So, first a disclaimer on this post about why Gothenburg should be on your list for traveling! This was the last time I traveled for work before the pandemic hit last year, I was booked by former clients to travel for four days to Sweden so that I could document a weekend celebration of my client’s 60th birthday. This was all a huge surprise her husband organised for her and all she knew was that there was something happening that particular weekend. She had no idea of who was coming, what was going to happen, where she would be going… so to be a part of this was both an honor and a lot of fun.
I had dreamed a lot about Sweden, particularly Stockholm (which is still on my bucket list), so I was thrilled about flying to Gothenburg.
I didn’t know anything about the city and to be honest I didn’t have much time to explore it in a free way, as I had several shoots throughout the four days. But still I was delighted to wander around the neighbourhood where I was staying and the historical area. This is actually one of my favorite things to do while I travel, either for work or leisure, I love to take a brief moment for myself and wander alone to take some pictures and have that time for me. Exploring the residential areas is a personal pleasure, as I love seeing the houses and imagining its owners on their daily lives… in Sweden there is this habit that looks lovely in winter months, which is to have small lamps by the window, so that dim light adds even more charm.
I stayed at Pia’s House which, despite the name, is actually a small two bedroom villa, it was so cozy and well located in a very homy neighbourhood. I wandered a lot around the neighbourhood and though the weather was not that great, it was dry most of the time. As I was swamped with work and Alice had started daycare two months before, which meant being such every two weeks, I didn’t have any time to do any research before leaving. So the first night I quickly googled what would be some interesting for me spots and then the next day, as I had the morning off, I headed to Haga, the charming historical neighbourhood. As I traveled in November, shops and streets were already all filled with Christmas decor, much to my inner child amusement!
For those who know me, I’m all about fall/winter, coziness, blankets and fireplaces. One thing I absolutely love about these Scandinavian countries (I also found this in Copenhagen, Malmo and Amsterdam) is that all places have this dim warm light, so you feel cozy as soon as you get in somewhere. As these countries are also known for not much daylight during winter months, so all of this adds up to that warm feeling of going to a coffee place for something warm and sweet, aka a cappuccino and a cinnamon bun (classic!). I visited Cafeva and absolutely loved it, small and quiet. I wanted to stay there and just read a book for the whole morning!
I wandered more around Haga and did just a little shopping, though I wanted to bring so many things with me… oh these shops were so beautiful!!
Can I have one of these cookie and buns carts on my street, please?
Almost all meals were included in my work appointments, but one of these was a relaxed (with a fine dining twist) lunch in Parisian style restaurant Atelier which is located at the Hotel Pigalle, and it was such a treat!
Then as it was raining, it seemed the perfect time to visit the Botanical Garden, as it’s in this beautiful white house filled with charm… and out of curiosity they were having a small wedding ceremony there. If you love flowers and plants, then this is a must stop place. However the photos don’t make this place justice, because it was late fall and such a gloomy day.
In the last day, and my last job appointment was a brunch on Dorsia Hotel, which is one of the best known boutique hotels in the city. The style is definitely not my style for boutique hotels, but I love visiting these places and having brunch there was a treat!
So the conclusion is that if you’re traveling to Sweden and have a few days off, I would take the chance to visit Gothenburg as well. It’s such a lovely city and with so much more to explore. The weather and mostly the time I had didn’t make up for exploring much, but I definitely had a great time wandering around the city. It’s filled with cool restaurants, cozy coffee shops and really beautiful shops!
For those of you who liked these images, some are available as prints on the Print Shop!
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