Frihamnen – an emerging area in historic harbour surroundings

Frihamnen, (“the free-port”), is an urban district stretching out from the northern end of the brigde Hisingsbron. Its former shipbuilding industry and port operations give the area its historical setting, while at the same time a new neighbourhood takes shape among hangars, piers and cranes.

The public floating pools in the Jubilee Park in Gothenburg.
The public floating pools in Jubileumsparken offers year-round swimming in the river. Credit: Peter Kvarnström/Göteborg & Co

Swim, sauna and play at Jubileumsparken

At the pier Kvillepiren in Frihamnen, you’ll find the area Jubileumsparken. Here, you can swim in the winter-open saltwater pool at the Harbour bath, or enjoy both fresh and saltwater dips during the summer. Next to the bathing area is a striking sauna built from recycled materials – a popular attraction for both visitors and locals, and free to book all year round.

Urban park in Frihamnen

Jubileumsparken

Constantly evolving park that brings the city closer to the water.

Floating swimming pools in the river

The Harbour bath in Frihamnen

The Harbour Bath in Jubileumsparken is a unique swimming spot with floating saltwater pools in the river Göta älv. The bath offers a sun deck, a year-round sauna and three pools with a view of Gothenburg’s harbour entrance.

The public Sauna by the river Göta älv in Gothenburg.

Iconic sauna and landmark

The Sauna in Jubileumsparken

Award-winning and architecturally spectacular sauna in Jubileumsparken, Frihamnen. The sauna is open to the public and is right next to the floating pools in the river Göta älv.

Another highlight is the park’s playground, set among greenery and offering a wide range of play opportunities. You’ll find imaginative play sculptures for climbing, balancing, swinging and sliding, as well as activities designed to engage all five senses. Nearby is also Golfparken Jubileumsparken, an adventurous mini golf course.

Creative playground

Excursion playground in Jubileumsparken

Imaginative and artistic playground sculptures in Gothenburg’s fifth excursion playground.

Minigolf in Frihamnen

Golfparken Jubileumsparken

Minigolf course with an ice cream cafe in Jubileumsparken in Frihamnen.

Jubileumsparken was part of Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary celebrations in 2023 and marks the first stage in the development of Frihamnen. In addition to swimming, sauna and play areas, the park also hosts a sailing school (Alla kan segla), swimming lessons, and a wide range of activities throughout the year. Find more information and bookings at goteborg.se.

Bananpiren – festivals and concerts in the heart of the city

Bananpiren, also known as Södra Frihamnspiren, has become one of Göteborg & Co’s leading venues for festivals and events, with several spaces hosting exhibitions, festivals, concerts and sporting events.

Festival and event area by the river

Bananpiren

Bananpiren in Frihamnen is a lively event area in central Gothenburg, welcoming up to 12,000 visitors. It hosts festivals, concerts, sporting events and fairs, all with a view of the river Göta älv.

A vibrant poster for the Butterfly Festival featuring two large fantasy characters with oversized butterfly wings, one silver and one yellow. They stand on floating grassy platforms against a blue sky, with the festival’s ornate gold-and-blue logo displayed prominently in the center.
Gothenburg’s new music festival
Bananpiren
26Jun
Jun26
Press photo of In Flames standing against a building façade
One-day festival for metal fans
Bananpiren
22Aug
Aug22

Kvillebäcken – bohemian neighbourhoods with an authentic food scene

Kvillebäcken on Hisingen stretches north and west from Frihamnen. More visitors are discovering the area, where authentic cuisine from Peru, the Balkans and the Middle East blends with charming second-hand shops and cosy cafés.

The market hall Kville Saluhall in Gothenburg, with a lot of plants in front of it.
Credit: Peter Kvarnström/Göteborg & Co

At the market hall Kville Saluhall, completed in 2013 and nominated for the prestigious Kasper Salin Prize for its architecture, you’ll find everything from local delicacies and international groceries to restaurants such as Ceviche Taste of Peru and the ice cream café Lejonet & Björnen. Next to the market hall is the popular Asian restaurant Foodlab by Tildas.

Outside the Market hall at Hisingen.

Market hall on Hisingen

Kville Saluhall

Hisingen’s very own food destination, where local delicacies are mixed with influences from around the world.

A lot of the restaurants in Kvillebäcken serve authentic food from around the world – often from cuisines you won’t find elsewhere in Gothenburg. The local Vietnamese restaurant Duy-Tan offers traditional home-style dishes at very affordable prices. At Leilas Bageri on Herkulesgatan, you’ll find Balkan specialities such as burek, sirnica and kifle. The Bosnian ćevapi spot Salko is another hidden gem worth a visit.

A woman serving a cup of coffee to another woman at the café Alkemisten in Gothenburg.
Credit: Peter Kvarnström/Göteborg & Co

Artisan coffee, bike cafés and second-hand finds

As Kville continues to grow in popularity, so does its selection of trendier spots. The café Alkemisten on the street Gustaf Dalénsgatan serves artisan coffee, fika and lunch. The art and bike café Llama Lloyd on the street Väderkvarnsgatan offers freshly roasted coffee, soup lunches and exhibitions by local artists.

On nearby street Herkulesgatan, Paradiset Kville has opened, serving its renowned pizza – also found at its locations in Saltholmen and Majorna.

Coffee bar

Alkemisten

Café with organic specialty coffee on Hisingen and Lindholmen.

The owner, Robin Olsson, stands behind the counter at the café, smiling.

Bike and culture café

Café Llama Lloyd

Small coffee shop in the middle of the cosy neighbourhood Kville. Guests who arrive by bike here receive a discount on food and drinks.

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Pizzarestaurant

Paradiset Kville

A perfect spot for wine and pizza lovers.

For vintage lovers, Melins Retro on the street Parmmätaregatan offers a carefully curated selection of retro furniture and design. At Backaplan, you’ll find larger second-hand shops such as Myrorna, Erikshjälpen and Björkåfrihet, while Reningsborg has a shop at Wieselgrensplatsen.

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Second hand store

Erikshjälpen Backaplan

Second-hand shop at Backaplan, offering clothing, furniture and household items. All proceeds support Erikshjälpen’s work for children’s rights.

Second hand store

Björkåfrihet Backaplan

At Backaplan, you’ll find Björkåfrihet’s spacious two-storey second-hand department store, packed with great finds. Shop climate-smart and support a good cause.

Explore further along the river

Ringön, east of Frihamen, is another historic harbour area where new and exciting businesses are emerging, including craft breweries such as Vega and Två Feta Grisar. The easiest way to reach Ringön is by tram (stop Frihamnen) or by bike. Heading west from Frihamnen, you’ll find the residential neighbourhoods Eriksberg and Lindholmen.