16 proud facts about Gothenburg in 2025
Gothenburg is undergoing major transformation. New districts are rising. Innovation is accelerating. More and more people are choosing to live and work here. It’s easy to get used to progress – but now and then, it’s worth pausing to take stock. Here are 16 proud facts about Gothenburg’s development in 2025 – and why the city’s future looks brighter than ever.
1. Sweden's economic centre is moving westward
Western Sweden continues to strengthen its position as prominent economic centre in Sweden. A recent study from Blekinge Institute of Technology shows that the Gothenburg region is growing faster than the country as a whole, powered by a strong mix of advanced industry, tech, services and green innovation.
Since 2010, Gothenburg has seen the fastest increase in highly educated professionals of any Swedish region – attracting talent and capital alike. Companies are growing, and the economy is shifting westward.
2. The future of mobility is being built in Gothenburg
Gothenburg is at the forefront of sustainable mobility innovation. In June, the global Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS) highlighted the city’s role in shaping the transport systems of tomorrow.
Major players like Volvo Cars, Volvo Group, Geely, Polestar, Zeekr and Lynk&Co are all based here – joined by newcomers such as Coretura, a Volvo–Daimler joint venture focused on next-gen vehicle software. Indian mobility tech giant KPIT also recently set up operations at Lindholmen, cementing Gothenburg’s position as one of Europe’s leading mobility hubs.
Seven strong trends in mobility and transportation 2025
3. Sweden’s capital of events
Gothenburg has earned its reputation as Sweden’s capital of events – not by chance, but through decades of strategic focus. The city’s compact layout, proven track record, and central venues make it a favourite among organisers and visitors alike.
From major festivals and international sports tournaments to innovative trade fairs and local gems, Gothenburg’s cultural scene is both vibrant and diverse. Svenska Mässan – one of northern Europe’s most versatile exhibition centres – recently hosted the prestigious Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS), reinforcing the city’s role in shaping tomorrow’s industries.
Gothenburg is home to the world’s largest half marathon, one of the biggest film festivals in the Nordics, and the world's largest youth tournaments in handball and football – Partille Cup and Gothia Cup.
4. The Nordic region’s top logistics hub
Roughly 20% of Sweden’s foreign trade passes through the Port of Gothenburg each year – Scandinavia’s largest and busiest port. Around 40 million tonnes of goods are handled here annually, underscoring the region’s vital role in Nordic trade.
Right now, the port is being deepened to 17.5 metres, enabling it to receive larger and more climate-friendly vessels – a key step towards sustainable, efficient logistics. With its strategic strengths, Gothenburg once again leads as the Nordic region’s foremost logistics and transport hub.
5. Sweden’s deep tech capital
Gothenburg has rapidly emerged as Sweden’s key hotspot for deep tech – advanced technologies grounded in cutting-edge research across AI, space, quantum physics and biotech.
The tech sector has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with new startups scaling up at record pace and investment volumes reaching historic levels. In 2024 alone, ten Gothenburg-based tech companies were acquired for a combined total of approximately SEK 40 billion – an unprecedented figure in Swedish tech history.
6. Home to some of the world’s top rooftop bars
Gothenburg’s skyline is home to more than stunning views – it also boasts some of the world’s most celebrated rooftop bars. TaKeT, located on the seventh floor of Comfort Hotel, was named the world’s best party rooftop in 2024 by The Rooftop Guide – for the fourth time. Not far behind, Jacy’z rooftop PAM’S Pool Deck & Lounge secured a strong tenth place in the global ranking of best rooftop pool bars.
And that’s just the beginning. From laid-back lounges to stylish sky-high hangouts, Gothenburg offers a rooftop experience for every mood – firmly placing the city on the global rooftop map.
7. A top choice for students and young professionals
Gothenburg is Sweden’s most attractive city for university students and young professionals aged 20 to 45. According to the latest Talent City Index – developed by Future Place Leadership and WeStudents – Gothenburg tops the list of 75 Swedish cities.
Why Gothenburg? It’s the mix of a dynamic job market, high quality of life, vibrant culture and family-friendly lifestyle. Here, student life thrives, cafés and restaurants abound, and the whole city feels welcoming, modern and future-focused.
Swedish talents prefer Gothenburg
8. Sweden's innovation powerhouse
Gothenburg is cementing its role as Sweden’s innovation engine. In 2023, businesses in Västra Götaland invested over SEK 9 billion more in research and development than companies in Stockholm County. The region’s R&D intensity is more than double the national average – and the gap is widening.
More R&D means more innovation and new jobs. Gothenburg is leading the way with more testbeds than any other region in Sweden, supported by a strong ecosystem of science parks and collaborative projects. It’s here that the solutions of tomorrow are born.
9. One of the world’s most sustainable destinations
Gothenburg isn’t just Sweden’s top event city – it’s also a global leader in sustainability. In the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI), which ranks cities on environmental, social and economic sustainability, Gothenburg has remained in the top tier since 2016. The city claimed the number one spot for seven years running and secured second place in 2024, just behind Helsinki.
This success is the result of long-term collaboration between the city, businesses and the visitor industry. Everything from hotels and public transport to urban planning works together to form a cohesive, sustainable experience.
And the recognition goes beyond GDSI. In 2023, Lonely Planet named Gothenburg the world’s “Best Sustainable City Stay” – a global honour that puts the city on the map for anyone seeking a responsible and enjoyable urban experience.
10. World-class life science
GoCo Health Innovation City in Mölndal is quickly becoming the Nordic region’s most dynamic life science and health innovation hub. In 2025, GoCo continues to expand rapidly, drawing major international players and large-scale investments. When global companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific choose to set up operations here, it highlights the area’s innovation power.
And GoCo is just one part of a wider ecosystem. The region also includes Sahlgrenska Science Park, AstraZeneca, the University of Gothenburg and one of Europe's largest university hospitals – forming a strong innovation cluster. Interest is growing fast, as seen during this spring’s Swedish HealthTech Bootcamp, which attracted 30 promising companies from ten European countries, all looking to enter the Swedish market.
11. A European testbed for future transportation
Gothenburg is Sweden’s leader – and arguably Europe’s most complete test environment – for sustainable future transport. Here, electric buses, autonomous vehicles, smart mobility services and green logistics are being tested in a real urban setting.
In 2025, several exciting new projects have emerged. One of Europe’s first wireless charging stations for electric vehicles was inaugurated at Gothia Towers. The PEPP project advanced with bidirectional charging (V2G) in public spaces – allowing cars to not only charge, but also feed energy back into the grid. Nordstan shopping centre now hosts the country’s first mobility hotel, offering shared transport solutions and charging infrastructure for tradespeople and urban professionals.
12. The beer capital of the Nordics
Gothenburg isn’t just a coastal city – it’s a hotbed of brewing creativity. With over 40 breweries in and around the city, and a growing number of taprooms and brewpubs, Gothenburg has been dubbed the beer capital of the Nordics by Visit Sweden.
It’s a legacy that dates back centuries. During the East India Company era, Gothenburg’s beer was exported across the globe. Today, a new generation of craft brewers is reviving that tradition with bold flavours and modern techniques – proudly putting Gothenburg at the forefront of the Nordic beer scene.
Craft beer and breweries in Gothenburg
13. A pioneer in climate-neutral construction
Gothenburg is leading the transition to climate-neutral construction. Through a unique regional collaboration platform, builders, property owners, architects and public actors are joining forces to drive change in the building sector.
Here, tangible solutions are tested, scaled and shared – from large-scale reuse of building materials and circular design to climate requirements in procurement. The city’s real estate department was recently named “Reuser of the Year” – further proof that Gothenburg is pioneering sustainable urban development.
Front-runner in sustainability
14. The tallest building in Scandinavia
Gothenburg’s skyline is rising rapidly as the city modernises. It’s now home to four buildings that stand over 100 metres tall – with Karlatornet leading the way at 246 metres, making it the tallest building in the Nordics and the tallest residential tower in the EU.
Citygate in Gårda is the tallest office building in the Nordic region at 144 metres. Nearby, Kineum reaches 110 metres and houses both offices and the Jacy’z hotel. At the square Järntorget, Hotel Draken has become a new local landmark at 104 metres.
15. Leading the way towards a transport system of the future
In recent years, news about how Gothenburg is leading the way towards more sustainable transport has come one after the other. By 2030, the entire transport system must be electrified, fossil-free – and silent. The region's mobility cluster gives us a world-unique value chain and the city's broad investment attracts international attention.
Not least with the Gothenburg Green City Zone, the world's first large-scale testbed for emission-free transport in an urban environment, where new technology in both vehicles and infrastructure is tested. This requires us to rethink, think new and think together – Gothenburg is a unique combination of a hotspot for innovation, frontrunner in sustainability and master of collaboration!
16. Quality of life – next door to nature
A vibrant city, beautiful surroundings, and a family-friendly environment make Gothenburg an attractive place to live. Just minutes from downtown, you’ll find yourself surrounded by sea, forest or archipelago – a green heartbeat in sync with the city’s rhythm.
Gothenburg’s archipelago is unique: car-free in the south, more rugged in the north, and always close. Picturesque islands, hiking trails, saltwater swims and a genuine coastal vibe – this is where you can go from after-work drinks to kayaking, without needing your car.
The article was first published in May 2023 but has been updated several times, latest in June 2025.