The GöteborgsVarvet Half Marathon is one of the world’s biggest running events. 60,000 runners will be cheered on by a crowd of around 200,000 spectators, with more than 50 bands providing music to help them to keep pace along the course.

GöteborgsVarvet was first held in 1980. 1,800 runners set off from Heden towards Ullevi Stadium. It was a particularly sunny day, with temperatures in excess of 30°C! 1982 was the first time the ever-popular Ingemar “Ingo” Johansson took part, aged 50 and weighing in at 115 kg. He also competed the following year. This appears to have boosted interest in the race; the next year, 1984, the number of participants swelled to 14,800 and even the Herrey brothers – who had won the Eurovision Song Contest the previous week – took part.

The number of entrants continued to rise steadily year after year, exceeding 30,000 for the first time in 1988!

1989 was the event’s 10th anniversary. Simon Robert-Naali from Tanzania became the first African winner of the race. The Lilla GöteborgsVarvet junior event was arranged for the first time this year.

We now jump forward to 1994 – the 15th year of the event – when GöteborgsVarvet was named one of the world’s ten best long-distance races by the influential American magazine Runner’s World.

2002 saw the first Swedish winners in more than a decade. In fact, both the men’s and ladies’ classes were won by Swedes. Lena Gavelin took the ladies’ title, and local hero Mustafa Mohamed was the surprise men’s champion. The following year, 2003, marked a new record for the number of finishing runners, and the Lilla GöteborgsVarvet became Sweden’s biggest junior race.

The event celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2009. Over 53,000 runners had already registered by the previous November. The number of bands playing at various points around the course rose from 35 to 50. At Slottsskogen Park, a new world record was set for the number of simultaneous ukulele players – a fact which was even mentioned by the BBC. More than 40,000 runners completed the race, making it the world’s biggest half marathon.

2012 GöteborgsVarvet was a real speed fest! The event was broadcast live on Swedish television, and viewers saw Kenya’s Victor Kipchirchir smash the previous record with an incredible time of 1:00:25. Isabellah Andersson set a new Swedish record of 1:10:30. 44,828 runners started, and a record 44,099 crossed the finish line!

For more information:
http://www.goteborgsvarvet.se/en/

GöteborgsVarvet is organised by Gothenburg Athletics Association for the benefit of sports activities in the region. Approximately 4,000 officials are involved. Profits go straight back to the association, and are invested in youth activities and running the Friidrottens Hus sports hall.

 

Don’t miss these places: Ten favourite spots in Gothenburg for next time you visit our beautiful city from Göteborg & Co.

Magasinsgatan

A laid back, trendy, cobbled street in Gothenburg and home to several of Gothenburg’s independent designer-shops as well as the ‘in-café’ Da Matteo with its sour dough bakery just across the square. The interior design shop Artilleriet is also a must.

Haga – the old quarter

Picturesque and charming Haga is Gothenburg’s oldest suburb. Here, wooden houses nestle along the cobbled streets with a good mixture of second hand, antique and fashion shops. Have a look inside the clog shop (Haga Trätoffelfabrik) for leather goods and clogs, buy spices at the Curry House and tea at Tea’s. You’ll find Sweden’s largest cinnamon buns at Kafé Husaren.
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Linnégatan

Gothenburg residents’ own little secret Linnégatan, and the intersecting Långgatorna, is lined with bars, restaurants and shops. Drink Spanish beer at La Sombrita, try Greek food at Mykonos, Asian fusion at Hello Monkey or live jazz at Linnéterrassen. Most places have open-air cafés during the spring and summer.

Slottsskogen – City Park

This is Gothenburger’s green oasis and place for recreation – the perfect place for a stroll or chilling out on the big lawns. In the zoos (Djurgårdarna) you can get close up to elks and other, primarily Nordic, wild and tame animals. In the summer there is the Children’s Zoo (Barnens Zoo), with piglets, kid goats and chickens. Don’t miss the seal pond (Säldammen) either, where the Bohuslän harbour seals are fed every day at 14.00. The park is also home to “Plikta”, the city’s largest children’s playground.
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Feskekörka – the fish market hall

A paradise for foodies and fish lovers! The Market hall, opened in 1874, resembles a church and has therefore been christened ‘Feskekörka’ (the fish church). Buy yourself some fresh prawns and enjoy them by the harbour or the edge of the canal – or try the restaurant Gabriel on the first floor.
Those of you who feel lively in the morning should visit Sweden’s largest fish auction in the fishing harbour. The auction is held Monday 07.00. Tuesday to Friday 06.30

Rosenkaféet (the rose café)

In the middle of Trädgårdsföreningen – the Horticultural Society’s cultivated park – is the café Rosenkaféet, surrounded by beautiful greenery. This café has an old-fashioned, cosy atmosphere which makes people want to go there when the sun is out, particularly in July and August when thousands of roses are in bloom in the rose garden.

Röda Sten – centre for contemporary art and culture

The impressive boiler house by the southern end of the Älvsborg bridge has become an exciting cultural project. Inside are enormous areas where various art exhibitions are held. The site is fantastic, with a view over the harbour entrance. You can also see the red stone that gave the area its name. Take the Älvsnabben harbour ferry from Lilla Bommen and enjoy the fine views from the top deck

The view from Gothia Towers

Heaven 23 is the sky bar at Gothia Towers, 23 floors up! You get a dazzling view of Gothenburg while mingling, enjoying a glass of wine or something from their bar or restaurant menus. Try their gigantic prawn sandwiches – a speciality!
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Skärgården – Breathtakingly beautiful archipelago

The archipelago is an extraordinary experience with thousands of islands & skerries which lie like a pearl necklace scattered along the coast. Whether blue and tranquil or turbulent and restless, the salty sea is always a source of fascination. The many untouched spots and charming little fishing villages provide a magnificent experience whatever the season.

The nearby southern archipelago is easily reached by public transport. Take the No. 11 tram westbound to the ferry terminal at Saltholmen. Passenger boats depart from Saltholmen to the islands Vrångö, Styrsö and Brännö where you can go sunbathing from smooth granite cliffs or rent a bike or a kayak.
During the summer you can go on boat excursions to the island fortress Älvborgs Fästning at the harbour entrance, or to the Vinga nature reserve with its first-rate bathing and a small Evert Taube museum. Don’t miss excursions to Brännö Brygga which is famous for its open-air dance evenings on Thursdays. There are several, both day and evening, cruises which depart from Lilla Bommen next to the Opera House.

Marstrand Island

Marstrand is a summer paradise with international sailing, sun and bathing and lively night life. The island, surrounded by the North Sea, sports the mighty, historical Carlsten’s fortress. It was originally intended to protect the coast, and the fortress later became a prison. West Sweden’s own Robin Hood, Lasse-Maja, the legendary thief, remained incarcerated on the island. The guided tour at the fortress is highly recommended.
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Source: goteborg.com

Gothenburg’s oldest suburb, Haga, is now a picturesque central district. The car-free paved streets and the well preserved brick and timber buildings combine to create a pleasant old-fashioned atmosphere. Here you’ll find a colourful mix of cafés, specialist shops, fashion, antiques and second-hand shops.

Haga is a delight at any time of the year, but the Christmas market is particularly special. Enjoy a cup of coffee with one of Gothenburg’s biggest cinnamon buns, and take advantage of the fantastic shopping opportunities.
During the Christmas market there will be music and entertainment, with shops and market stalls offering a wide range of crafts: handmade Christmas decorations, painted trays, woollen goods, ceramics, straw crafts, sweet treats and much more. There will be all manner of Christmas essentials. It’s easy to get into the festive spirit in Haga!

Find out more at www.hagashopping.se

Photo: Dick Gillberg/goteborg.com

 

Gothia Towers has a rather special neighbour. Directly across the road is the Liseberg amusement park, where the most magical Christmas celebrations are to be found.

The enormous illuminated “Christmas tree” can be seen from far and wide, and this year Christmas at Liseberg will be even more colourful and enchanting than usual, with trees festooned with garlands, sparkling multicoloured lights, a spectacular ice show, and squeals of delight from children as they meet the Liseberg Rabbits and the Christmas elves. Experience the Northern Lights, follow the millions of twinkling lights, and savour the enticing smells of roasted almonds, mulled wine and delicious Christmas treats. While you’re here, take a trip on the Liseberg Wheel for a fantastic view of the city and the magical Christmas park.
Christmas at Liseberg is guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit!

Christmas at Liseberg 2012 is open:
16-18, 23-25 and 29-30 November, and 1-2 and 5-23 December.

For more information, see: www.liseberg.se

Photo: Stefan Karlberg

 

 

Christmas City Gothenburg is a truly unmissable experience. Take a stroll through the city centre, and be amazed by all the fantastic installations and events.

For the ninth year running, the façades, statues and streets of Gothenburg will be bathed in light during the weeks around Christmas. The programme of festive activities provides long-lasting memories to share with your family and friends. The city will be illuminated in stages, as follows:

  • 16 November: The white light is lit.
  • 16 November: Christmas at Liseberg opens.
  • 7 December: The Lane of Light is lit, and will remain lit until 6 January.
  • 7-31 December: Programme of activities in the city.
  • 31 December: New Year celebrations on Götaplatsen.

Throughout the festive period, you can also wander along the Lane of Light from the harbour to Liseberg, listen to the Singing Christmas Tree, visit the Christmas market at Kronhuset, and much more besides.

Don’t miss the city’s giant Christmas film, which will be shown on the façade of the Gothenburg Museum of Art from 7 to 31 December. The film really is an unforgettable experience. And who knows, maybe even Santa Claus himself will put in an appearance…

For more information, visit www.goteborg.com/julstaden

Photo: Dick Gillberg/goteborg.com

 

We are located right next to Liseberg amusement park. Liseberg is one of Europe’s top amusement parks, attracting around 3.2 million visitors each year. This makes Liseberg Sweden’s most popular tourist attraction.

Last week, Liseberg issued a press release announcing a forthcoming new attraction. Liseberg’s new record-long, record-fast roller coaster is due to open in spring 2014. The new ride will represent Liseberg’s biggest ever investment in an attraction.

The working title for the new attraction is Projekt Helix. Liseberg’s ambition is for this to be one of the world’s greatest roller coasters. The track will be nearly 1.4 km long, with a ride length of almost two minutes. Along the way, there will be two acceleration points where LSM (linear synchronous motor) technology will speed up the car, making this Europe’s first double-acceleration roller coaster.

Riders will be turned upside down six times, experiencing “air time” – a sensation of weightlessness – on four occasions. And with speeds of up to 100 km/h, the new ride will also be Liseberg’s fastest.

Liseberg’s President and CEO Andreas Andersen calls Projekt Helix “the Rolls-Royce of roller coasters”:
“The ride has comfort, smoothness and freedom. You can do almost anything with the track system, and we have tried to use that advantage to the maximum.”

About Projekt Helix:
Investment: SEK 200 million
Length of track: 1,355 m
Max. speed: 100 km/h
Max. height: 41 m
Acceleration: 4.2 g
Ride time: 110 seconds
Capacity: Approx. 1,310 passengers per hour

Projekt Helix has its own website for those who want to find out more:
www.projekthelix.se

Other unique roller coasters around the world

The tallest…
The world’s tallest roller coaster is Kingda Ka, at the Six Flags Great Adventure theme park in New Jersey, USA.
Kingda Ka’s top height is 139 metres, with a top speed of 206 km/h.
Kingda Ka was opened in May 2005.

The fastest…
The world’s fastest roller coaster is Formula Rossa, at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Formula Rossa’s top height is 60 metres, and goes from 0-240 km/h in just 4.9 seconds! Which is pretty fast…
Formula Rossa was opened in November 2010.

The world’s highest situated roller coaster: Cliffhanger.
Photo: From Glenwood Caverns Adventure Parks Facebook page

The highest situated…
The world’s highest situated roller coaster is Cliffhanger, at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Colorado, USA. Cliffhanger was built at a height of 2,100 meters in the Rocky Mountains.
Cliffhanger was opened in June 2012.

The steepest…
The world’s steepest roller coaster is Takabisha, at the Fuji-Q Highland theme park in Yamanash, Japan. One of the drops is 43 metres long at an angle of 121 degrees, which should be enough to satisfy any thrill-seeker! Takabisha means “dominant” in Japanese.
Takabisha was opened in July 2011.

Lena Johansson, Gothia Towers

Photo: www.projekthelix.se

There are many different ways of getting to know Gothenburg – and you don’t necessarily have to stay on dry land. A boat is a fantastic way of exploring your surroundings.

The classic Paddanbåtarna canal tour has remained popular over the years. The city’s 17th century moats and canals have many stories to tell about Gothenburg’s history. You’ll pass under plenty of low bridges – including one nicknamed “the Cheese Slicer”, where all the passengers have to duck – on your way to the harbour, with its classic shipyard, fishing harbour and maritime museum.

If you’re interested in history, don’t miss the boat to New Älvsborg Fortress. After an enjoyable trip to the island on which the fortress is built, you can experience a dramatised historical account of life at the fortress when the future of Gothenburg was under threat from the Danes. Today, New Älvsborg Fortress is one of the West Coast region’s most popular tourist destinations.

Another way of discovering Bohuslän is on a spectacular four-hour cruise around Hisingen, with good food and a guide to describe all the historic locations you pass.

Feel the presence of musician Evert Taube with Kulturbåtarna’s archipelago tours on board the M/S Svea af Bohuslän, dating from 1904. You can expect amusing tales, music and incredibly beautiful views.

For larger groups looking for an adventure, Kust & Hav offers exciting archipelago experiences such as lobster safaris, fishing trips and seal safaris.

Just make your way to the southwest ofSweden, and then decide which direction your voyage of discovery should head in!

For more information, see:

www.stromma.se
www.kulturbatarna.se
www.kusthav.se
www.goteborg.com