6 Boat Trips in Gothenburg to Build a Day Around

1.Archipelago cruise with guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,002 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $47Our pick

Set out from Lilla Bommen for a 2.5-hour guided cruise through Gothenburg Harbor, past Älvsborg Fortress and into the southern archipelago. You will travel aboard M/S Carl Michael Bellman or M/S S:t Erik, with Swedish and English commentary, outdoor deck seating, indoor areas, restrooms, and a café serving snacks and drinks.

“Absolutely superb trip, highly recommended. Lots to see and enjoy, from the old shipyards out to the islands on the archipelago. The English commentary was very informative too.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.City Canal Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 470 reviews · 50 min · from $30Best value

Take Gothenburg’s classic Paddan boat from Kungsportsplatsen through 17th-century canals, under 20 bridges, and into the harbor. A Swedish and English guide covers city building, defense, shipyards, and daily life with plenty of humor. The open boat offers clear views, but you’ll need weatherproof layers and good mobility.

“A very enjoyable and informative cruise. Commentary in both Swedish and English. Scenic.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Paddan Sightseeing Cruise on the River Säveån

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 60 reviews · from $39

You’ll leave Kungsportsplatsen aboard an open Paddan boat, pass through Gothenburg’s narrow canals and harbor, then follow the Säveån River into a green area known for birds and beavers. A live guide speaks Swedish and English. Guide Victor has earned special praise for his humor and easy bilingual commentary.

“Absolutely fantastic canal/river cruise. Our guide Victor was engaging, funny, knowledgable and so easily transitioned between Swedish and English. The boat was really smooth, even on the open water.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Self Drive Electric Boat in the Canals

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 58 reviews · 1 to 6 hours (approx.)

Drive your own 12-seat electric boat through Gothenburg’s historic canals and central waterfront. No license is needed, and you receive written instructions, a digital tour guide, seat cushions, and life vests. Bring drinks and snacks, and bring your dog if you like. The boat returns to Snäckan at Christina Nilssons gata 1.

“This experience was very Fun et easy to drive ! A good way to discover Goteborg. A good ride with the family !”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Gothenburg city center: Electric selfdrive boat tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 50 reviews · 1 - 2 hours

Let’s Boat gives you a private, license-free electric boat for 1, 2, or 3 hours in central Gothenburg. You steer a slow, quiet 12-seater past bridges, museums, the Opera House, Feskekorka, and the Garden Society, using a free digital guide with more than 30 stops. Bring snacks, drinks, and even your dog.

“Virkelig en hyggelig oplevelse! Og alt fungerede som det skulle”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.24 Hour Hop On–Hop Off Bus and Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 37 reviews · 1 day · from $55

Explore Gothenburg by double-decker bus and open sightseeing boat for 24 hours. Hear multilingual audio on the bus and live Swedish or English commentary on the boat. Stops include Avenyn, Liseberg, Feskekôrka, Haga, Lilla Bommen, and Eriksberg, with four places to change between routes.

“Båten var definitivt best med personlig guide som fortalte om stedene og stoppene. Bussjåføren stoppet ikke slik den sa de skulle på båndet, og visste ikke helt hvor de forskjellige stoppene var. men ellers var begge turene veldig bra.”

Check availability →Read our full review