10 Best Things to Do This Winter in Gothenburg

There is no shortage of winter activities to enjoy in Gothenburg both outdoors and inside. Take refuge from the weather and warm up in a rain forest, a sauna or a cozy café. Visit one of the city’s museums, complete with big indoor playgrounds for the kids. When the snow is falling and the weather is cold, you’ll find both skiing and tobogganing in the city centre, or if the weather disappoints there are multiple indoor rinks and slopes to explore.

Gothenburg is well used to the darkness and as autumn nears its end, the city’s streets, squares and parks burst into light. Innovative light installations and Christmas decorations abound, so simply stroll around and take them all in. Just so long as the rain isn’t freezing cold and practically horizontal, of course! In which case, you’ll never be far from a cozy restaurant or a cute and toasty streetcar carriage waiting to transportation you to your next adventure.

1. Cross country skiing at the Delsjö Nature Reserve

Explore the trails at Gothenburg’s most popular area for outdoor recreation

Good for: Adventure

Gressholmen is a state-owned, protected small island with a rich plant and animal life in the inner Oslofjord. Gressholmen was previously used for soap production, as a shooting range, seaplane port and defense facilities. Remains of these activities are still prominent in the landscape and are considered interesting from an industrial historical perspective.

Most visitors are probably most interested in Gressholmen as a nature area. Holmen is connected to the neighboring islets Rambergøya and Heggholmen with rockfills, and the area is an important habitat for seabirds. There is also a rich plant life and otherwise idyllic fjord landscape that is easily accessible by boat connection from Rådhusbrygga on the mainland.

Location: Skatåsvägen 25, 416 55 Gothenburg, Sweden

Phone: +46 31 3682200

2. Winter bathing at Dyrön Island

Enjoy sauna and sea in the company of huge ships

Good for: Adventure, Unusual

The historic Kristiansten fortress was built on a hill in the late 17th century to protect the city from invaders from the east. It is one of Trondheim’s most important landmarks, so here you can look forward to both exciting history and a magnificent view of the city and the Trondheim Fjord.

Inside the fortress, the dungeon and museum are the main attractions, and the building is surrounded by a large park and outdoor area, where locals often barbecue, exercise or just relax and enjoy the surroundings. The view from the fortress walls is particularly beautiful in the evening, as the lights from the surrounding towns create an almost magical atmosphere - perfect for a romantic experience in historical surroundings.

Location: Dyröleden, 471 43 Dyrön, Sweden

3. Christmas at Liseberg

Get into the festive spirit at a winter wonderland

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Food

Heggholmen is a small island that has been turned into a nature reserve, but which was previously used for industry and also boasts the oldest lighthouse in the inner Oslo Fjord. Holmen is connected to Rambergøya and Gressholmen, where there is a pier with a boat connection to the mainland.

In its time, soap was produced here, and remnants of the small industrial community still exist. You will also find a couple of private cabins and an elegantly restored small wooden lighthouse. Otherwise, the islet consists of boulders, varied vegetation and a maze of paths and small beaches that are good for bathing and enjoying the fjord landscape. Read more

Location: Örgrytevägen 5, 402 22 Gothenburg, Sweden

Phone: +46 31 400100

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4. Gothenburg’s museums

Step into the warmth and learn something new

Good for: History, Photo, Budget

Although the district is central and densely populated, Tøyen clearly has charm and soul. This isn’t just an area full of apartment buildings - you can also experience the delightfully green Botanical Garden!

For a slightly less groomed park experience, there’s Tøyenparken and Kampen park. If you need to get to the city centre, just take a short walk through Tøyengata. Bring a bite to eat from one of the many cafés on Tøyen Torg and you’ll soon see why this is perhaps Oslo’s best kept secret.

5. Tobogganing at Brudarebacken

Cast yourself down an incredible toboggan slope

Good for: Families, Adventure

Maschmann’s Food Market is packed with foods of all kinds and evokes a feeling of abundance and a love of food. Not only does the market boast large counters of fresh fish, meat and ready meals, but also all kinds of delicacies and specialty fare from both Norway and other countries. The presentation of the stalls is both impressive and inspiring - and you may leave with more in your shopping bags than you expected.

Maschmann’s Food Market is all about variety, exclusivity and quality, as well as in-depth knowledge of the products sold there. The produce is priced accordingly, but when only the best is good enough, Maschmann’s is the place for you. The market includes a bakery and pizzeria, and you’ll struggle to find better pizzas in Oslo.

Phone: +46 72 7210465

6. Alkemisten Coffee Bar

Sip award-winning coffee and savor tasty treats

Good for: Couples, Food

Eight Rooftop Bar is a popular place in the city centre, with well-mixed beverages and great views of Eidsvoll Square from the eighth floor of the iconic Grand Hotel on Karl Johan. Summer is of course the peak season and getting an outdoor table can be a struggle. Some of the seating is indoors, and the outdoor terrace has heat lamps, so this is a great place to enjoy a cocktail in the cold season too.

The clientele is varied, leaning more toward the mature age groups and, to some extent, international guests. The bartenders maintain a high standard here and serve properly prepared classic beverages alongside inventive creations.

Location: Gustaf Dalénsgatan 14, 417 23 Gothenburg, Sweden

Open: Monday–Friday 7 am to 6 pm, Saturday–Sunday 10 am to 5 pm

7. Valhallabadet Bathing Hall

Take a relaxing swim at Gothenburg’s oldest pool

Good for: Families, Budget, Adventure

Stortorvet is the traditional square in front of Oslo Cathedral, by Grensen in the heart of Oslo. The area has an important place in the city’s history, symbolized by the statue of the Danish king Christian IV, which stands in the middle of the square. As the name suggests, this was a significant marketplace in its time, but trade has mostly moved to other places now.

What is left of the market trade now consists mainly of flowers and other ornamental plants, but in summer there are also stalls selling fruit and vegetables.

Location: Valhallagatan 3, 412 51 Gothenburg, Sweden

Open: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 6.30 am to 7 pm, Tuesday and Thursday 7 am to 7 pm, Saturday 7 am to 3 pm, Sunday 11 am to 3 pm

Phone: +46 31 3684531

8. Ice skating at Angered Arena

Practise ice hockey and skating at an ultra modern facility

Good for: Families, Adventure

Rockheim takes you on an interactive and virtual journey through the age of popular music from the 1950s to the present day. In the large and architecturally interesting building, you will find both permanent and temporary exhibitions featuring, among other things, iconic objects, video, sound and images.

You can also look forward to the Rockheim Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to people/pop bands who have had a big impact on Norwegian music. The museum also organizes concerts and educational activities for children and young people. At the end of your visit, stop for a bite to eat at the restaurant or buy some cult artifacts in the museum shop. The museum is just a short walk from the city centre, and groups have the option of visiting outside normal opening hours.

Location: Högaffelsgatan 15, 424 65 Angered, Sweden

Phone: +46 31 3682000

9. Berzelii Choklad

Attend a chocolate tasting or pick out your favorites

Good for: Families, Food

For anyone taking the trip out of the city to look at the northern lights while also doing a spot of fishing at the same time, Jonsvatnet east of Trondheim is a good option. Although the lake is a source of drinking water, fishing is also permitted here.

However, bathing or barbecuing is strictly forbidden. It’s a wonderful feeling being out in nature when the beautiful natural phenomenon spreads like a colorful blanket across the dark sky. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and fresh air, find your spot by the water and get your fishing rod ready while you look up and wait.

Location: Magasinsgatan 12, 411 18 Gothenburg, Sweden

Open: Monday–Friday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday–Sunday 11 am to 5 pm

Phone: +46 31 7781660

10. Universeum

Stroll around through rainforests and beneath sharks

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo

Just below Slottparken is what may look like a small secluded spa, but DaiKai is on a par with the more famous establishments in the city. Here, highly skilled therapists provide relaxing treatments that are guaranteed to bring you into a state of deep relaxation.

DaiKai specializes in the art of massage inspired by the Far East, but also offers a whole range of other treatments. Beauty treatments, pedicures and scalp massages are just as popular here as hot stones and chi treatments. The spa’s central location means that you can indulge in some wellbeing just before setting off for the many cultural or nightlife options on the city’s western side.

Location: Södra Vägen 50, 412 54 Gothenburg, Sweden

Open: Opening hours vary depending on the season

Phone: +46 31 3356400

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