Top 10 alternative Things to Do in Gothenburg This Summer!
Local knowledge from a tour guide with fun activities for tourists and locals alike!
Having spent the last 3 summers showing guests around Gothenburg's canals, I'm very used to the question "what are some fun things to do in Gothenburg?" and I've spent plenty of time trying to find all the best activities the city has to offer. The following list aims to avoid the obvious. Everyone knows how fun Liseberg or Universeum is, and I'm certainly not suggesting you miss them, but here are 10 alternative activities for you to try this summer.
1. See Gothenburg from the Water
Gothenburg was built as a seafaring city, and no matter where you are, you're never far from a canal, lake, river or the ocean. If you're only going to do one tour of Gothenburg then my recommendation is to find something on the water. Of course I will always recommend coming on our kayak city tour, but the Paddan boat tour and Ocean Bus also provide a great experience for those who don't wish to kayak. If you're not comfortable in a small boat, even a trip across the river on one of the free ferries between Stenpiren and Hisingen is a great chance to see the city from a new perspective.
2. Hike Out to One of Gothenburg's Many Hiking Shelters and Grill a Sausage Like a True Swede!
Across Sweden there are several thousand hiking shelters, or vindskydd as they are known in the native tongue. Normally equipped with a fire pit, benches and somewhere to spend the night, these are one of the many examples of quiet, understated brilliance that Swedes don't shout about but would be seen as pretty revolutionary in many other countries. You don't have to spend the night sleeping outside to appreciate them either. A hike out to a vindskydd with the appropriate fire-making materials and a pack of sausages is enough to leave you feeling reconnected to nature and a little smug about your free day out. Head to the Vindskyddskartan website to see exactly where to find them; many are within a short walk of the city's public transport system.
3. Take a Paddleboard Out to One of Gothenburg's Many Lakes and Soak Up the Sun in Nature
With temperatures over the last two summers hitting 30 degrees plus, there's a strong chance you'll want to get out of the city and soak up the summer sun from the water. The public transport network in Gothenburg makes it really easy to pick up a paddleboard from Plum's kayak hire centre near Brunnsparken and hop straight on the bus to one of Gothenburg's lakes. Delsjön is a really popular place to chill in the sunshine, and a paddleboard makes it easy to escape the crowds. Paddleboards come in a rolling bag so it's super easy to get to a fun launch point. Check out our guide to Gothenburg's top 5 paddleboarding locations to find the best spots to get on the water.
4. Dip in the Water at Frihamnen and Make Use of Gothenburg's Free Public Sauna and Baths
Last year the city opened an area called Jubileumsparken to celebrate Gothenburg's 400th birthday. Here you'll find a huge public sauna, swimming pool and beach area that is completely free to use for residents and visitors alike. It's wise to book a spot in advance but it's also often fine to just turn up outside of peak times. Either way, it's one of the best free experiences the city has to offer.
5. Experience a Proper West Coast Sunset
The west coast of Sweden has a few trump cards over the rest of the country, and one of them is the sunsets. During summer, Gothenburg's long evenings are capped off with fiery skies as the sun dips behind the archipelago. This summer, Plum's have introduced a brand new sunset tour, scheduled to begin exactly two hours before sunset to ensure that even on the longest days, visitors get to experience the magic of kayaking along the Göta Älv as the sun kisses the water. Availability on these sessions is incredibly limited, so it's worth booking ahead to secure your spot.
6. Head Out of the City Centre and Visit Some of Gothenburg's Cultural Hotspots
As with many cities, the suburbs of Gothenburg are where local culture truly thrives. Majorna is the quintessential cool suburb and thanks to progressive housing policies and a high proportion of state-owned properties, the area has not succumbed to the curse of gentrification that has affected so many similar neighbourhoods across the globe. Matariet (where I'm currently sat writing this very blog!) is a Gothenburg institution and well worth a fika stop if you're in the area. If you head to Majorna in the evening, be sure to check out the Stigbergstorget area, where you'll find a great selection of independent bars, restaurants and music venues.
7. Test Your Swedish or Just Listen at a Language Café
Gothenburg has a wonderfully active language café scene, where locals and visitors sit down together to practise languages over a coffee. Whether you want to dust off your basic Swedish or simply enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere, these cafés are a brilliant and totally free way to connect with people. Search for språkcafé Göteborg online to find one near you; sessions run throughout the week and are open to all levels.
8. Kayak Down the Säveån River, Often Called Gothenburg's Amazon!
If you think kayaking is just for the canals, think again. The Säveån river winds its way through lush green corridors on the eastern edge of the city, and paddling it feels like a world away from the urban bustle. The overhanging trees, calm current and abundant birdlife have earned it the nickname "Gothenburg's Amazon" and once you're out there, it's easy to see why. We only run one session per month on this route, so it's well worth booking in advance to secure your spot. If you're coming as a group of 6 or more, we can also arrange a private session just for you and your friends; just get in touch and we'll sort something out.
9. Check Out Some of Gothenburg's Local Breweries, There Are Loads of Them!
Gothenburg has a thriving craft beer scene, with microbreweries tucked into industrial units, repurposed warehouses and neighbourhood backstreets all across the city. Whether you're a serious hop-head or just fancy a well-made pint in a cool setting, there's something here for you. Some local favourites include Stigbergets Bryggeri, Beerbliotek and Poppels; but honestly, the best approach is to pick a neighbourhood, start walking and see where the evening takes you.
10. Appreciate Gothenburg's Rich Street Art Scene
With over 100 murals spread across the city and a deeply rooted graffiti culture, Gothenburg is one of Scandinavia's most colourful cities if you know where to look. The Allén area, Majorna and the streets around Andra Långgatan are all great starting points. Some pieces are grand, building-sized commissions by internationally recognised artists; others are small, hidden gems you'll stumble across down a back alley. Check out West Sweden Street Art for maps, artist info and everything you need to plan your own street art tour and keep your eyes up, because you never know what's around the next corner.
Have you tried any of these? Let us know in the comments below, and feel free to share your own Gothenburg tips!