Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second-largest city in Sweden, the capital of the Västra Götaland County, and one of the most sustainable destinations in Europe. On Ferryhopper, you can take a look at available ferry routes from the port of Gothenburg, our travel tips for your vacation and book your ferry tickets easily!

Find useful information about the port of Gothenburg and read our suggestions for your dreamy holidays there:

• Gothenburg ferry port
• Vacation in Gothenburg

The beautiful statue of John Ericsson surrounded by greenery in Gothenburg

Gothenburg ferry port

The port of Gothenburg is the largest seaport in Sweden and one of the largest in Europe. Nowadays, the port has intense maritime traffic, with daily departures and arrivals of large ships and ferries.

Ferries of Stena Line ferry company depart from 2 terminals in Gothenburg’s port. Passengers that want to travel to Frederikshavn (Denmark) leave from the Masthuggskajen terminal while the ferries to Kiel (Germany) depart from Majnabbe.  

In the port area, you can find ticket offices, bars, restaurants, a left-luggage office and a shuttle bus service for internal port transfer. There is also a shopping center, ATMs and pharmacies.

Ferries from Gothenburg port: schedules and tickets

Gothenburg is connected daily with the port of Kiel in Germany and the port of Frederikshavn in Denmark.

The ferry routes are operated by the ferry company of Stena Line. There are usually about 56 weekly crossings with travel times ranging between 3 hours and 15.5 hours with all-day boarding.

There are several connections from the port of Gothenburg. So, you can find all the information on the available ferry routes depending on the destination.

So, why don't you take a look at our Map of ferries with all the connections available from the port of Gothenburg and start planning your holidays right away!

Ferry from Gothenburg to Kiel

There is a ferry route connecting Gothenburg to Germany. The ferry crossing from Gothenburg to Kiel usually includes 7 weekly connections with a duration of 15 hours, depending on the ferry operator.

Ferry from Gothenburg to Frederikshavn

There is a ferry crossing connecting Gothenburg to Denmark. There are up to 4 daily crossings for the ferry route from Gothenburg to Frederikshavn taking about 3.5 hours.

Where is the ferry port in Gothenburg?

The port of Gothenburg is located about 8 km away from the city center and is easily accessible by public transport. It is about 25 km from the airport of Landvetter and only 10 minutes from the Gothenburg central railway station.

Stena Line's terminals are located in the western part of central Gothenburg. Ferries to Denmark depart from Masthuggskajen terminal while the ferries to Germany depart from Tysklandsterminalen terminal.

How to get to Gothenburg port?

You can get to the port of Gothenburg by car, taxi, or bus. You can reach the port of Gothenburg by car if you’re coming from Norway, Denmark, or Sweden. Most major European highways connect Gothenburg to Oslo and Copenhagen via the E6 route, Stockholm via the E20 and Karlstad, and most northerly parts of the country via the E45 route.

You can also reach the port by taking the train from the central train station in about 10 minutes. Keep in mind that there are 2 terminals in Gothenburg’s port, one for sailings to Frederikshavn in Denmark and one for ferry crossings to Kiel in Germany. 

If you travel to Denmark you should head towards the Masthuggskajen terminal which is about 7-11 minutes from the central train station of Gothenburg. However, if you want to catch the ferry to Kiel in Germany you should go to the Tysklandsterminalen terminal which is about 30 minutes from the train station. At both terminals, you can find parking lots for short-term and long-term parking. 

The port of Gothenburg in the sunset

Vacation in Gothenburg

Gothenburg was founded back in 1621 as a Dutch colony being a city with a great strategic position. Nowadays, it is the largest port in the Nordic countries.

However, Gothenburg didn’t get trapped in being an industrial city and just a stop for ferries and ships. Instead, it is one of the most sustainable cities in Europe full of parks, medieval fortresses, and museums. 

The best time to visit Sweden is from June to August when the weather is warm and the days are long. Gothenburg is full of people, the parks are full and many events and festivals are held during summer.

How to get to Gothenburg

You can travel to Gothenburg by plane, train, bus or ferry. The International Airport Landvetter (GOT) connects Gothenburg to several destinations with domestic and international flights.

It is located 20 km southeast of the city center and you can take a taxi, a bus or a train from the airport. You can also take the train or the bus from major cities in Sweden and Scandinavia.

The bus terminal Nils Ericssonterminalen is operated by long-distance and express bus companies connecting Gothenburg to Oslo, Gothenburg, Malmö, and Copenhagen. 

Alternatively, you can reach Gothenburg by ferry. There are ferry crossings connecting Sweden to Denmark and Germany. Traveling by ferry may take longer but you can embark your vehicle.

Also, you can book a cabin for a comfortable trip while enjoying the fascinating crossing and the breathtaking views from the ferry’s dock. Therefore, if you're planning to travel by ferry you can find more information about ferry routes and schedules to Sweden below.

Trees surrounding the beautiful church in the district of Haga in Gothenburg

What to do in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a city full of parks, museums, and old fortresses. Rose gardens, palm houses, medieval churches, and the imposing Gothenburg Cathedral are only some of the things that will astonish you in the second-largest city of Sweden. 

Gothenburg’s wealth of cultural assets is amazing. Among the most impressive museums in the city is the Museum of Art. Also, you can enjoy a long walk across Kungsportsavenyen street (also known as the Avenyn), the main shopping street of Gothenburg. It’s a great place for people-watching, window-shopping, and also to soak up the heart of the city.

You can also visit the amazing Botanical Garden, a nature reserve including the Arboretum with free entrance. Alternatively, you can take a stroll through the verdant hills of Slottsskogen. There, you will have the opportunity to visit the zoo and an animal park. The best part? It’s also free!

And of course, you can’t miss the cute cafes in Haga District to enjoy a cup of hot coffee accompanied by a huge, delicious, and Scandinavian classic cinnamon bun.

The imposing redoubt of Skansen Kronan on the top of Risåsberget Hill

Sightseeing in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a fascinating city with a vibrant cultural scene, many museums, and natural beauties. Among the most beautiful attractions to discover in Gothenburg we recommend:

• The Kungsportsavenyen (also known as the Avenyn), the main shopping street of Gothenburg
• Liseberg Park, the biggest amusement park in Scandinavia
• Haga district, renowned for its picturesque wooden houses, 19th century-atmosphere and cozy cafés
• The Botanical Garden, home to over 16,000 plant species
• The Skansen Kronan Redoubt, built in the 1600s outside of the city walls
• The Slottsskogen Park, with a zoo 
• The Natural History Museum, including the world’s only mounted blue whale
• The Gothenburg Opera, an impressive building with over 1,300 seats
• The Museum of Art, with artworks dating from the 17th century including paintings of Rembrandt, Picasso, and Monet

The Botanical Garden in Gothenburg

Nightlife in Gothenburg

Gothenburg has a vibrant nightlife for every taste. If you are into clubbing, head towards the main street of Gothenburg at Kungsportsavenyen avenue, where you can find some of the most lively clubs in the city for dancing until late. 

However, keep in mind that during the weekend, you should book in advance to get in. Plus, Storgatan street is a great place to hit some of the hottest clubs in the city.

The nightlife in Gothenburg also welcomes beer lovers with an impressive and growing number of craft breweries. If you’re a real fan of craft beer, visit the old industrial district of Ringön where you can find innovative blends. 

Food in Gothenburg

Gothenburg may be known for its fish and seafood, but this coastal city has everything from simple street food to luxury meals! So get ready for a gastronomic journey to the rich, sweet, and salty Scandinavian flavors!

Here are some of the most delicious local delicacies to try during your stay in Gothenburg:

• kanelbullar (cinammon-scented buns)
• köttbullar (meatballs)
• prinsesstårta (pie layered with sponge cake, raspberry jam, and vanilla cream)
• semla (wheat flour bun filled with whipped cream)
• kålpudding (cabbage pudding) 
• smörgåstårta (sandwich cake with light rye bread, creamy fillings, and fish)
• tjälknöl (reindeer fillet with stirred lingonberries and pickled mushrooms)
• pickled herring 
• gravlax (cured salmon)

Cinnamon buns, the most delicious traditional Swedish sweet

Tips

Here are some useful tips that we hope will be useful to you during your stay in Gothenburg:

• Scandinavian cities can be pricy and Gothenburg is not an exception. Therefore, try to avoid eating in the tourist district of Haga and Avenyn. It is usually very crowded and quite expensive. Instead, try a lunch buffet that offers more options and it’s usually a cheaper way to go!
• There are many free walking tours in town so you can enjoy a stroll and also learn a lot about the city’s fascinating history. There are many different walks offered so you can choose what you prefer. These tours are available mainly in English and last for about 2 hours. 
• Alcoholic drinks such as vodka, gin, whisky, and wine are very expensive in Sweden. Therefore, we recommend you stick to beer as it costs almost half of the price of a cocktail or a glass of wine.

Useful information about Gothenburg 

Gothenburg offers its visitors various things to do and see. Most restaurants and shops are located in Haga, the historic center of the city. The hub of Gothenburg develops around Husargatan street with cafes, bars, restaurants, and many attractions at close distance. If you like shopping, the wide street of Kungsportsavenynen is certainly the most famous.

In regard to your accommodation, you can find many options depending on your style and budget. If you want to go sightseeing, the best area to stay is near the street of Haga. However, the city offers various options for all budgets from hotels, hostels and Bed & Breakfasts.

As for health care, there are several hospitals both in the city and in the province of Gothenburg. In addition, the tourist medical guard service is active throughout the summer in case of any emergency.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Gothenburg

Here are some useful contacts to keep within reach during your trip to Gothenburg:

• ASL ambulance: +46313420760
• Municipality of Gothenburg: +46313650000
• Gothenburg Police Station: +46771141400
• Gothenburg Port Authority: +46317312000
• Tourist Information Center: +46313684200
• Roadside Assistance: 116
• European emergency number: 112
• Medical Advice: 1177

Transportation in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is a great city for walking and exercising, full of wide parks and waterways. If the weather is nice, you can take a walk around the city districts of Haga and Kungsportsavenynen.

However, if you need to use public transport, Gothenburg has a very efficient transportation network. Therefore, you can get around the city easily by bus, tram or ferry. A single ticket costs about 34 SEK and is valid for 90 minutes. Also, you can opt for a day pass or a 3-day pass if you plan to use public transport often.

Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle. Cycling is very common as the city has many well-designed bike lanes. Therefore, you can explore the city easily and safely.

There is always the option to take a taxi or rent a car but it can be expensive so if you don’t plan to take a road trip around Sweden, it is better to use public transport.

The tram passing across a little bridge in Gothenburg

Where to book Gothenburg ferry tickets online

On Ferryhopper, you can find all available ferry routes to and from Gothenburg, compare prices, departure times and book cheap ferry tickets to  Gothenburg online at the same prices as ferry companies!