Göteborg, with its cheap fares, cheap accommodation and fan- tastic attractions, is a top introduction to the country that shouldn't make your piggy bank turn up its trotters. Göteborg (pronounced something like 'yer-te-bor') is also known by its English name Gothenburg.
It is Scandinavia's busiest port and has a continental outlook; its showpiece Kungsportsavenyn boulevard is often nicknamed the 'Champs Élysées', and the comparison is justified (in a low-key Nordic way). The cheerful, relaxed atmosphere is enhanced by the city's large student population.
Scandinavia's largest amusement park, Liseberg, froths over with rollercoasters, ice creams and glittery lights, and the nearby Universeum is another wonder-world well worth exploring. Heritage sites and museums sprout from every street, from 17th-century fortresses to state-of-the-art 21st-century multimedia extravaganzas. A tremendous 10% of Göteborg is green space: take time out to stroll through its charming parks and gardens.
The Göta älv (Göta river) runs through the city: in sunny weather boat trips are a pure delight. You can easily escape westwards on the efficient tram system for a mellow island-hopping trip. Despite being a coastal city, the weather is good with high sunshine levels.
Gothenburg Ferries
Göteborg is Scandinavia's largest port and a major entry point for ferries. There are several car/passenger terminals, with ferries to Denmark, Germany, Norway and the UK.
Nearest to the city centre is the Stena Line Denmark terminal near Masthuggstorget (tram 3, 9 or 11) has at least seven daily departures for Frederikshavn, with a 50% discount for railpass holders.
Faster and more expensive SeaCat catamarans to Frederikshavn depart up to three times a day in summer from near Sjöfartsmuseet. Take tram 3 or 9 to Stigbergstorget.
Further west is the Stena Line terminal for the daily car ferry to Kiel (Germany). Take tram 3 or 9 to Chapmans Torg.
DFDS Seaways sails twice weekly to Kristiansand (Norway) and Newcastle (UK) from Skandiahamnen on Hisingen (take tram 6 to Frihamnen).
There are two tourist information offices in central Gothenburg - one in the Nordstan shopping center (next to the central train station) and one on Kungsportsplatsen about ten minutes walk from Nordstan. They offer the Gothenburg City Pass which allows entry into many tourist attractions, grand houses, museums as well as offering free travel on trams and buses and free parking. Recently, this pass was made available to people's mobile phones making it not only the most cost effective means of sight seeing but also the most convenient.
