Gothenburg best of
In the land of the blonde mullet and the latest It denim, we take our sightseeing cues from one of the city’s original hipsters, Markus Gorsch, drummer for the Swedish pop minstrels, Love Is All.
Vrångö: This is a lovely island in the archipelago of Gothenburg, where my friends and I try to go a couple of times every summer. Remember to pack a meal, since this is a full-day excursion. The best experience is to ride your bike to the harbor in Saltholmen, take the bike on the public ferry (cost 20skr, about US$2). The trip takes about 45 minutes, taking in a lot of the little islands on the way. For those that prefer chilling to sight-seeing there is a café upstairs in the boat. Once there, cycle around Vrångö on the little paths. There are plenty of places for swimming and not too many people around.
Slottsskogen: A giant park where people of all ages and walks of life can be found chilling out on a nice day. My favorites amongst all the zoo animals are the seals, lazing away in their outdoor pool.
Holmens Marknad: A gigantic flea market. Surrounded by motorways and water, not too many people have discovered Holmens’ wide range of bric-a-brac, furniture, clothing, electronic gadgets and cool sunglasses. The best finds come in at about a third of the price of other charity shops.
Skål: The appropriately named, quiet backstreet pub in Vasastan takes its moniker from the Swedish word for ‘cheers’. Some say un-hip, I say classic. [Love Is All bass player] Johan is often seen here drinking a glass of Pernod. Steve from Belle and Sebastian came over last spring and was impressed by the regulars singing along to the bartender’s iPod: Kokomo, Delila and Elvis.
Ali Baba, Backaplan: Ali Baba makes the best falafel and kebab in Gothenburg. But almost better than the food is the entertainment: the eccentric Lebanese expat reads you his own poetry about garlic sauce and suicide bombers while wearing a jester’s hat.
Details:
Vrango - www.vrango.com
Slottskogen - www.parkochnatur.goteborg.se
Holmens Marknad - www.holmensmarknad.net
Skål - www.cint.se/Sweden/Asp20/Leaf.asp?id=13889