sweden arrive and depart from Centralstationen (Centralstationen / Drottningtorget tram). There is also a line to Copenhagen crossing the Øresund bridge. Information and reservation of train tickets in SJ.

By car

Roads E6, E20 and National Highway 45 (riksväg 45) pass through Gothenburg. If you come by car from StockholmYou should take the E4 and the national road 40.

Approximate distances and travel time:

  • to Malmö (E6 / E20 south): 300km, 3 hours
  • to Oslo (E6 north): 320km, 4 hours
  • to Stockholm (40 east, E4): 500km, between 5 and 6 hours

By bus

There are many bus lines to and from Gothenburg including Eurolines, Safflebussen Y Swebus Express. Nils Ericsson Terminalen, located in connection with the central train station, is the most common bus stop.

Boat

Stena line[3] charter boats from / to Denmark (Fredrikshavn) and Germany (KielThe terminals are located near the city center. Tram stops: Masthuggstorget (Frederikshavn) and Chapmans Torg (Kiel).

DFDS Seaways[4] charter boats from / to Norway (Kristiansand) and the United Kingdom (Newcastle) .The terminal is located near the city center. Tram stops: Frihamnen. This service closes at the end of October 2006, as the boat has been sold.

DFDS Torline[5] It is a freight transport line with limited passenger capacity. They can carry a small number of passengers from Gothenburg to Belgium (Ghent) and the United Kingdom (Immingham Y Tilbury).

Travel

Public transport in Gothenburg (and western Sweden) takes care Västtrafik and consists of trams, buses and boats. During the spring / summer of 2006, a new payment system has been introduced in the region that may cause some confusion.

By tram

Gothenburg has a famous tram network (13 lines) that covers almost the entire city. At around 150km, Gothenburg's trams form the largest tram network in Scandinavia. The main connection is Brunnsparken, where you can catch trams to all parts of the city. It is located a couple of stone's throw away (a tram stop to be precise, or a 5 minute walk) from the train station.

  • Gothenburg tram network map [6]Template: In icon

The cost of the single ticket is 22 kr for adults and 17 kr for young people between 7 and 19 years old; We can buy it on the tram itself on a machine set up for it. But beware, this machine only accepts coins, so it is advisable to carry some change with you before going up.The most interesting option for traveling by tram is to acquire, in one of the many 7Eleven in the city, a voucher of 10 trips to a price of 100 kr. The 7Eleven are open practically at any time of the day and night, so it will not be difficult to find one open.

You can buy cards to travel as much as you want for one day or three. These allow you to take all the buses or trams you need throughout the established days. The price of the one-day card is SEK 70 and the price of the 3-day card is SEK 140. Children under 7 years travel free.

By bus

The main bus stop for buses leaving the city is Nils Ericsson Terminalen, located in the city center in connection with the train station. City buses go to different parts of the city. Some go downtown. Usually the trams also take you to these places. Take a look at the maps at the tram stops. Please note that all passengers board the bus through the front door, except for buses marked as Stombuss (lines 16 and 17).

By ferry

The Älvsnabben and Älvsnabbare ferries sail the length and breadth of the river, where the harbor and docks used to be, from Lilla Bommen and Rosenlund to Klippan, stopping on the other side (Hisingen). Besides being a means of transport, it can be a good way to see the city from the river.

In taxi

There are many companies, for example Taxi Göteborg, Taxi Kurir and Minitaxi. A riskier option is illegal taxis ("svarttaxi"), which are generally cheaper. One word of caution: don't travel alone, as there have been robberies and kidnappings.

Cycling

Gothenburg has a good network of cycle paths that reach all parts of the city.

Walking

Walking around Gothenburg during the summer can be very pleasant, especially in one of the parks in the city center, along the river or in the Haga area.

Watch

  • Skansen kronan (Crown castle) is a fortress built in the 17th century on top of a mountain southeast of the city center. In the 19th century it served as a prison and now houses the military museum. Its double Skansen Lejonet unfortunately it is in the middle of the industrial and train area but excursions are occasionally organized.
  • Near Skansen Kronan is Make, a neighborhood with picturesque wooden houses from the 19th century.
  • The fish market, called "Feskekôrka" (fish church) due to the shape of the building, it is located on the canal near the port.

Museums

  • Gothenburg art museum (Göteborgs Konstmuseum), Götaplatsen. In a magnificent building with the theater and concert hall on either side, it exhibits a world collection of Nordic art. The Hasselblad Center adjoining periodically holds public exhibits, and the Art room (free admission) shows contemporary art.
  • Gothenburg City Museum (Göteborgs Stadsmuseum), Norra Hamngatan 12. Covers the history of the city and the region from prehistoric times to the present, with an emphasis on the East Swedish-Indian company, which was once housed in the building.
  • Universeum[7], Södra Vägen 50 (Liseberg). A new museum focused on the environment with an inner jungle, experimental workshops, etc.
  • World culture museum, Södra Vägen 54 (Liseberg). A cultural counterpart to the Universeum (which is science-oriented). It is a museum of ethnography and anthropology with a contemporary approach. There are regular special events like concerts, movies, and readings. Admission is free and events do cost money.
  • Maritiman, Packhuskajen 8½. "The World's Largest Floating Ship Museum" consists of 19 ships of all sizes. The biggest attraction is the old military destroyer Småland.
  • Maritime Museum, Stigbergstorget, Majorna, explains the maritime history of Gothenburg, western Sweden and the fishing industry; has models of sailing ships. There is a viewpoint, on the pillar of the "Sailor's Wife", right in the museum from where you can see the port.
  • Gothenburg National History Museum, Slottsskogen (Linneplatsen). The oldest museum in Gothenburg, it includes a stuffed blue whale and is located in Slottskogen.
  • Volvo museum, Hisingen - yes, of course, in Volvo's hometown where you can see the old and present models of the Swedish car company.

Historical buildings

  • Gothenburg cathedral, Västra Hamngatan. Built in 1815.
  • Christian Church (German church), Norra Hamngatan. Built in 1748.
  • Crown house (Kronhuset), Postgatan. Built between 1643-1655. For some time the Swedish Parliament was located in it. Today it houses the Göteborgs Musik, and the surrounding buildings are now cafes and workshops.
  • Oscar Fredrik Church, Värmlandsgatan. The largest and most decorated church. Built in 1893.
The botanical garden in spring.

Parks and gardens

  • Slottsskogen, a large English garden near the botanical garden with a small zoo and old houses.
  • The Gothenburg Botanical Garden It has an area of ​​175 hectares and was voted the most beautiful garden in Sweden in 2003.
  • Trädgårdsföreningen, a picturesque garden with a beautiful collection of roses in the center of the city.

Itineraries

Do

Liseberg
  • Liseberg[8] - the largest amusement park in all of Scandinavia, with many different types of attractions for all ages. Try Balder, the new wooden roller coaster. The number one attraction in Sweden by number of visitors.
  • The Götheborg sailing ship has left for China and will not return until 2007. Its Terra Nova dock has closed but an exhibition on the project has been opened at Eriksberg Pir 4 (Norra älvstranden).
  • Boats for tourists Paddan[9] they run through the canals of the city and the port.
  • In summer, you can go canoeing or strolling around Lake Delsjön. It is only 6 km from the city center and can be a good way to feel nature.
  • Lisebergslinjen[10] It is a classic tram line that takes you from the central station to Liseberg in the summer. Prices: adults 18 kr, children 9 kr, small children free.
  • Börjessons[11] He does boat tours for tourists every day in the archipelago in summer and is very popular.
  • Southern archipelago. For little money you can visit the islands in the southern archipelago with regular ferries. These islands have no cars and are very picturesque. Ferries leave from the "Saltholmen" tram stop. Please note that it is difficult to park there. Tram tickets are also valid on the ferry.
  • Charter a sailing yachtsBoats.com provides you with independent information on how to charter a yacht in Gothenburg.

Learn

Gothenburg is, with more than 60,000 students, the largest university city in Scandinavia.

  • Gothenburg University[12]. In its current form since 1954, the University of Gothenburg offers university education in a wide range of fields. International students can study in English.
  • Chalmers University of Technology[13]. Founded in 1829, Chalmers offers education in engineering and architecture. International students can enroll in one of 25 different master's programs in English.

To buy

The main shopping center is Nordstan. It is located next to Brunnsparken and connected to the central train station. It has many stores with international brands such as H&M, Espirit, Vero Moda and Swedish companies such as Åhléns City, Rock, Nordic Design, etc. If you are looking for more expensive things, visit NK at Östra Hamngatan 42.

Near Nordstan is the shopping center Arkaden, a little smaller but with clothing stores.

SaluhallenIt, Kungstorget, has a lot of restaurants.

Events (edit)

  • Every year in February, the city is invaded by moviegoers for the Gothenburg Film Festival[14]. The festival, which is growing every year, is now one of the largest film festivals in Scandinavia.
  • The Göteborgskalaset takes place annually in August. It is a city festival with musical performances, stalls with foreign food and lots of beer. The city council has considered canceling the event due to the mass drunkenness and intoxication of minors. Anyway, if you are outside the absolute city center like avenue (Avenyn) you can find interesting parties and activities.

Sports events

  • Between August 6 and 13, 2006, the european athletics championship at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg.
  • Once a year in summer, youth soccer teams from more than 50 countries play in the Gothia Cup, the largest soccer match in the world with more than 1,000 teams.
  • The Göteborgsvarvet it is half of a marathon (21 km) that is run in central Gothenburg every year with 30,000 participants.
  • On the weekends during the season, soccer matches are played at the Gamla Ullevi Stadium with one or two of the local teams: IFK Göteborg, Örgryte IS or GAIS. The fourth largest team, Häcken, plays in Rambergsvallen.
  • At the Scandinavium hockey stadium the local team Frölunda Indians plays every week during the season.
  • Sometimes you can see struggle[15] in different places in Gothenburg.

To eat

The street with the most restaurants is Linnégatan, from Järntorget to Linnéplatsen. It has a great concentration of good restaurants of all kinds from low to moderate prices.

Cheap

  • Andrum, Östra Hamngatan 19A. Tasty and healthy vegetarian food buffet.
  • Center Bar, Kyrkogatan 31. Small Italian-style café that takes coffee very seriously.
  • I condeco, Cafeteria with coffee, tea, light drinks, sandwiches, cakes and muffins. 4 establishments: in Avenyn, Kompassen, Fredsgatan and Linnégatan. [16]
  • Maharani Första Långgatan 4, Indian food in a friendly atmosphere. Starters for 30-40kr and main courses for about 110kr.

Every Friday some pubs and restaurants have after-work specials. Free buffet and happy hour prices at the bar. A list in Swedish of after-work places

Medium level

  • Gyllene prag, Sveagatan 25 (Sveaplan). Wonderful cheap Czech restaurant with good beer and generous help. Smudged cheese is a classic and you won't be hungry again for at least a week.
  • Kungstorgskaféet, Kungstorget 11. It is an old classic restaurant and it is not expensive. It is open during the day, right in the center of the city. The menu is very Swedish.
  • Pasta and contour, Nordensköldsgatan 21. Italian.
  • Etc, Etc comes in two flavors: "Big Etc" at Kungsgatan 12 and "Etc" at Vasaplatsen 12. The latter is smaller and more welcoming but doesn't serve as many dishes. It serves a fantastic pasta in various flavors. [17]
  • 12-52, Linnégatan 52, modern food with excellent service. Main dishes for 150-250kr [18]

Deluxe

  • Sjömagasinet, Adolf Edelsvärdsgata 5, 46 31-775 59 20. Excellent (and very expensive!) Fish restaurant in Klippan.[19]
  • 28 , Götabergsgatan 28, 46 31-20 21 61.
  • Hos Pelle, Djupedalsgatan 2, 46 31-12 10 31.
  • Basement, Götabergsgatan 28, 46 31-28 27 29.

To drink

In summer there are terraces along Avenyn and Linnégatan.

  • The Rover, Andra långgatan 14, near Järntorget, known for its friendly staff. It has the second largest selection of whiskeys in Gothenburg (according to the local newspaper G.P.), including the Swedish brand "Mackmyra".
  • Ölhallen 7: an, Kungstorget 7, 46 31-136079. One of the places where you will find the best beer and the only traditional brewery left in the city. It is located near Saluhallen.
  • Kellys, Andra Långgatan 28. Cheap beer. There is a mixture of young people and middle-aged people.
  • Sejdeln, Andra Långgatan 28. When Kellys is closed, Sejdeln is a pretty good option. It's right next to Kellys and has even cheaper beer and the same type of clientele.
  • Kings Head, Andra Långgatan. In this street known for its cheap pubs and sex shops, this pub is an alternative for those who want to be in a slightly more sophisticated environment.
  • Dancin Dingo, Australian pub on a parallel to Avenyn.
  • Delirium cafe The implications of the name couldn't be further from the truth, as they serve a massive selection of over 1500 different types of beers and whiskeys that you probably haven't heard of. This pub is an excellent alternative to those located in the center. It is not far from Kronhusbodarna about 200m from Nordstan. [20]
  • Bitter Linnégatan 59, one of the best bars in the city if you like alcoholic beverages more than beer.
  • The Bishops Arms It is a chain of English pubs. In Gothenburg there are two at Kungsportsavenyn 36 and Västra Hamngatan 3. Good selection of draft beer and whiskey. A bit more expensive than other pubs.

Nightclubs

There are many different clubs in Gothenburg, with a wide variety of musical styles.

  • Respect - Gay, pop, etc. Järntorget stop.
  • Haket (Masthuggstorget). Indie pop. They usually organize theme nights with music, videos and even drinks with an artist.
  • Trädgår'n - EBM & Synthpop [21], House
  • Nefertiti - House, Jazz, Northern Soul
  • Cockpit - Gay
  • Sticky fingers, Kaserntorget 3, 46 31-7010717. Rock
  • Uptown / Studio One - Reggae
  • Peacock Dinner Club - House
  • Gretas - Drottninggatan 35. Gay, trendy, pop, dance, cabaret.

Sleep

Cheap

Many hostels only offer their lower prices to members of STF or Hostelling International.

  • Göteborg Vandrarhem, Burgårdsgatan 1, 46 31 360 88 20, [22]. Starting at 150 SEK. The closest tram stop is Göteborg Korsvägen.
  • Slottsskogen Youth Hostel, Vegagatan 21, 46 31-42 65 20, [23]. Starting from 120 SEK. The closest tram stop is Olivedalsgatan.
  • Vandrarhem Stigbergsliden, Stigbergsliden 10, 46 31-24 16 20, [24]. Located near the terminus of the Danish Stena Line ships. Starting from 135 SEK.
  • Kärralund Camping Youth Hostel. Located 2.5 km from the Liseberg amusement park, with prices starting at 345 SEK (with a single ticket to Liseberg included during the summer) but are higher during the seasonal months.
  • The tourist office in Avenyn organizes an excellent service of private B&B houses.

Half

  • Riverton, Stora Badhusgatan 26, [25].
  • Radisson / SAS, Södra Hamngatan 59-65, [26]. Near the central train station.
  • Scandic Europe, Köpmansgatan 38, [27]. Also close to the train station.
  • Hôtel Eggers, Drottningtorget, 46 31-333 44 40 (fax 46 31-333 44 49) [28]. Located right next to the train station, with almost 150 years of history.

Deluxe

  • Elite Plaza Hotel, Västra Hamngatan 3, 46 31-720 40 00. 5-star hotel where rock stars sleep after giving a concert in Gothenburg.
  • Elite Park Avenue Hotel, Kungsportsavenyn 36-38, 46 31-727 10 00. 4 stars.

To walk

  • Near Gothenburg is the beautiful southern archipelago. Many islands have a resident population, so ferries come and go throughout the year. Private cars are not allowed. Take tram line 11 (or 9 in summer) to Saltholmen and then one of the ferries to Styrsö, Köpstadsö or one of the other islands. They have very nice populations and characteristics. You can also buy ice cream and eat at the restaurants in Brännö, Styrsö or Vrångö. Take into account that the tram is full of people on sunny summer days, especially when line 9 is not working and going by car is not better because it is difficult to find parking. Ferries, however, tend to make extra trips on those days.
  • Elfsborgs Fortress (Elfsborgs fästning) from the 17th century, it was built on an island to protect the city from attacks by sea. The tourist boats [29] they make the trip regularly in summer.
  • Vinga - the last outpost before the sea and the place where Evert Taube (a famous Swedish poet) grew up.
  • The gunnebo castle, in the nearby town of Mölndal, is a large 18th-century wooden mansion with Rococo interiors and a Baroque park.
  • The Tjolöholm castle, in the town of Kungsbacka south of Gothenburg, is an anachronistic castle built around 1900 for the Swedish-Scottish Dickson family, factory owners and merchants, one of Gothenburg's many generous donors (they founded Gothenburg's first public library and they built decent houses for the families of their factory workers).

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