Gothenburg, Sweden's second largest city, sits on the west coast with a character all of its own. From the medieval walls of Skansen Kronan and the open greenery of Slottsskogen, to the tropical habitats of Universeum and the peaceful trails of the Botanical Garden stretching into the Änggårdsbergen nature reserve, there is plenty to explore. A city where nature, history, and Scandinavian charm meet.
Tucked away in the charming Haga district, Skansen Kronan is a 17th-century fortress perched on Skansberget, a hill rising 87 metres above sea level. You will recognise it by the golden crown on its octagonal roof.
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A little bit of history
Skansen Kronan was built in the late 17th century as a defence against a possible Danish attack from the south. Its walls are 4 to 7 metres thick, yet despite its massive construction, the cannons were never fired in combat. Today the tower is used for private events, but the hilltop and its surrounding park, Skansparken, are open to everyone.
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How to get there
You can walk up from either side of the hill through Skansparken. It is a bit steep, but totally manageable - and there are benches along the way if you need to catch your breath. Take your time, enjoy the walk up, and you will be rewarded at the top.
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The panoramic view
Once you reach the top, you are treated to a full 360-degree panoramic view of Gothenburg. On a clear day you can spot the Skanskaskrapan (the red "Lipstick" building at Lilla Bommen), the spire of Masthuggskyrkan, the harbour and river mouth, and the island of Hisingen to the north. It is one of those spots where you just want to stand and take it all in.
Slottsskogen, literally "The Castle Forest", is a 137-hectare park just southwest of the city centre, and it was the main reason we visited Gothenburg. Yes, it is a bit of a walk from downtown, but what you will find here is absolutely worth every step. Opened in 1876 as an English-style garden, it is home to one of Sweden's oldest zoos, and the best part? Entrance is completely free.
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The animals
To reach the animals you will need to walk up some gentle hills, but the reward is waiting at the top. The zoo is home to Sweden's national animal, the moose, as well as deer, seals (a beloved tradition since 1902), Gotland ponies, peacocks, and reindeer. But the real stars of the show? The penguins; and not just because they share our name! 34 Humboldt penguins live here, and they are part of an international conservation project dedicated to ensuring this endangered species has a future. In fact, only Slottsskogen Zoo and Borås Zoo in all of Sweden keep Humboldt penguins. The oldest residents were born in 1992, 1994, and 1999; they have been waddling around here for decades. The zoo also cares for several traditional Nordic heritage breeds, working to preserve Sweden's agricultural legacy.
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For the little ones
During the summer months, Barnens Zoo (Children's Zoo) opens its doors, and it is pure joy. Kids can get up close with friendly goats, sheep, and pigs in the petting enclosure, and even go for a pony ride. It is a place where every member of the family finds a reason to smile a little more.
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Tips for your visit
The park is very well maintained, clean, and beautifully organised. When you need a break, grab a bite at the restaurant Björngårdsvillan or treat yourself to an ice cream. Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the lawns surrounded by flower gardens, including the stunning Azalea Valley in full bloom. There is a charming mini train that takes you on a ride around the park, and bicycles are also allowed if you prefer to explore on two wheels. With its winding paths, labyrinth gardens, and fresh Scandinavian air, Slottsskogen is the perfect spot to slow down, take a deep breath, and simply enjoy the landscape.
Universeum is a public science centre and museum spread across multiple floors, home to eleven exhibitions that let you explore the natural world and beyond. It is a fantastic place where you can get up close with fascinating animals, from snakes and sharks to tropical birds, and learn about everything from chemistry and the human body to the mysteries of space. Whether you are travelling with kids or just curious yourself, it is one of Gothenburg's most rewarding visits.
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The Rainforest
The most popular zone in the whole building. An 18,000 cubic metre green rainforest cube spread across multiple floors, complete with towering tropical trees, waterfalls, and free-roaming animals. You will walk through dense vegetation while exotic birds fly freely overhead; look out for the stunning Scarlet Ibis, with its vivid all-red plumage, and the impressive Toco Toucan, the largest of all toucan species. You might even spot sloths and Goeldi's monkeys resting in the canopy. It genuinely feels like stepping into a jungle.
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The Ocean Zone
Dive beneath the surface and come face to face with several hundred species of fish, including sharks. The massive ocean tank stretches along the building, and you can watch rays glide overhead and sharks patrol the waters just centimetres from the glass. It is one of those exhibits that makes you stop and stare.
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The Reptilarium
Home to a globally-unique collection of venomous snakes and lizards. This is where you can see some of the rarest and most colourful reptiles on the planet up close. The Blue Insularis Pit Viper is a showstopper; its electric turquoise body looks almost unreal. You will also find the Mangshan Pit Viper (the "green dragon", with only 300–500 individuals left in the wild), the Inland Taipan (the world's most venomous snake; one bite can kill 30 people), and even the Gila Monster, whose toxic saliva has been used to develop medication for type 2 diabetes. The displays are beautifully designed so you can really appreciate the detail and beauty of each animal.
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Space
Take off into the universe and explore what it is really like to travel and live in space. You can try your hand at moon jumps, learn how astronauts eat, sleep, and exercise in zero gravity. And yes, you can even see a space toilet. It is a hands-on, memorable experience that answers all those questions you never knew you had about life beyond Earth.
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Good to know
Universeum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. You can buy tickets online or at the entrance; check the official website for current prices and annual pass options. Plan at least 2–3 hours to explore the main zones without rushing. 📍 Directions to Universeum
Just a short walk from Slottsskogen, cross the street and keep going, and you will find one of Europe's largest botanical gardens. Inaugurated in 1923 for Gothenburg's 300th anniversary, the cultivated area spans 20 hectares and is home to over 20,000 plant species from more than 130 countries. And the best part? Entrance is free.
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What you will find
Right at the entrance, a large pond with koi fish welcomes you. As you start walking up the hill, you will notice flowers arranged into a figure that changes from time to time: it could be the emblem of Gothenburg, a whale, or something else entirely depending on the season. From there, the garden unfolds into a world of its own: themed areas like the Japanese Glade (with plants collected from the wild in East Asia in the 1950s), a bamboo grove, a dramatic Rock Garden that earned two stars in the Michelin Green Guide with 5,000 species, a cave, tiny waterfalls, koi ponds, lakes with ducks, and countless photogenic corners. The Rhododendron Valley bursts into colour in early summer with over 500 species, and the garden holds the world's largest collection of wild bulbs and tuberous plants. Keep an eye out for the rare Toromiro tree from Easter Island, extinct in the wild but preserved here.
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Beyond the garden
The botanical garden extends into the Änggårdsbergen nature reserve, a wild area of hiking trails winding through towering pine forests. Some of these pines are impressively tall, and when you look straight up through the canopy, all you see is a dense ceiling of green stretching toward the sky. Take a break on one of the paths, observe the lake, and enjoy a completely different side of Gothenburg: quiet, green, and far from the city buzz. 📍 Directions to the Botanical Garden
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Time flies!
You could easily spend hours here without realising it. Between the themed gardens, the trails, and the peaceful corners, time has a way of slipping away. Plan accordingly, and maybe pack a snack!
The räkmacka (Swedish shrimp sandwich) is a beloved staple of Swedish cuisine. It is an open-faced delight built on buttered bread, layered with crisp lettuce, slices of hard-boiled egg, a generous mound of hand-peeled cold-water prawns, creamy mayonnaise, and finished with fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon. Simple, yet deeply satisfying.
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Where to try it
One of the absolute best places to try it is Heaven 23, a restaurant perched on the 23rd floor of Gothia Towers. Their signature dish features 200 grams of hand-peeled prawns piled onto dill-flavoured rye bread with egg, mayonnaise, and salad, all served against the backdrop of a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city. First served in 1984, over 2 million of these sandwiches have been sold since. It is priced at 265 SEK, available as takeaway, and you can add vendace roe for an extra 89 SEK. Smaklig måltid! (Enjoy your meal!) 📍 Directions to Heaven 23
Tack 🔈(tack/tak/)→ Thank you Hej 🔈(hey/hɛj/)→ Hi / Hello God morgon 🔈(good mor-gon/ɡuːd ˈmɔrːɡɔn/)→ Good morning God kväll 🔈(good kvel/ɡuːd ˈɕvɛlː/)→ Good evening Ja 🔈(ya/jɑː/)→ Yes Nej 🔈(nay/nɛj/)→ No Varsågod 🔈(var-so-goad/ˌvarːsoˈɡuːd/)→ You're welcome Ursäkta 🔈(oor-shek-ta/ʊːˈɕɛkːta/)→ Excuse me / Sorry
