GOTHENBURG

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FACTS

A proverb: "One does not write poems in Gothenburg but bills." Shipping and steel industry define Gothenburg's everyday lives. The second biggest city of Sweden is also very popular as far as music is concerned.

Volvo and Ericsson are two of Gothenburg's companies which complywith the mentioned proverb, thus, they really like to make out abill. The city is also famous for its prospering metal music scene;"Ace of Base"famous pop stars of the 1990's; and Ã…ke Edwardson, an advocate of the new guild of Scandinavian crime thriller writers.

Already in the Stone Age people settled at the river Göta älv. Gothenburg was,however, founded in 1619 by King Gustav II who upgraded the city to Europe's best fortification as a defence against Norway and Denmark.Due to the thriving trade with the British the ship city got the name "Lilla London" (small London) ; the trade in tobacco and sugar resulted in an economic upturn.

Today Gothenburg's maritime atmosphere is more present than ever. Its capital Kungsportsavenyn is flag-fringed.The flags sometimes clatter against the staffs when bleak winds are blowing; this is a tranquilising sound for the "sea dogs" who gathertheir clam harvest and earn their pocket money with hobby fishermen.

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FIGURES

In Gothenburg the tram is regarded as the mother of all means of transportation: 150km of tram rails make up the largest rail system in Northern Europe. Furthermore highest attention is drawn to the protection of nature: the biggest palm house in Northern Europe is in possession of the "Gothenburg Gardening Association".

Name in national language
Göteborg
Country
Sweden
Geographical position
57° 42' N, 11° 57' E
MSL altitude
15 m
Population
510.491 (census 2005)
Calling code
+ 46 (0)31
Currency
1 Euro = 9,3 SEK (Swedish krona)
UTC difference
+ 1 h (summer time + 2 h)
MEZ difference
+ 0 h
Official homepage
www.goteborg.se
Famous musician
Björn Ulvaeus (ABBA)
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GET AROUND

Landvetter flygplats and Göteborg City Airport
Gothenburg's two airports separate visitors into poor and rich: While Landvetter flygplats is approached by all airlines; the City Airport, however, just by low-cost airlines. Landvetter is situated 25 km east of city and the City Airport in the north. www.lfv.se

Bus
A commuter bus operates every 15 minutes between Landvetter and Gothenburg. You will know that you have finally arrived in Nothern Europe when you hear the price: one trip costs € 8,–.

Trams
The striking blue trams are ubiquitous in the city. The 13 operating tram lines in Gothenburg are the most popular and also the most efficient mean of public transport because cars are partly not allowed to drive in the city centre.

Älvsnabben ferry
The best way to explore the city centre is either by walking or cycling. The ferry with which commuters come from Norra Älvstranden to the city is also a nice alternative, especially for those who want to see the city and the harbour from the river. The ferry also docks at the Lilla Bommens Hamn.

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SIGHTSEEING

Young caffeine junkies should not miss the atmosphere and the long cafe tradition of "Haga Nygatan". This district with its renovated stone- and wood houses spreads a special nostalgic atmosphere. In the Vasa-district small cornershops and cellar pubs can be found.

Liseberg Park
Lieseberg is the biggest amusement park in Scandinavia. It has a long tradition, a tradition which is still present. With its two-storeyed houses, its old cobbles and its children's carousels of long-past times it reminds us of an old black-and-white photography, of elegant summer robes and Sunday suits.
Örgrytevägen, Tel.: 40 01 00, www.liseberg.se

Skansen Kronan
A perfect example for the good defence of the city is the fortress in the district Haga. The fortress (built in 1697) offers a beautiful panoramic view over the harbour and the city. In the 19th century it was used as a prison. Today, however, wedding celebrations and conferences take place here.
Skansberget, Tel.: 711 30 33, closed from Juni 18th - August 19th

Botanical Garden
About 13.000 different plants are growing in the biggest botanical garden in Europe. The trimming of the plants varies: sometimes they are cut back in a zig-zag pattern, sometimes they are growing rampant, sometimes they are arranged according to the rules of feng shui or just left as they are. The "Rock Garden", "The Rohododendron Valley" and "The Japanese Glade" offer information on the different growing techniques in the world.
Carl Skottbergs Gata 22A, Tel.: 741 11 01, www.gotbot.se

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INSIDER TIP

Lasse Dahlquist once said about Brännö, "Awashed by foaming waves a pearl bathe of islands is situated- Styrsö and Donsö and Känsö and Brännö."

Brännö
After a 20 minute trip with one of the ships you can admire the real Sweden. An uncrowded paradise of small, red-painted fisher lodges, wooden churches and picturesque 18th century houses. Sheep-runs and stony hills invite you to a hike tour in a pristine landscape.
Use tram line 11 to Saltholmen, from there go with the ferry

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EAT & DRINK

Seven out of ten Swedish master chefs come from Gothenburg. This is no coincidence. You will not find fish fingers here but high quality (unfortunately often not cheap) creations with various fish varieties and seafood.

Restaurang Gabriel
Shouting of the tradoérs ascend from the Fish Church to the gallery, where the restaurant is situated.
In front of one of the sacral oculus people are fraternally sharing their bread and fish. Crabs, shrimps, spiny lobsters and herrings are served with mashed potatoes or in sandwiches. In relation to other Nordic restaurants prices are moderate here.
Feskekörka (in Fish Church), Tel.: 13 90 51, Tue-Thu 11am-5pm , Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 11am-1pm, www.restaurangguiden.com/gbg/centrum/gabriel

Hemma Hos
Fish and meat, fish and chips, cheese and wine are dominating the menu. One automatically feels homey after entering the restaurant. Not thanks to the rather minimal design but thanks to the luster which everybody has at home anyway (greetings from IKEA). On the menu you also find Schnitzel in strange variations with capers, anchovy and red wine sauce at proud prices € 14,50,-.
Haga Nygata 12, Tel.: 13 40 90, Mon - Fri 5pm -0 am, Sat 1 am -0 am, closed on Sundays

Brännö Värdshus
On the island off the coast one will find a charming and traditional country side restaurant, in the middle of a very inviting natural landscape. The menu is dominated by the usual fish dishes, especially crustaceans are much fancied. Along you get served “Brannöl�, the home-brewed beer. Pl 1107, 43085 Brännö, Tel.: 97 04 78 www.baggebranno.se

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HOTELS

Picturesque or functional, maritime or rural: the range of hotels in Gothenburg is wide; escpecially because of the fact that original furnishing professionals guarantee comfort and recreation. Those of you who do not want to spend much money for an accommodation will have to creep into the famous furniture shop IKEA or sleep outdoors.

Annes Hus
Country style in the city: The diligently furnished rooms and the romantic garden create a comfortable atmosphere in Anne's house. In summer you can lend a grill and enjoy the tranquillity of the exclusive residential area from your terrace. The in-house gallery offers all sorts of curiosities: visitors can either try clothes or just marvel at antique furniture. Thus, you will not get bored on a rainy autumn day in Gothenburg. Every morning breakfast is according to your order packed in a basket and put in front of your door. If you eat in bed or in the garden is left to you.
Hjulmarkaregatan 35, Tel.: 20 94 00, double rooms from € 149,–, www.annes-hus.o.se

Novotel Gothenburg
Modern, functional and not a bit dallying, apart from maybe the menu. The spacious brick-lined building at the river awaits its guest with a deluxe menu at moderate prices (an abstract: “Swedish wild pork served with salsifies linguine, Porte-reduction and brioche cookies). The rooms are simple but spacious and offer a panoramic view over the industry district.
Klippan 1, Tel.: 720 22 00, DR starting at € 103,–

Cheaper accommodations
It definitely is not easy to find an inexpensive accommodation in Gothenburg. But here is a hint: The tourist information knows each and every private accommodation facility and books them for you, in return they charge € 5,- arrangement fee. Therefor one can rest on a private cushion starting at € 24,- apiece.
Kungsportsplatsen 2, Tel.: 61 25 00
www.novotel.se

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NIGHTLIFE

Madison Nightclub
Gothenburg's most exclusive night club is situated in Park Avenue Hotel. Already Marlene Dietrich had "a hell of a party " here. The good reputation of this clubs even today attracts the one or other international star. You can listen to international music and enjoy a beer for € 5,–.
Kungsportsavenyn 36-38, Tel.: 20 60 58, open until 3 in the morning

Henriksberg
You find a pub, a restaurant and a night club in this old building. Guests are accordingly mixed depending on the different mottos of the parties: sometimes it is metal and sometimes hip hop or salsa. Especially in summer the panorama terrace is a real must. One storey lower "Kajutan" it is a bit quieter.
Stigbergsliden 7, Tel.: 24 82 05, www.henriksberg.com

Bubbles
The trendy atmosphere of the fancy lounge invites you to enjoy a delicious cocktail. The small dance floor is often ignored in behalf of a drink. Here people loosen their neckties after a long working day and complain about their bosses to the barkeeper.
Avenyn 8, Tel.: 10 58 20, 8pm - 5am Uhr

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SHOPPING

Swedish designers know what is trendy, what fits and is not too expensive or which clothes are adequate for the office. These days its Hennes & Mauritz who tell us what is modern: the Swedish label can of course also be found in Gothenburg.

Nordstan
You can even spend a night at the largest shopping centre of Sweden. Presumably you might have to if you want to see the whole centre- the parking area alone counts 2.700 parking lots. For every reason you will have the agony of choice: starting from a shrew mouse to designer clothes and a flight to Bali everything is available in Nordstan.
Nordstadstorget, Tel.: 700 86 60, Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm, www.nordstan.se

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SOUVENIRS

Goods made from birch wood are typical Swedish souvenirs. A bit bulkier are wallpapers with creative patterns which perfectly go with iron lustres.

Bohusslöjds
Here you find the above mentioned artfully designed goods ready to take away. Here ideal presents for those who like folksy and solid furniture which do not break that soon are available.
Kungsportsavenyn 25, Tel.: 16 00 72

The Antique Halls
The antiques shops in the former bank building deal with old coins. Pieces of art, furniure and ceramics of the old days are also available.
Västra Hamngatan 6, Tel.: 774 15 25

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