Gothenburg addiction

Gothenburg, Sweden

I've had a big problem with Gothenburg. That problem, is that I've not been able to leave.

Not because of a lack of transport, or even an arrest warrant. I've just been completely taken in by it, I really love the place, and it's rare I say that about cities, they're often a bit samey to me. I planned to stay for a couple of days. A week later and I've finally pulled myself away.

It's been that perfect balance of a great hostel with fun, friendly and beautiful staff, some awesome fellow guests, and a city that's big, but not too big, and full of character with lots to see and do. I've also had way more nights out than I planned but with a good bunch of folks at the hostel, you have to seize these moments as they don't always come too often.

Gothenburg

This week's oddities include getting mistaken for an Aussie by both them and English people. The hostel staff reckoning that I've managed to see more of Gothenburg than most locals - the bike helps there. And a few male guests in awe of my cooking. This is of course very out of character; I hate cooking and am normally pretty shoddy but have picked up some great tips from the Pålssons and Rolanders, so maybe the tide is turning...

As I mentioned last time I had a bit of a problem when I first arrived in the city... The train got in after the hostel had shut, I couldn't get in and at 11pm was homeless with a flat phone battery and no idea what to do. Eventually a guest passed the door, let me in, and with some juice and WiFi I found another hostel... which as it happened was a total blessing in disguise as it made my week what it was.

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Thursday
With no idea what the city had to offer I tagged along with an Aussie girl and Belgium lad I'd met at breakfast, to the nearby park which had a free zoo, then to a contemporary art gallery. Whilst neither were my normal tastes they were enjoyable anyway -and I just fancied spending the day with other backpackers; something I've not done until now.

That night the hostel had organised a night out, starting at 7pm. A group of 15 of us went out and it was a great crack - we ended in a nightclub that had a basketball court instead of a dance floor - all against all chaos. Novel idea.

Friday
After rolling in at 5am, Friday started as slowly as you might expect. I made a call to Volvo. Their factory is on the outskirts of Gothenburg and does free tours - 'our last tour until monday starts in 45 minutes, how far away are you?' she says. 'Errr, about 45 minutes' I said whilst simultaneously running towards my bike...

Breathless, I made it in time and soon forgot about the tiredness once I'd hopped on a little electric train that takes you right through the whole factory for an hour. With 3,300 employees and 600 robots there was a lot going on. Very interesting, and not the last car factory I'll be visiting.

Volvo factory

Saturday
One of the hostel girls warned me it was basically the last day of summer (and was right) so recommended exploring the southern archipelago - a group of islands off the coast nearby. I went with her idea, rode to the port, and visited three of them - Styrsö, Donsö and Vrångö - regular ferries allow you to hop between. They reminded me a bit of the Scillys, and I did a fair bit of walking and exploring.

Nipped out in town that night with some other Aussies, Swedes and English from the hostel. However they were a bit pretentious as was the bar, and with only dull outdoor clothes to wear I felt right out of place. Early night.

Sunday
Think Volvo, think dull boxy 80's cars right? However as I found when I rode out to the Volvo museum, there's a lot more to the company than that. As well as the cars they make lorrys, construction equipment, marine engines and plane engines even. It turns out they did some attractive cars pre 80's, as well as a few right now. Just nasty boxes in between.

Autumn began today for sure, with lots of rain and a big drop in temperature thats here to stay sadly. After 6 weeks of sun I'm not bitter!

Night out #3... started quiet, ended loud on the dancefloor... out with a Chilean, Scot, Swedes and Aussies.

The good time crew

Monday
Went to Maritiman - a floating museum of Swedish boats and ships (I'm still never sure of the difference between them). The guided tour fortunately ended up being just me and the guy, which was excellent and I learnt loads about the two main attractions - a Swedish Navy destroyer and a submarine, both from the 60s.

Tuesday
Cycled out to look round Aeroseum, a Swedish Air Force museum in a former top secret nuclear bunker under an airport, full of military planes and helicopters. Real James Bond stuff. The Highlight was climbing into the cockpit of a Saab Viggen fighter jet - a museum that isn't too proud to stop you getting hands-on.

 Aeroseum, Swedish air force museum

Popped into the Design Museum on the way back which was actually pretty drab on the whole. 

Night out #4 followed with a South African-sounding German, a Kiwi and the funniest and wildest Irishman I've ever met. Sounds like the plot for a comedy show and it was; we quickly reached the level where we could no-barriers rip it out of each other all evening; stomach-achingly funny.

Wednesday
Hiding from rain, doing some research, waiting to meet someone who couldn't come in the end, then a train journey down south. Dull day at the office. Said train is however taking me back to where my tour of this great country began - to stay again with the Pålsson family at Krageholm Farm, so the day can only get better.

The week in Gothenburg has been fantastic, and d'ya know what, there's a good chance I might return sometime. 

On the southern archipelago

Volvo museum