About Gothenburg
Gothenburg, located on Sweden’s west coast, is the country’s second-largest city and an important port. Founded in 1621 by King Gustav II Adolf, it was established as a strategic trading hub and quickly grew into a centre of commerce and shipbuilding. The city’s canals and Dutch-style architecture reflect its early influences from the Netherlands. Today, Gothenburg is known for its maritime heritage, cultural institutions, and a strong industrial presence, blending historic charm with modern development.
Beatrice Törnros/ Göteborg & Co
Currency
The currency in Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK).
You can also pay using a MasterCard, VISA or American Express card.
If you prefer to have cash, you can find many exchange offices in the city. You could also withdraw money from an ATM.
If you are paying with your card you might get asked to either pay in SEK or in your own currency. It is highly advised to select SEK instead of your own currency due to a bad exchange rate, transaction fee and even hidden markups.
Did you know?
The car brand Volvo was founded in Gothenburg. Their headquarters and the museum World of Volvo are still in Gothenburg.
The three point car seat belt, which almost all cars use today was invented in Gothenburg. It was invented by Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin. Volvo decided to make the patent available free of charge to other car manufacturers as they prioritised safety over profit.
Did you know?
In Gothenburg, there is a building called the fish church (Feskekôrka). Even though it is called church, it has never been a place of worship. The Feskekôrka used to be an indoor fish market. The building is built in a neo-gothic church style. They called it the fish church as the building looked like a church. Today there are many restaurants in the Feskekôrka that offer the best what the sea has to offer.
Besides the city on the Swedish mainland, Gothenburg has also 20 islands (Gothenburg Archipelago). The islands are accessible by boat.
Transport
In Gothenburg you can use trams, busses and even boats to get around. You will only need 1 ticket for all three modes of transport. You can purchase tickets at any of the Västtrafik sales outlets, or in their app ‘To Go’.
A single ticket for an adult costs 36 SEK, which is about £2,85/ € 3,40/ $3,75.
More info on tickets: https://www.vasttrafik.se/en/Tickets/
If you want to travel by boats, you have 3 different lines:
– Line 285 (Lilla Bommen to Klippan / Klippan to Lilla Bommen)
This boat stops at Lindholmspiren which is 5 minutes walk (400 m) from the Kooperativet. You will need a vasttrafik ticket to use this boat.
– Line 286 (Stenpiren to Lindholmspiren / Lindholmspiren to Stenpiren)
This boat stops at Lindholmspiren which is 5 minutes walk (400 m) from the Kooperativet. This boat is free of charge but does not run the whole day.
– Line 287 (Stenpiren to Lundbystrand / Lundbystrand to Stenpiren)
This boats stops at Lundbystrand which is 10 minutes walk ( 800 m) from the Kooperativet. You will need a vasttrafik ticket to use this boat.
Please find all the info on tickets, trams, busses, boats and timetables on https://www.vasttrafik.se/en/