Family Adventure in Gothenburg: Exploring Culture and Nature

A Day of Gothenburg Delights

Today was a day of delightful contrasts, immersing ourselves in Gothenburg's rich history and quirky modern culture. It’s amazing how much this city manages to pack into its charming streets! From the freshest seafood to cobblestone lanes and ending the night in a bar that could have been plucked straight from a Jules Verne novel, Gothenburg truly knows how to keep things interesting.

Our day began, as most of our days here at Hotel Flora, with a lovely breakfast at the hotel. Fuelled up for the day, we set off to explore. Markus was especially excited about today's itinerary, having read about Feskekôrka for years. Aino, of course, was just happy to be out and about, her camera in hand, ready to capture anything that caught her eye.


Discover comfort and convenience at Hotel Flora in Gothenburg, just a kilometer from the city center, with excellent amenities and wellness services.

First on our list was the famous Feskekôrka, or Fish Church. I’d read so much about it, and seeing it in person was even more impressive. Its architecture really does resemble a neo-Gothic church, which I found quite amusing for a fish market. Sadly, it’s still undergoing renovations, which began in 2021 and is expected to be completed soon, so we couldn’t go inside. However, just admiring the exterior and learning about its history was fascinating.


Experience the flavors of the sea at Feskekôrka, Gothenburg’s iconic fish market and historical landmark, blending culinary delights and rich heritage.

Apparently, it was designed by city architect Victor von Gegerfelt and opened in 1874. Markus, ever the font of knowledge, shared that the name 'Feskekôrka' is local dialect for Fiskekyrkan, meaning 'fish church', a nod to its church-like appearance. It’s intended to look like a Gothic church to attract attention and tourists. I made a mental note to revisit once it reopens; I'm eager to experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample some fresh seafood.

The best memories are made when exploring new places with the people you love.

Next, we strolled through the charming streets of Haga Nygata. This is one of Gothenburg's oldest neighborhoods, and it felt like stepping back in time. The cobblestone streets and well-preserved houses created such a cozy atmosphere. Aino was particularly fascinated by the architecture, pointing out the 'landshövdingehus' – houses with one floor in brick and the rest in wood, a style typical of Gothenburg. I could see her framing shots in her mind, composing photos of the quaint buildings and colorful storefronts.


Experience the historic charm of Haga Nygata, Gothenburg's quaint street filled with cozy cafes, unique shops, and stunning wooden houses.

Haga Nygata is lined with all sorts of independent shops and cafés. We popped into a few, browsing unique gifts and treasures. I found a lovely little tea shop and picked up some local blends to bring back to Helsinki. Aino, of course, was drawn to a toy store, while Markus enjoyed looking at some antique maps in another shop. It's so lovely to just wander and soak in the atmosphere.

For lunch, we headed to The Barn. It was Markus's choice, he'd heard great things about their burgers. It was a cozy place with a rustic, American-style interior. The burgers were indeed delicious! Aino opted for the vegan burger and was equally impressed. It’s always a win when everyone finds something they love. I was happy they had vegan options available.


Experience gourmet hamburgers in Gothenburg at The Barn – where quality meets flavor in a cozy setting.

After lunch, we took a break at our hotel before heading out again. Since it was Friday, we decided to try a local bar. We chose Steampunk Bar based on a recommendation and its intriguing theme. And what a find it was! The interior was incredible, filled with gears, gadgets, and Victorian-era contraptions. It felt like stepping into a different world.


Experience the unique blend of Victorian elegance and modern mixology at Gothenburg's Steampunk Bar, where creativity meets comfort in every sip.

The cocktail menu was equally creative, with drinks named after famous inventors and literary characters. Markus, ever the adventurous one, ordered a concoction with dry ice that smoked and bubbled. Aino and I opted for slightly less dramatic but equally delicious drinks. The atmosphere was lively and fun, and the staff were incredibly friendly. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring Gothenburg.

As we walked back to Hotel Flora, the city lights twinkling around us, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for these moments with my family. Travel is so much more than just seeing new places; it’s about creating memories and sharing experiences with the people you love.

Tomorrow is our last day in Gothenburg. We plan to visit the Gothenburg Escape Game and Älvrummet, the visitor centre for the city's urban development project. Aino is very excited about the Escape Game. We also plan on having lunch at Restaurang & Vinbaren 28+ and dinner at Restaurang VRÅ. Before heading to the airport, I'm hoping to get a chance to pop into Pop Boutique, I've heard they have some great vintage finds.

It’s hard to believe our adventure is almost over. Gothenburg has truly captured our hearts with its blend of culture, history, and charm. I’m already looking forward to our next adventure, wherever it may take us.