Ice skating is one of the most popular activities for locals and internationals during the Gothenburg winter.

Open-air rinks begin to bustle with activities and visitors during late November and usually stay open through the beginning of March, depending on the weather. Most Swedes have their own skates at home, but many rinks around the city have skates available for rent. Be sure to check out the lively disco skating nights offered in many of Gothenburg’s ice rinks or the open hockey practices if you’re feeling a little sporty. For the more adventurous, many of Gothenburg’s waterways freeze over during the winter and are available for both independent and group skating. Skating on natural ice is an exhilarating experience. Thanks to professional tour companies, you can experience the natural ice and still feel at ease, no matter your skill level. Don’t miss out on this classic Swedish winter tradition – gather the family together and lace up your skates today! Here are the best rinks and lakes to check out this winter:

isBana

Heden

411 38 Göteborg

Frölundaborg

Rambergsrinken

Lantmannagatan 3

417 15 Göteborg

Ruddalens Bandybana

Musikvägen 55

421 39 Göteborg

Another quintessential winter activity for Swedes is skiing. Even in the metropolitan area of Gothenburg,

there are many areas just outside the city where you can ski to your heart’s content. Whether you go to a

local slope accessible by the subway, or venture out into the Scandinavian country side, you’re sure to be

met with plenty of snow and trained professionals who will help you perfect your downhill glide. Check out our top three picks for the best slopes around.

Skidome

Krutvägen 2

415 28 Göteborg

OK Landehof

Lundåsvägen 5

438 34 Landvetter

Alebacken

Häljeredsvägen

449 44 Nol

If you prefer indoor pampering to the slopes, Gothenburg has much to offer in regards to spas, saunas, and top of the line self-care treatments.

Many of the region’s spas have a rich history and divine architecture, such as Hagabadet in the historic part of town. Others, such as the spa at Arken Hotel are renowned for their sleek, modern decor and mastery of the newest skin care treatments and massage techniques. Regardless of which spa you visit, you’re guaranteed to leave relaxed and rejuvenated since spa visits are an excellent antidote to the Swedish winter blues.

Hagabadet Älvstranden

Ceresgatan 1

417 58 Göteborg

Hagabadet Älvstranden is a part of the iconic Gothenburg bath house Hagabadet, located near the water in Sannegårdshamnen. Here you will find one of the largest yoga selection on Hisingen island, as well as spa, baths and relax.

Hagabadet

Haga Östergata 6

413 02 Göteborg

Hagabadet is a true Gothenburg icon. Established in 1876, Hagabadet offers spa treatments, massages, fitness, yoga and culinary delights in some of the most beautiful settings in Gothenburg.

Arken Hotel and Spa

Oljevägen 100

418 34 Göteborg

Art Garden Spa is like a world of it’s own. Enjoy a nice warm bath, vitalizing water massage, sauna and restful oases both indoors and outdoors. Nature, the four seasons and the five elements are all influences to create balance and harmony. Please note that the spa isn’t included as long as it’s not specifically noted on your booking order.

One of the best things about Swedish winter is the coziness of a warm fika with friends or family. Winter invites Gothenburg residents to relax with the heat of a fresh brewed cup of coffee or tea and nibble on a kanelbulle while the snow accumulates outside the window. We’ve gathered some of our favorite cafes and teahouses around town that are the perfect backdrop for winter socializing.

Da Matteo

Vallgatan 5

411 16 Göteborg

Viktors Kaffe

Geijersgatan 7

411 34 Göteborg

Rödasten Konsthall

1 Röda Sten 

414 51 Göteborg

Wiktor Ahlströms Konditori

Korsgatan 2

411 16 Göteborg

Kafé Magasinet

Tredje Långgatan 9

413 03 Göteborg

Berzelii Choklad

Magasinsgatan 12

411 18 Göteborg

Alkemisten

Gustaf Dalénsgatan 14

417 05 Göteborg

Café Jernet

Olof Palmes plats

413 04 Göteborg

Trädgårdsförening

Enjoy a central walk in one of Europe’s best kept 19th century parks. Stroll among trees and plants and enjoy the exhibition of the season on display.

Kungsparken

Arrive in Kungsparken via the entrance facing the park Bältesspännarparken. Cross the road and walk past the theatre Stora Teatern, a popular venue for concerts and cultural events. Walk along the canal and admire the magnificent trees of Kungsparken.

Slottsskogen

Welcome to the main park of Gothenburg. Slottsskogen has a lot to offer, but make sure to stop by the zoo where you’ll find seals, penguins and elk (free admission). Now would also be a good time to sit down at one of the many cafés in Slottsskogen for a traditional Swedish “fika”.

Lucia Day

Lucia Day is celebrated in Sweden every year on December 13th. In this special celebration, many Swedes flock to churches or performance halls to see the traditional “lucia-train”: a procession in which children, or members of a choir, will dress as characters and sing traditional songs. Celebrations usually involve a fika with saffron buns after the musical performance and are sure to lift the spirits of Swedes as the days get darker.

Christmas (Jul)

Like many other countries, Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in Sweden. It symbolizes a season of light and celebration in contrast to the bleak Swedish winter. In Sweden, Christmas is celebrated on December 24th.

Traditions include watching a Donald Duck Christmas special, drinking Glögg and Julmust, eating herring and other traditional dishes at a julbord, and spending time with family.

 New Year’s

Swedes typically celebrate New Year’s on December 31st by eating fancy food and drinking champagne, like other parts of the world. Many families will visit Skansen to ring in the new year with fireworks, traditional music, and family-friendly activities.

Festivals and Events

Göteborg Film Festival

Christmas Market at Liseberg