Gothenburg: Pioneering Sustainable Living as UN's New Lifestyle Hub

Gothenburg has been officially designated by the United Nations as the host city for its Sustainable Lifestyle Hub, marking a significant milestone in the city's commitment to sustainable living.

 

This recognition positions Gothenburg as a global leader in climate-smart urban development, providing an international platform where global and local stakeholders can collaborate to accelerate the transition toward sustainable lifestyles.

 

For travelers seeking to experience a city at the forefront of sustainable living, Gothenburg offers a plethora of eco-friendly activities and initiatives.

 

Here are the top 10 ways to enjoy a sustainable city break in Gothenburg in 2026:

 

1. Arrive Sustainably

Traveling 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, allowing for a car-free stay from the moment you land.

 

2. Utilize Renewable Public Transport

A massive 95% of Gothenburg's public transport is powered by renewable energy, making getting around both easy and guilt-free.

Trams, buses, and boats are all included, regardless of which ticket or public transport card you use.

 

3. Stay in Eco-Certified Accommodations

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, travelers can choose accommodations committed to recycling, energy efficiency, and sustainable operations without sacrificing comfort.

 

4. Explore the Car-Free Southern Archipelago

Just 30 minutes from the city center, ferries connect you to Gothenburg's southern archipelago, a string of car-free islands.

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.

 

5. Savor Seasonal Dishes at Michelin-Starred Restaurants

The city has quietly established itself 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.

 

6. Engage in Circular Shopping

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.

 

7. Participate in Sustainable Festivals

Way Out West is known as the world's first sustainable music festival.

It's also fully vegetarian, which organizers say has helped lower 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 its aim to become the world's most sustainable coffee festival.

 

8. Unwind in a Sea-Side Sauna

Combine an invigorating sea swim with a restorative sauna session, a quintessentially Swedish ritual.

Gothenburg offers everything from urban harbor saunas built with reclaimed materials to wood-fired saunas on the archipelago.

For a luxury wellness accommodation option, consider the new Kusthotellet Styrsö.

 

9. Cycle the City and 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 390 km path runs along the west coast, finishing in Gothenburg with breathtaking sea views.

 

10. Enjoy Urban Green Spaces

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.

 

Gothenburg's commitment to sustainable living is evident in its urban planning, transportation, and cultural initiatives.

By embracing these eco-friendly options, visitors can experience a city that is not only beautiful but also dedicated to a sustainable future.