Lilla Bommen (Gothenburg Harbor)

The basics

Most Gothenburg sightseeing and walking tours make a stop at Lilla Bommen. Take a walk along the waterfront and stop to admire the ship-inspired façade of the Gothenburg Opera House and the four-masted Barken Viking, a 20th-century merchant ship now transformed into a floating hotel. For the best views, head up to the top of the Lilla Bommen—the distinctive red-and-white-striped skyscraper that stands watch over the harbor—and enjoy a drink at the rooftop café, gazing out over the marina below.

Things to know before you go

• Boat cruises to the island fortress of Nya Älvsborg set sail from Lilla Bommen in the summer months.
• The coastal winds can be chilly along the riverfront, so it’s worth bringing something warm, even in the summer months.
• The harbor is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

Lilla Bommen is located along the south bank of the Gota River. It’s a 10-minute walk north of downtown Gothenburg and the closest bus and tram stop is Lilla Bommen.

When to get there

The best time for a stroll around Lilla Bommen is on a sunny summer afternoon; come in July and August to join one of the boat cruises. If you can, pass by at night when the Opera House and Barken Viking are dramatically illuminated.

Visiting the Maritiman Maritime Museum

Another highlight of the Lilla Bommen waterfront is the Maritiman Maritime Museum, a floating museum that comprises 13 historic ships permanently moored along the river. Explore onboard the HMS Småland, one of Scandinavia’s largest warships; hop aboard a North Sea freighter; and peek into the cabins of a 19th-century monitor ship. Additional highlights include a submarine, where you can listen to a hydrophone and learn about life on-board, and an open-air café on-board a 1960s passenger ferry.