There's plenty to do in Gothenburg during the winter months, whether you want to get out into the open air, treat yourself to some rest and relaxation or find a fun indoor activity. There are plenty of lovely parks and recreation areas when you want to take a walk or enjoy winter activities, such as hurtling down a snow-covered hill on a sledge. If you'd rather stay indoors, perhaps a visit to a peaceful spa will banish those winter chills. Our guide includes tips for activities and things to do in Gothenburg during the winter months.
The guide to winter activities in Gothenburg
In this guide
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Winter activities in Gothenburg
- Gunnebo – Charming castle surroundings
- Parks – Close to nature
- Ice skating – Icy pleasures
- Boulebar – Southern French indoor boules
- Bertilssons Stuga – Hot chocolate in front of the fire
- Beach Center – Sunlight and beach volleyball
- Star Bowling – All-American experience
- Bodyflight – Test your wings
- Våffelcafé Soldattorpet – Waffles in historical surroundings
- Grace – Speakeasy bar with sports and activities
- Bio Roy – Watch a movie
- Hot chocolate – Childishly good
- Day spas – A day at the spa
Winter activities in Gothenburg
Charming castle surroundings
Take a brisk winter walk in the park surrounding Gunnebo Castle & Gardens. While you're here, don't miss their organic restaurant and bakery, Gunnebo Kaffehus & Krog, in the castle's old workers' cottages. They serve food and coffee and cakes made with organic ingredients.
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Christina Halls Väg Christina Halls VägGunnebo Slott och Trädgårdar
Christina Halls VägGunnebo Kaffehus och Krog
Christina Halls Väg -
Gunnebo Slott och Trädgårdar
gunneboslott.seGunnebo Kaffehus och Krog
gunneboslott.seGunnebo Slott och Trädgårdar
031-334 16 00Gunnebo Kaffehus och Krog
031-334 16 00 -
Gunnebo Slott och Trädgårdar Gunnebo Kaffehus och Krog
Close to nature
Gothenburg has lots of lovely parks and recreation areas if you want to go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air. Historic Slottskogen, the beautifully preserved 19th century Horticultural Society with its cafés and activities, Gothenburg's Botanical Gardens and the Delsjön nature reserve are just a few. The hill leading down to Lake Delsjön is a great sledging spot when it snows.
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Slottsskogen, Linné Slussgatan 1, Centrum Carl Skottsbergs Gata 22 A, Linné DelsjönSlottsskogen
Slottsskogen, LinnéTrädgårdsföreningen
Slussgatan 1, CentrumGöteborgs botaniska trädgård
Carl Skottsbergs Gata 22 A, LinnéDelsjön
Delsjön -
Trädgårdsföreningen
tradgardsforeningen.seGöteborgs botaniska trädgård
botaniska.seSlottsskogen
031-365 00 00Trädgårdsföreningen
031-365 00 00Göteborgs botaniska trädgård
031-741 11 00 -
Slottsskogen Trädgårdsföreningen Göteborgs botaniska trädgård Delsjön
Icy pleasures
Ice skating is a classic and very popular winter activity. Gothenburg has both ice skating rinks and natural ice you can skate on. When the waters of Härlanda Tjärn lake freeze over they make a perfect natural skating rink but make sure you check the ice properly before heading out. You'll find more information on Gothenburg City website.
Southern French indoor boules
If you're in the mood for Mediterranean vibes amidst the winter darkness, head to Boulebar on Rosenlundsgatan in the middle of the city. Boulebar houses an indoor boules park and restaurant with a French theme. Book in dinner, lunch or brunch and challenge each other to a game of boules.
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Rosenlundsgatan 8, Centrum
- Website • 010-162 92 00
- Read more on Thatsup
Hot chocolate in front of the fire
After a long walk in the area around Lake Delsjö, stop off at Bertilssons Stuga in the middle of the nature reserve. The 19th century red cottage serves light lunches and cakes and pastries from their own bakery. There's also an open fire to warm yourself in front of.
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Delsjökärrvägen 26
- Website • 031-98 70 74
- Read more on Thatsup
Sunlight and beach volleyball
If winter feels endless and you're tired of the freezing temperatures, snow and slush, this beach volleyball hall provides a welcome antidote. Beach Center has white sand, sun and palm trees all year round and, naturally, volleyball courts to practice on, whether you're an experienced player or a complete beginner. After the beach volleyball, just head to the bar for a refreshing drink or something to eat.
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Krutvägen 6
- Website • 031-47 52 82
- Read more on Thatsup
All-American experience
When it comes to indoor activities, bowling is always a safe bet. At Star Bowling you get an all-American experience, with American-inspired food and activities. As well as bowling you can try your hand at shuffleboard, billards and much more.
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Odinsgatan 8, Centrum
- Website • 031-15 52 50
- Read more on Thatsup
Test your wings
Float free in the world's highest wind tunnel. At Bodyflight you can experience how it feels to fly, without having to jump out of an aeroplane. Before the activity you're given equipment and a safety briefing, then you can fly as your group looks on. A perfect activity for the family (children from three years up) or a group of friends.
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Säve Flygplats, Hisingen
- Website • 010-139 97 00
- Read more on Thatsup
Waffles in historical surroundings
Breathe in the history while you enjoy freshly-made crisp waffles in this little wooden cottage at Skansen Kronan. You can look out over the whole of Gothenburg from this charming waffle hut. As well as waffles they also serve quiches and other goodies.
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Skansen Kronan, Linné
- 073-268 50 80
- Read more on Thatsup
Speakeasy bar with sports and activities
At Grace Sports Bar, you can sink into armchairs by the crackling fire, enjoy something warming to eat or just have a drink while watching the matches on the TV screens. Fun activities such as mini-golf, electronic darts and weekly quizzes are also available all year round. Gather friends and family for a tournament - perhaps with a treat from the dessert menu as a prize for the winner.
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Kungsportsavenyen 9, Centrum/Avenyn
- Website • 031-730 49 00
- Read more on Thatsup
Watch a movie
Going to the cinema is a classic winter activity. The Roy cinema shows everything from old classics to new releases. The cinema has been on Avenyn since the Forties and they show top quality films. As well as the regular programme they show specialist documentaries, hold theme evenings and much more.
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Kungsportsavenyn 45, Centrum/Avenyn
- Website • 031-20 80 11
- Read more on Thatsup
Childishly good
Few things can beat a cup of steaming hot chocolate when the winter weather really starts to bite. Drop by a cosy café and thaw out your limbs after a long walk. Among the top spots in Gothenburg for hot chocolate are Teatergatan, Berzelii Choklad and Gelaterian.
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Teatergatan 20, Centrum Magasinsgatan 12, Centrum Grönsakstorget 1, CentrumTeatergatan Restaurang & Bar
Teatergatan 20, CentrumBerzelii Choklad
Magasinsgatan 12, CentrumGelaterian Göteborg
Grönsakstorget 1, Centrum -
Teatergatan Restaurang & Bar
teatergatan.comBerzelii Choklad
berzelii.comGelaterian Göteborg
gelaterian-goteborg.business.siteTeatergatan Restaurang & Bar
031-18 30 93Berzelii Choklad
031-778 16 60Gelaterian Göteborg
031-13 00 58 -
Teatergatan Restaurang & Bar Berzelii Choklad Gelaterian Göteborg
A day at the spa
Feeling tired and grey in the winter darkness? Treat yourself to a little luxury and spend the day at a relaxing spa. Winter is the ideal time to enjoy some relaxing spa treatments and revitalising baths. Gothenburg has a number of oases where you can take care of your body and soul. Check out our guide for recommendations.