"Gothenburg" Sweden by Rezagholi

The second largest city in Sweden, and Scandinavia's most important port, Gothenburg is situated on the west coast of the country, at the outlet of the Göta Canal which links Gothenburg to the Baltic Sea, and indirectly to the country's capital, Stockholm.

Positioned on the Göta River, Gothenburg, or Göteborg, was founded in 1621 by King Gustav II Adolf to secure access to the Atlantic, but the city was settled and planned by Dutch merchants who used it as their base for trade. The numerous canals and gabled houses are evidence of this early influence. Shipping and commerce have always been important industries in Gothenburg and the port is the arrival point of hundreds of visitors a year.

Gothenburg is also a stunningly beautiful city with its waterside location, green open spaces and fine architecture, and boasts a wide selection of cultural establishments with no shortage of theatres and museums. The main street, Kungsportavenyn, known simply as Avenyn, is a hive of restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and shops and is at the centre of life in the city. Gothenburg is also well known as an event city, hosting major international events and artists, yet despite its sophisticated feel it still maintains a small town charm with its own special character. In many people's opinion, Gothenburg is more beautiful and entertaining than Stockholm, and also provides a better understanding of the people and the Swedish way of life.

Gothenburg archipelago

Boat trips to the southern and northern archipelago of Gothenburg are popular trips for both visitors and residents alike. The southern archipelago includes eight car-free, inhabited islands that boast sandy beaches, good swimming, beautiful nature, walking paths and a charm of their own. The northern archipelago is more populated and has numerous hotels, restaurants and sea-based activities.

Transport: Southern archipelago: daily ferries depart from Saltholmen year round; northern archipelago: car ferries depart from Lilla Varholmen and are free of charge


Göta Canal

One of the most well known attractions in Sweden, the Göta Canal was an important transport route for passengers and goods between Gothenburg and Stockholm throughout the 19th century until the building of railways and roads. It was also one of the biggest civil engineering projects to ever take place in the country. The canal stretches 118 miles (190km) from Sjötorp on Lake Vänern to the Baltic Sea at Mem and has 58 locks. Gothenburg is linked to the canal at Lake Vänern by the Göta River. The picturesque tree-lined channels are popular for cruises, which pass through the beautiful lakes of Vättern and Vänern, usually lasting about five to six days.

Telephone: (0)141 202 050; Website: www.gotakanal.se


Göteborg Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden in Gothenburg is one of the largest in Europe and the most beautiful in Sweden boasting about 13,000 different species of plant. The area covers 175 hectares (432 acres), most of which is a nature reserve including an arboretum. Pride of the garden is the Rock Garden, but other worthwhile areas to visit include the Japanese Glade, the Rhododendron Valley and the greenhouses.

Address: Carl Skottsbergs Gata 22A; Telephone: (0)31 741 1106; Website: www.gotbot.se; Transport: Tram 1, 7, 8 or 13 to Botaniska Trädgården stop; Opening time: Daily 9am to sunset; Admission: Voluntary admission: 20kr. Mandatory admission fee for greenhouse: 20kr


Liseberg Amusement Park

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Sweden, Liseberg Amusement Park has been welcoming millions of visitors a year for almost 80 years. Besides thrilling rides like Kanonen and tamer rides for the children, there are over 30 different attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues where concerts and shows attract huge crowds.

Telephone: (0)31 400 100; Website: www.liseberg.com; Opening time: Open between April and October; hours vary; Admission: 60kr (free for children under 7). Ride coupons are 15kr each. Various discount passes are also available

Stenungsund offers a large variety of accomodation, on waters edge as the neighbour and in idyllic countryside .
The municipal property company, Stenungsundshem, owns and administers the majority of rented accomodation. There is a lot of variation, including exclusive apartments with boat berths and grounded level apartments with small gardens. Everyone can find their ideal home in Stenungsund.

There is also a large variety of holiday accomodation avaiable. Those looking for isolation and quiet deep in the forest may choose to rent a cottage in Svartedalen.

Quality Hotel Stenungsbaden lies on Stenungsön - a hotel well-known for its conference facilities and entertainment. There are a number of good standard, small hotels and guesthouses to accommodate visitors to Stenungsund.

Caravaners and campers are also well catered for within the municipality.