Celebrate Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary!

Plan a summer of fun as Sweden’s second-largest city celebrates

As they say: Better late than never. After a two-year delay, Gothenburg is celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2023. For the big event, the city is planning a full summer of concerts, exhibits, festivals, parties and more – and you won’t want to miss out!

Travel with us by ferry from Kiel or Frederikshavn and you’ll arrive in the heart of the city. With our conveniently located terminal, you’ll be able to step or drive off our ship and directly into the fun.

Festivities take place 2 June – 3 September 2023. Summer is already the perfect time to experience Gothenburg’s unique art and culture, outstanding food, gorgeous outdoor spaces and friendly neighbourhoods. With the anniversary events adding extra excitement, there’s never been a better time to fall in love with Sweden’s second-largest city.

Click here for a full list of anniversary events and read below for some of the highlights of this long-overdue birthday celebration.

Gothenburg 400th Anniversary Exhibits

Date: Various dates through 31 December 2023

Throughout Gothenburg’s anniversary year, art and history will be a strong focus. Exhibits commemorating four centuries of Gothenburg’s culture will on display throughout the city’s museums, galleries, public spaces and venues. Among the highlights are Göteborgs Stadsmuseum’s “400 Years of History” and “The Thing About Gothenburg,” an examination of the most beloved (and most hated) objects at the museum; “A Genuis Mind,” which celebrates street-art icon Banksy at Eriksbergshallen; and much more. Many exhibits will be on display through the end of the year. A full calendar of exhibits is available here.

Museum of Gothenburg. Explore the exciting pre-history, the 19th century life, the development of the modern industrial Gothenburg and the only exhibited Viking ship in Sweden, Äskekärrsskeppet.

Göteborgs Jubileumsfirande

Date: 2-3 June 2023

The anniversary celebrations start with a bang at the Göteborgs Jubileumsfirande, a free, all-ages music & culture festival in the city’s fast-developing Frihamnen area. The line-up features a wide array of performers for all tastes, including the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, local indie rock troubadour Jens Lekman, pop star Sarah Klang, electronica duo Hooja and others. Additionally, the event will feature a visit from the Swedish royal family, great food, dancing and so much more. It’s a birthday celebration you surely won’t want to miss.

Eriksbergs Kulturhamnsfestival

Date: 26-27 August 2023

The hip, waterfront neighbourhood of Eriksberg has been changing and developing in recent years– but it hasn’t abandoned its rich maritime heritage. The Eriksbergs Kulturhamnsfestival is a marine celebration and sailing event that will see the harbour filled with ships and the dockside alive with activity and music. It’s a great way to get to know one of the city’s liveliest hubs of food, culture and fun.

Göteborgs Kulturkalas

Date: 1-3 September 2023

At the end of each summer, Göteborgs Kulturkalas (Gothenburg Culture Festival) transforms the city’s squares and streets into one big party celebrating all things culture. All manner of performance – live music, dance, film, street art, crafts, comedy, poetry and more – are highlighted during the free event. This year, the festival is held in conjunction with Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary and is expected to draw nearly 700,000 attendees to the main festival and its various associated events throughout the region.

The Gothenburg Jubilee Parade

Date: 2 September 2023

What’s a birthday without a parade? The Gothenburg Anniversary’s final weekend kicks off in style with the Jubilee Parade. The parade winds through the city centre from Gustafs Adolfs Torg Götaplatsen offering dance, music, floats and more commemorating the city’s long, beautiful history.

Göteborgsvarvet Marathon

Date: 3 September 2023

One of Scandinavia’s favourite races for runners, the Göteborgsvarvet Marathon offers participants a chance to tour the city at street level as tens of thousands of runners speed past the city’s landmarks and canals on both sides of the river. With the 2023 version timed for the Gothenburg Anniversary celebration, this year’s event promises to be extra special for participants and spectators alike.