Summertime Activities in Gothenburg, Sweden

Beautiful Gothenburg has Plenty to Offer the Summer Vacationer

Apr 20, 2009

From its busy harbor to its peaceful Botanical Gardens to the biggest coaster in the Nordic countries, Sweden's second-largest city is full of warm weather surprises.

With numerous attractions ranging from the historical to the thoroughly modern, Gothenburg is a perfect tourist destination. In summertime, the weather is quite mild and often sunny. Gothenburg's residents enjoy outdoor activities and celebrate the season by hosting several open air festivals and entertainments. Summer is an excellent time for visitors to experience this dynamic city on the river, to commemorate its past and feel its twenty-first century energy.

Old World Fortress - Nya Alvsborgs Fastning

This fortress dates back to the 1600s, when it was used to protect Sweden's gateway to the North Sea. Today, Nya Alvsborgs Fastning is a popular tourist destination located only eight kilometers from the city centre, with boats departing from the Lilla Bommen marina several times a day from May through August.

There is plenty to do at the fortress, from enjoying an informative guided tour conducted by a "character" dressed in historical regalia to sipping local beer in the cafe. Visitors can step back in time and try their hands at old world crafts such as silversmithing and leatherworks. Children can learn to shoot a longbow. Summer evenings at the fortress feature concerts by various artists.

Gothenburg Botanical Gardens Offer a Beautiful Escape

A stroll through Gothenburg's lush Botanical Gardens is the ideal way to spend a relaxing afternoon. Approximately one third of the 430-acre park is devoted to the dazzling beauty of the Gardens, while the remainder constitutes a peaceful nature reserve and primeval forest arboretum. The Botanical Gardens showcase a flowering oasis in the heart of the city.

The famous Rock Garden boasts species from around the world, including alpine dwarf cherries and delicate Baikal pasque flowers. Other parts of the Garden include Rhododendron Valley, with its riot of blossoms along a bubbling creek, and the quite Japanese Glade, a utopian paradise for contemplative meditation. The Greenhouses feature over 1,500 orchids, as well as the rare Easter Island Tree, a flowering species that is extinct in the wild.

The Amusement Park at Liseburg

Children of all ages will enjoy the amusements at Liseburg. Thrill seekers will love Hanghai, with its "breathtaking dual rocking/spinning motion," and Balder, the giant wooden coaster with a daring 70 degree drop. Little ones will adore the Pony Carousel and many other "kiddie" rides. The resort is open April through October, and offers 35 rides, performances at stages throughout the park, and a range of accommodations. There are vacation packages on offer as well.

Gothenburg Culture Festival - A Party for the Whole Family

The highlight of a Gothenburg summer is the Culture Festival every August. It is a weeklong revelry with world-class performances at venues throughout the heart of the city from the Opera House on the waterfront to the Gotaplatsen Culture Center. Performers from all over the world converge on the city to entertain the crowds. Acrobats, sword swallowers, fire eaters, dancers, singers, musicians, and even trained animals get in on the act.

There are special entertainments for the children as well, including musical performances and craft making activities just for them. The festivities culminate with a colorful street parade that celebrates the city's diversity of cultures. Food and beverages are on offer throughout the festival, and all venues are within walking distance along the city's main boulevard. Best of all, admission is free to all festival events.

The copyright of the article Summertime Activities in Gothenburg, Sweden in W Europe Travel is owned by Suzanne Bechard. Permission to republish Summertime Activities in Gothenburg, Sweden in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.