Swedish semla buns in Gothenburg

The traditional semla at Konditori Kampanilen

We will start with the classic, the traditional semla. At this time of the year, you can find the classic semla at pretty much every café in town, but we’re happy to give a shout out to the one at Konditori Kampanilen. Not only is it really tasty, but the café itself is very stylish and well worth a visit.

Three kinds of semla at da Matteo

At da Matteo, three varieties of semla are offered: the coffee semla, a croissant filled with almond paste made with classic espresso and topped with whipped cream, the classic semla, with wheat bun, almond paste and whipped cream in the traditional version, and the vegan semla, where the wheat bun is filled with almond paste and finished with whipped oat cream.

The kremla at Lilla sur

Could really work? A cinnamon bun and a semla, together? Oh it works, it works just fine! The kremla at artisanal bakery Lilla sur east of the Gothenburg city centre has people queuing out the door!

The wienersemla at Mr Cake

While the combination cinnamon bun and semla is fairly unusual, the combination danish pastry (wienerbröd in Swedish) and semla has become quite popular, and you will find one of the better-looking options at Mr Cake down by Stenpiren near the river Göta älv. A treat for all senses indeed.

Semla with lightly whipped cream at Sol Bageri och Kaffe

Sol Bageri och Kaffe in Johanneberg is a popular fixture on Gothenburg’s baking scene, known for its artisanal selection of breads, buns and coffee, served in bright and stylish premises. During the semmel season, you’ll find a semla here that is described as classically structured but with a clear artisanal feel: a fluffy cardamom bun, almond paste (preferably with roasted almonds) and lightly whipped cream.

The artisanally semla at Cum Pane

The organic bakery Cum Pane, which you can find in both the neighborhood of Majorna and at the neighborhood of Olskroken in Gothenburg, has earlier had its semla named Gothenburg’s best by Sweden’s Bakers & Confectioners. This semla really has everything you expect and even more, and it is prepared artisanally with carefully selected and KRAV certified ingredients. Even the flour used is stone-milled!

Vegan semla at Crippas café and St Agnes Kafé

Everyone should be able to enjoy a semla, and if you are looking for vegan options then Crippas Café in the neighbourhood Majorna is a good place to start. St Agnes Kafé at the Röhsska museum also has vegan (and gluten-free) semla.

Homemade semla from scratch at Wærnet

Café Wærnet, located on the corner of Waernsgatan/Stockholmsgatan in the neighbourhood of Bagaregården, is perhaps best known for its delicious homemade porridge, tasty sandwiches and artisan coffee. However, their semla is a must if you find yourself in the nooks and crannies of eastern Gothenburg.

The princess semla at Brogyllen

At the classic cafe Brogyllen you’ll find the slightly odd but lovely combination of princess cake and semla. The semla (if you can call it that) is made from a piping-fresh cardamom bun covered in marzipan, filled with almond paste, vanilla cream & raspberry compote and topped with fluffy whipped cream. If you are a bit more traditional, you can of course get a classic semla here, which is often voted as Gothenburg’s best.

The acclaimed semla from Brödfabriken i Jonsered

If you happen to be passing by Jonsered just outside Gothenburg, a visit to Brödfabriken is a must. Here they serve a classic semla, with a slightly chunky almond paste that enhances the feeling of authenticity and homemade. Winner of the 2026 big taste test by local newspaper Göteborgs Posten.

Heurlin’s modern take on a classic semla

Heurlin’s semla has become known for its well-balanced combination of classic craftsmanship and modern taste, where the smooth cream meets a rich almond paste with a light, elegant saltiness. The result is a semla that is experienced as both generous and balanced, appreciated for its airy bun, its well-thought-out whole and its aesthetic expression. This is also the favourite of food influencer Foodandcoffeegbg!

Handcrafted semla from Linnéstaden signed Borgskogs

Borgskogs is one of Gothenburg’s most talked-about bakeries and cafés, known for its craftsmanship and creative menu where classic pastries meet modern finesse. The focus here is on freshly baked bread, quality desserts and seasonal specialties, including semlar.

Semla in a turn-of-the-century environment at Nolbygård Ekobageri

At Nolbygård, semla is as much about context as it is about taste. In the beautiful turn-of-the-century house just outside the city of Alingsås, outside of Gothenburg, coffee time is truly a treat, surrounded by period details and a warm, homely atmosphere. Everything is baked from scratch with organic and locally produced ingredients: bread made with cultured grains from the West Gävle region, buns with freshly ground cardamom and if you don’t prefer almond paste, there is the option of vanilla cream, which is also cooked on site. The result is an honest, caring semla where the craftsmanship and the environment together make the experience greater than just the taste.