Gothenburg & the Archipelago
Wrapped in a charming concoction of coastal calm and sustainable modernity, Gothenburg is the cultural heart of West Sweden. Gateway to an expansive archipelago, sprawling parks and canal pathways are stitched together by a patchwork of tramlines, as nature meets the metropolis. Bars, cafes, and boutiques thrive in an eclectic assortment of Parisian streets, industrial dockside buildings and 17th-century architecture.

Gothenburg & the Archipelago Holiday Ideas
Days unravel at a delightfully gentle pace in Sweden’s second city, where nature is never far away. Get in touch to book your break to Gothenburg and the archipelago today. Below you'll find a selection of holiday ideas for inspiration.
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Photo: Green Dog
Photo: Dimitris Kiriakakis
Day 1 | Arrive in Norway
Photo: Brim Explorer
Day 2 | Silent Whale Watching
Photo: Halvor Mykleby
Day 3 | Arrive Svalbard and Longyearbyen
Photo: Maria Laura Babahekian
Day 4 | Dog Sledding & Snow Cat Aurora Hunt
Photo: Shutterbird Production
Day 5 | Ice Cave Hike & Longyearbyen
Photo: Agurtxane Concellon
Day 6 | Snowmobile Safari & Wilderness Dining
Photo: Jonas Legernes
Day 7 | Northern Lights Dinner Cruise
Photo: Daniel Vogel
Day 8 | Departure Day
7 nights
Tromsø & Svalbard Polar Night Adventure
Combine the highlights of Tromsø with Spitsbergen, the largest island of Norway's Svalbard archipelago. Embark on adventures under the northern lights during this incredible polar night period. -
Photo: Dimitris Kiriakakis
The northern lights by Yngve Olsen Saebbe / nordnorge.com
Day 1 | Arrive in Northern Norway
Day 2 | Snowshoe Hike & Northern Lights Cruise
Orca by Ismaele Tortella / Visit Norway
Day 3 | Silent Whale Watching
Day 4 | Fjellheisen Cable Car & Journey to Vengsøy
Day 5 | Peace and Nature on Vengsøy
Northern Lights by Jake Osborne / Visitnorway.com
Day 6 | Departure Day
5 nights
Arctic Silence at the Top of the World
From Tromsø, enjoy a silent whale watching trip on an electric vessel, chase the northern lights, and snowshoe hike alongside sparkling fjords. -
Day 1 | Arrive in Tromsø
Day 2 | Silent Whale Watching
Photo: Best Arctic
Day 3 | Explore Tromsø & Evening Aurora Search
Day 4 | Snowshoe Hike on Tromsøya
Day 5 | Departure Day
4 nights
Tromsø Winter Escape
Norway's northernmost hub is a lively city surrounded by mountains and fjords. Join reindeer for a night in the wild and search for Orcas and Humpback whales.
We'll send you a complimentary copy of Bradt's Travel Guide Book to West Sweden when you book your holiday to Gothenburg and the archipelago with us.

Tell Me More
This vibrant port city is a favourite amongst locals who spend summers on the peaceful surrounding islands, just a thirty-minute tram ride from the bustling centre. It’s not hard to see why so many seek the unique combination of serene coastal living and buzzing city excitement. Life here is about lagom and fika; finding balance and stepping into the present moment.
Gothenburg’s rich history is firmly rooted all over the city. From the 19th century Feskekörka fish market filled with delicious dining spots, to the canal tours showcasing sailing ships and steamers that line the flowing waters.
Seamlessly mixing the past with present innovation, Gothenburg is leading the way in sustainability. E-bikes and scooters are dotted all over the city, the perfect way to navigate across Gothenburg and explore the surrounding Änggårdsbergen nature reserve. Trams and buses run on renewable energy, and a growing number of electric ferries operate around the city's tranquil waters. 95 percent of Gothenburg’s hotels are environmentally certified, some even being powered by their own wind turbine! Out in the archipelago, family-run retreats offer an alternative shore-side escape.
A city that is constantly in motion, yet encourages a sense of stillness and presence is an experience not to be missed.
Highlights of Gothenburg & the Archipelago

A Paddlers Paradise
From the urban waterways to the quiet lakes just outside of the city and onward to the islands of the archipelago, kayaking, canoeing and paddling are in abundance in and around Gothenburg. Whether you choose to rent a vessel and explore independently or join a guided tour, we can recommend the best routes to take. Less than an hour's drive north of Gothenburg, discover the network of small lakes at Vättlefjäll nature reserve and the array of plants and wildlife that inhabit the region.

The Hip & Trendy Haga District
A short stroll from Kungsportsplatsen (Kings Gate) Gothenburg’s founding place, the Haga district, can be found. Built in the 17th century as the city’s first suburb, the area is a whimsical step back in time, where cobbled streets lay the foundation for houses torn down and built back up over centuries. Layers of stone ground floors and wooden top floors now represent a distinct style of the area. Teeming with treasures, find independent shops, cafes and restaurants away from the busyness of modern city living.
Haga is our favourite district to walk around and it has some of the biggest cinnamon buns in Sweden! Find 'Hagabullen' at Café Husaren.

Stora Saluhallen Market Hall
Established in 1887, this listed building is home to local cheese, chocolate, meats and baked goods aplenty. Having grown in popularity Stora Saluhallen is visited by thousands every year, and the hall now encompasses food from all over the world. Sample gourmet deli delights provided by expert vendors, or indulge in the variety of dining spots found throughout the beautifully adorned hall. The epitome of Gothenburg's buzzing food scene for over one hundred years, a trip to Stora Saluhallen is not to be missed.

Boats Tours along Gothenburg's Canals
Walking tours are a wonderful way to learn more about this fascinating city, but a peaceful boat journey through Gothenbug's network of canals offers a waterside perspective of the bustling metropolis. Pass through the old moat dating back to the 17th century and enjoy the charming bridges leading to the harbour. Discover a world where traditional shipyards and fishing sites meet maritime museums and busy harbourside bars.
Combining city grit, innovative gastronomy and coastal tranquility, Sweden's second city has been recognised as one of the world's most sustainable destinations for over six years, and its green enterprise is ever-growing.

Wonderful Places to Stay in Gothenburg & the Archipelago

Gothenburg & the Archipelago In Pictures

Aerial view of Gothenburg city centre

Vinga island in the Gothenburg archipelago

Brännö island in the Gothenburg archipelago

Cinnamon Bun's in Gothenburg

Sunset over the harbour in Gothenburg

Trams in Gothenburg

Kungsparken in the city centre of Gothenburg
We can't wait to help you plan your trip to Gothenburg and the archipelago in West Sweden