Slottsskogen Park

The basics

Follow the scenic walkways around Slottsskogen Park, run along the wooded trails, or discover the remains of the old Älvsborg Fortress. Browse Gothenburg Natural History Museum, which features exhibits covering the history of life on Earth, or check out the Slottsskogen Observatory at the north end of the park. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake or head to one of the park’s cafés. Explore the open-air zoo, where you can meet a wide variety of animals, including moose, elk, Gute sheep, Gotland ponies, penguins, and seals. In the spring and summer, there’s also a children’s petting zoo with pony rides available.

Things to know before you go

• Slottsskogen Park is a great choice for families with kids of all ages.

• The park is one of the best destinations in the city for budget-conscious travelers—both the zoo and museum are free to visit.

• Amenities include three cafés, children’s playgrounds, and public restrooms. Free parking is available at both the north and south ends of the park.

• Slottsskogen Park is easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

Slottsskogen Park is located south of downtown Gothenburg, about a 15-minute journey from Gothenburg Central Station. Ride tramlines 1, 2, 6, 7, or 8 to the Linnéplatsen stop at the northeast end of the park, or tramlines 1, 2, 7, 8, or 13 to the Botaniska Trädgården stop at the south end of the park.

When to get there

Slottsskogen Park and its zoo are open all year round, and the scenery changes with the seasons. Come in the summer to lounge on the grassy lawns, picnic by the lakes, and pick wild strawberries and blueberries, or visit in the fall to admire the vibrant foliage. The petting zoo and pony rides are available from April through September only. Don’t miss the feeding of the penguins and seals, which takes place daily at 2:30pm.

Events and festivals at Slottsskogen Park

Music lovers will want to keep their eye on Slottsskogen Park’s event calendar—it hosts one of Gothenburg’s largest annual events, the Way Out West music festival, each August, as well as various free concerts throughout the summer. You can also join Sweden’s Midsummer celebrations with a picnic under the midnight sun and cheer on the competitors at the Göteborgsvarvet Marathon in September.