Simon and I went to Gothenburg (Göteborg, for the Swedes) a few weekends ago and had the best time ever. On a whim, we took a boat tour through the canals, out to Gothenburg’s harbor area and back.
Thumbs up for the Paddan tour boat company.
It was actually really fun, and we learned a lot about the city in a pretty short, condensed format. And our tour guide was awesome. She had the appearance and energy of a 14 year old girl combined with the sense of humor and disarming lack of self-consciousness of a middle-aged dad wearing tube socks with Birkenstock sandals, if you know what I mean.
In the canal, on our way out to sea.
The city looks different when viewed from below.
Any lower and we wouldn't have made it.
Ducking under “the city’s lowest bridge”—or at least according to our guide.
All smiles... we made it!
Out in the harbor, it was all about the big ships and the city’s shipbuilding past.
The Barken Viking, a floating hotel owned by the Liseberg amusement park.
All part of the Maritime Museum.
Cranes like mechanical praying mantises, waiting for their prey.
Cranes like giant metal giraffes, waiting for a giraffe leader.
The remnants of Gothenburg's ship building industry.
Göteborg, loud and proud.
And then we were back, ducking under another low bridge and cruising along the park-lined canals into central Gothenburg.
Kungsparken (the King's Park) in central Gothenburg.
Besides the one hour tour that we took, Paddan offers a number of dinner cruises that looked really fun… something to think about for next time!
The boat leaves several times an hour from Kungsportsplatsen in central Gothenburg.
Prices
Adults 145 SEK (about $20 at today’s exchange rate)
Children age 6-11: 73 SEK (about $10)
Children age 0-5: Free
Family (2 adults + 2 children): 390 SEK (about $60)
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Visiting the Fish Church (Feskekörka) in Gothenburg