Grabbed my Northface Base Camp backpack, made my way to Aarhus Train Station and made myself comfortable in a seat as I was still early for the train to the second largest city in Sweden. However, somehow I had this feeling to head to the tracks earlier and that was when I realised I've mistaken the timings - the train was about to leave in five minutes! Hopped on to the nearest cabin on the platform and again, something felt off... I went out and asked the train conductors if this particular train was heading to Gothenburg and they answered "No, the train to Gothenburg is on the other platform!". At this moment, I had only two minutes to spare and started sprinting my way to the other end of platform with the conductors were yelling at me, "Hurry up! The train is about to leave!" Thankfully, I managed to jumped on board with a few seconds to spare. Phew.
Now moving on to why Gothenburg? I was choosing between Stockholm and Gothenburg, and decided on the latter because it was supposedly more rustic (and also free accommodations *coughs*). In my honest opinion, finding things to occupy my time during winter was rather unsuccessful in the city as the weather then was unpredictable and I did not want to shop. However, that gave me the opportunity to "fika" like a Swede. Basically, fika is grabbing coffee but to the Swedes, it is a social phenomenon to catch up and chat, get to know people or to date someone.
Ska vi ses över en fika någon gång? (Shall we have a coffee together some time? )
Day 1:
Gothenburg Botanical Gardens
Location: Carl Skottsbergs gata 22A, 413 19 Göteborg, Sweden
Admission Fee: Free, Glasshouse (20 SEK / ~ 3 SGD)
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Time Needed: 1.5 - 2 Hours
After disembarking from my train at Gothenburg Central Station, I met up with Barrie and friends in the afternoon. The bunch of us decided to head to Gothenburg Botanical Gardens. At 175 hectares, it is one of Europe's largest botanical gardens and home to approximately 16,000 different plant species. However, I've arrived at a bad timing as it was foggy everywhere and most of the plants were pretty dead or "hibernating". We tried hiking up a hill for the acclaimed view... but all we saw was fog. Not the most ideal, I would say. Though on the upside, the guys took turns carrying my backpack, which was really nice of them. I would recommend visiting the gardens in mid-spring and after, to avoid the bad weather and fog.
We ended the day with some home cooking as I unpacked my stuffs at their place for the next 2 nights.
Day 2:
Universeum
Location: Södra vägen 50, Gothenburg, Sweden
Admission Fee: Adult - 190 SEK / ~ 28 SGD
Opening Hours: Everyday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Time Needed: 2 - 3 Hours
Opened in 2001, Scandinavia's largest science center consists of the Ocean Zone, The Rainforest and the Space Center. Right after the entrance, we were offered some lingonberry juice to try. We all know how much Singaporeans love free stuff, especially food.
You'll find yourself staring at marine life at the aquarium found in the Ocean Zone, gasping when primates scamper around your feet in The Rainforest and nibble on some kelp before walking to the Space Center or even play some interactive games on the top floor. The Universeum is catered to all age groups. Spend some time at the gift shop before ending your visit.
Göteborgs Konstmuseum (Gothenburg Museum of Art)
Location: Götaplatsen 6, 412 56 Göteborg, Sweden
Admission Fee: Free entrance for those under the age of 25 years, Adult - 60 SEK / ~ SGD 9
Opening Hours: Closed on Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on most days
Time Needed: 1.5 - 2 Hours
The museum showcases a wide range of Nordic and international artists. Works of Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore and Louise Nevelson can be enjoyed here. Treat yourself to six floors of art.
The city is brimming with interesting museums and there is a list to refer to. Feel free to swap out Göteborgs Konstmuseum for another museum that tickles your fancy. There were a few museums that I wanted to visit but some how did not have a chance to. The contemporary art center, Rödasten Konsthall, consists of a rustic industrial space and instagrammable exhibits. Meanwhile, Gathenhielmska Kulturreservatet gives you a peek of what life in Gothenburg used to be like.
Haga
Location: Haga Nygata, Gothenburg
Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Everyday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Time Needed: 2 - 3 Hours
Head to the charming area of Haga. Lined with traditional wood buildings and candlelit cafes, this is a perfect area to grab lunch or take a "fika" break. Sink your sweet tooth into a Semla, Ostkaka or both! With vegan eateries and bakeries always in sight, you will struggle to decide where to "fika" with the abundance of choices!
After lunch (and tea break), pop into tea houses, second-hand shops or grab ecological soap at the many shops dotted around the historical neighbourhood. Perhaps, you can start walking from the main square, visit the 17th-century fortress Skansen Kronan before strolling along the adjoining streets. I just had to grab a bag of mango infused green tea before leaving the area.
Day 3:
Kommersen Loppmarknad
Location: Masthamnsgatan, 413 27 Göteborg, Sweden
Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Every Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Time Needed: 1 - 2 Hours
If you know me well, you would know that I refuse to leave a city without hitting second-hand stores or flea markets. At the container flea market, a kind man gave me a film camera for free because he doesn't know if it's still working. Til now, I have yet to find out. Whoops.
Be prepared to sort and rummage through racks and buckets of trinkets. Also, remember to bring cash!
I spent the rest of the day walking around my Airbnb area, revisiting Haga to grab some food before heading back to chill with my host's lovely cats. Spent another night before grabbing the morning train back to Aarhus.
Solo Scorecard - 3 (1 - Perfect for Solo Travelling, 5 - Would not recommend for solo travellers)
With many English speaking locals, the compactness of the town, it would make an ideal weekend chill trip from your bustling city life. During your stay, the tram will be your main mode of transportation. There are also some buses and boats that may be useful for you. Alternatively, you can purchase the Gothenburg Pass which includes bus and boats transportation, and museums entrance fees for 24, 48, 72 or 120 hours. For the local transportation, I believe that you have to add on a Travelcard.
However, it isn't the highlight of Sweden and there are not much activities to do around town, especially during the winter months.
Moral of the story: Visit Gothenburg during summer or early autumn. There are plenty more activities for you to enjoy! The Liseberg theme park will be open then. You can also take canal rides. And/or watch elks at Slottskogen Park. If you are staying a little longer, take the chance to go island-hopping at Gothenburg's Archipelago. It should be beautiful!
Honestly, the city has many comprehensive guides for tourists, ranging from where to eat and what to do, at https://www.goteborg.com/en/. The website will help you plenty when planning a visit to the world's most sustainable destination!
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