#2 sustainable destination

The Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI), a comparative ranking, was started in 2016 by the organization Global Destination Sustainability Movement. Since the start, Gothenburg has been placed number one seven times, and second place in 2024. Sustainability in all dimensions is measured; ecological, social, and economic. But to get high in the ranking, it is not only important that the hospitality industry with facilities and hotels are committed and involved, but also how the city in general works with sustainability issues.

Discover sustainable Gothenburg

When you visit Gothenburg, you stay in one of the world’s greenest hotel cities, have access to sustainable public transport and a large number of environmentally certified restaurants. Visit sustainable Gothenburg.

Sustainable experiences in and outside Gothenburg

Sustainability is more important than ever, even (or perhaps especially) when you’re on vacation. Gothenburg has plenty of sustainable activities to offer in and around the city, and here are some of our favourites!

Locally produced ingredients

Locally produced, organic, vegan and vegetarian – in Gothenburg there are plenty of sustainable food and drink options. Enjoy the season’s seafood at Japanese inspired Vrå or visit Gunnebo House and Gardens, a destination just outside Gothenburg where sustainability is at the centre, not least at their eco-certified restaurant.

Eat & Drink

Eco-certified restaurants

In Gothenburg’s thriving restaurant scene, it’s easy find excellent vegetarian food and chefs that favour local produce and let the seasons cowrite their menus. With their strong commitment to sustainability, this amazing list of restaurants have met the requirements to become eco certified.

Interior at restaurant Vrå. A round seating area and large windows.

ISO certified Japanese restaurant

Vrå

A strong focus on sustainability with inspiration from Japan and the delicacies of the west coast.

KRAV certified restaurant

Gunnebo Kaffehus och Krog

Nestled within the kitchen garden of Gunnebo House & Gardens, you’ll find the eco certified restaurant. café and artisan bakery Kaffehus och Krog.

One of the most sustainable hotel cities in the world

Gothenburg is one of the greenest hotel cities in the world, in 2023, 88 percent the hotel rooms are eco-certified. It is easy to sleep with a good conscience here.

Stay

Eco-certified hotels

Gothenburg offers a wide range of eco-certified hotels that are committed to sustainability. In 2024, around 88 percent of the hotel rooms in the city are eco-certified, making Gothenburg one of the world’s most sustainable hotel cities. Welcome to a good night’s sleep and an eco-friendly stay!

Nordic Swan Ecolabelled hotel

Scandic Göteborg Central

A Nordic Swan Ecolabelled hotel that caters to all visitors, by being a natural meeting place for both conferences as well as for friends.

Nordic Swan Ecolabelled spa hotel

Sankt Jörgen Park

Country club with hotel, restaurant, golf course and top-notch spa.

Green Key-certified hotel and restaurant

Nääs Fabriker Hotell & Restaurang

This old cotton mill from the 19th century is now a spectacular hotel.

Second hand, vintage and sharing economy

The circular economy is only getting bigger, and in Gothenburg you’ll find many different stores selling second hand and vintage clothes and where you can rent or loan clothes, sports gear and outdoor equipments etc.

Second hand shops in Gothenburg

There are many opportunities for a second hand steal in Gothenburg, whether it’s antiques, clothes or furniture you’re looking for. Here are some of our top picks from the city’s eco-friendly, unique and affordable second-hand and vintage shopping options.

Sharing economy

Smartakartan.se

Find over 100 sharing economy initiatives.

Walk: Sustainable shopping in Gothenburg

Discover vintage clothing, organic fashion and sustainable design in Gothenburg. This walk will take you from the cathedral Domkyrkan, through the city centre to Haga and Linnéstaden.

Sustainable activities

Take a bicycle tour, enjoy parks and gardens or pick some fruit in one of the public fruit groves. There are endless opportunities to explore Gothenburg in a sustainable way.

Walks: Park walk in Gothenburg

Stroll through the Garden Society of Gothenburg and make your way through the park Kungsparken by the canal. You’ll eventually get to Slottsskogen and the magnificent Botanical Gardens of Gothenburg.

Nature activities for kids

Are you looking to experience nature and fun everyday adventures – together with your children? See more of Gothenburg’s beautiful surroundings? The journalist Karin Fingal and the adventure photographer Fredrik Schenholm have published the book “The Wild Gothenburg – the family’s guide to the best adventures”. These are their five best adventures in and around Gothenburg.

Sustainable sightseeing

Tikitut community-based tourism

Sustainable city and nature experiences in Gothenburg, beyond the tourist trail.

Sustainable transport in and around Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a pocket-sized metropolis – you’ll find almost everything within walking distance. If you want to get around the city with public transport you can still do it with a good conscience, approximately 95 percent is run on renewable energy.

Getting around in Gothenburg

We’ve gathered information on tickets, apps, maps and much more that you as a visitor might find useful when travelling in Gothenburg.

Travel and climate

How you travel and how you live on the destination has a big impact on the climate. We have in collaboration with others created a tool to calculate the emissions from different accommodation and transport types.

Your choices makes a different. You will for instance produce seven times more Co2 emissions if you fly from Copenhagen to Gothenburg rather than taking the train.

Go to travelandclimate.org and see for yourself how you can optimise your trip based on CO2 emissions.

Read more about Göteborg & Co’s work on sustainability and different awards here.

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