Gothenburg, the second-largest city in Sweden (trailing Stockholm, the nation's capital), is a lively city with plentiful balconies, lovely biking/walking paths, and interesting architecture - not to mention a clean and charming full-scale amusement park that you've probably never heard of. It's a delightful city to visit with children of all ages.
If you find for yourself in Gothenburg for the day, we have ideas for fun things to do and places to explore throughout the city.
1. Visit picturesque Haga Street and buy a giant cinnamon bun (hagabullen) from Cafe Husaren. Absolutely delicious and large enough to share!
Haga street is one of the oldest pedestrian neighborhoods in Gothenburg and features well-preserved wooden homes alongside trendy cafes and boutique shops.
2. Stop in at the Oscar Fredrik Church, an elaborate and historic Lutheran church. Perhaps you will stumble unexpectedly upon an enthralling live organ concert at lunch time like we did?
3. Spend a day at one of the cutest and cleanest amusement parks we've ever been to: Liseburg. This adorable theme park is charming in decor, has a wide variety of excellent rides (including an ultra-smooth wooden roller coaster and a log ride with not one, but two, drops). Lines for attractions were not long when we visited in late May, which made the experience extra exceptional.
If we visit Gothenburg, Sweden again in the future, we would love to spend a full day at Liseberg (we didn't realize during this last trip that the park didn't open until late afternoon on the day of our visit so our time was limited within the park).
We'd also love to go to Stockholm, the capital city. Since we are all fans of Pippi Longstocking, we'd be delighted to see one of the live theatrical Pippi productions at Junibacken amusement park. You can even play inside a replica of Villa Villekulla!
Our family went on a 12-night European Capitals Cruise in late May aboard the Caribbean Princess with Princess Cruise Line and Gothenburg, Sweden was our fourth stop.
Princess Cruise Line is offering another European Capitals Cruise in May 2025 and Gothenburg is on the itinerary. We recommend it - 100%!