Sunset spots
Embrace the magic of Gothenburg’s sunsets with these picturesque spots that promise a palette of golden-hour colours. Here are suggestions of places that both offer a view of the sea and have a photo-friendly environment – thus the perfect background for your sunset photos!
Masthuggskyrkan
Located at the top of the hill Stigberg, this 1914 church offers one of the best views in town. Ideal for capturing the city’s skyline, the river and the two bridges, especially during the sunset!
Church
From here you get an amazing view of the city.
Röda Sten
Röda Sten Art Centre (named after a mysterious red-painted stone block) is located right on the river and under the bridge Älvsborg in the historia area Klippan. Here the river reflects the colours of the sunset and together with the unique environment of the area it becomes an excellent spot for capturing stunning sunset photos.
Contemporary art centre
Contemporary art, theatre, music and dance.
Skansen Kronan
This 18th century fortress is located on top of the hill Risåsberget in the area of Haga. Here you not only get a 360-degree view of the city, but also picnic-friendly grassy areas around the fortress where you can sit and enjoy the sunset on the horizon.
Fortification and viewpoint
High above the rooftops of cosy neighbourhood Haga you’ll find the fortification Skansen Kronan. A former defence facility dating back to the late 17th century. A must-see spot for a scenic coffee break!
Taket, OGBG
A high location is always a good idea to get a fine sunset shot. If you want to gain altitude but not walk up a mountain, one of Gothenburg’s many lovely rooftop bars is recommended. Take a look at OGBG, which is located at Comfort Hotel at Skeppsbroplatsen.
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Foodie spots
Gothenburg offers a wide selection of food options, with cuisines from all over the world, and something for all tastes. Explore Gothenburg’s culinary scene and at the same time capture not only the flavours but also the visual feast.
American-inspired café
Mr Cake in Gothenburg combines Swedish fika tradition with American-inspired pastries. The café at Stenpiren offers a wide range of cakes, creative desserts and seasonal specialties.
Restaurant
Classic cocktails and food with influences from both the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Mr Cake
Mr Cake café has a fun mix of Swedish traditional pastries and American extra-everything aesthetics, signed by pastry chef Roy Fares. An example is the iconic red velvet croissant and the many different colourful cakes.
Barabicu
At Barabicu, in the area of Rosenlund, food from the Middle East and the Mediterranean meet in unique combinations. Beautiful cocktails are also a specialty here, and the decor is stylishly relaxed.
Market with restaurants and specialist food shops
The Market Hall Saluhallen is a lively market hall in a gorgeous building with delicacies from all over the world. The best thing about it: there is plenty of choice for every foodie out there!
Gothenburg may be Sweden’s second city, but when it comes to food, this charmingly rebellious coastal town constantly pinches above its weight. Seafood, Swedish fika and craft beer is on the menu.
When it rains…
Sometimes the weather is simply unpredictable in Gothenburg. Let’s embrace it and see it as an opportunity to capture the city’s charm in the rain. Discover rain-sheltered places where the rain helps you take unique photos.
Seminarieparken
Freshly updated to become “the world’s best park when it rains”, Seminarieparken in Linnéplatsen is the perfect place to hangout during rainy days. Seminarieparken is filled with cherry blossom trees, greenery and a rain pavilion. Here you can sit down, enjoy and capture the moments of a rainfall.
Park in Linnéstaden
Idyllic park with gravelled paths and beautiful cherry blossoms.
The Palm House
In the very heart of Gothenburg, you will find the Palm House. The main characteristic of this building is its glass structure that allows a view of the outside from the inside. On top of the beautiful architecture, the Palm House is also home to diverse exotic plants and, as the name suggests, different palm trees. You will find shelter and an inviting temperature inside. A perfect combination for observing the rain: from the tropical forest and without getting wet!
Greenhouse
Exotic plants and tropical warmth, located in the Garden Society of Gothenburg.
Kafé Magasinet
If you visit Kafé Magasinet in the area of Järntorget, you can sip a hot beverage in an almost tropical landscape. The café’s outdoor seating is located in an orangery with a glass roof, climbing plants and hanging lanterns – the perfect café for when it rains.
café and bar
Relaxed café and bar on thestreets Långgatorna, Gothenburg’s former harbour district. Enjoy food, beer and coffee from early morning until late at night.
Architecture in Gothenburg
Embark on a visual journey through Gothenburg’s architectural wonders – from Gothenburg’s typical stone and wood houses to the contemporary modernism and modernist buildings.
Landshövdingehus houses
You will most likely spot the houses Landshövdingehus while wandering around Gothenburg! They are traditional Swedish houses typically featuring strong colours and a distinctive architectural style. The unique aspects about them are their first floor built fully with stone, followed by two floors built with wood. This is a concept original to Gothenburg, meaning that there are not many of these spread around Sweden. Neighbourhoods such as Majorna, Annedal, Gamlestaden, Bagaregården, among others, are a good example of where you can find this typical Gothenburg architecture.
Majorna
Majorna is a trendy neighbourhood with a lot going on. Apart from cosy cafés and cool street art, Majorna has beautiful architecture such as the typical houses Landshövsdingehus, once home to the industry workers, and now seen as hip and on demand. The buildings here have fun and unique elements that will be a great addition to your photo journey! Go wander, for example, around the streets Ankargatan, Strandridaregatan and Ostindiegatan and capture the details that make this neighbourhood so photogenic.
Majorna has turned in to a cultural hot spot with restaurants, bars and shops aplenty. The neighbourhood derives much of its character from the typical Gothenburg houses called “landshövdingehus” that line the streets.
Kuggen
Gothenburg is also filled with modern architecture and Kuggen is a great example of it. This unique building is, in fact, part of the Chalmers University facilities, serving as a library. Kuggen’s edgy colours and uncommon shape is a showstopper. If you are in the city centre, it only takes you one short walk to the pier Stenpiren where you can take the free boat (look for the one with a green flag) to the other side of the river, right to the Lindholmen area. As soon as you arrive there, the first thing you will see is Kuggen!
The Sauna in the park Jubileumsparken
In Jubileumsparken you will be able to spot an interestingly shaped building made of metal panels over the river. This is the public access sauna, made of recycled materials in 2014. A truly interesting and unique design that is worth to capture!
Götaplatsen
This iconic square is one of the main meeting points for culture in Gothenburg as it is surrounded by impressive buildings such as the Gothenburg Museum of Art, the Gothenburg City Theatre, the Concert Hall and the contemporary art of Göteborgs Konsthall. Take the chance to capture the striking buildings surrounding it and of Poseidon, the statue on duty, overlooking the neighbourhood.
Gothenburg has an exciting mix of historic buildings and contemporary design. We have put together a guide to some of the most important sights when it comes to design and architecture.