How To Spend A Spring Day In Gothenburg

Woooohooo it’s here, my first dedicated travel blog post in quite a while. I apologise for my lack of updates. Who would’ve thought that packing your entire life up in to a van would be so time consuming? More on that later…….

Gothenburg was my first big city trip of 2019 I suppose (I’m not counting Bruges because I’ve already been, even though it’s super special to me and I adore it). But this also wasn’t my first time in Sweden’s second biggest city. I did in fact have a fleeting visit many years ago but in January. So whilst I know I did and saw stuff, all I really remember is how cold -12 degrees Celsius actually is. I had never experienced cold like it and I basically wore everything I packed as one outfit and drank hot chocolate – true story! This time I wasn’t going to make such a foolish mistake and visiting Gothenburg in Spring time – whole different ball game. With only half a day to explore I set off to make the most of this vibrant and trendy city.

If you do happen to be on a pretty tight schedule like myself, then here are my top three must sees when visiting Gothenburg in Spring.

Skansen Kronan

Skansen Kronan is a fortress situated on the hill Risåsberget in the Haga district. It was designed by Erik Dahlbergh and built in 1698, fitted with 23 guns that were actually never used. Now it is the perfect spot to soak in a breathtaking view of the city. If you have any breath left that is; after you’ve climbed the 200 something steps to get there. I promise it is worth it. And to be fair there are a couple of more gentle options to get up there if you don’t fancy the steps or if you aren’t physically able. The fortress wasn’t open to view but there were plenty of benches atop the hill and also a little kiosk selling ice creams and drinks. Regardless of how long you spend up there, it really is the best way to take in the entire city and I highly recommend it.

Fika on Haga

Now, it’s no coincidence that right at the bottom of my first recommendation is this, my second – the Haga District. Basically it’s the go-to spot to combine two of my favourite things – shopping and coffee breaks, or Fika as the Swedish call it. This charming old neighbourhood boasts many traditional (and very well persevered) wooden houses/buildings and manages to fuse this with a total hipster vibe. It’s packed with independent shops and quaint little cafes. Haga Nygata is the main pedestrianised street and it runs between the areas Vasa and Linné. There really is something for everyone in Haga, whether your weakness is a hand made chocolate shop or a plate sized cinnamon bun. After taking a stroll up and down (and buying a Pippi Longstocking mug – if you know, you know) I took my Fika in Cafe Kringlan where I was absolutely spoiled for choice when it came to cakes. But just be prepared, everybody wants Fika here and the cafes know it, so it doesn’t necessarily come cheap 😉

Cherry Blossoms on Järntorget

Now I am a girl who is all about Cherry Blossom. You’ve seen my Instagram right? But If the pretty prink stuff doesn’t really float your boat (why though?) then Järntorget may not be on your visiting Gothenburg in Spring hit list but for me it was a must! Having gotten to the public square pretty early, I was lucky enough to be able to shoot to my heart’s content without too many people around. I imagine later in the day or during the weekend there will be a sea of selfie action going on here because it is basically a cherry blossom tunnel and a certain Instagram hot spot.

But if you do happen to be in Gothenburg outside of the cherry blossom season, Järntorget is still worth a look. The word Järntorget translates to The Iron Square In English. It was named after the now demolished scale which stood on the site, once used for weighing iron ready for export. Now, in its place is a fountain adorned by the statues of five naked females to represent the five continents Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. The square is also home to Gothenburg’s labour movement and the trade union.

So there we have it, how to spend a spring morning/afternoon in the beautiful city of Gothenburg. Because what could be better than picturesque views, coffee with cake and then a picture perfect pink blossom passage.

Have you been to Gotenburg? Did you check out any of these places? Please feel free to let me know in the comments section.

And I promise, there are more travel posts coming – MANY more

Love, as always

Beth Anne