In eastern Gothenburg lies Delsjöområdet, a recreational area covering around 1,370 hectares. Its lakes and ponds are home to a diverse birdlife. Together with paths through forests and garden landscapes, they show another side of Gothenburg as a destination for exploring the outdoors.
Green spaces and paths around Gothenburg
Rya skog features lush broadleaf trees, winding paths and open clearings suited to picnics. The nature reserve also contains historical remains of a 17th-century defensive wall. Landscape and history sit side by side here, without either one overshadowing the other.
Välen offers a different setting: this nature reserve encompasses grazed coastal meadows, marine soft-bottom habitats and broadleaf woodland. It also has walking and cycling paths, rest and barbecue areas, and a birdwatching tower. Those interested in habitats can find several different landscapes in one place. By contrast, coniferous forest and lakes define the recreational area of Vättlefjäll, located near Gothenburg. Several lakes are used for swimming, paddling and fishing; Vättlefjällsleden is a circular hiking trail about 25 kilometres long.
The city’s green spaces also offer a range of experiences. Slottsskogen combines diverse plant and animal life with large picnic lawns and numerous walking paths. Slottsskogens djurpark is open year-round and free to enter; its focus is on tame and wild Nordic animals. At Barnens zoo, visitors can see Swedish domestic animals in an enclosure, and children can ride Gotland ponies.
Gardens, each with its own character
Gothenburg Botanical Garden is home to 20,000 plant species from more than 130 countries. It includes a 55-hectare arboretum. Japandalen offers a quiet garden area with subtle Zen-inspired elements. Göteborgs Rosarium, meanwhile, makes a distinctly seasonal impression, filling with several thousand colourful, fragrant roses in summer.
Palmhuset is an elegant greenhouse dating from 1878, with palms and other tropical plants. Restoration work may temporarily affect access to individual areas. Trädgårdsföreningen, in turn, is one of the best-preserved 19th-century parks in Europe. Those interested in historic gardens can distinguish these different places not only by their plants, but also by their design and historical context.
Art, design and city history
The collection at Göteborgs konstmuseum spans from the 15th century to the present day, with a focus on Nordic art. Two permanent exhibitions at Röhsska museet explore other connections: “Inspiration Östasien” examines the encounter between Nordic and East Asian crafts and also includes contemporary design. “Designhistorier” presents more than 500 objects from the museum’s collection and traces the history of design from the late 19th century to the present day.
“Göteborgs födelse” turns the spotlight on the 17th century, offering insights into everyday life at the time and Gothenburg’s rise to become a leading trading metropolis. Göteborgs stadsmuseum also exhibits Äskekärrskeppet, Sweden’s only surviving Viking ship on display. Aeroseum focuses on exhibitions about the Cold War and other areas of aviation; its simulator hall has several aircraft and helicopter simulators.
Sjöfartsmuseet Akvariet explores maritime and environmental themes through talks and creative workshops about the sea. Individual programme dates vary. In the aquarium, you can discover animals and fish from around the world on an underwater journey. Liseberg, by contrast, offers a wide range of rides and attractions, games, music stages, a dance floor and dining in a green park setting.
Market hall and boat trips
Feskekörka has been a destination for fish and seafood since 1874, as well as a distinctive Gothenburg landmark. Reopened in spring 2024, the market hall houses several fish and seafood restaurants; it also offers other delicacies, restaurants and bars. It adds a culinary stop to the city’s museums and gardens.
The southern islands of the Gothenburg archipelago are car-free and accessible year-round by Styrsöbolaget boats. Ferries from Saltholmen usually run once an hour to the larger islands; frequency and schedules may vary by season. Check the timetable before travelling. Gothenburg also offers walks and hikes ranging from city-centre routes to multi-day excursions; many can be reached by public transport.
Discover more destinations: Torslanda, Gothenburg, Hjuvik, Hisings Kärra, Styrsö, Donsö, Säve, Nödinge, Fiskebäck.
Back to the main travel overview: Västra Götaland.
