The 5 best ice cream shops in Gothenburg

What is it? It may not look like much from the outside – but those in the know, know. Behind a grey concrete wall in Majorna lies a carefully crafted operation where flavours take centre stage.

Why we love it? At Kampanilen the waffles are made on site right beside the counter and the ice cream flavours vary with the season. The chocolate ice cream is a chocoholic’s dream – creamy and rounded with a clear chocolate flavour and no bitterness. If you like fresh sorbets, you should absolutely go for a scoop of mango/passionfruit. And last but not least – the pistachio. Without a doubt the best pistachio ice cream I’ve ever tasted – completely free from additives, which explains its light brown colour. The creamy ice cream is topped with roasted pistachios that enhance the flavour even further. A visit to Kampanilen is one you’ll definitely want to repeat.

Time Out tip: Rhubarb and cardamom is a combination you simply have to try in early summer – tangy notes meeting a distinct hit of cardamom.

Address: Karl Johansgatan 5, Majorna. Opening hours: Wed–Sun 12:00–18:00.

What is it? Located on Grönsakstorget, this is one of the city’s most classic ice cream cafés. At Gelaterian Göteborg creamy gelato is served the Italian way, with flavours that follow the seasons – and the queue is often long.

Why we love it? In summer, there’s fierce competition between lemon cheesecake, orange stracciatella, pistachio and browned butter. The pistachio stands out with its distinctly roasted nut flavour – far from the sweeter versions. The creamy chocolate is a safe bet, with a balanced cocoa content that doesn’t tip into either bitter or overly sweet. If you prefer sorbet, the raspberry and mango are incredibly good.

Time Out tip: Once you’ve got your ice cream, take a stroll to nearby Magasinsgatan to browse the lovely vintage and interior design shops.

Address: Grönsakstorget 1, Gothenburg. Opening hours: Daily 12:00–18:00.

What is it? This cosy little ice cream café sits right in Linné and is a perfect stop during a shopping trip.

Why we love it? The ice cream at Råda Gelato is the creamiest I’ve ever tasted. They’ve chosen to focus on a handful of carefully selected flavours, so the range isn’t huge – but you’ll definitely find something you love. The pistachio is incredibly smooth and the 70 percent chocolate is dangerously good. But if I had to pick just one, the browned butter with small crunchy bits is something I warmly recommend.

Time Out tip: Råda Gelato is right by Skansparken. Walk up the hill for lovely views over the city.

Address: Landsvägsgatan, Linné. Opening hours: Daily 12:00–18:00.

What is it? On Danska Vägen you’ll find a well-known ice cream café that’s been around since 1977. Creamy gelato is served here, with flavours leaning towards the classic Italian, but with a twist.

Why we love it? Lejonet & Björnen is an institution. It was founded in Lunden and quickly became synonymous with premium ice cream in the city. Today, you can find their ice cream in supermarkets across the country. My personal favourite is Italian chocolate – a smooth, dark chocolate flavour lifted by a subtle note of sun-ripened orange. Another must-try is blueberry cheesecake – summer in a spoon, with generous pieces of blueberry and crunchy biscuit crumbs wrapped in classic vanilla.

Time Out tip: Enjoy your ice cream in the sugar-sweet café or take it to go and wander along the villa-lined streets or towards Liseberg.

Address: Danska Vägen 74. Opening hours: Daily 11:00–19:00.

What is it? Next Level Gelato in the grand district of Linnéstaden is for those who want more playful flavours – not the most classic, but something a bit more fun and adventurous.

Why we love it? You’re greeted by neon signs and colourful Post-it notes as soon as you step inside. The setting makes all the vibrant ice cream flavours pop even more, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the intensely purple hue of one of the tubs. Asian sweet potato – have you ever heard anything so wild? But it works. It’s soft and smooth, with hints of vanilla and a fruity tang. The new flavour ‘Lotus’ is also well worth trying if you like vanilla, caramel sauce and biscuits. It might sound a bit too sweet, but the salted caramel cuts through and makes it irresistibly good.

Time Out tip: Take the opportunity to stroll through Slottskogen, just a short walk up Linnégatan.

Address: Linnégatan 40, Linné. Opening hours: Sun–Thu 16:00–21:00, Fri–Sat 16:00–22:00.