Overlooked by Europe’s household names such as Paris, Barcelona, and Athens, too many travelers overlook Scandinavia, a sprawling region teeming with hidden gems.
Unlike Scandinavia’s frigid reputation, you might be surprised to see wildflower blooms, sun-kissed beaches, and splendid weather warm enough to tap into Sweden’s Fika lifestyle on a cozy cafe patio come spring.
While I can personally attest that places like Paris and Athens are awesome cities, I’ve found myself exploring Scandinavia over and over again, having visited Oslo three times and most recently checking Stockholm off my wishlist.
But there’s another Swedish city gaining steam. In fact, according to a new report, it’s one of Europe’s most sought-after cities for a spring vacation, offering visitors astounding coastal scenery, sensational food, and well-preserved centuries-old history.
New Hype For Gothenburg: Europe’s Most Underrated Spring Getaway
According to Expedia, the secret is out on Gothenburg. Seeing a 410% surge in interest, more travelers are skimping out on Eiffel Tower crowds and overhyped islands in favor of the lesser-known.
The only downside to Europe’s treasure trove of hidden gems is it takes a bit of extra effort to reach as it’s mostly just major cities directly connecting to U.S. airports.
But Gothenburg is an exception as it’s an easy train ride from 3 easy-to-reach Scandinavian cities:
- Oslo
- Stockholm
- Copenhagen
Adding to your adventure, who wouldn’t want to take a scenic train through Scandinavia? From the cities listed above, you can reach Gothenburg in roughly 3 hours by train.
Travel Tip: Norse Atlantic Airways is a budget airline based in Oslo and flies to multiple U.S. cities, but just be aware staff measures ‘Personal Item’ luggage to the nth degree. It’s the strictest budget airline I’ve ever flown.
Amsterdam Vibes Without The Karens
Unlike Amsterdam, Gothenburg knows it’s a cool city and doesn’t yank the welcome mat away from tourists on arrival.
And like Amsterdam, this beautiful city is lined with Dutch-style canals perfect for a nice stroll to get a feel for the city or you can even book a scenic boat tour along the canal or further out to quaint fishing villages and staggering cliffs worthy of a postcard.
Despite United canceling the lone direct U.S. flight here, making the trek to Sweden’s ‘second city’ is well worth cashing in your vacation days this spring.
Now that winter is coming to a close, expect Gothenburg’s lush parks to illuminate with wild blooms, where cherry blossoms tend to pique visitors’ interest the most at Trädgårdsföreningen…or as tourists prefer to call it, “The Garden Society”.
Additionally, Gothenburg has a buzzing arts scene with quirky installations set up for selfies throughout the city and some intriguing museums as well, such as top-rated Gothenburg Museum of Art (only $7 admission).
Gothenburg is a delight to wonder during the day because you never know what you’ll stumble upon exploring the timeless cobbled streets and hidden alleyways nestled between varying colored buildings in the Haga district.
Come sundown on weekend, though, don’t sleep on Gothenburg’s nightlife where Victorian era-themed Steampunk Bar is a must!
Travel Hack: Make sure to purchase a Museum Card for $17 to score an unlimited number of visits to Museum of Gothenburg, Röhsska Museum of Design and Crafts, Maritime Museum and Aquarium and Gothenburg Museum of Art.
“Fika” & Food: Discover Delightful Cafes And An Array Of Local Seafood
If you’re like me and need at least 2 or 3 coffee breaks per day, then Sweden is for you.
The concept of “fika” is engrained in Sweden’s culture, where locals make time to enjoy the little things in life, like a perfectly crafted coffee and fresh-baked pastry with a friend, or embrace some downtime in solitude.
There’s no shortage of cafes in Gothenburg. The only problem you’ll have is picking one, but Da Matteo seems to be a favorite on many-a travel blogs from recent visitors.
As for where to chow down on a nice meal, there’s never been a weirder time history to talk about food, but there’s no denying locally sourced is the best way to go.
For seafood lovers (Gothenburg’s foodie world claim to fame), the Feskekörka market is loaded with rows of seafood vendors — a must to try a variety of fresh catches straight from the sea.
Otherwise, a restaurant named Human has been named one of the best in the city, and recognized by Michelin Guide.
Don’t worry, though. Despite the name, this fresh take on ‘new Nordic’ cooking doesn’t take a page out from any Papua New Guinea tribes; they serve anything from cheese boards to deer to salted caramel ice cream.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
