Practical Information. Visit Sweden
Are you attending the RDA 20th Plenary meeting in-person in Gothenburg? Here are the facts and information about anything from the Swedish weather, currency, places for coffee breaks, and some sightseeing recommendations.
Time zone: GMT/ UTC +1
Currency: Swedish krona or ‘kronor’ for plural, ‘SEK’ (1 USD = 10.45 SEK/ 1 Euro = 11.17 SEK)
Credit cards and cash: Sweden is widely regarded as the most cashless society on the planet. Most of the country’s bank branches have stopped handling cash; many shops, museums and restaurants only accept contactless payments. Major credit cards (some restrictions may apply to American Express) are widely accepted throughout Sweden.
Electricity and Voltage: 230 volts, 50 Hertz
Current weather in Gothenburg: Spring may be blooming in most of Europe in March, but it is still distinctly wintry in Southern Sweden. March is known as a chilly month in Gothenburg with the average maximum daytime temperature lies at 6.6°C (43.88°F). Don't forget to pack a warm jacket, a hat, and a scarf as it might be breezy! More detailed weather information can be found at timeanddate.com or at SMHI - weather in Sweden
Sightseeing in Gothenburg
Gothenburg is not a large city, which makes it easier to explore on foot. Although, some major tourist attractions will still be closed in March, we have listed a selection of sightseeing that you can easily explore in spring! Majority of the destinations are within a walking distance of the RDA's P20 conference venue.
Every tourist requires a coffee break, and we highly recommend you having one. The Swedish tradition” fika” (meaning to take a break, sit down for a cup of coffee and some baked goods) has become a world-wide sensation. And for good reason. Visit one of many cosy cafes in Gothenburg and see for yourself! We have included some cafe recommendations here https://www.goteborg.com/en/guides/swedish-fika-in-gothenburg/.
1. Lindholmen Conference Venue & Surroundings
The venue is located in Lindholmen, a former ship-yard district reconverted into a modern neighbourhood. More info: https://www.goteborg.com/en/guides/eriksberg-lindholmen
Across the river:
From Lindholmen there are frequent ferries to Lilla Bommen and Stenpiren. The city centre is a short walk away from both of those ferry stops.
2. Lilla Bommen
Small harbour for yachts and small boats. It is dominated by the red and white GötheborgsUtkiken building. Also in the area: the Barken Viking, a four-masted vessel from the early 20th century converted to a hotel and conference centre, and the opera house, GöteborgsOperan. More info: https://www.goteborg.com/en/places/gotheborgsutkiken-2/ and https://www.goteborg.com/en/places/the-goteborg-opera
3. Gustav Adolf torg
The city’s central square. It is flanked by the Rådhuset (town hall), the Stadshuset (city hall) and the Börsen (stock exchange). More info: https://www.goteborg.com/en/places/gustaf-adolfs-torg-2/
4. Stadsmuseum
The city museum, located in a warehouse for the East India Company. The permanent exhibitions show the early history of western Sweden. More info: https://goteborgsstadsmuseum.se/en/
5. Trädgårdsföreningen.
Beautiful park to the west of the city centre, which has a Palm House with plants from around the world and a Rosarium with over 1900 rose varieties. More info: https://www.goteborg.com/en/places/tradgardsforeningen-2/
6. South of the city centre.
A short walk towards the south from the city centre or from Stenpiren ferry stop leads to the area of Haga, known for its cobbled streets and wood and stone houses with independent shops and cafés, good restaurants and crafts studios. Haga Nygatan is the main street in the area. More info: https://www.goteborg.com/en/guides/haga/
7. Skansen Kronan.
17th-century fortress tower in Haga. Located on top of a small hill which offers good views over the city, harbour and river. More info: https://www.goteborg.com/en/places/skansen-kronan-2/
8. A little bit further: Konstmuseum
One of Sweden’s biggest and best art museums, with an outstanding collection of early 20th-century Nordic art located in the Fürstenberg galleries. The museum’s collections also include contemporary art and European art from the 15th to 17th centuries. Located in Götaplatsen. More info: https://goteborgskonstmuseum.se/en/
