Top Rated Attractions in Gothenburg

One of Europe's largest and most alluring, the Gothenburg Botanical Garden stretches across 40 hectares (99 acres) of thematic enclaves and teeming greenhouses. This expertly choreographed landscape gives way to the wild appeal of the surrounding nature reserve and its winding trails. With over 16,000 species of plants on display, the botanical gardens are immensely diverse and beautifully composed to create lush, paradisical pockets of vegetation. Japanese landscape design intermingles with rock and herb gardens, while Europe's largest collection of tropical orchids bloom amid the greenhouses alongside a rare Easter Island tree that no longer exists in its original environment. The gardens also host an exciting array of exhibitions each year, as well as a year-round program of activities for visitors of all ages. A slice of Eden in Gothenburg, the Botanical Garden is akin to a landscape painted in vibrant hues and brought to life with a touch of magic.

There are several beautiful islands in Gothenburg's southern archipelago, nice for bathing and excursions: Asperö, Brännö, Styrsö and Vrångö, just to mention a few. You will find both beaches and cliffs. The islands have no automobile traffic; you get around on foot, bicycle or a three-wheel moped. The island of Brännö has several bathing areas, hostels and inns. Vrångö is popular for bathing and is situated furthest out in the archipelago. To get here, take tram 4 to its final stop, Saltholmen; then take a ferry out to the archipelago.

The Skansen Krona fortress was built in 1641. The fortress' main purpose was to scare off the Danes, and it was also known as Juteskrämman (the Dane Scare). It was completed in 1695. Skansen Krona is built on a hill and therefore commands a grand view of the central parts of Gothenburg. The tower ornament is in the shape of a crown, hence the name (krona means crown). Today, the fort houses a military museum and is also used as a venue space for parties and weddings.

Set on an island on the Rivö fjord, the New Älvsborg Fortress guarded the gates to Sweden's only access to the North Sea in the medieval era. Constructed in the 17th Century, the fort has withstood numerous attacks, protecting its charge with ferocity and vigor, backed by the Swedish troops. Today, relieved of its military duties, the fort is a popular destination for family-friendly recreation. The fortress itself has a very interesting history; the halls seem to echo the boom of cannons and battle cries, while the cell blocks ring with the clink of chains that held prisoners in check. With its strategic location on the fjord, the castle boasts a sweeping view of the surrounding that was once essential to for the fulfillment of its duties. Boats ferry tourists to the island where they are greeted by costumed guides who proceed to unveil the legacy of this monument over the course of a 30-minute tour.

Vinga island is Gothenburg's last outpost to the west, and is viewed as a symbol for the west coast. If you don't own a boat, Börjesson ferries depart on a daily basis from Lilla Bommen. You sail through the harbor and past the Älvsborg fortress. The boat trip, which takes about 90 minutes, offers you a spectacular view of Göteborg. Vinga is great for swimming and sunbathing and offers excellent fishing opportunities. The island museum is well worth a visit. The island also has a lighthouse that provides a great view of the ocean and the Gothenburg archipelago.

Perched on a hill, Carlsten Fortress is a rugged stone fortress that offers a panoramic view of the countryside. Established in 1658 by Carl X of Sweden, this fortress was built to protect Bohuslän from invasions. The fortress also served as a prison during the 1800s. Guided tours and audio guides of the fortress are available.