The United Nations has officially announced Gothenburg in Sweden as the new host city for its Sustainable Lifestyle Hub. This accolade positions the Swedish city as a global leader in climate-smart living - an international platform where global and local stakeholders will come together with the aim of accelerating the transition toward sustainable lifestyles.
It’s also a very real opportunity for travellers to come and experience the city that's shaping the future of travel. From travelling on a public transport network that is powered by 95% renewable energy to exploring the car-free southern Gothenburg archipelago, here are our top 10 ways to enjoy enjoy a sustainable city break in Gothenburg in 2026:
- Land in Gothenburg, Leave the Car Behind
Travelling to Gothenburg doesn’t have to mean flying. From London, you can reach Sweden entirely by rail in under 24 hours. For those opting to fly, Gothenburg’s Landvetter Airport is just 25 minutes from the city and well-connected by public transport - meaning you can still enjoy a car-free stay from the moment you land.
- Hop on Renewable Trams & Ferries
A massive 95% of Gothenburg’s public transport is powered by renewable energy, which makes getting around easy and guilt-free. What’s more, trams, buses and boats are always included, regardless of which ticket or public transport card you travel with.
- Stay in an Eco-Certified Hotel
In 2025, 96% of hotel rooms in Gothenburg are eco-certified - one of the highest rates in the world. From design-led boutique stays such as Jacy’z Hotel and Resort to larger chain hotels like the new Scandic Europa, travellers can choose hotels committed to recycling, energy efficiency and sustainable operations without sacrificing comfort.
- Explore the Car-Free Southern Archipelago
Just 30 minutes from the city centre, ferries connect you to Gothenburg’s southern archipelago, a string of car-free islands. Once there, visitors can hike coastal trails, enjoy sandy beaches or swim off granite rocks - all without the traffic. It’s slow, sustainable travel at its best, right on the city’s doorstep.
- Seasonal Dishes at Michelin-starred Restaurants
The city has quietly established itself as Sweden’s culinary capital. Food lovers can enjoy Gothenburg’s position as Sweden’s culinary capital, with a growing number of Michelin-starred restaurants. Dine at award-winning Signum, or sample fresh shellfish at the newly refurbished Feskekörka fish market.
- Shop Circular
Gothenburg is at the forefront of the circular economy, making shopping a sustainable activity. Explore vintage boutiques, second-hand stores and design shops that embrace reuse and upcycling. The city also supports more than 100 sharing initiatives, from tool libraries to clothing rentals, making it a hub for conscious consumption.
- Join a Sustainable Festival
Way Out West is known as the world’s first sustainable music festival. It’s also fully vegetarian, which the organisers say has helped them lower their emissions by 40%. Meanwhile the Gothenburg Culture Festival is a single-use free event that avoided 90,000 disposable items in 2024. In 2026, Nordic Coffee Fest will continue in its aim to become the world’s most sustainable coffee festival.
- Unwind in a Sauna by the Sea
Combine an invigorating sea swim with a restorative sauna session - a quintessentially Swedish ritual. Gothenburg offers up everything from urban harbour saunas built with reclaimed materials to wood-fired saunas on the archipelago. For a luxury wellness accommodation option, consider the new Kusthotellet Styrsö.
- Cycle the City & Coast
Compact, flat and bike-friendly, Gothenburg is made for cycling. Rent a bike to explore the city’s waterfront and green spaces, or tackle part of the Kattegattleden cycle trail, Sweden’s first national cycle route. This 390km path runs along the west coast, finishing in Gothenburg with breathtaking sea views.
- Enjoy Green Spaces in the City
Nature is never far away in Gothenburg. The city is filled with parks and gardens, from Slottsskogen park (home to meadows and forest trails) to the vast Botanical Garden, one of the largest in Europe.
