5 Tips for a Great Gothenburg Getaway!

With equestrian fans from around the world heading to Gothenburg for the FEI World Cup™ finals, we take a closer look at this fabulous city!

Are you excited to travel to Gothenburg in April for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping and FEI World Cup™ Dressage finals?

If you’re planning ahead and want to get the most out of your trip by exploring Gothenburg, located on the beautiful west coast of Sweden, then read on…

1. The Horse Show

That’s right – there are more exciting horse events that coincide with the FEI finals! Because let’s be honest… You can never get enough equestrianism in your life!

The annual Gothenburg Horse Show will be in full swing during your stay between April 3-7, offering not only world class competitions, but also everything from young horse classes, young rider classes, show elements such as agility and mounted games and much more.

Catch some of the best young riders at the Krafft Young Rider Cup (an audience favourite), as well as SWB Trophy, a show for Sweden’s best five- and six-year-old showjumping horses.

Be sure not to miss the prestigious Gothenburg Trophy class (1.55 m) which is settled during Saturday's evening show. With a fantastic atmosphere in Scandinavium, this is something that you really do not want to miss.

Make the most of the stalls and demonstrations, and enjoy the festival’s famous flower arrangements!

A spokesperson for Gothenburg Tourism told FEI.org: “We are expecting a crowded arena with a great and unique atmosphere. We would like to welcome the international equestrian family to Gothenburg and we would love to show you everything our destination has to offer.”

2. Universeum

This museum is great fun, and a must-see place for those with kids. You’ll find yourself in a humid rainforest, complete with trickling water, birds and tropical butterflies shooting through the greenery and tiny marmosets.

In another area roaring dinosaurs maul each other, while close by denizens of the deep float through the shark tunnel and venomous beauties lie coiled in the serpent tanks.

There’s also interesting tech areas where you can explore space travel, nanotechnology and mixing music!

3. Gothenburg Archipelago

If you’re looking for a change of pace from the crowds, we definitely suggest a trip to the archipelago, which is over 20 islands with an endless amount of gems to discover - just 30 minutes from the city centre.

It stretches along the coast like a string of pearls, scattered with charming villages, stunning nature and gorgeous beaches. Seal safaris, sea-fishing and boat excursions are just some of the activities of which you could get involved.

Another benefit is that no cars are allowed in the southern part of the archipelago, making it an idyllic destination for long walks and bike rides.

Top travelers tip: You can travel on the same ticket the whole way from the city, including the ferry from Saltholmen. The northern part of the archipelago can be accessed by a ferry from Lilla Varholmen at Hisingen and you can bring your car to most islands.

4. Great for kids!

Try Gothenburg’s Natural History Museum!

This museum will take you on an amazing journey to see collections of animals from all over the world.

Be sure to snap a picture of the world’s only mounted blue whale, a huge African elephant, as well as birds and fish from the entire planet and much more.

You may also be interested to know that you can see presentations of the Earth, life in the sea, as well as various kinds of environmental issues.

5. Fancy something different?

Why not check out the spectacular recycled Sauna in Frihamnen…

Just across the river from the city centre you’ll find an area still characterised by the old ship building industry. In the midst of old containers and cranes, a giant building hides an unexpected public sauna inside.

It was created by German architect collective Raumblabor Berlin and in large parts it’s constructed from recycled material.

The changing rooms were made from 12,000 recycled bottles!

Gothenburg is an open and accessible city…

It offers almost everything you would expect of a cosmopolitan city – within walking distance.

All you need is right in the city and you can get everywhere on foot – from the Central Station to your hotel, to the arenas, shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

We can’t wait to see you at the Scandanavium Arena from April 3-7! But if you can’t make the trip, follow all the action on FEI TV.

Words by Hannah Spreckley