After spending around 2 years travelling around Southeast Asia and Australia we found ourselves back in Europe to visit family over the Christmas period. It wasn’t just a reverse culture shock but it was also a shock to the system to acclimatise to not only winter in Europe but in famously cold Scandinavia.
This was our second time in the region but the first in winter and despite having entirely inappropriate clothing, we thoroughly enjoyed exploring this ultra-cool and understated Swedish city.
What we found was a vibrant culture, an easily walkable city and a hipster vibe, especially during the Gothenburg winter.
Sweden might not be the obvious choice for a winter city break but its cosy Hygge feel makes it perfect for a short trip, we recommend a Weekend in Gothenburg.
Here’s a guide to Gothenburg in Winter and a rundown of our favourite things to do in Gothenburg.
Scandinavia in the winter might not be the first place you would think of visiting for a city break but before you write it off just consider some of the reasons why you might want to visit Gothenburg in winter.
Particularly Gothenburg in December is a lovely time to visit.
Amazing Gothenburg Christmas market scenes!
The Short Days Are A Fascinating Experience
The polar winter means the days in this region are short and the light is low. This might not seem like ideal holiday weather but it’s quite the experience and the light that hangs on the horizon all day offers unique lighting and the feeling of twilight throughout the day during the Gothenburg winter.
The City Is Magical At The Festive Season
Having shorter days means the city is often in the dark, but that doesn’t mean it’s down and sombre during the Gothenburg winter. Instead, the locals embrace this season and many of the buildings are decorated with bright and colourful lighting that brings the city to life.
Goteborg Winter is a truly enchanting experience.
In the evenings especially in the run-up to Christmas Gothenburg in December is enchanting. There are also several amazing Gothenburg Christmas markets too and with a blanket of snow Gothenburg in winter becomes a winter wonderland!
Gothenburg in December: Carol Singing At The Gothenburg Christmas Market
It’s A Great Place To Indulge In Cosy Hygge Culture
Hygge culture, the feeling of being warm, cosy and content is key to life in winter in Scandinavia. Think wrapping up next to a fire with a cup of mulled wine or mug of coffee!
Winter is the season of Hygge and the district of Haga is a great place to indulge! You don’t get that in summer which is why Gothenburg in winter is the ideal time to visit!
Winter is a magical time in Gothenburg, especially around Christmas
It’s Quieter In Winter
Winter in this region is undoubtedly quieter than the warmer summer months, Gothenburg itself benefits from the fact that it’s the second city of Sweden too.
With Gothenburg in winter, you are much more likely to get a more authentic and local experience of the region.
Tips For Visiting Gothenburg In Winter
How To Get To Gothenburg
It’s easy to get to Gothenburg using many different transport methods and despite not being the capital of Sweden it is still very well connected.
Air
The International Airport, Landvetter (GOT), is located 20 km outside of the city centre.
The airport is the second largest in the country and covers mostly European and domestic destinations across the continent, many via budget airlines. Further afield there are also flights to places like Turkey and Thailand.
For destinations further on, you will likely have to head to Stockholm, Copenhagen or Helsinki or transit en route.
The city runs an airport shuttle service called the “Flygbussarna” from outside the main terminal building that takes between 25-30 minutes and terminates right in the centre of the city.
This costs 149 kr one way or 269 kr. Discounts are available if you book online and for those below 25.
The impressive Gothenburg Central Station is unsurprisingly situated right in the centre of town. The station dates back to 1858 and is the oldest in Sweden still in operation!
The train station is well connected to many of the popular and larger domestic destinations such as Stockholm and Malmo. The lines cover all areas of the country including a coastal line and the very north of the country.
Gothenburg’s train station also offers international travel mostly to other Scandinavian states with lines running to Oslo and Copenhagen.
If you’re planning on exploring more of the region outside of Gothenburg or going on an extended trip around Scandinavia, then renting your own car is perfect.
Just be sure to check road conditions, set up the car for winter driving and be confident in your ability to drive at this time of year. If you do that, then you’re all set for an amazing time exploring some of the more rural areas outside of the city if you want to do some day trips from Gothenburg.
Gothenburg is a really walkable city but it also has a great public transport network that includes trams, buses and boats.
Tickets for public transport cover all methods available and can be bought at the Västtrafik’s sales outlets which are often in grocery or convenience stores (Recognisable from the blue flags) or in the app To Go. Tickets can also be bought onboard from all methods of transport apart from the buses.
Single, 1-day and 3-day tickets can be bought. The Gothenburg Tourism Centre at Kungsportsplatsen is a great place to get good deals and multi-day visitor tickets.
You can also buy a Gothenburg Pass which includes hop-on hop-off buses and museum passes.
We’ve used the Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview for all our backpacking adventures over the past 5 years and highly recommend them!
The main area of the pack opens like a suitcase, which is great for using packing cubes to keep everything organised and they even come with a detachable day pack!
So, the Gothenburg Winter Temperatures! It’s what we all wanna know after all!
As might be imagined for Scandinavia the weather in Gothenburg in winter is cold. However, being in the south of the country it is also not too extreme and it’s actually the warmest place in Sweden!
Gothenburg in December is generally one of the coldest months. Expect temperatures during the Gothenburg winter to be between 4°C and -4°C.
Snow is also common and makes the city look even more enchanting, it is also less likely to rain in winter meaning Gothenburg winter temperatures aren’t actually too bad for this neck of the woods.
This was a totally new experience for us, we’ve been to Finland in the summer but never visited this region in the winter.
Gothenburg in November is chilly but not as cold as December which is more festive.
What To Pack For Gothenburg In Winter
Obviously with the cold Gothenburg winter temperatures packing well means preparing for the chilly temperatures. With the climate not being extreme you don’t need to worry about bringing any specialised gear fit for an arctic expedition to survive the Gothenburg winter!
Be sure to pack and dress in layers in the cold Gothenburg winter temperatures as it traps more warmth close to your body, it also means that you can de-shed layers according to temperatures indoors whether that’s a cosy cafe or a temperate market. This is Sweden in the winter after all.
If you’re coming to Sweden in November, December, January or February, then prepare for colder conditions. Having a good time during winter in Gothenburg is all about layering well!
Having said that, Gothenburg is one of the best places to visit in Sweden during winter as it offers milder temperatures than the rest of the country.
Right then, before we dig into the top things to see in Gothenburg, Sweden, you need somewhere to stay!
Best Budget Backpacker: STF Hostel Stigbergsliden
Göteborg Hostel offers a great, fresh, clean and modern place for budget travellers to stay. With wooden floors, bright rooms and a modern Swedish style as well as a kitchen, breakfast buffet and several lounges it’s a great backpacker place.
This ultra-modern hotel offers great prices for clean and comfortable rooms in the centre of Gothenburg. For those wanting a relaxing Gothenburg city break in an ideal location without blowing your budget, this is a great place to base yourself for a Weekend in Gothenburg.
Situated in a renovated 1920s postal building, Clarion Hotel offers a unique stay in a historic building. It’s also a lovely cosy place to come back to during winter in Gothenburg, plus it’s got an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre.
Find Other Gothenburg Winter Accommodation Options Here
Things To Do In Gothenburg in Winter
Ok, let’s get into it and check out the best things to see in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Whilst Sweden might not be one of the cheapest places in Europe to visit, Gothenburg has a great selection of budget and free things to do.
Try Out The Local Food At Stora Saluhallen Food Market
The biggest market hall in Gothenburg, the Saluhallen is home to around forty stalls that specialise in both local delicacies and global cuisine! You can find the most amazing cheeses, Swedish meatballs, fresh fruit, spices and coffee all under one roof.
Opened in 1889 the large market hall has served the city for over 100 years and is even more popular today amongst the discerning tastes of both locals and visitors alike looking for something fresh, authentic and affordable to eat! It’s a must on any Gothenburg itinerary.
It also provides a great place to shelter from the harsh winter weather so it’s an ideal place to visit on a Gothenburg winter trip!
What is also great is that it’s not only cool for looking around and all the fresh produce, but they also have food to eat right away inside the hall on some of the tables set up inside! It’s one of the best things to do in Sweden in December if you’re looking for a break from the weather with some nice food.
Gothenburg things to do in winter: Head to an indoor market
Take A ‘Fika Break’ In Haga, The Home Of Hygge!
Gothenburg is all about Haga, the cool hipster area of an already cool and hipster city! Understated, cosy, traditional, and yet on the cutting edge of modernity, Haga is the place to hang out in Gothenburg. Well-preserved wooden houses line the cobbled streets and often house independent cafes and coffee shops or tiny inviting boutiques. Any Gothenburg itinerary is incomplete without a visit.
The term “Hygge”, a Scandinavian word that describes a feeling of a charming cosiness through subtle worn pastel colours, wooden panelling, log fires and fluffy pillows is embodied effortlessly in Haga during the Gothenburg winter.
A must-do whilst exploring the streets and shops of Haga is taking a “Fika Break”, a Swedish coffee break alongside a “Hagabullen” – a small cinnamon bun! On our list of what to see in Gothenburg, this has to be our favourite place in the city!
What better way to experience Gothenburg in winter than heading into a cosy cafe, getting comfy by an open log-burning fire and indulging in some local delicacies and hot coffee? It’s one of the best things to do in Sweden in winter.
Gothenburg Sweden: winter is chilly but a special time.
Buy Fresh Seafood At The Feskekôrka Fish Market
What to see in Gothenburg? The Fish Church of course!!
Ok, so you might not be buying any fish if you’re on a weekend break in Gothenburg but the Fish Church is a Gothenburg landmark that just has to be visited just for the experience and the significance to the city.
Opening on 1 November 1874 it resembles a Neo-Gothic church more than a market and houses one of the oldest trades in the history of the city; fishing! If you do like a good seafood meal then this is the place to get the freshest catch of the day, you can even eat right there in the market!
If not then it’s a great place to explore the history and traditions of this port town and rub shoulder to shoulder with locals. It’s also indoors which is why it’s one of the best things to do in Gothenburg in winter.
Gothenburg Things To Do In Winter: The Polar Winter Creates Some Wonderful Light.
Explore The Old Streets Of This Historic City
Explore this magnificently walkable city on foot. Gothenburg by its nature is a lovely city to explore, it’s quite small and compact which makes it very walkable and pedestrian-friendly, in fact, a Weekend in Gothenburg is enough time to see most of the city.
It is also a beautiful old city with many wonderful examples of stunning Swedish architecture to marvel over. Our favourite areas to wander had to be around the main train station whose ornate facade dates back to 1858. Around this area there are many other stunning buildings to discover, the facing square is a great meeting place and the nearby canal a great spot for a stoll.
Exploring the city on foot is one of the best Gothenburg activities if you’re on a tight budget.
The city’s famous amusement park; Liseberg, is a must-see spot. Opened in 1923 it is transformed into a magical winter wonderland during the colder months and is the perfect Gothenburg in winter activity.
During winter you might not be too keen to whizz through the cold air, but instead, the park is lit up with some of Europe’s most enchanting Gothenburg Christmas markets. There is also an ice rink and there are also several plays to watch as well as four different buffets on offer too. So if you’re looking for things to do for couples in Gothenburg, this is certainly a romantic winter spot.
If you’re wondering what to do in Gothenburg over the Christmas period, then get yourself down here.
The best Christmas markets in Gothenburg are at the Liseberg Amusement Park.
Take In The City’s Alternative Culture
Gothenburg has a wonderful art and counter-culture scene, numerous vegetarian restaurants and a thriving skate and graffiti scene… right up our alley. What is also great is that graffiti and art can be enjoyed in any season so it’s an ideal thing to do in Gothenburg in winter.
The entire city is great for those of us who love this kind of culture but the beating heart of it all is just outside the city centre over at the harbour and is one of the more unusual things to do in Gothenburg.
The Roda Sten Art Centre is in the old boiler room and provides a unique space both inside and out for contemporary art in all its forms. It’s one of the best things to do with a small budget in Gothenburg.
There are even some DIY skate ramps outside, performance areas and of course, it’s covered in graffiti! There is also a cafe here that serves great veggie food! It is not what would be on most “What to see in Gothenburg” guides, but it is well worth a look at this other side of the city. If you fancy it, there are also some cool Gothenburg tours that bring you around this area too.
Wondering what to do in Gothenburg, Sweden – Explore the alternative scene
Don’t forget your travel insurance
Whilst Gothenburg and Sweden are super safe, even during the winter, you just never know what might happen… especially if it’s icy out! It’s best to get covered by a top-notch insurance company like Safetywing, so you know you’re covered.
Travel insurance is one of those annoying things that no one likes to think about, let alone pay for, when you’re planning your next trip. It can also be bloody annoying as a backpacker/long-term traveller to find affordable coverage that meets the itinerary-less lifestyle (*cough* World Nomads *cough*).
So instead of getting subpar travel insurance, now we just always go with SafetyWing. It takes like 5-10 minutes to purchase your policy and essentially functions as a monthly subscription plan with near-global coverage!
Alrighty then, you intrepid cold-weather explorers, there was your guide to visiting Gothenburg in Winter. As you can see, far from grey and gloomy, the city in fact comes to life with singing, twinkling lights and cosy hangouts during the colder months.
A city light Gothenburg is so magical over winter that it almost feels like a crime to visit it at any other time of year!
Have you been, what do you think the best things to do in Gothenburg, Sweden are? Especially in winter?
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For us two days in Gothenburg is enough if that is all you have, but you can certainly spend much more time here if you’re looking to venture out of the city and take in the beautiful surroundings. How many days in Gothenburg should you have? Ideal 3-4.
Yes! It’s A Great Place To Indulge In Cosy Hygge Culture. Heading to Haga and grabbing a cup of Mulled wine on a chilly evening is exactly what winter should be about.
Winter lasts from November till March. The average low of the coldest month, February is -0.4 °C with a high of 2.5c! However, it is the warmest city in Sweden.
Both cities are beautiful in their own right and are surrounded by wonderful nature and stunning architecture in the city. However, many people opt for Gothenburg just because it’s a little more relaxed.
They will love the Liseberg amusement park with all its rides, stalls and lights as well as heading over to the alternative Roda Sten Art Centre too.
It’s known for its coastal location which has resulted in it being a premium location for seafood. The city is also known for its innovation, sustainability and green spaces.
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Yo, I’m Nic (they/them), one-half of Stories, Visions, Hope, Self.
I’m an adventure (and halloumi) obsessed traveller with a passion for hiking mountains, exploring cities, watching Arsenal win, moshing out to Rammstein in random European fields and getting hopelessly lost on a motorbike somewhere in Asia! I am also a proud member of the LGBT+ community.
I’ve explored 80 countries, lived in Australia and New Zealand, and spent months wandering Southeast Asia, South America and Eastern Europe, all while trying to avoid growing up!
Did it work? I dunno, but my back hurts, and I still collect Pokémon cards! Who wants in?!
Gothenburg is a city I really need to head back to and give it another chance. I was there in 2007 and done a day trip (not long, but those 1p each way flights with Ryanair was an offer I couldn’t refuse). I also done that in winter and the temperatures that day was harsh. I remember walking around and checking out the statues on the streets and the buildings (oh and those trams, nearly got knocked over by one of them that day), but thats about it. I had the sense it was more of a university and business city than a city which would get the tourists in? My personal feeling afterwards was that I found the city a bit boring. But like I said, I didn’t have long there and didnt check out the places like the markets, shops, engaged with the locals and culture. I think I should head back there when I am in Sweden again and give it another chance, hopefully around Christmas when the festive lights are up, looks a lot better with those all lit up than without them. Will you guys be heading back there soon for another family jaunt?
I was surprised by the mild winter, as I was actually expecting way colder temperatures. Though it makes for wandering the streets somewhat easier, as you don’t have to bundle up so much. Though layers are your friends for sure! Stopping by at places like the Stora Saluhallen Food Market for local tasting is a great way to keep up the energy for more day fun!
I could definitely get into the hygge culture of cozy fire and wine. It would be a unique experience to travel there during their polar winter and just know that most of your site seeing will be in the dark. A time to appreciate the pretty lights as you said. I would love to stroll the old town, the markets and the cozy up over some delicious food to round out a great day of site seeing.
With a hot summer coming in Australia right now, I wouldn’t mind exploring a new city in the cold. I like your idea of long johns, it’s a great idea to keep warm… you can now walk for hours in the cold!
I’ve lived in various warm climates for a number of years now despite being from Seattle, so traveling somewhere cold does make me feel like I’m on vacation. Gothenburg in winter looks fascinating and I’m sure it would be a unique experience to have only a few hours of daylight each day. I’ve also heard a lot about “fika” and as a coffee lover I can’t wait to try it when I finally make it to Sweden!
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Gothenburg is a city I really need to head back to and give it another chance. I was there in 2007 and done a day trip (not long, but those 1p each way flights with Ryanair was an offer I couldn’t refuse). I also done that in winter and the temperatures that day was harsh. I remember walking around and checking out the statues on the streets and the buildings (oh and those trams, nearly got knocked over by one of them that day), but thats about it. I had the sense it was more of a university and business city than a city which would get the tourists in? My personal feeling afterwards was that I found the city a bit boring. But like I said, I didn’t have long there and didnt check out the places like the markets, shops, engaged with the locals and culture. I think I should head back there when I am in Sweden again and give it another chance, hopefully around Christmas when the festive lights are up, looks a lot better with those all lit up than without them. Will you guys be heading back there soon for another family jaunt?
Winter must be the most amazing! Lights filling the darkness and an awesome culture. Thanks for sharing!
I was surprised by the mild winter, as I was actually expecting way colder temperatures. Though it makes for wandering the streets somewhat easier, as you don’t have to bundle up so much. Though layers are your friends for sure! Stopping by at places like the Stora Saluhallen Food Market for local tasting is a great way to keep up the energy for more day fun!
Looks like a rocking place, guys. Stunning. Definitely adding to my list.
Ryan
I could definitely get into the hygge culture of cozy fire and wine. It would be a unique experience to travel there during their polar winter and just know that most of your site seeing will be in the dark. A time to appreciate the pretty lights as you said. I would love to stroll the old town, the markets and the cozy up over some delicious food to round out a great day of site seeing.
With a hot summer coming in Australia right now, I wouldn’t mind exploring a new city in the cold. I like your idea of long johns, it’s a great idea to keep warm… you can now walk for hours in the cold!
I’ve lived in various warm climates for a number of years now despite being from Seattle, so traveling somewhere cold does make me feel like I’m on vacation. Gothenburg in winter looks fascinating and I’m sure it would be a unique experience to have only a few hours of daylight each day. I’ve also heard a lot about “fika” and as a coffee lover I can’t wait to try it when I finally make it to Sweden!