Sweden's second city
Gothenburg is an incredibly diverse, engaging city situated on the country’s west coast. Though it is Sweden’s second largest city with approximately 575,000 inhabitants, it has more of a friendly, small town feel. Gothenburg boasts a wealth of attractions, including the Volvo Museum, along with quaint cobblestone streets and a buzzing café and foodie culture.
Gothenburg was founded in the 17th century by the Swedish King, Gustav II Adolf. It was once the centre of the Swedish ship-building industry, but the city has since transformed into a major transport hub and commercial and education centre. It is also home to the largest university in Scandinavia—Gothenburg University—giving the city a youthful and lively spirit.
What’s more, the city acts as a gateway to all things nature-based, like the idyllic islands in the archipelago, accessible by ferry as part of the city’s well-organised public transit system. But you don’t need to leave the city to find some green spaces: a visit to the verdant Slottsskogen Park or Botanical Gardens (Botaniska Trädgården) might be just what the doctor ordered.
Also in Gothenburg is the Liseberg Amusement Park. Not only is Liseberg the largest amusement park in Scandinavia, it’s also one of the most visited, with around 3 million visitors each year. The park was opened in 1923, during the celebration of the city’s 300-year anniversary. It started off with only a few rides and other attractions but the size of the park and number of rides exploded in the 1990s.
Today, there’s something for everyone at Liseberg, from hair-raising rides to gentle carousels, as well as gardens, cafes, games, live music and shops. One of the main attractions is the wooden rollercoaster Balder, the largest in Scandinavia.
The park is closed during the winter months with one notable exception. In December, it turns into a giant Christmas market with an emphasis on Swedish Christmas traditions, wiIh some more exotic variations on offer—like reindeer kebabs.
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