Garden Society of Gothenburg, Gothenburg (must see)

The Garden Society of Gothenburg is one of Sweden’s best-preserved 19th-century parks and a peaceful green retreat in the heart of the city. Founded in 1842, it was created to promote gardening, botany, and public enjoyment of nature. Today, it remains one of Europe’s most admired historic parks, combining elegant landscaping with a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to both locals and visitors.

As soon as you enter the gardens through the gate close to Kingsgate Avenue, you will find Café Gröntugan sitting right at the entryway. From here, choose the central path heading straight into the heart of the park to find the historic Palm House. Dominating the central lawn, this magnificent glasshouse was built in 1878. Inspired by the great glass-and-iron architecture of the Victorian era, it shelters tropical and subtropical plants, including palm trees and other exotic species. For many visitors, stepping inside this towering, light-filled iron dome feels like entering a lush world far removed from the Nordic climate outside.

Exit the glasshouse and take a short stroll along the winding paths toward the northeastern sector of the park. Set within its own dedicated, manicured courtyard is the Northern European Rose Garden. It features one of the most celebrated rosariums in northern Europe, where more than 1,200 unique varieties of roses bloom in dense clusters, filling the air with colour and fragrance during the warmer months. Nearby options like the Rose Café—housed in one of the garden’s original 1874 buildings—provide an excellent, atmospheric place to pause.

For the final highlight, walk across the lawns to the far northwestern corner of the grounds near the canal to locate the Alfie Atkins Cultural Centre. This playful complex is a multi-storey indoor play world filled with paths, slides, a reading corner, and learning spaces inspired by the famous Swedish children’s book character. The centre serves as a joyful educational hub and stands right beside the park’s demonstration beehive.