Things to see in Gothenburg

If you’ve ever fancied pitting your wits against a Nobel Prize winner, Universeum could prove the place for you. A hugely impressive science museum and scientific centre, Universeum offers a glimpse of the latest scientific and technological advances presented in a way that makes it easy (and fun) for the layman. Some sections deal with engineering and biotechnology, while others focus on eco-systems and biology. There’s also a visiting roster of speakers, many of whom are Nobel Laureates and all of whom are happy to engage in a spot of lively debate with visitors.

Mon-Sun 1000-1800.

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An unusual combination of museum and aquarium, the Maritime Museum is set on the world's largest floating sea vessel museum, Maritiman, and is home to 19 different vessels, including a submarine. Covering all the major developments of the last 400 years, highlights include the brilliant high-tech navigation simulator, and a touching display of treasures once owned by ordinary Swedish sailors. Also worth a visit is the aquarium which combines tropical tanks crammed with colourful inhabitants and the duller, but equally interesting, Nordic tanks that will, if nothing else, put you off having langoustines come supper.

Tues and Thurs-Sat 1000-1700, Wed 1000-2000. Open daily in the summer months. 

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The name translates as ‘the Fish Church’ and for fans of seafood, Feskekörka truly is a godsend. Opened in 1874, it was named for its basilica-shaped building although the interior doesn’t have much in the way of religion about it. Designed by Victor von Gegerfel, the structure was inspired by Norwegian stave churches and as a result, boasts sky-high ceilings that bely the fishy trade going on below. Along with bustling market stalls, the building also houses several shops and a cosy restaurant, where you can tuck into some of the freshest fish in Gothenburg.

Mon-Fri 1000-1800, Sat 1000-1500.

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One of the largest gardens of its kind in Europe, the Gothenburg Botanical Garden covers 175 hectares (430 acres) and boasts an astonishing 16,000 plant species. But you don’t have to be a botanist to love it: the park is criss-crossed by walking paths and is dotted with shady groves and benches. Other highlights include the herb gardens, a bamboo grove, a Japanese garden, an arboretum with woodland plants from all over the world, a rock garden and greenhouses with orchids. There’s also a dangerous-looking collection of carnivorous plants and one of the last remaining examples of the rare Easter Island tree, now extinct in its homeland.

Mon-Sun 0900-2100.

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A fabulous place to get a taste of Nordic masters such as Anders Zorn, Carl Larsson and Edvard Munch, the Gothenburg Museum of Art is heaven for the culturally inclined. Located by Götaplatsen in an impressively palatial pile, complete with a columned portico, the museum also houses a permanent collection of contemporary pieces as well as a revolving roster of visiting artists. Don’t forget to search out gems by Picasso, Chagall, Monet and more, and end your visit with a peek at the Hasselblad Centre for Photographic Art which is housed in the same building.

Tues and Thurs 1100-1800, Wed 1100-2000, Fri-Sun 1100-1700.

Yes

Liseberg is Scandinavia's biggest amusement park and the most popular tourist attraction in Gothenburg and in Sweden. It attracts more than three million visitors annually and offers a huge variety of attractions ranging from theatre and musical shows to swings and rides - among them Balder, a roller coaster made entirely from wood and the Liseberg Wheel which provides a spectacular aerial glimpse of the surrounding countryside. Along with a summer opening season, the park re-opens at Christmas, complete with an enchanting festive fair where you’ll find plenty of mulled wine to warm you up after a chilly spin on Balder.

Opening hours vary throughout year. See website for details.

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