Gothenburg is a university town, a port city, and a cultural hub all rolled into one. The vibe? Think Scandinavian cool with a touch of bohemian warmth.
🌆 Why Gothenburg? We originally were going to Stockholm and into Poland but decided to save that for another adventure. This adventure will keep us on the west coast of Europe for the most part.What did we do?
We were told to grab a cinnamon bun the size of your head and embrace the Swedish ritual of Fika—coffee, pastry, and good company.
The word Fika originated from the 19th century word kaffi (coffee). Swedes switched positions of the two syllables and removed one f. kaffi - ffi-ka - fika
So we did just that at Cafe Hebbe Lelle, it's a fun name.
 |
| No, we did not finish it |
If we would have had another day, we would have tried Cafe Husaren.
Gothenburg Cathedral I thought it was plain for being the Cathedral, but still very pretty.
Haga the city’s oldest district lined with cafes and shops. This area is where the cafe's Hebbe Lelle & Husaren are located.
 |
| Oil Store |
Saluhallen is where you will find everything from artisanal sandwiches, traditional home cooking, cheeses and so much more.
So many delicious delicacies.
Skansen Kronan a one time fortress with panoramic views of the city. You know to get panoramic views of the city means you need to go up.
 |
| The steps were closed so we had to find another way |
 |
| Oh look a pathway |
 |
| I'm looking pretty fresh |
 |
| and then I wasn't |
 |
| My artistic shot |
 |
| All down hill now |
Slottsskogen is one of Gothenburg's largest, oldest and most popular parks.
Barnens Zoo is the childrens zoo inside of the park.
 |
| Ferdinand |
 |
| Bu |
I wasn't allowed to take a pony ride, 10 & under only. 😪
From goats, rabbits, chickens & horses to a seal pond.
Trädgårdsföreningen (The Garden Society) is one of the best-preserved 19th century parks in Europe.
 |
| I don't think this equipment has ever been used |
 |
| My artistic picture |
 |
| Another artistic picture |
Our Walking Tour started at the Gustavus Aldolfus of Sweden Statue. Our tour guide was Olga from Hungary. Our group consisted of 7 people including the tour guide.
 |
| Oraklet by Tilda Lovell |
 |
| Statue of half-human half-sea creature |
A few random pictures from our hotel and a video. (More about the hotel farther below.)
We were entertained 🤣 😂 by the elevator announcements. The first is a little hard to hear but she says Bon Voyage. The last was our favorite.
🍽️ Where did we eat?
Fiskbar 17 was recommended by our tour guide. It was really good and it seemed like a locals place.
 |
| Bouillabaisse (famous fish stew) |
 |
| Catch of the Day - Hake |
 |
| Shrimp Diavola |
 |
| Small Shrimp Sandwich |
Haldis Kök inside the Fish Church.
 |
| Checking Rob's beer choice |
 |
| He is happy I gave it back |
 |
| Fish & Mussel Soup |
 |
| Catch of the Day |
Köttbullekällaren - Café Du Nord was recommended by our tour guide. This was okay and the price was great. They had a lunch special for $15 USD, that included swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, buffet salad, bread & coffee.
Pigalle Hotel provided breakfast in their rooftop restaurant 😋.
 |
| Coffee, Coffee, Coffee |
 |
| The bread was amazing as was the liver pate. |
One evening we started with a drink 🍸 in the lobby bar before heading to the rooftop restaurant.
We chose the Pigalle's Signature 695
 |
| PILGRIMSMUSSLA
Scallop Truffle velouté, sea coral |
 |
| TONFISKTARTAR |
 |
| Tuna Tartare Sesame, smoked soy , radish, lemon, chili |
 |
| Burrata with truffle & arugula |
 |
| Tarte Flambee with creme fraiche |
 |
| Oxtail |
 |
| Oxtail, french fries, béarnaise, haricot verts |
 |
| Vanilla Ice Cream, chocolate crunch, salty caramel sauce |
Tako Sushi Bar
 |
| Miso Soup |
 |
| Dragon Roll |
Where did we stay?
Hotel Pigalle was an interesting hotel and very provocative. Our room was small but worked for us. The shower was amazing and the bed was very comfortable.
This was a very cool hotel, our room was small a Petite Plus. We could not keep our suitcases open.
When did we visit? 25 - 29 August 2025
How did we get here?
Vy train from Oslo Station to Gothenburg Station. First class seats are the way to go!
Gothenburg is made for walking and biking 🚲 (we only walked). Gothenburg isn’t just a stopover—it’s a destination. It’s where you can sip wine by the canal, hike through pine forests, and eat your weight in cinnamon buns—all in one weekend.
Gothenburg invites you to slow down and savor.
