Family Adventure in Gothenburg: Exploring Sweden's Coastal Gem

Beneath the Surface: A Day of Exploration in Gothenburg

Today, our Gothenburg adventure took us to places far removed from the city's well-trodden tourist paths. We journeyed into the heart of aviation history and explored a fortress that once stood as a sentinel against maritime threats. It's these unexpected discoveries that truly enrich a travel experience, offering glimpses into the past and a deeper understanding of a place.

Our day began, as usual, with breakfast at the Scandic Goteborg Central. Greta always appreciates a good hotel breakfast, and Marko is particularly fond of the Swedish pancakes. After fueling up, we set off for our first destination: Aeroseum. Located a bit outside the city center, the most convenient option was to take public transportation. It was a bit of a trek, but it was worth it!


Discover comfort and convenience at Scandic Goteborg Central, a perfect base for exploring Gothenburg's vibrant culture and attractions.

Aeroseum: A Journey into Aviation History

The Aeroseum is not your typical museum. Housed in a former underground aircraft hangar built into the bedrock during the Cold War, it's an immersive experience that transports you back in time. As we descended into the cavernous space, Marko's eyes widened with excitement. The sheer scale of the hangar was impressive, and the collection of aircraft, from fighter jets to helicopters, was simply astounding.


Discover the fascinating world of aviation at Aeroseum - an underground museum in Gothenburg featuring historical aircraft and interactive exhibits.

The Aeroseum is a unique blend of history and adventure, where you can touch the past and imagine the future of flight.

We spent hours exploring the exhibits. Marko was particularly fascinated by the interactive displays, where he could climb into the cockpits of vintage aircraft and imagine himself as a pilot. I, on the other hand, was drawn to the exhibits detailing the Cold War era and the role that aviation played in it. It's a stark reminder of a tense period in history, and the Aeroseum does an excellent job of bringing it to life. Greta enjoyed learning about the history of the hangar itself, how it was constructed deep within the rock to withstand potential attacks. We even learned that aircrafts were used to treat whooping cough at one point!

One of the highlights was the flight simulator. For an additional fee, you can pre-book flight simulator experiences. Though we didn't have time to try it out, I'm definitely putting it on the list for our next visit.

Oscar II Fort: Coastal Defense Through the Ages

After our subterranean adventure, we headed to our next destination: Oscar II Fort. Located on the coast, this fortress was built in the early 1900s to defend Gothenburg from naval attacks. Getting there involved a scenic bus ride followed by a short walk, which gave us a chance to enjoy the fresh sea air.


Discover Oscar II Fort, an iconic historical landmark in Västra Frölunda, where maritime history meets stunning coastal views.

As we approached the fort, its imposing presence was immediately apparent. Built into the rocky landscape, it's a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the engineers who designed it. Oscar II Fort was named after the then king of Sweden (and until 1905 also king of Norway). The fort had hot-air heating, electricity and inside toilets when many of the local population had none.

We joined a guided tour and learned about the fort's history and its role in Sweden's coastal defense. It was fascinating to hear about the advanced technology that was incorporated into its design, including disappearing gun turrets and a network of underground tunnels. Marko, of course, was most interested in the cannons and the stories of naval battles.

The views from the fort were spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the Gothenburg archipelago. It was easy to imagine what it must have been like to stand guard here, watching for potential threats on the horizon. The fort was equipped with four batteries: Battery I with two 15.2 cm guns in armor cups, Battery II with two 24 cm guns in self-immersing lids, Battery III with four 57 mm guns in armor cups and Götiska battery with four 57 mm guns. I was particularly impressed by the fact that the fort has remained largely untouched since World War II, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

A Culinary Journey: Folk and VRÅ

After a day of exploring, we were ready for a good meal. For lunch, we had reservations at Folk, a restaurant known for its vegetarian cuisine and natural wines. Located in a vibrant area of Gothenburg, Folk offered a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. We shared a selection of tapas-style dishes, each bursting with fresh, seasonal flavors. Greta, a vegetarian, was in her element, and even Marko enjoyed the creative and flavorful dishes. I particularly enjoyed the fried cauliflower with chervil mayonnaise! The restaurant also has a focus on natural wine, which I appreciate. It was a delightful culinary experience that perfectly complemented our day of exploration.


Discover Folk in Gothenburg: A delightful restaurant and wine bar offering seasonal dishes and an exquisite selection of wines in a vibrant atmosphere.

For dinner, we decided to try Restaurang VRÅ, which offers Japanese-inspired cuisine with a Nordic twist. Located in the Clarion Hotel Post, the restaurant boasts a stylish and sophisticated ambiance. We opted for the tasting menu, which allowed us to sample a variety of dishes. The flavors were exquisite, and the presentation was impeccable. Marko, surprisingly, was quite adventurous, trying everything from sushi to seaweed salad. Greta and I savored every bite, appreciating the innovative blend of Japanese and Nordic culinary traditions. It was a truly memorable dining experience.


Discover exquisite fusion cuisine at Restaurang VRÅ in Gothenburg - where organic meets gourmet for an unforgettable dining experience.

Evening Relaxation at BrewDog Göteborg

To cap off our day, I decided to sneak out for a quick drink at BrewDog Göteborg. I've always been a fan of craft beer, and BrewDog is known for its innovative and flavorful brews. The Gothenburg location offered a wide selection of beers on tap, and I enjoyed sampling a few different varieties. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and it was a great way to unwind after a busy day. I only stayed for one beer, though, as I didn't want to miss out on family time. BrewDog is known for hosting regular events, tasting sessions, and brewery tours, so perhaps we'll check one out later on during the trip.


Discover BrewDog Göteborg, where craft beer meets a cozy atmosphere and tasty bites in the heart of Gothenburg.

As I reflect on today's adventures, I'm struck by the diversity and richness of Gothenburg's offerings. From the depths of an underground hangar to the heights of a coastal fortress, we experienced the city's history, culture, and culinary scene in a truly immersive way. These are the moments that make travel so rewarding, and I'm grateful to be sharing them with my family.

Tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Gothenburg Museum of Natural History and Skansen Kronan. I'm particularly excited about the museum, as Marko has been showing a keen interest in dinosaurs lately. Skansen Kronan, with its hilltop location, promises to offer stunning views of the city. We'll also be stopping by SOUVENIR GOTHENBURG to pick up a few mementos of our trip. And, of course, we'll be trying out another of Gothenburg's culinary gems for dinner: Koka. I've heard great things about their modern Swedish cuisine, and I'm eager to experience it for myself.

Before I turn in for the night, I need to remember to buy a swimwear adapter and a Swedish outlet adapter. It's easy to forget the little things when you're caught up in the excitement of travel!

Good night from Gothenburg!