Gothenburg is known as Sweden’s little London. Being Sweden’s second biggest city, it has existed for 400 years. You can very well imagine the amount of history it holds. With so many memories hiding in the air of the city, of course, it has many famous places to visit and things to do that everyone does, but you can also explore the quirky and hidden gems of the city. With unusual things to do in Gothenburg, let’s make some unusual memories.
Gothenburg has a more peaceful aura, and its existence offers so many ways to experience and absorb Swedish culture. For all my unusual and quirky friends, let’s explore this water-side city of Sweden.
10 Unusual Things to do to quench your thirst for Exploring
Gothenburg is not your everyday city with a bustling crowd and filled with sounds all the time. It is the best teacher to learn about Scandinavian culture and it’s absolutely fine if you do the exact same things that a local might do. It makes the unusual things more unusual because you feel nothing special about it. Here is a list of some unusual picks for you in Gothenburg.
Haga- the Oldest District with Unusually Big Buns
These vegan cinnamon buns might be so big and unique for you if you are used to small-size buns. Also, Haga is the oldest district of the city which makes it the home to various antique shops, and art galleries. It has an endless number of historical buildings which are dated back to the 18th century.
You can roam the district with the big cinnamon buns in your hand and no one would find it weird at all I’m sure. The area has stood the tides of time which can be seen in the way it decorates itself with street art and interesting shops.
Fika Cafes and the Kanelbullar
Fika cafes are the pride of this area but its unique delicacy, the Kanelbullar is the heart throbber. These are huge cinnamon buns that might become your favorite unusual thing you eat in the city. These are specifically baked in the Cafe Husaren. If you still feel hungry and want to go somewhere popular then visit these Top 15 Best Restaurants In Gothenburg- A Foodie’s Guide.
Feskekorka
Such an unusual name right! The fact that it’s an indoor fish market makes it even more unusual. We usually imagine fish markets to be outside, all noisy and cranky. But this fish market is not the same.
Feskekorka in Sweden means ‘’Fish Church’’ which has given the building its name for resembling a neo-gothic church. Adding to the oldest trades, fishing, the building also has a range of delicious seafood restaurants.
If you are an extrovert person and like to socialize then you might want to explore some lesser-known stories and facts from the fishermen. Lie comfortably amidst the delicious scent of seafood while listening to these stories.
Fall for the Islands in Archipelago
Whenever you are traveling, the first thing you worry about is transport. You can explore Archipelago carefree as it is absolutely car-free. Quite an interesting thing to know if you are someone who worries about car parking. Ride on cycles, ferries, and electric cars and immerse in the magic of the place without any traffic noise.
The archipelago has more than 20 islands and each has its own unique charm and aura. With fresh air and the cool breeze of the sea, your mind gets a sweet escape in the lapse of peace. One of its islands, Styrso Tangen is known for its breathtaking houses which belong to the fishermen of the area. This fishermen’s village is like snow in the form of houses. The mist covering the village makes it look even more enchanting. In fact, all the islands have a certain whitish glow to them.
Not many like to venture this far in Gothenburg as it is quite far for a day trip. If you want to feel like a mystical movie character I’m sure you would definitely not miss the experience now, will you?
Tradgardsforeningen- A Sanctum in the Heart of the City
Have you ever felt that sudden transition of something? If yes, you might feel the same way when you visit the Garden Society of Gothenburg. Even though the whole city is a natural beauty, it all becomes tenfold when you visit Tradgardsforeningen.
Enjoy the gardens filled with roses in the summer, while the sweet fragrance travels all around the place. Visit the palm house built with glass, safekeeping palm trees and other tropical plants. Experience the calmness of the tropics in this well-preserved 19th-century park in Europe.
The Heavenly Shrimp Sandwich
The King Size shrimp sandwich of Gothenburg might become your favorite shrimp sandwich you have ever tasted. It is served at Heaven 23 and for sure has a heavenly taste as well. A well decorated sandwich with nearly 200 grams of hand-peeled Arctic prawns, just like every king is covered with gold.
It might be an unusual meal for visitors who always thought they had already tasted the best shrimp sandwich in their country. Wait until you taste this finest quality shrimp sandwich in the world and change your mind the second you take your first bite of this delightful sandwich.
Green Paradise of Gothenburg Botanical Garden
Wonder alone or with a companion in the loveliest garden park in Sweden. Everyone who visits this garden experiences the power of nature to calm the mind and enchant the eyes. More than 630,000 plant lovers visit this garden every year. It’s a well-established garden, preserved various species for more than 100 years. The uniqueness lies in the variety of plant species it nurtures, which is well above 16,000.
Even if you are not a writer or a poet, you might feel like dedicating a few lines to this absolutely stunning garden. With more plants than you could ever imagine, this garden will let you explore them all. The next thing you will definitely want to do when you return to your house will be planting flowers. The garden creates a unique ambiance of allowing even non-expressive beings to pour out their inner thoughts in the lapse of the flowers around them.
Serenity of Lake Delsjon
If you like the sky while the sun sets; embracing and awed by the colours of the sky, then you should undoubtedly visit the Delsjon lake, especially in winter. The locals come out to enjoy the lake’s view and trade their hectic lives for a peaceful one.
The best part of the lake is, even if you are not swimming, or doing any other activity, you still won’t get bored. Simply enjoy the view while taking a walk. Explore the birch and pine forests that surround the lake.
Don’t forget to miss the setting sun glistening in the water below, forming the exact same as the sky. Click pictures or don’t, you will remember that sunset for the rest of your life. Furthermore, you can camp and trek near the lake if you are an adventure enthusiast.
Maritime Museum- Museum for ships
Whenever we hear the word museum, old archives, monuments, or anything that symbolizes the early form of life, comes to our mind. Have you ever seen a museum dedicated to ships? I’m sure you haven’t seen one like the Maritime Museum.
The museum displays objects related to ships and other water transports. There are also naval museums that focus on navies. These museums preserve the unique pieces of ships and other items related to them. Explore the rare collection of warships and weapons.
Board ships or get the chance to go underwater in a submarine, explore the museum, or wander around on a ship. Whatever you do, it will be a fascinating experience.
Sweat in the Sauna
Amidst a declining port in Gothenburg, a sauna is built by the Raumlabor called the Goteborg Bathing Culture. This sauna is gaining attention as a central part of the city. It’s such a unique perspective of using the port’s decline as an establishment of different types of recreational activities.
The sauna has given the declining port a new life. Creating a place to share thoughts, get to know new people, and establish a sort of family. People will not only be able to relax physically but mentally as well. Making memories in a sauna is unique in itself.
You not only share the place with different people but different thoughts, stories, and experiences as well. Don’t forget to visit this Goteborg bathing culture in Frihamnen, if you ever want to experience something unusual in Gothenburg.
Breathtaking View from Skansen Kronan
This 17th-century fortress will let you appreciate the majestic beauty of the city, with every place visible from the fortress. The red roofs of the city and the clear blue water will definitely be worth your efforts in climbing the fortress.
Also, appreciate the fortress with its large cannons clearly visible to the naked eye even from afar. Capture the city’s view in your heart and relive the moments again and again after you return to your home.
Final Note
Gothenburg is not just a name; it is an experience of a lifetime. Every minute spent in the city is a memory, no matter how small. These unusual things to do in Gothenburg might become your favorite memory. The red roofs and the greenery surrounding them will always be cherished. I hope you visit the city soon and get to experience all these things by yourself.
