Holidays ought to be memorable, so be sure to create some cherished memories to look back on by visiting the most Instagrammable spots in Gothenburg. Capture fleeting moments at Gothenburg's main square in all of its vibrant splendour, or find a unique perspective on a beautiful old building with centuries of history. No matter where you point your lens, you'll be sure to discover colourful, urban modernity and timeless natural beauty.
Gothenburg is an international city, so your photos and your memories by no means need to restrict themselves to that classic West Sweden spirit. Take a selfie in front of a building facade inspired by other cultures, or why not a macro shot of an exotic greenhouse flower?
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Järntorget
Enjoy gorgeous spring blooms in the city
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Gothenburg's Järntorget square (lit. Iron Square) is an incredible place when its gorgeous cherry trees are in full bloom. If you happen to be visiting on a bright spring day, be sure to stop by and take a picture of the vibrant Järntorget. Its central location close to Masthugg Quay and sights such as the Feskekôrka Market means you will likely be passing by at some stage without needing to go out of your way.
The square is always pretty but it really comes into its own between the months of March and May when the cherry trees form a colourful canopy of light pink flowers.
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Crown Sconce (Skansen Kronan)
Take in magnificent views over the city
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The historic redoubt of Crown Sconce (Skansen Kronan) makes both the perfect subject and a great place to snap some views. The plump, tower-like structure is located just a stone's throw away from Järntorget square and Masthugg Quay, close to the sea from which Sweden's enemies used to attack.
Take a selfie outside the stately construction or sign up for a guided tour to learn more about Swedish military history while making your way to the top of the tower where you will be able to take pictures of a magnificent view over the city. If you ask nicely, the costumed guide may even pose for a photo together.
Location: Skansberget, Leijonsparres Väg 15, 413 04 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Botanical Garden
Admire beautiful plants that look great in photos
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The Botanic Garden is an absolute treasure trove of gorgeous plants and exotic trees that will add some luscious colour to your Instagram grid. The gardens are located immediately south of central Gothenburg in the district of Änggården. Discover a wide array of plants and exotic tree species across different themed zones such as the Zen-inspired Japanese Glade, the impressive Rock Garden and the leafy, traditional Herb Garden.
Don't be put off from coming down if the sun isn't shining – on greyer days you can take a walk through the colourful greenhouses such as the Tropical House and the Orchid House. For more information on the best routes and what plants you can spot and snap, download the official app.
Location: Carl Skottsbergs gata 22A, 413 19 Gothenburg, Sweden
Phone: +46 104 737 777
Mapphoto by Bulver (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
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Feskekôrka
Discover an iconic building both outside and in
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The Feskekôrka (lit. Fish Church) is located in central Gothenburg, in the lively district of Inom Vallgraven, and is perhaps the only place anywhere in the world where you'll find a fish and seafood market inside a building which looks as if it ought to be a church.
The building's unique and captivating architecture was inspired by Gothic churches and makes Feskekôrka perfect both as a subject and a backdrop for an IG photo, with yet even more interesting angles and flavours awaiting inside. Sample crayfish and other delicacies from that morning's catch in the renowned restaurant or photograph shoppers and the bustling market atmosphere in the large market hall.
Location: Fisktorget 4, 411 20 Gothenburg, Sweden
Phone: +46 31 134 681
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Palm House (Palmhuset)
Enjoy a taste of London and the Tropics
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The Palm House (Palmhuset) combines verdant greenery with striking architecture, making it a popular spot for wedding photos. The Palm House is located at the Garden Society of Gothenburg (Trädgårdsföreningen), one of the city's most central parks.
When the stately and impressive old greenhouse was first built, it was modelled on Crystal Palace in London's Hyde Park, thus combining a taste of English refinement and lush, tropical greenery into a single destination. Take a leisurely stroll around the colourful plants and stylish palms or snap a shot of the gorgeous facade.
Location: Trädgårdsföreningen, 411 38 Gothenburg, Sweden
Open: Daily from 7 am to 8 pm
Phone: +46 31 365 00 00
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Kuggen
Draw inspiration from ultra-modern design
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The innovative and vibrant Kuggen building makes a sure-fire way to inject some colour into your Instagram account. It's located at Chalmers University of Technology where it is used by researchers within interaction design. But you won't need any sort of specialist training to interact with this award-winning and eye-catching building which is easily recognisable for its rounded shape, its many colours – primarily shades of red and green – and the way in which each floor appears bigger than the one below.
The building photographs especially well on a sunny day when the colours really come into their own, or at dusk when the building is illuminated from within.
Location: Lindholmsplatsen 1, 417 56 Gothenburg, Sweden
Mapphoto by Andrzej Otrębski (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
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Oscar Fredrik Church
Strike a pose outside a neo-Gothic church
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Oscar Fredrik Church may not be the oldest in Gothenburg, but it's an impressive edifice offering excellent photo opportunities both outside and in. The church is located in the district of Masthugget which is home to a great many interesting shops and cosy cafés. The gorgeous red and turquoise green tower can be seen from far and wide across the city. The highest point measures a whole 60 metres into the sky.
Equally impressive is the bright, arched interior which offers ample opportunity to snap interesting geometric compositions or to find alluring backdrops that play with space. You'll also find some gorgeous paintings and stained-glass windows to point your lens at.
Location: Oscar Fredriks kyrkogata 1, 413 17 Gothenburg, Sweden
Phone: +46 31 731 92 50
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Street art around Röda sten
Brighten up your feed with awesome graffiti
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Read moreThe neighbourhood of Röda sten (lit. Red Stone) is a prime destination for that colourful, urban aesthetic. The infamous, red stone which lends the area its name can be found at the Nya Varvet Shipyard in Gothenburg.
Take a walk around the Röda Sten Art Centre, which is an art hall with a difference focused on contemporary art and featuring exhibitions on everything from painting through to performance art and sound art. Then, with your camera or smart phone at the ready, take a stroll around the area and go on the hunt for some colourful graffiti and modern wall murals – the perfect background for a selfie or a couple's photo.
Mapphoto by ArildV (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Göta älv Bridge by night
Light up your IG grid with illuminated architecture
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The pastel-coloured Göta älv Bridge is a great subject for awesome urban shots during the day, but it's at night when the bridge is illuminated that it makes for a really great photo. The bridge connects the areas of Norra Älvstranden and Södra Älvstranden in central Gothenburg and is just a stone's throw away from the city's central station. You'll have no problem arriving on foot or by public transport from anywhere in the centre of town.
If you want to capture the stylish lit-up bridge together in the same frame as the iconic red and white striped skyscraper of Lilla Bommen, or the lipstick as it's known to locals, then walk along the river for a bit until you get that perfect angle.
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Lackarebäck
Enjoy gorgeous views over the city
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Lackarebäck is one of the many gorgeous viewing points that Gothenburg has been blessed with, and an unbeatable spot to snap a few shots for Instagram. The wild and rugged area is a district of Mölndal which in turn is a part of Greater Gothenburg. The easiest way to get here is by car although buses also go close to the nature reserve and the trails around Ekekullen.
Climb up to the top or scale the mountain plateau for a view of the city framed by forests, rocks and lichen. Be sure to put on a sturdy pair of shoes!
Mapphoto by Vogler (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified