Summer Highlights in Gothenburg: Exciting City Break Tips Across the Border
Photo: Göteborgs Kulturkalas, House of Vision. The Way Out West festival and Röda Sten Konsthall, photo: Peter Kvarnström.
Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city, buzzes with activities and experiences this summer. From culinary festivals to live concerts and new boat routes, Gothenburg offers something for everyone. Here are some must-see highlights for your summer visit.
Culinary Festivals
Gothenburg is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, hosting numerous food festivals throughout summer and autumn.
Experience the vibrant urban street party in Gamlestan with live music, local craft beer, and gourmet food on June 16-17.
Streetfood Festival at Kulturkalaset
Sweden's largest street food festival returns from August 29 to September 1, featuring the Swedish Championships in street food and sweet food.
Join the fun in Gamlestan on September 1 as Sweden's best burgers are crowned, attracting over 10,000 visitors.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Gothenburg Fishmongers' Association on September 8 with local seafood, music, and more.
Enjoy global cuisines, local delicacies, and family-friendly activities on September 14 at Svarte Mosse.
Indulge in a variety of sausages, sides, and drinks at the third annual sausage festival on September 27-28 at Gothenburg Film Studios.
A paradise for cheese lovers, the festival returns to Auktionsverket Kulturarena on October 11-12.
From mid-May to late September, Grönsakstorget transforms into a lively summer market with fresh produce, cozy seating, food, drinks, cultural activities, and markets.
Concerts
Photo: Peter Kvarnström
Gothenburg hosts over 200 concerts this summer, from major festivals to intimate club shows.
Held in Slottsskogen, this festival features international stars like Queen of the Stone Age and The National. Enjoy the music and the city's best vegetarian food from August 10-12.
Catch performances by Mando Diao, Veronica Maggio, and more at this beloved amusement park, including a family-friendly country fest on June 7-8.
End of Summer Super Weekend
From August 29 to September 1, enjoy Göteborgs Kulturkalas, Göteborg Jazz Festival, and concerts by Erik Saade and Nationalteatern.
Shopping
Credits: Tina Axelsson/imagebank.sweden.se
Gothenburg welcomes new and exciting stores this summer. Bianca Ingrosso's popular makeup brand Caia opens its first store at NK, and the renowned Stockholm bakery Mr. Cake opens a new branch in May. Additionally, Korean beauty brand Yeppo & Sonosoo has opened a store in Nordstan.
Boat Tours
Photo: Steampipe Production Studio
New summer routes from Stenpiren and Lilla Bommen to the idyllic island of Vinga offer scenic views and onboard refreshments.
Exhibitions
Photo: Peter Kvarnström
This industrial art hall hosts contemporary art exhibits by renowned artists, focusing on the complex world we live in. This summer’s exhibition, "(på) grensen," features works by Patrik Bengtsson, Cha Blasco, Max Ockborn, and more.
Explore over 400 original works by Swedish illustrator Ilon Wikland in the exhibit “Ilon Wiklands bildvärldar. Saga, äventyr och vardagsliv,” showcasing illustrations from beloved stories like "Ronja the Robber’s Daughter" and "The Brothers Lionheart."
Plan your visit to Gothenburg this summer and enjoy an array of activities, from culinary delights to cultural experiences, all set against the backdrop of this vibrant city.