Top 5 Things to Do in Gothenburg if You're Visiting in May!
May is a great time to visit Gothenburg. By now, the city is fully awake after a long winter's sleep, but the excitement of the new season is still well and truly in the air! Göteborgsvarvet weekend on the 23rd of May is a highlight of the annual calendar, with most of the city coming out to either run or support those tackling the world's largest half marathon. As outdoor servings begin to fill, tourists and locals alike bask in the spring sunshine.
If you are visiting Gothenburg in May, keep reading to find our top five things to do:
1. Paddle a kayak through the center of the city
Yes, we might be a little biased, but paddling a kayak through the center of Gothenburg is such a great way to see the sights of the city without having to deal with the crowds. Especially during the Varvet weekend , when many roads and pavements are blocked off, the canal remains open! Plums offers both kayak rentals and guided tours, providing visitors with a unique way of experiencing Gothenburg's history and architecture from a peaceful, water-level perspective.
2. Soak up the spring colors at Trädgårdsföreningen
Just a stone's throw from the Central Station, Trädgårdsföreningen (The Garden Society) is one of Europe's best-preserved 19th-century parks. In May, the park is in peak bloom with woodland flowers and vibrant gardens. You can wander through the greenery or step inside the iconic Palm House —a glittering 1878 glass structure—to see exotic plants in a tropical climate. It's the perfect spot for a relaxed "breakfast" on the grass while the city hums with springtime energy.
3. Join the "Folkfest" at the Göteborgsvarvet
Even if you aren't running the 21 kilometers, the Göteborgsvarvet on May 23rd is an event you have to experience. The city transforms into one giant street party with over 50 music stations along the route and 200,000 spectators cheering on the runners. Head to Slottsskogen park to see the start and finish, or grab a spot on Avenyn to soak up the atmosphere of live bands and DJs while the race flies past.
4. Step back in time in historic Haga
For a change of pace, take a stroll through Haga , Gothenburg's oldest neighborhood. Its cobblestone streets and well-preserved wooden houses are even more charming in the May sun. This area is famous for its outdoor cafes. Be sure to visit Café Husaren to try their world-famous "Hagabullen"—a cinnamon bun roughly the size of a dinner plate. It's a local rite of passage and the perfect spring afternoon treat.
5. Catch the thrills at Liseberg
May marks the first full month of the season for Liseberg , Scandinavia's largest amusement park. Whether you're a fan of world-class rollercoasters like Helix or you prefer a gentle stroll through the beautifully landscaped hills, Liseberg is a May essential. With the flowers in bloom and the park's many restaurants opening their terraces, it's a great way to celebrate a sunny weekend in the city.
Make the most of May in Gothenburg
Whether you're in town to cross the finish line at the Varvet or simply to enjoy the first real sunshine of the year, Gothenburg is at its most vibrant this month. At Plums, we believe the best way to embrace that energy is from the water.
Floating through the heart of the city gives you a front-row seat to the festivities while offering a sense of space and perspective you won't find on the busy streets. From quiet morning paddles to the buzz of race-day celebrations, let us help you see Gothenburg in a whole new light.
Book your May adventure with plums.se here and experience the city from the water!