Gothenburg ( Göteborg ). A voyage to Gothenburg, Sweden ( Sverige ), Europe.

In expensive Sweden, Göteborg, with its cheap fares, cheap accommodation and fan- tastic attractions, is a top introduction to the country that shouldn't make your piggy bank turn up its trotters. Göteborg (pronounced something like 'yer-te-bor') is also known by its English name Gothenburg. It is Scandinavia's busiest port and has a continental outlook; its showpiece Kungsportsavenyn boulevard is often nicknamed the 'Champs Élysées', and the comparison is justified (in a low-key Nordic way). The cheerful, relaxed atmosphere is enhanced by the city's large student population.

Scandinavia's largest amusement park, Liseberg, froths over with rollercoasters, ice creams and glittery lights, and the nearby Universeum is another wonder-world well worth exploring. Heritage sites and museums sprout from every street, from 17th-century fortresses to state-of-the-art 21st-century multimedia extravaganzas. A tremendous 10% of Göteborg is green space: take time out to stroll through its charming parks and gardens.
The Göta älv (Göta river) runs through the city: in sunny weather boat trips are a pure delight. You can easily escape westwards on the efficient tram system for a mellow island-hopping trip. Despite being a coastal city, the weather is good with high sunshine levels.

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