Summer in Gothenburg: 13 fun things to do

Summer in Gothenburg means salty swims, blooming gardens and world-class fika. Here you can enjoy car-free archipelago islands and balmy evenings on the rocks. You don’t need to travel far to get the ultimate summer recipe.

In this mini guide, we’ve gathered a selection of everything the city has to offer. Our best tips for things to do that we choose from ourselves when we want to fill a day with a fun activity or excursion.

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13 ways to spend a summer day in Gothenburg

• Enjoy a day in Gothenburg’s southern archipelago. Take the ferry from Saltholmen out to the completely car-free islands of Vrångö or Brännö and experience everything from lively harbours to total tranquillity in the archipelago.
• Visit the northern archipelago. From Lilla Varholmen you can take the car ferry (it works just as well by bike or on foot) to Hönö and Öckerö, with great spots for cliff swimming, fishing and picnics.
• Swim in Billdal. Head to Billdal for salty swims, rocky shores and peaceful walks through horse paddocks and summer meadows by Stationsbadet.
• Fika in a summer garden. Like the garden at Systrarna Werner in Billdal Park – a hidden summer oasis at the forest’s edge.
• Have lunch in a boathouse. Eat lunch with sea views at Sjöboa Fiskebäck and take a dip straight after your prawn sandwich.
• Take a garden stroll. Walk around the Gothenburg Botanical Garden and enjoy one of the city’s most lush green environments.
• Fika in Haga. Wander through Haga and stop for a classic fika at Husaren, known for their huge cinnamon buns.
• Barbecue in nature. Swim at Delsjön and bring something for the barbecue area here. Finish the day with coffee and a waffle at Bertilssons Stuga.
• Shop second-hand. Enjoy seriously good second-hand shopping with high-quality finds at Myrorna or Arkivet by Järntorget.
• Gothenburg Museum of Natural History. Explore the history of nature and follow the development of wildlife. For children, there’s a whole playful world to discover.
• Discover the city with Ocean Bus. Explore Gothenburg on both land and water in the same vehicle – a very different sightseeing experience.
• Walk in Skatås. Despite being close to the city, Skatås is a peaceful and scenic area full of running trails, barbecue spots and cosy swimming areas.
• Play at Plikta. An imaginative and newly renovated park with everything a playground can offer, plus bikes and other outdoor toys to borrow – kids will be entertained all day!