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.

Göteborgs Operan sports a main stage, a small stage, an elegant restaurant (with an excellent wine list and a menu separated into three acts), and various studios/workshops for everything from millinery and wig making to tanning and carpentry. High-tech methods co-exist with ancient painting methods and historical sewing techniques. Göteborgs Operan has its own choir, as well as a ballet company that has received a lot of acclaim.

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.

Opened in 2004, the Museum of World Culture is the latest addition to the city's cultural circuit. The beautiful museum even has the honor of receiving the Kasper Sahlin Price Award for architecture. The various temporary exhibitions tell the tale of the amazing cultures of the world. Perfect for children as well as adults, visitors have the opportunity to make a trip around the world all while in the confines of a beautiful space.

Beerbliotek is a small brewery delighting patrons with eclectic varieties of beers. The brewery can accommodate groups of 50 and every tour lasts for three hours. Plockmat is served with the beers and guests can taste three beers in one tour. Klippans India Pale Ale, Little Brother Pale Ale, Belgian Black IPA, Nelson Sauvin Double IPA, IPA Amarillo Cascade Simcoe and the Imperial Mocha Stout are some of their must-try brews. At Beerbliotek, beers are constantly reinvented thereby letting patrons enjoy a wide range of flavors. The brewery is known for brewing over 30 beers, which is why it is one of the city's popular beer destinations.