Gothenburg, Sweden

Port of call

Gothenburg, Sweden

Description — Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg is a city in the south-west of Sweden in Västra Götaland County. It is Sweden’s second-largest city after Stockholm. The city covers an area of approximately 450 km². It is located on the coast of the Kattegat strait at the mouth of the Göta älv river.

Sweden’s second-largest city after Stockholm, recognized as the country’s sports and cultural center, Gothenburg appeared on the European map more than four hundred years ago. At the time, all of Europe’s trade routes intersected here, and the East India Company’s main office was located here. The city also served an important military function. But already in the 19th century, it gradually became only an economic center, which it remained until the invasion of Napoleon. In the 20th century, the city shifted to heavy machinery engineering. About half a million people live in the city, most of whom are employed at local industrial enterprises. At the same time, Gothenburg has several universities and a number of sports complexes where, in particular, European football championships were held.

The city hosts quite a few events that can be called not only European, but also international. The Gothenburg Film Festival is the largest film festival in Scandinavia, which has been held annually since 1979. Goteborgskalaset is an annual celebration taking place in August in outdoor venues where free performances are given by artists of various genres. This festival lasts for 6 days and attracts up to 700 thousand guests from different countries. Way Out West is a major rock festival featuring rock performers from Sweden and other European countries.

Climate

Gothenburg has a maritime climate. Winter here is sunny and fairly mild, while in summer the weather remains quite cool, even on sunny days. During the winter period, temperatures also rarely fall below zero Celsius, however, minor frosts are quite likely to occur. Small rain showers and fog are quite common here.

Location on the map

Sights

Elvborg Fortress

Elvborg Fortress

An ancient fortress on an island. The fort’s grounds are very well maintained, and on a rise stands a beautiful church. Several times a day, theatrical performances are held in the fortress with monks, guards, and “prisoners” from the local cells. You can get there by a sightseeing boat; the journey takes about 30 minutes.

Mastthugget Church

Mastthugget Church

Masthuggget Church was built in 1914 in Gothenburg. This architectural marvel of a religious building is located on a high hill, near the Göta Älv river. The church has a unique, impressive appearance thanks to its tall 60-meter tower. This structure is a vivid example of the Romantic style. The designer of the church is the famous architect Sigfrid Ericsson. Masthuggget Church is rightly considered one of the most remarkable symbols of Gothenburg, and it is also a popular tourist attraction.

Cronehuset

Cronehuset

Kronhuset is the oldest civilian building in Gothenburg. Kronhuset was built in the Dutch style; it is made entirely of wood, except for the brick walls and ceiling. Kronhuset was built in 1643. Until 1660, when King four-year-old Charles XI was proclaimed, the Swedish parliament held sessions here, and later military stores were housed there. Kronhuset is most popular at the end of every year, when the Christmas market opens inside it. Adjacent to Kronhuset are buildings reminiscent of stables, housing shops selling craft goods and confectionery. Here you can also find the eponymous café, where you can enjoy traditional Swedish dishes, lunch, or hot coffee with pastries.

What to see

Liseberg Park

Liseberg Park

“Liseberg” is an amusement park with several dozen rides and, at the same time, a forest park where you can relax, have picnics, and do sports. This largest amusement park in Scandinavia and one of the most visited in Europe has repeatedly been featured in lists of the best attractions based on both public and expert surveys. It operates only in summer, but in winter it opens for the Christmas Market. During this time, a market is also held here, offering souvenirs and Swedish cuisine, for example reindeer shish kebab, and of course mulled wine. Almost every year, a new ride opens in the park. The latest sensation is the free-fall ride AtmosFear, the tallest in the world. “Liseberg” is located not far from the center of Gothenburg.

Museum of Scientific Discoveries and Technology Universum

Museum of Scientific Discoveries and Technology Universum

The museum is located next to Liseberg Park. A modern building, largely made of glass, and inside there is a tunnel with transparent walls behind which sharks and sawfish bare their teeth; a hall with robots (visitors are allowed to operate them); a tropical rainforest area with jungles, monkeys, and parrots; a research laboratory where you can take part in various chemistry, physics, and biology experiments; a space rocket (you can climb inside, sit in the cockpit, and press the colorful buttons)-all in all, it’s 7 floors packed with science and technology attractions.

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

This Botanical Garden is considered one of the best in Europe. The most interesting places here are the rock garden with all sorts of bog plants and herbs, the greenhouse with orchids (more than one and a half thousand species), a tree from Chile’s Easter Island, the Palm House, and the rose garden.

Recommended excursions

Guided Tour of Gothenburg

Guided Tour of Gothenburg

Haga is the oldest district of Gothenburg, dating back to 1640. On the main street of the area-Haga Nygata-there are numerous antique and second-hand shops, art galleries, and workshops of traditional handicrafts. Haga is the smallest of Gothenburg’s administrative districts, with a population of only 4,000 people. But it is known not for this, but for its vivid history and distinctive charm.

Excursion to the Schelholm Castle

Excursion to the Schelholm Castle

Sheloholm Castle (Tjoloholm) is located in a picturesque setting on the peninsula, just half an hour’s drive from Gothenburg, surrounded by beautiful nature and breathtaking views of the sea. A Russian-speaking guide will acquaint you with the castle’s captivating story full of drama. The castle is an excellent architectural masterpiece, with interiors in the Jugendstil style.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can review them after booking the cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.

Cruises calling at this port

Norwegian Star
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Star
Northern Europe and Norwegian fjords
29.04.2027 · 10 nights Port of departure: Southampton (London), United Kingdom ALL

Southampton (London), United Kingdom, At Sea, Gothenburg, Sweden, Copenhagen, Denmark, At Sea, Hamburg, Germany, Hamburg, Germany, Amsterdam (Rotterdam), Holland, Brussels (Zeebrugge), Belgium, Paris (le Havre), France, Southampton (London), United Kingdom

from €2,887
I Interior €2,887
O Ocean View €3,095
B Balcony €5,819
S Suite €5,999

Press "Details" button to see an actual price. Price per cabin.

Details
Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Jewel
Northern Europe and Norwegian fjords
12.09.2027 · 9 nights Port of departure: Copenhagen, Denmark ALL

Copenhagen, Denmark, Gothenburg, Sweden, Oslo, Norway, At Sea, Hamburg, Germany, Hamburg, Germany, Amsterdam (Rotterdam), Holland, Brussels (Zeebrugge), Belgium, Paris (le Havre), France, Southampton (London), United Kingdom

from €3,929
I Interior €3,929
O Ocean View €4,239
B Balcony €6,839
S Suite €6,949

Press "Details" button to see an actual price. Price per cabin.

Details
Norwegian Star
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Star
Northern Europe and Norwegian fjords
26.09.2027 · 12 nights Port of departure: Southampton (London), United Kingdom ALL

Southampton (London), United Kingdom, At Sea, Gothenburg, Sweden, At Sea, Nynashamn, Sweden, Tallinn, Estonia, Helsinki, Finland, At Sea, Copenhagen, Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark, At Sea, Amsterdam (Rotterdam), Holland, Southampton (London), United Kingdom

from €4,439
I Interior €4,439
O Ocean View €4,769
B Balcony €6,639
S Suite €7,369

Press "Details" button to see an actual price. Price per cabin.

Details
Norwegian Star
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Star
Northern Europe and Norwegian fjords
12.05.2028 · 9 nights Port of departure: Copenhagen, Denmark ALL

Copenhagen, Denmark, Gothenburg, Sweden, Oslo, Norway, At Sea, Hamburg, Germany, Hamburg, Germany, Amsterdam (Rotterdam), Holland, At Sea, Paris (le Havre), France, Southampton (London), United Kingdom

from €3,529
I Interior €3,529
O Ocean View €3,899
B Balcony €5,499
S Suite €6,319

Press "Details" button to see an actual price. Price per cabin.

Details