guided tours gothenburg

• GENERAL GÖTEBORG TOUR
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WELCOME TO GOTHENBURG

Our mission is to promote cultural exchange by providing tours through the city. We believe our work should be accessible to everyone, so we focus on walking tours where everyone’s budget is welcome. Walk with us!  

Explore Sweden’s second city

Göteborg Walking Tours has the goal to spread local culture and history to travelers all kinds and financial opportunities! Be part of our tours to experience the second city of Sweden with all it’s quirky secrets and unique places! The main focus of Göteborg Walking Tours is in offering free walking tours! A concept, that is quite spread by now worldwide. This means, that everyone can simply join the offered tours and enjoy! The idea is to tip our tour guides for their work – if you liked the tour obviously. This way, every travelers budget can take part in walking tours and learn more about the place!

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Gothenburg has a history dating back much longer than the official founding date of the city back in 1621. It’s a place where ideas meet people with a “let’s do this”-mentality. It’s a place where sustainability meets ambition. It’s a place that screams inclusiveness, no matter of your background. We want to bring people together, give them a glimpse of the history and let them explore why Gothenburg is more than just another city.

All of our free tours are available in English language only!

These tours are free, based on the popular concept of free walking tours found all around the world. This means, simply join the tour and if you liked it, you are free to tip’ the tour-guide depending on how much you think the tour was worth. No risk for you, and we will make extra sure that you will enjoy your time! Otherwise, we also love reviews on TripAdvisor, Google Maps or Facebook as forms of gratitude! ‘you can tip the guide cashless, it’s Sweden after all. Please keep in mind that the tour offer is subject to change.

General Göteborg Tour FREE

See the main historical sites of the city in a quick and breezy tour, ending in the right spot for a Swedish Fika. Ideal for the quickest overview.

Daily  | 10:00 & 14:00* *Subject to change

These special tour offers give another different view on Gothenburg. If you feel like you want to make your experience a little bit more special, we are happy to welcome you. Our paid tours are in English language , unless agreed differently.

Please contact us via email or the form below to request an inquiry. Rates: 3500 SEK incl. VAT (Central Gothenburg), 4500 SEK incl. VAT (Islands/Hiking Trip)

Make Your Own Tour

Sometimes you just want to have a tour on a specific date at a specific time for your group. Do not worry, we’ve got you covered. We can customise your experience according to your wishes and give you a memorable time in Gothenburg – with a dash of individuality from our guides.

Islands Trip

Enjoy the beauty of the Southern Archipelago and activate your inner nature-lover with a hike and possibility for a dip in the sea. A true Swedish experience. The Islands Trip will guide you to one of the islands, help you with identifying the right berries to pick and where it’s safe to swim. No rush, just a calm break from the busting city.

Hiking Trip

In Sweden, we like to call our nearby forests the ‘living room’. Spend a morning there with us and enjoy a dip in a lake and a Swedish ‘kokkaffe’. The Hiking Trip will guide you through the nearby nature reservoir Delsjön, but show you off-the-beaten path spots and give you an idea of “uteliv”.

BOOK A FREE TOUR

Find our tours in the calendar below and simply book your spot ! Please do so to ensure a free tour takes place and you find a spot in the group. Since we want to provide a high-quality tour, we try to limit the group sizes per slot. If you are a group of more than 5 people, we ask you kindly to book a private tour by sending us a message. We hope you can understand this. Keep in mind that the upcoming dates are subject to change and continuously updated! If you cannot find a specific type of tour in the calendar, it means that we do not offer them during these dates.

We close the bookings 12 hours before the tour start.

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Vegan Market in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is all about sustainability, so why not pop up at the vegan market during your visit? 24th of August & 28th of September 12:00 – 17:00 Grönsakstorget

You are wondering about our services? Feel free to contact us with the form below!

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Do you want more Gothenburg related information? Check out the Vegan Guide to Gothenburg!

Göteborg Walking Tours

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Boat tours in Gothenburg's archipelago

Guided excursions at the swedish west coast.

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden. Located on the west coast, it’s the perfect location for discovering the beautiful archipelago on a guided excursion. We offer a wide range of different boat trips, also for the youngest in the family. Take a guided boat tour around Hisingen, the fifth largest island of Sweden or discover Marstrand a true gem of the west coast or join us for a guided boat tour to the island of Vinga in the outer archipelago. If you have children, we can recommend a boat tour to the 17th century sea fortress of Älvsborg, a place with an exciting history. All our cruises in the archipelago of Gothenburg are guided in both English and Swedish.

Discover the highlights of the Swedish west coast

– Full day Archipelago Cruise to Marstrand including guided walks on the archipelago island Källö-Knippla and in Marstrand – Archipelago Tour with guide – a guided cruise through the inner archipelago – Boat trip through the Gothenburg harbor to Älvsborg Fortress – Guided tour to the island of Vinga through the south archipelago of Gothenburg – Tour of Hisingen – a guided boat trip around Sweden’s fifth largest island

Book your boat trip online

It’s easy to book our archipelago tours here on the website. Select one of the boat trips below and click for more information and booking. You can easily pay your online booking with credit card and you will receive a booking confirmation via email.

Our archipelago tours depart from Lilla Bommen marina

Stromma’s boat trips in Gothenburg archipelago departs from the guest harbor Lilla Bommen, situated by Gota River, see map. It is also the departure point for the dining cruises. By the harbor there is also stop for Hop On – Hop Off buses and boats. The marina is situated just a short walk from the shopping center Nordstan. Address: Lilla Bommen, 411 04 Gothenburg

Stromma is working to reduce use of fuel and energy as well as switching to renewable fuels and clean energy sources.

Stromma has ambitious goals for our sustainability work – one of them is to reduce CO2-emissions by 50% by 2030.

At Stromma we are continuously working to reduce our use of plastic. Our efforts reduced our plastic consumption by 1 097 kg in one year.

Save the Baltic Sea - Stromma and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) have entered into a partnership where we work together for a cleaner Baltic Sea.

In Sweden and Denmark Stromma together with WWF and local partners have placed out Seabins to improve the environment in/of the Baltic Sea.

Boat Excursion around Hisingen Island

Guided boat tour in gothenburg, boat sightseeing tour in the archipelago of gothenburg, archipelago boat excursion to vinga, guided boat tour to lighthouse island in gothenburg, excursion by boat to the historic fortress in gothenburg.

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Gothenburg Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 17, 2023

As the second-largest city in Sweden, Gothenburg ( Göteborg in Swedish) has a lot to offer travelers. Not a lot of people visit Gothenburg in comparison to other parts of the country (like Stockholm), but I really enjoyed my time here.

The city was founded as a Dutch trading colony in 1621 due to its strategic location on the coast. Today, the city remains an important industrial city, as the Port of Gothenburg is the largest port in the Nordic countries.

Despite its industrial background, the city is much more relaxed than Stockholm. With plenty of green space both in and around the city, Gothenburg manages to maintain a small city feel while offering plenty of things to see and do. And with a compact downtown, Gothenburg is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. The many students (thanks to the several large universities) lend a vibrant, youthful feel to the city.

This travel guide to Gothenburg can help you plan your trip, save money, and help you make the most of your time in Sweden’s second city!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Gothenburg

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Gothenburg

1. Have fun at Liseberg

This is the biggest amusement park in Scandinavia, with rollercoasters, a haunted house, tons of rides for kids, and a giant Ferris wheel with stunning views of the city. Admission is 95 SEK while admission and unlimited rides are 255 SEK.

2. Explore the Haga

As one of the oldest areas of Gothenburg, this was once a working-class neighborhood. It’s now a popular summer destination lined with upscale antique shops and cozy cafes. It’s a great place to stroll and relax. Head to Café Husaren for huge cinnamon buns.

3. Visit the Gothenburg Botanical Garden

This botanical garden is one of the largest in all of Europe. Spanning 430 acres, the garden is home to over 16,000 plant species, a Japanese garden, and places to sit down and relax with a good book. There is a voluntary entrance fee of 20 SEK.

4. Visit the Skansen Kronan

This redoubt (fort) was built in the 1600s outside of the city walls. Armed with 23 cannons, it was built to prevent a potential Danish attack on the city and was later converted into a prison and then a museum. It makes for an interesting excursion and offers insights into Gothenburg’s history.

5. Take a day trip to Marstrand

An hour bus ride from the city is the charming island of Marstrand. In the summer, this island is bustling with visitors who tour the narrow streets and visit the stone fortress, Carlsten (a definite must!). From here, it’s just a stone’s throw to the smaller, more secluded islands of Dyrön and Åstol.

Other Things to See and Do in Gothenburg

1. go shopping on the “avenyn”.

Kungsportsavenyen (colloquially known as the Avenyn, which is pronounced like “avenue”) is the city’s main shopping street. Stores and restaurants of all price ranges are here. It’s a good place to eat, people-watch, shop, and soak up the heart of the city.

2. See Slottsskogen

Take a stroll through the wooded hills, where you can visit a zoo and a family-friendly animal park. The area is also home to the city’s oldest observatory and there are lots of jogging trails too. In the summer, there is a cafe in the park where you can stop for a snack. This is one of the best places in the city to have a picnic as well. Best of all? It’s free!

3. Visit the Natural History Museum

Located right next to Slottsskogen, this museum is full of all sorts of animals, including the world’s only mounted blue whale. Here you’ll find African elephants, dinosaur fossils, and tons of other mounted animal displays. It’s a good educational activity for kids. Admission is free.

4. Take in the Gothenburg Opera

Built in 1994, the gorgeous Opera House is an important monument of the city. It has over 1,300 seats and, although some tickets are pricey, you can find last-minute ticket deals at the box office. There are often musical productions performed in English as well. Tickets usually range between 100-950 SEK per person.

5. Picnic in Trädgårdsföreningen

This 19th park and garden sits in the heart of the city and is a fantastic place to relax and have a picnic. There is a playground for children, numerous greenhouses full of interesting flora (which you can visit for free), sculptures, gardens, and plenty of shade if you want to sit down with a good book.

6. Climb aboard the Swedish Ship Götheborg

This is a reconstruction of a mid-18th-century ship from the Swedish East India Company. The original ship sank off the coast in 1745 after returning from China. Built from 1995-2003, this reconstruction is one of the world’s largest operational wooden ships. It often tours different ports around the world so make sure it’s in Gothenburg before trying to visit. The ship is open to the public on weekends only and tickets are 150 SEK.

7. Learn some local history

The City Museum in Gothenburg offers some great exhibits, with detailed information about city development and artifacts like old local clothing and household goods. The highlight is undoubtedly the detailed exhibit on the Vikings. This is a super interesting place to visit when you first arrive to get a solid understanding of the city and its past. Adult admission is 60 SEK, while students and visitors under 20 enter free.

8. Spend time at the Gothenburg Museum of Art

If you’re an art lover, take advantage of the sparse crowds at this art local museum. The museum’s collection features both Swedish and international work dating from the 17th century onward. It includes art from big names like Rembrandt, Picasso, and Monet. Admission is 60 SEK though it’s free for students and anyone under 20.

9. Tour the Volvo Museum

If planes, trains, and automobiles are more your thing, head to the Volvo Museum. Founded in 1927, Gothenburg serves as the company’s headquarters and the museum gives an outline of Volvo’s history as well as the evolution of their vehicle designs over the past few decades (it was Volvo that invented the three-point seatbelt we all use today). Admission is 120 SEK.

10. Wander through Delsjön

Just outside of the city lies Delsjön, a nature area with lakes and wooded trails. The park spans almost 500 acres. You can run, go for a hike, or rent canoes here in the summer. I love the peace and quiet of the park. It’s easy to get to via the public tram too.

12. Explore Universeum

If you’re traveling with kids (or just want to act like a kid) head to Universeum. It’s an interactive science center that opened in 2011, offering an indoor rainforest, a chemistry lab, dinosaur exhibits, and much more. It’s a great way to have fun and learn a thing or two along the way. Admission is 225 SEK for adults and 175 SEK for kids under 16.

  For more information on other cities in Sweden, check out these guides:

• Stockholm Travel Guide

Gothenburg Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostels start around 250 SEK per night for a dorm room with 8-10 beds and 725 SEK for a private room. Some hostels charge an additional fee (usually around 50-80 SEK) for bed linens in dorm rooms (you can bring your own, however sleeping bags are not permitted). Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.

Wild camping is legal in Sweden so thought traveling with a tent can camp outside the city with ease thanks to the country’s generous Freedom to Roam laws. Just make sure you’re not camping near someone’s house.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels cost around 700 SEK per night. Cheaper options are available, however, they usually require sharing a bathroom with other guests. Many hotels have a sauna on site. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and coffee/tea makers.

Food prices – Food in Sweden is hearty and based heavily on meat, fish, and root vegetables. One of the most iconic and popular dishes is meatballs and a creamy sauce with potatoes and lingonberry jam. Crayfish, shrimp, mushrooms, and fresh summer berries are other popular staples. For breakfast, Swedes usually eat dark bread with cheese and vegetables. For fika, cinnamon buns are the go-to choice for many.

Food is expensive in Gothenburg (as it is everywhere in Sweden). Cheap food from outdoor street vendors starts at 50 SEK, though these vendors are few and far between.

Most convenience stores and cafes offer pre-packaged sandwiches and meals for 50-100 SEK if you want a quick bite. Hot dogs cost around 30 SEK at places like 7-Eleven and Pressbyran. A fast-food combo meal is around 90 SEK.

At fast-casual style eateries, whole pizzas cost around 65-95 SEK while a burger is 75-90 SEK. Most nice sit-down restaurant meals are around 190-275 SEK for a main dish. A three-course dinner at a fine dining restaurant is around 450 SEK.

If you’re looking for a drink, beer can be as cheap as 40 SEK, though 65-75 SEK is more common. Wine costs around 55-75 SEK at your average restaurant, and cocktails are around 100 SEK.

All the best bars and pubs are be found near Järntorget and Andra långgatan (the more touristy and expensive places are on “the Avenyn”).

For a filling buffet, head to Café Andrum. For a quick bite on the go, Jonsborg has burgers and hotdogs (as well as vegan options).

Grocery shopping costs around 600-700 SEK per week for basic staples like pasta, rice, and veggies. If you cut down on your meat and cheese intake (some of the most expensive food items in Sweden) you can lower your costs significantly. Willy’s is the cheapest of the large supermarket chains.

Backpacking Gothenburg Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget, you should plan to spend around 680 SEK per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all your meals, using public transportation to get around, limiting your drinking, and participating in cheap activities like visiting free museums and hanging out in the parks.

On a mid-range budget of 1,280 SEK per day, you can stay in a private room in a hostel, get a public transportation card and take an Uber or two, eat most meals out at fast food joints, enjoy a couple drinks, and visit more paid attractions (like Liseberg or Universeum).

On a “luxury” budget of 2,075 SEK or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, drink more, eat out for all your meals, take taxis everywhere, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in SEK.

Gothenburg Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While Gothenburg is cheaper than Stockholm, it’s still a far cry from a budget-friendly destination. Fortunately, there are ways to slash your spending here. Here are some of my ways to save money in Gothenburg during your visit:

• Stay with locals for free – Accommodation is expensive in Gothenburg. Consider using Couchsurfing to stay with a local. It’s a great way to get to know the local culture because you’re staying in someone’s home and you can ask them all the questions you want.
• Avoid eating in the tourist district – While Haga and the Avenyn are great places to stroll and soak in the city, they are also the most crowded, most expensive places to grab a bite to eat. Wander around some of the smaller streets to find cheaper options.
• Free walking tours – Göteborg Walking Tours runs the best walking tours in the city. They offer a few different walks depending on what you’re interested in (they even have a fika tour). They generally last two hours and are available in English. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Drink beer – If you are going to drink, stick to beer. It costs about half as much money as mixed drinks or wine at the bars and restaurants. For greater savings, buy your own alcohol at the government-run Systembolaget (it can be up to 50% cheaper that way).
• Try the lunch buffets – If you choose to eat out, the lunch buffets are an economical way to do so, costing around 105 SEK. They are a popular option with locals. For cheap hot dogs and burgers (including vegan options) head to Jonsborg.
• Refill your water bottle – Water is about 30 SEK per bottle. Since the tap water is drinkable (it’s one of the cleanest in Europe!) you should just bring a reuseable water bottle. Not only does this save you money, but it saves the environment too! LifeStraw is my go-to brand since their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is clean and safe.
• Avoid the taxis – With the buses running late, you should be able to skip the cabs (the city is very walkable too). A typical ride costs more than 200 SEK, so unless you are far from the bus and it’s snowing out, the price is hard to justify.
• Save money on rideshares – Uber is cheaper than taxis and is the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus. That said, the buses go everywhere and the city is walkable so you shouldn’t need one.

Where to Stay in Gothenburg

Gothenburg has a few hostel accommodations, though they aren’t quite as nice as the ones in Stockholm. These are my suggested and recommended places to stay in Gothenburg:

• STF City Hostel
• Slotsskogen Hostel
• Backpackers Göteborg

How to Get Around Gothenburg

Public transportation – The public transportation within Gothenburg costs 34 SEK per ticket. Tickets last 90 minutes and can be transferred from buses to trams and ferries. A day pass costs 110 SEK while a 3-day pass costs 210 SEK. These also work for buses, trams, and ferries.

When coming from Landvetter airport, the bus is your cheapest option. Flygbussarna runs shuttles regularly, with tickets costing 119 SEK (one way) when bought in advance. The journey takes around 30 minutes. Flixbus also runs airport shuttles but they come less frequently (however, they are cheaper at around 99 SEK when purchased in advance).

Taxi – Taxis here are quite expensive. Fares start at 51 SEK and go up by 14 SEK per kilometer, which means an average ride is likely going to cost you over 200 SEK!

Bicycle – You can rent bikes all around the city using Styr & Ställ. A 20 minute ride costs 30 SEK. The cheaper option is to get a one-month Styr & Ställ card for 90 SEK and then you’ll have free 60-minute access to rentals all around the city.

Ridesharing – Uber here is a little cheaper than taxis but it’s still quite expensive. I don’t recommend using it unless you have to.

When to Go to Gothenburg

The ideal time to visit Sweden is from June to August, when the weather is warm and the days are (really) long. Gothenburg is at its liveliest during this time, with locals taking advantage of the good weather at every opportunity. The parks are always full, and there are tons of fun events happening around town. Temperatures are often in the 20s Celsius (60s and 70s Fahrenheit) during the summer months.

The downside to visiting then is that, since Sweden has a very short summer, the city is rather crowded, so be sure to book your accommodation in advance. This is especially true if you are visiting during Midsommar, the big Swedish holiday at the end of June. It’s a great time to experience Swedish traditions (which involve a lot of drinking)!

May typically has great weather with occasional rain, while September offers cooler temperatures and changing leaves. You’ll beat the crowds and still be able to explore the city on foot without the weather getting in your way (too much).

Attractions begin to close around late September, and the days get dark early in October. Temperatures start dropping around this time too. However, prices also decrease, and you’re likely to find cheaper airfares and accommodations during this time. Be sure to pack layers if you plan on visiting during this time of year.

The winter is very cold and sees a lot of snow and darkness. In the depths of the winter, you only get a few hours of light each day and temperatures plummet below -0ºC (32ºF). The plus side of traveling during the off-season, however, is that it’s when accommodations are the cheapest, and fees for certain attractions are lower as well.

While Gothenburg is quite beautiful in winter, you won’t want to be walking around as much, and since it’s a great city to explore on foot, you will potentially be missing out so I’d skip a winter visit if you can.

How to Stay Safe in Gothenburg

Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world. Crime here is rare and solo travelers — including solo female travelers — should feel safe. That said, Gothenburg is still a large city so keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially around the central station and on public transportation.

As in any city, always keep an eye on your drink when out at the bar and never walk home alone if you’re intoxicated.

In general, long as you are aware of your surroundings and use common sense and you should be just fine.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off, here’s a list of common travel scams to avoid.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Gothenburg Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Stockholm Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Sweden and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Stockholm

Where to Stay in Stockholm: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in Stockholm

Living Lagom in Sweden: An Interview With Lola Akerstrom

The Swedish Birthday Party

How to Visit Stockholm on a Budget

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Gothenburg archipelago: 7 of the best islands to visit

Dotting Sweden’s western coastline, the Gothenburg Archipelago is made up of dozens of islands and outcrops. Some are tiny and uninhabited, while others are big enough to support a year-round population, with shops, schools and places to stay.

Many of these bigger islands can easily be explored on a day trip from Gothenburg. But, if you have the luxury of time, it’s worth staying overnight or doing a spot of island-hopping.

One quick thing to note: the archipelago is roughly divided into two halves.

The Southern Archipelago (Södra skärgården) is the closest to the city centre and the easiest to reach using public transport. It’s also the sleepiest, with wonderfully car-free islands.

The Northern Archipelago (Norra skärgården) can feel a bit more built up – though really, it’s still chilled – and some of the islands are connected to the mainland by car ferries.

Tours to the Gothenburg Archipelago

If you’re short on time or just fancy letting someone else do the planning, there are some great guided tours to the archipelago from downtown Gothenburg.

Try this two-and-a-half-hour guided trip , which takes you past Älvsborgs fästning, a huge and imposing fortress that used to guard the main sea route into Gothenburg. Or jump on this half-day tour to Vinga , with a full hour to explore the island at your own pace.

This four-hour tour round Hisingen island , Sweden’s fifth largest island, takes in the River Göta, River Nordre, Björkö Fjord and Gothenburg harbour.

Alternatively, splash out on a private boat tour of the city and archipelago, with your own personal guide who will pick you from your hotel.

Hönö island lies in the northern archipelago, with Hönö Klåva harbour acting as the island’s main hub.

You can get your bearings and a bird’s eye view of Hönö and neighbouring islands from Hönö Vattentorn, a water tower and observation deck on Utsiktsvägen, a 10-minute walk north of Hönö Klåva.

Or you can simply chill out on Jungfruviken beach, a 25-minute walk from Hönö Klåva and the perfect place for a dip and a picnic.

There’s loads of other fun stuff to do on this island, with boat trips being the main draw.

From spring to early autumn, you can go crab or mackerel fishing, set sail on a seal safari or cross over to the island of Vinga, a windswept outcrop that’s home to a pretty lighthouse.

Late autumn is the best time for lobster fishing. Both Hönö Boat Trips and Kastor Boat Trips run day trips, but they are popular, so book in advance.

If you fancy spending a night or two on Hönö, Skärgårdshotellet Hönö has sea-facing rooms with patios, while the neighbouring Klovabo Bed & Breakfast is a cheaper alternative in the same great location.

Popular restaurants Tullshuset , Franses and Lilling Cottage are all located nearby too.

Getting to Hönö

A ferry runs year-round approximately every ten minutes at peak time from Lilla Varholmen in Gothenburg to Hönö Pinan Färjeläge, taking around 12 minutes.

In summer (roughly 23 June – 13 August) the Hönötrafiken ferry from Stenpiren in Gothenburg runs approximately four times daily to Hönö Klåva, taking about an hour.

This seasonal service is not included in the Västtrafik network so you’ll have to buy tickets separately: one way journeys cost about 95 SEK (55 SEK for 8–16s).

Is the Gothenburg Pass worth buying?

Read this guide to see how much you could save during your trip!

Gothenburg’s westernmost island, Vinga, is just 1km long and 500m wide, so it can comfortably be explored on foot.

A short walk from the harbour brings you to its picturesque lighthouse, built in 1840. Nearby, a small path leads to a quiet bathing spot.

For a bit of history, visit the Evert Taube museum, dedicated to the life and work of the musician who was born and raised on Vinga in the late 19 th century.

Getting to Vinga

Hönö Boat Trips and Kastor Boat Trips run three-hour trips from Hönö, with a ninety-minute stop on Vinga. Look out for seals along the way.

From Gothenburg, the best way to get here is on a guided boat tour  from Lilla Bommen or a Rib ride with Event Yacht Charter . Both depart from Lilla Bommen harbour in the city.

The main appeal of Strysö, in the southern archipelago, is its beaches to chill on and wooded forests to hike in. Oh, and it’s super easy to reach from Gothenburg itself.

The sandy beach at Brattenbadet, near the Styrsö Bratten harbour, is popular with families, while Stora Ros, the island’s highest point, provides stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the entire archipelago. It’s just a 25-minute walk north of Strysö Skäret harbour.

If you’re feeling hungry, grab some Swedish pastries from Café Obergska near Strysö Bratten harbour.

There are limited accommodation options on Strysö, but you can walk over the bridge to Donsö island (see below), where you’ll find a bigger selection of places to stay.

Getting to Styrsö

Ferries 281 and 282 run roughly hourly from Saltholmen to Styrsö Bratten harbour, taking about 25 minutes. Ferry 281 also runs a stopping service, which calls in at Styrsö Skäret harbour after about 15 minutes.

Getting to the Gothenburg Archipelago

The archipelago is divided into two main sections: known as the northern and southern archipelagos respectively.

The southern islands are car free, and best explored on foot or by bike. They are closer to Gothenburg and, with more public ferry options, much easier to access.

Whichever option you go for, getting to the islands is part of the fun – hop on a ferry and enjoy great views along the way.

Ferries leave throughout the year from various ports in Gothenburg, and they’re part of the Västtrafik public transport network (free if you have a Gothenburg Pass ). A 90-minute ticket costs 35 SEK. A one-day Zone 1 pass, which covers most of the islands, costs 115 SEK, and a three-day pass is 230 SEK.

Although the islands can be visited anytime, summer is the best time to explore the archipelago. If you do go out of season, check ahead; some shops and restaurants close outside summer, or have limited operating hours.

Connected to neighbouring Styrsö by bridge, Donsö is known for its distinctive rows of fisherman’s huts painted in Falu red paint near the harbour.

If you fancy a swim, head to the beach at Lökholmen island, a 15-minute walk east of the harbour, where you can jump into the sea from a jetty deck.

In early August, Donsö comes alive with its annual harbour party, Donsö Hamnfest . Vendors take over the red cabins along the harbour, while water games and live music add to the atmosphere.

If you fancy staying, the Isbolaget hotel has sea views, and its restaurant serves up tasty affordable seafood dishes. Families or groups of friends may prefer this large self-catering holiday house , with a lovely sea-view deck.

Getting to Donsö

Ferry 281 from Saltholmen runs approx hourly from Gothenburg, taking about 20–30 minutes.

One of the southern archipelago’s liveliest islands, Brännö has plenty to do even if the weather is not kind.

You can visit the Bränno Lagårds Museum to learn about the island’s history and pick up some second-hand books, or r ent a bike in summer and explore the island..

The nearby Bränno Värdshus , dating back to the early 1900s, is a great spot to indulge in some homemade pastries.

And if you need some exercise after that, head across the footbridge to explore the Galterö island nature reserve with its grazing sheep.

The best time to visit Brännö is on a Thursday in summer, when you’ll see the island at its most vibrant. It’s known for its free jetty dances with live music at Brännö Brygge (June to mid-August every Thursday 7.30–10pm).

The Brännö Varv Café & Bar is a popular chill-out spot with music performances in summer and a B&B if you want to stay the night.

Getting to Brännö

Ferry 283 leaves from Saltholmen hourly bound for Brännö Rödsten harbour (near Brännö Varv Café & Bar), while ferry 282 leaves Saltholmen six times a day bound for Brännö Husvik harbour (near Brännö Brygge).

The journey to Brännö Rödsten takes about 20 minutes and the trip to Brännö Husvik takes about 50 minutes.

The car-free island of Vrångö is the southernmost inhabited island in the Gothenburg Archipelago – though its permanent population numbers less than 400 residents! 

It lies to the south of Donsö and is a popular place for Swedes to come to chill out, walk in the nature reserves and swim at its peaceful sandy beaches.

It still has an active fishing community – and local boats will take wannabe fisherfolk out to try their hand at catching lobsters,  langoustine and crabs.

If you don’t fancy catching your own seafood, Hamnkrogen Lotsen serves up delicious local seafood, as well as coffees, burgers and sandwiches on a terrace overlooking the sea.

This being Sweden, Vrångö is also home to a floating sauna with outdoor hot tub where you can warm up after a chilly dip in the sea. Or you can rent kayaks and explore the shoreline for yourself.

Kajkanten Vrångö rents out a series of comfortable converted boathouses with sea-view decks that sleep up to 7 and are fully-equipped for self-catering.

Getting to Vrångö

Ferry 281 from Saltholmen runs approx hourly from Gothenburg, taking between 20–50 minutes.

The small pretty island of Fotö in the northern archipelago is a quiet place to relax with plenty of swimming spots where you can easily escape the summer holiday-makers.

The Vivik Badplats is a popular bathing spot with diving boards and floating platforms to swim off.

Fotö has been a fishing community since the 17th century, and you can still see the pretty wooden fishing huts with red roofs that line the harbour.

The island is a popular destination for yachts and there’s little to do here, except walk, swim, chill out and enjoy the scenery.

This pretty wooden holiday cottage in the middle of the island is good value and sleeps four.

Getting to Fotö

Fotö lies to the south of Hönö and is connected to it by bridge.

The easiest way to get there is on the ferry from Lilla Varholmen to Hönö Pinan Färjeläge. From here, bus #2 runs to Fotö every thirty minutes or so, taking around 15 minutes.

Alternatively, you can get the  Hönötrafiken  ferry from Stenpiren (summer only: 23 June – 13 August) to Hönö Klåva, from where it’s a 30-minute walk to Fotö.

Wildlife you might spot

The Gothenburg archipelago is known for its birdlife, and you may spot species such as barnacle geese, Oystercatchers, sandpipers, plovers, razorbills, guillemots, herons and dunlin. If you’re lucky you may also see white-tailed eagles, ospreys or Arctic skua.

However, the main wildlife attraction is a seal colony, where you can see grey seals and their cubs basking on the rocks and swimming in the sea.

Boats trips between Hönö and Vinga pass by the colony, and you can sometimes see seals swimming in the waters around the colony if you rent a kayak.

Alternative boat trips from Gothenburg

There are also plenty of other boat trips from Gothenburg that take you round the islands, but don’t actually stop on them. 

This evening cruise round Hisingen includes a two-course dinner on the M/S Carl Michael Bellman, while you take in the sights of Gothenburg and its rivers.

Alternatively, tuck into a buffet brunch, while sailing round the archipelago on the historic ship , the M/S Göteborg. You’ll see the islands of Styrsö, Donsö and Brännö from the comfortable lounge or the wooden sun deck.

Islands further away

If you want to go further afield there are plenty of other islands north of Gothenburg that you can visit. The rugged, picturesque Bohuslän coast stretches from Gothenburg up to the Norwegian border with a string of atmospheric and pretty offshore islands.

Marstrand, Orust and the Väderöarna Islands, Sweden’s westernmost island group, are all worth exploring. For more on these and other offshore gems, see our guide to the best places to visit on Sweden’s west coast.

How long to spend in the islands

The main joy of these islands is simply to kick-back, chill out and adapt to the islanders’ pace of life. So if you only have a day, you’re better off sticking to one of the close islands such as Hönö, which can be reached by ferry in just 12 minutes!

Vrångö would be a good choice for a chilled weekend beak. It’s relatively quick to get to and small enough to easily explore in a couple of days.

If you’ve got time to spend longer, you could do bit of island-hopping and take in a few islands or head for one of the further afield islands, such as Rörö, the northernmost island in the northern archipelago.

Home to nature reserves and wildlife, it’s a good place to do some hiking, rent a kayak and relax on the beach. 

See also: Day trips from Gothenburg Gothenburg travel guide Getting around Gothenburg Guided tours in Gothenburg

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Visiting Hönö was an incredible highlight of my trip to the Gothenburg Archipelago. The island provided a beautiful, peaceful escape from the city hustle, offering both serene landscapes and vibrant local culture. Starting my day with a hike to Hönö Vattentorn, I was rewarded with a panoramic view of the island and its neighboring ones. The tranquility was truly therapeutic. Following this, I made my way to Jungfruviken beach, a picture-perfect spot for relaxation, a quick dip, and a lovely picnic. Keep up to good work!

Free & Self-Guided Gothenburg Walking Tour

Last Updated on 19th October 2022 by Sophie Nadeau

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Romantic restaurants, modern architecture, and often looked in favour of its more famous counterpart, Stockholm, Gothenburg is a beautiful city of Sweden’s West Coast. Here’s a free and self-guided Gothenburg walking tour to help you get to know the quirky Swedish city on a more local level!

• Gothenburg Walking Tour: Practical Advice, Tricks & Tips

Feskekôrka, Fisktorget 4, 411 20 Göteborg, Sweden

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Like many European cities, Gothenburg is best explored on foot, though there is also a fantastic transport system in the form of trams and buses. For this walking tour of Gothenburg, I highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes as there are cobbled lanes in places (particularly around the Fish Market).

Although most of this self-guided walk is flat, the part at the end around the Haga District and up to the Skansen Kronan fort gets a little bit steep in places. In terms of dining options, you’ll be delighted to know that Gothenburg has a wonderful foodie scene , just waiting to be explored. Some of my top recommendations include Kafé Magasinet and Restaurang Atelier.

Distance: 4.7 km

Walking time: 1 hour

The first stop on this walking route is probably the most famous building in Gothenburg. The Feskekôrka is quite literally translated as the ‘fish church’ and is a fish market inspired by Gothic architecture.

Constructed in the 19th-century, the architect felt that fish was so integral to the city of Gothenburg that he constructed the indoor market to serve as a homage to the trade. Close to the Rosenlund Canal, the building also a restaurant within which serves a sea-inspired menu.

If you want to do a little shopping while in the city, or you’re simply looking for a quaint café in which to enjoy the Swedish art of Fika (a happiness ritual which involves enjoying coffee with cake!), then be sure to wander around Magasinsgatan.

Home to plenty of independent boutiques and shops, you’ll likely want to purchase several beautiful Swedish design pieces should you choose to check out any of the shops!

If you’re looking for a great place to hang out on a rainy day in the city, or simply wish to shop in some independent boutiques, then you need to look no further than the Victoriapassagen (Victoria Passage) .

Stretching between Vallgatan and Södra Larmgatan, the passage was constructed at the end of the 19th-century and is now a lovely street to stroll along, especially if you’re looking to escape some rainy weather!

For those looking for the opportunity to delve further into Gothenburg’s foodie scene (or are simply looking to escape some bad weather!), I highly recommend a venture through the Saluhallen.

Free to visit, the Market Hall is filled with produce from all over the world. Home to spices, coffee, and local delicacies, in total there are over forty shops and stalls!

I personally recommend Flickorna Kanold- their chocolates are simply delicious! Elsewhere in the vicinity, you’ll find several places in which to purchase lunch.

One of the prettiest spots in the city can be found not far from the Clarion Post Hotel in the form of the Fontänbron, the fountain bridge.

The area surrounding this bridge is home to a set of bridges spanning the Harbour Canal, and connecting the Southern part of the Östra Hamngatan to the Northern part.

Come summertime (or even in the winter) the coolest place to hang out in the city is the Palm House, part of the Garden Society. Open on a daily basis, all throughout the year, once inside this set of greenhouses you’ll soon discover a pretty oasis of greenery. Modelled on the Crystal Palace of London, the Palm House dates all the way back to 1878.

For lovers of Fika, coffee culture, and Scandi design, the historic Haga district is an absolute must when visiting Gothenburg. Once on the fringes of Gothenburg, today this district has been incorporated into the city of Gothenburg itself.

Home to plenty of coffee shops and boutiques, during the month of December, one of the best Christmas markets in Gothenburg is held in the heart of this district.

The most ‘Instagrammable’ coffee shop in the city is that of Kafé Magasinet . Home to two spaces; an indoor bar and a plant-covered conservatory area, this café has a great selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes, as well as a mouth-watering menu of desserts, including raw vegan options!

The final stop on this Gothenburg walking tour is that of Skansen Kronan. Offering a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the city, truth be told, the hike up to the top is pretty steep! Dating all the way back to the end of the 17th-century, this domed structure is characterised by its crown roof and has 4-5 metre thick walls.

While many people maintain that the best time to visit Gothenburg is in the summer months when the days stretch on for hours and the weather is warm, a trip to the city is well worth it during other seasons as well.

After all, if you spend a weekend break in Gothenburg in the winter , then you can expect to find plenty of beautiful Christmas markets and the chance to go shopping in the sales.

Although English is well spoken in many parts of the city, I still did find myself reaching for a translation app on my phone on a fair few occasions. As such, I highly recommend purchasing a simple Swedish phrasebook in advance.

When it comes to finding the perfect hotel to stay at, while Gothenburg is not nearly as popular as the Swedish capital of Stockholm, certain events during the year mean that at certain times, all the best hotels and guesthouses are booked up.

As such, I highly recommend booking your Gothenburg stay well in advance. Check here for the best accommodation prices in Gothenburg.

Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond. When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading, playing video games, and going on long hikes with her husband.

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This guide was helpful, but left out some of the oldest parts of Goteborg, like the Kronhuset and all of Nordstan.

1 Free, Self-Guided Walking Tour in Gothenburg

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