From Sky-High Dining to Sauna Suites and a Spot on Condé Nast's Christmas Hot List, Sweden's second city levels up with new hotels, headline concerts, and a coveted place on the UN's global stage for sustainability

What do a baby shark, Swedish House Mafia, and a 246-meter skyscraper have in common? All are part of Gothenburg's impressive cultural and experiential rollout for 2026. Sweden's west coast gem is set to make international headlines with a slate of new openings, major events, and global recognition that's hard to ignore.

Luke Combs opens his world tour in Sweden – July 4 at Ullevi Stadium
One of country music's biggest stars is going Nordic. Luke Combs kicks off his “My Kinda Saturday Night Tour” in Gothenburg on July 4, choosing Sweden's legendary Ullevi Stadium for his first stop. It's a rare chance for fans — especially those eager for a destination concert — to see a Southern superstar take over Scandinavia. More info and tickets.

Condé Nast Traveler ranks amusement park Liseberg among Europe's best Christmas markets
Gothenburg is also gaining international buzz for its winter magic. In October, Condé Nast Traveler named Jul på Liseberg one of Europe's most enchanting Christmas markets. But this year is something extra: Liseberg celebrates its 25th anniversary as one of Sweden's largest and most iconic holiday events.

Season highlights:

• 5 million Christmas lights
• 2,000 Christmas trees and 7 tons of artificial snow
• Three themed markets: Winter Market, Old-Fashioned Christmas, and the Tyrolean Market
• Over 40 festive stalls and 30 open rides
• A new projected light story in Santa's Village with shimmering auroras and glowing façades
• Sweden's tallest Christmas tree – 116 meters high

Full program and ticket info released Nov 7 at liseberg.se

UN's global sustainable lifestyle hub – and a blueprint for climate-smart travel
From 2026 to 2028, Gothenburg will serve as the UN's designated hub for Sustainable Lifestyles, spotlighting its leadership in green innovation. A few fast facts:

• 96% of hotel rooms are eco-certified
• 95% of public transportation runs on renewable energy
• The entire city and archipelago are accessible by tram, bus or boat

More at: goteborgco.se/en/sustainability

Opening summer 2026: Sweden's tallest building goes public
The Karlatornet skyscraper — at 246 meters, the tallest in the Nordics — opens its observation deck and restaurant on the 69th floor in summer 2026. Expect panoramic views and fine dining high above the Gothenburg skyline.

New museum and design-forward food hall

• The Paradox Museum (opening November 2025) offers optical illusions, immersive exhibits, and interactive storytelling — tailor-made for curious minds and social feeds.
• Vassen Street Food Market (opening May 2026) will feature global cuisine, vintage shops, and workshops — all set in an urban park built from repurposed containers.
  
  

More music, festivals, and sports in 2026

• Swedish House Mafia – Aug 28–29 at Ullevi, their only European headline shows in 2026
• Slakthuset Blockhouse Party – July 16–18, featuring two music stages, urban wine, and food from Gothenburg's top restaurants
• O-Ringen – the world's largest orienteering event, July 19–25
• CEV Women's Volleyball European Championship – hosted at Scandinavium, Aug 21–27
  
  

Tranquility by the lake – now with private sauna suites
Just 20 minutes outside the city, Hällsnäs Hotel & Restaurant is adding 32 new rooms, including four lakeside sauna suites, available from February 2026. Also onsite: the acclaimed Restaurant Signum, holder of two Michelin stars and a Green Star for sustainable fine dining.

Cover photo:
Sauna at Hallsnäs Hotell by Hallsnäs Hotell, Slakthuset Block House Party by Wine Mechanics, Ullevi Stadium by House of vision, Karlatornet by Karlatornet. (Download)

Press images:
Download press image selection (valid until Dec 20)
Mediabank Göteborg & Co
Imagebank Sweden

PR Contact:
Josefin Haraldsson, Head of PR USA, Visit Sweden: pressusa@visitsweden.com