Family Adventure in Gothenburg: Exploring Sweden's Coastal Gem

Anchors Aweigh and City Tales

Today was all about diving deep into Gothenburg’s history, both on the seas and within the city itself. From exploring a vast collection of ships to wandering through the halls of a museum filled with artifacts, it was a day of discovery and learning for the whole family. I was particularly excited to share these experiences with Marko, hoping to ignite a similar curiosity in him.

Our day started, as it has every day here in Gothenburg, with breakfast at the Scandic Goteborg Central. Fuelled up, we headed out to Maritiman, Gothenburg's floating maritime museum. It's quite a sight to behold, a whole fleet of ships bobbing gently on the water, each with its own story to tell.


Explore the fascinating maritime history of Sweden at Maritiman, a unique floating museum in Gothenburg showcasing historic naval vessels.
Marko's eyes widened as we approached the **destroyer Småland**, the biggest warship in Scandinavia. Climbing aboard, we were immediately transported back in time. The narrow corridors, the mess hall, the captain's quarters – it all felt incredibly real. I tried to imagine what life must have been like for the sailors who lived and worked on this vessel, spending months away from their families, facing the perils of the sea. I even tried explaining it to Marko, who was more interested in pretending to fire the big guns. Greta, ever the pragmatist, was fascinated by the engine room and the sheer scale of the machinery required to keep this behemoth moving.

We explored several other ships, each offering a unique glimpse into maritime life. The submarine Nordkaparen was particularly intriguing, though a bit claustrophobic. Marko, however, loved the interactive exhibits on the *Fladen*, a lightship where he could pretend to be a captain. It was heartwarming to see him so engaged, turning the ship’s wheel and shouting orders to his imaginary crew. I even managed to capture a few photos of him in action, which I know we'll look back on fondly in the years to come.

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.

After a morning of maritime adventures, we were ready for lunch. We headed to Swedish Taste På NK, located in the Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) department store. I had read online that they served a fantastic shrimp sandwich, a local delicacy, and I was eager to try it. The restaurant itself was quite charming, with its high ceilings and cozy atmosphere. Greta and I both ordered the shrimp sandwich, while Marko opted for some Swedish meatballs. The shrimp sandwich was indeed delicious, the shrimp fresh and flavorful, the bread dark and slightly sweet, with a hint of pickled ginger that gave it a unique twist. Marko devoured his meatballs, declaring them even better than the ones I make at home – a statement I chose not to dwell on.


Experience authentic Swedish cuisine at its finest in Gothenburg - where tradition meets modern flavors.
With our bellies full, we decided to spend some time shopping at Nordstan. It’s Sweden's most popular shopping center, and it’s easy to see why. There are shops for everyone and it was easy to reach on foot. While Greta checked out some Scandinavian design stores, Marko and I explored the toy section, where he promptly fell in love with a Lego set. I managed to distract him with the promise of ice cream, a tactic that worked surprisingly well. I was impressed by how family-friendly the shopping center was, with plenty of space to move around and even a play area for children.


Explore Nordstan, Gothenburg's largest shopping mall, where shopping meets culinary delights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Our final stop for the day was the Gothenburg City Museum, housed in the former headquarters of the Swedish East India Company. The building itself is a piece of history, and the museum offers a comprehensive overview of Gothenburg's past, from its early beginnings to the present day. I was particularly interested in the exhibits on the city's maritime history and its role in international trade. Greta enjoyed the displays of period interiors and costumes, while Marko was captivated by the Viking ship exhibit. There's even a children's museum, which is designed like a miniature city, but Marko was too tired to fully enjoy it. Maybe we'll visit it another day.


Discover Gothenburg's vibrant history at the City Museum, where the past comes alive through fascinating exhibitions and engaging experiences.
One of the highlights for me was learning about the Swedish East India Company and its impact on Gothenburg. I had no idea that the city had once been a major trading hub, with ships sailing to and from Asia, bringing back exotic goods like silk, porcelain, and tea. It was fascinating to see how this trade had shaped the city's culture and economy, leaving a lasting legacy that can still be seen today.

As we walked back to the hotel, the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the city. I felt a sense of contentment, knowing that we had made the most of our day, immersing ourselves in Gothenburg's history and culture. Marko, despite his earlier Lego obsession, seemed to have enjoyed himself as well, chattering excitedly about the ships and the Viking ship. It's moments like these, sharing new experiences with my family, that make travel so rewarding.

For dinner, we decided to treat ourselves to a special meal at SK Mat & Människor. This restaurant came highly recommended, known for its innovative take on Scandinavian cuisine. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with an open kitchen where we could watch the chefs at work. We opted for the four-course tasting menu, and each dish was a work of art, both in terms of presentation and flavor. The service was impeccable, the staff knowledgeable and attentive, making us feel truly pampered.


Discover culinary excellence at SK Mat & Människor in Gothenburg – where Swedish fine dining meets seasonal delights.
I particularly enjoyed the vendace roe with potatoes, a classic Swedish dish with a modern twist. Greta raved about the cured halibut, while Marko surprised us all by devouring the blood orange sorbet with Italian meringue. It was a culinary experience that we won't soon forget, a perfect ending to a perfect day.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to explore this wonderful city with my family. Gothenburg has exceeded my expectations, offering a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that is truly captivating. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's adventures, which include a visit to the Garden Society and the Gothenburg Museum of Art. I think Marko will particularly enjoy the Garden Society, especially with the weather being so nice.

Before I turn in for the night, I must mention a small mishap that occurred today. In my rush to pack our essentials, I completely forgot to bring an adapter for the Swedish outlets. Luckily, the hotel had one available for us to borrow, but it's definitely something I need to remember for future trips. Also, we didn't get a chance to use the hotel pool, so I completely forgot to pack swimwear for Marko. I'll need to make a note to buy him a swimsuit tomorrow.

Tomorrow, we’re planning to visit the **Garden Society** and the **Gothenburg Museum of Art**. I’m particularly excited about the Garden Society, as I know Greta and Marko will enjoy the beautiful scenery and Marko can burn off some energy. We’ll have lunch at **Restaurang Kungstorget** and dinner at **Toso**, which I've heard is a fantastic Asian fusion restaurant. We’ll also try to squeeze in some shopping at **Beyond Retro - Arkaden**. I think Greta would particularly enjoy that.

Good night from Gothenburg!