Sweden: not as cold as you might think

Whenever I feel lost, I travel. It helps me put things in a different perspective. This year, traveling has not been as easy as before. Yet, I set off on some amazing trips. In September, I decided to take four days off and head for Sweden. I had been in Sweden twice before that and man, I do love that country (and those gorgeous looking people over there – like seriously, what’s your secret?).

Anyway, for a $20 plane ticket (a return one!), I set off for an extended weekend in Gothenburg. Some people say there is nothing to do in Gothenburg. And they can’t be more wrong! There is always something to do anywhere if we put some effort into it (I mean life doesn’t just happen on the couch in front of your TV, right). And Gothenburg and the people I met there were just amazing.

Shared joy is a double joy

I decided to book a shared room in a hostel, Backpackers Göteborg. It had been years since I stayed in a hostel. I had my doubts, I am not the youngest anymore, right, but since the moment I stepped in the shared area, I knew I made the right decision. It was just what I needed. I was very lucky to meet like-minded people. We had so much fun during those four days, which just proves my theory that shared joy is a double joy.

Famous Haga

When visiting Gothenburg, you should definitely not miss the famous Haga neighborhood. It is actually one long street filled with many cozy cafes and craft shops. My favorite café is called Nöller. Whenever I am there, I can sit there for hours just watching people pass by. You can also make a quick hike to the Skansen Kronan, which is a fortress with panoramic views of Gothenburg.

Rocks, ocean, and sheep

Another hidden gem is the archipelago of Gothenburg. There are very few places like this one. I felt so calm walking around the rocks, little forests, and sheep pasture there. I hardly met anyone, just a few runners (and sheep). Even running the Swedish look as they have just left the hairdresser salon. Come on.

Anyway, getting to the southern archipelago is super easy. Just take a tram no. 11 to the final stop Saltholmen and then take any ferry you want, if you do not care about a particular island you want to go to. My two favorite ones are Styrsö and Vrångö. There is a cozy little café, Café Öbergska, with the nicest staff and delicious cakes, right next to the Styrsö Bratten port.

It’s party time

Regarding the nightlife in Gothenburg, I totally recommend going for a karaoke (and sing ABBA of course). My hostel friends and I went to the Henriksberg bar, which is a three-story bar with karaoke, billiards and a killer view from the upper terrace. There is a part of the city called Avenyn famous for its bars. We visited the John Scott’s Avenyn bar, which even served a Czech beer!

Tip: If you are thinking about drinking at home before heading to the night city life, be aware that you can only get booze (containing above 3,5 percent of alcohol) in specialized stores called System Bolaget. Especially on Friday nights, there can be queues outsides these stores.

Relax and enjoy nature

Did you know there is a park where you can meet seals, penguins, or deer, completely free of charge? The park is called Slottsskogen and it is a great place to just chill and hang out. There is also a natural history museum (free of charge) that is pretty interesting to visit.

So next time you hesitate to go alone on a trip, do it! Try booking a hostel where you will definitely meet interesting people with amazing life stories and you might even find new friendships.

So where will you go next?

Useful links:

Official Visitor Guide

Västtrafik