19 proud facts about Gothenburg in 2026

1. It's noticable -  something has changed in Gothenburg

The Gothenburg region stands out. Over the past 15 years, growth has reached 66 percent – compared to 39 percent in Sweden and 19 percent in Europe. Solid facts, plain and simple.

Since the financial crisis, development here has been stronger than in other metropolitan regions – especially in manufacturing and knowledge-intensive services. This is where innovation, sustainable growth and the green transition take shape, every day.

More than 38,000 new companies since 2009 are driving investment, development and research forward. Today, the region accounts for 35 percent of Sweden’s private R&D investments – nearly SEK 10 billion more than Stockholm.

Gothenburg is a hub for engineering and science. The share of people with this expertise is higher here than in both Stockholm and Malmö – and it is growing at the fastest rate in the country.

The labour market is stable. Unemployment is the lowest among Sweden’s metropolitan regions.

The message is clear: we make things happen. And more and more people are seeing it.

Read Facts and statistics 2026

Read the article Sweden's economic centre is moving westward

2. The future of mobility is being built in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the hub for next-generation sustainable mobility. Gothenburg is at the forefront of next-generation sustainable mobility, where electrification, software and connectivity are driving development forward. At the same time, the Gothenburg region is Sweden’s leading – and perhaps Europe’s most complete – testbed for the transport systems of the future.

In January 2026, Volvo Cars launched the fully electric EX60, a key global model developed in Gothenburg and produced in Torslanda. The launch marks an important step in the company’s transition to fully electric vehicles and is built on a new technology platform focused on range, charging speed and intelligent software. 

The region is also home to companies such as Volvo Group, Polestar, Einride, ZEEKR and Lynk & Co. Together with new players like Coretura, a joint venture between Volvo Group and Daimler Truck, based in Gothenburg, that is developing software platforms for connected vehicles.

At the same time, international companies continue to establish a presence here. One example is KPIT at Lindholmen, further strengthening Gothenburg’s position as one of Europe’s leading mobility clusters. 

Seven strong trends in mobility and transportation 2025

3. Seven places shaping Gothenburg's future

Gothenburg is growing rapidly, and the city’s transformation is visible across seven key locations. From Torslanda to Härryda, Lindholmen to GoCo, and from Central Station to Gamlestaden. 

Development is taking place in every direction. Each location reflects the city’s ambition to become more sustainable, vibrant and attractive – for both residents and businesses. 

Read the full article

4. The Nordic capital of events

SEK 2.3 billion – every year. That’s the economic impact of nine recurring events in Gothenburg, driven by spending from visiting participants and spectators.

Behind the figure are close to one million visitors and participants. Together, events such as the Gothenburg Half Marathon, Gothia Cup, the Book Fair and Way Out West create long-term value – not just temporary peaks. It’s the continuity that make the difference. World-class sport, culture and music, year after year, strengthen businesses, create jobs and increase Gothenburg’s international visibility.

The result: a strong visitor economy that positions Gothenburg as the Nordic capital of events.

This summer, there’s more to look forward to:
Ullevi Plaza becomes a meeting place for the Men’s Football World Cup, with matches shown on big screens. Ullevi hosts concerts by Luke Combs and Swedish House Mafia. In Frihamnen, you can experience Valter Nilsson and the metal festival Göteborg Brinner. The O-Ringen orienteering event and the European Volleyball Championships also take place here. Add to that Göteborgskalaset, Gothia Cup and Partille Cup.

You get the picture – even when the weather is wet and cold, summer in Gothenburg is never dull. 

Check out the event calendar on Goteborg.com for all that is happening

5. The Nordic region’s leading logistics location

The Gothenburg region’s location, close to major shipping routes, railways and highways, makes it Sweden’s leading logistics hub. Within a 500 km radius, 70 percent of Nordic industry is located. Here, you find Scandinavia’s largest port, the Port of Gothenburg, along with a well-developed network of rail, road and efficient logistics facilities.

Around 20 percent of Sweden’s foreign trade passes through the Port of Gothenburg each year. It is the largest and busiest port in Scandinavia, handling close to 40 million tonnes of cargo annually – a clear reflection of the region’s importance to the entire Nordic market.  A major project to deepen the fairway to 17.5 metres is currently under way, enabling larger and more energy-efficient vessels. An important step towards more sustainable and efficient logistics. 

The region also offers strong research capabilities and is home to leading logistics companies. Göteborg Landvetter Airport further strengthens the logistics system through international air freight and faster turn around time. Swedavia, which operates the airport, is at the forefront of developing airports with minimal environmental impact.

With these strengths, Gothenburg stands out as the Nordic region’s leading logistics hub – and a key gateway for trade and transport across Europe.

6. Sweden’s hub for deep tech

Gothenburg is Sweden’s hub for deep tech. In 2026, that becomes clearer than ever. It’s no surprise that the number of tech companies continues to grow. The city has a long history of advanced industry, and more is invested in research and development here than anywhere else in Sweden.

Something happens when people, ideas and experience truly come together. Initiatives like AI Gothenburg connect real-world challenges with ideas, startups, researchers and established companies in joint development. It shortens the path from idea to solution – and from solution to business.

The approach is simple: collaborate - work together, not side by side.

You can see it in how advanced industry, research and development are closely linked in practice. At Chalmers University of Technology, progress is driven in areas such as materials science, quantum technology and electronics. At the same time, companies like Volvo, AstraZeneca, Ericsson and Saab are tackling some of the world’s most complex technological challenges – in environments where ideas are not enough; solutions have to work in reality.

Deep tech is deeply rooted here. Development feels natural and continuous. This is where the future of mobility, life science and connectivity takes shape. We test, learn and refine in real-world environments – and help set the direction with solutions that work, are used and make a difference.

Read about the 7 tech trends shaping 2026 

7. Gothenburg's outstanding food scene

Gothenburg’s food scene has grown into one of the most dynamic and exciting in Scandinavia. Here, you’ll find an impressive range and variety, Michelin-starred restaurants sit comfortably alongside innovative street food spots and cozy neighborhood bistros.

You can visit the newly renovated Feskekôrka to experience the very best from the sea, or explore Stora Saluhallen – a vibrant food hall that combines high culinary ambition with outstanding top-quality produce and a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. 

Whether you choose an award-winning tasting menu at a fine dining restaurant, enjoy the famous cinnamon bun in Haga, or visit the Slakthusområdet, home to Sweden’s first urban winery, you’ll encounter the same thing everywhere: a welcoming and genuinely proud food culture.

Where to eat and drink in Gothenburg

8. Five years of welcoming international talent

We are proud to celebrate International House Gothenburg as it turns five – our international hub in the heart of the city.

For five years, it has been a valuable meeting place and anchor for international talent, as well as for accompanying family members and partners. A place that creates context and a sense of belonging for people who have chosen to build their lives in a new country, far away from home.

Here, you can access free-of-charge services and guidance that make it easier to understand and settle into Swedish working life, society and culture.

Welcoming and retaining international talent is key to Gothenburg’s future. We are proud of what International House Gothenburg has achieved in its first five years, supporting a soft landing for so many people whose skills and perspectives are essential for the city’s continued growth and development.

Happy birthday International House Gothenburg!

Link to International House Gothenburg

9. Swedens innovation powerhouse

Gothenburg accounts for 35 per cent of Sweden’s private investment in research and development. That’s more than anywhere else in the country, and it says something about where the future is being built.

Our strength doesn’t come from size. It comes from how we work together. Here, companies, academia and the public sector meet, and get things done. We test solutions in real life, not just in theory. This is where industrial strength meets cutting-edge technology and a shared ambition to move from ideas to action.

That’s how we strengthen competitiveness, drive transformation and create new business, not as an ambition, but in practice. 

It’s also why Nordic Compass has chosen Gothenburg as the host city for its conference:
“Gothenburg was selected as the host city for Nordic Compass because it combines many of the capabilities needed to strengthen Nordic competitiveness and resilience: industrial excellence, technological innovation, and a strong culture of collaboration.”

We recognize ourselves in that.

And we’re proud that others do too.

Testbeds in the Gothenburg region

Gothenburg - hotspot for innovation

Nordic Compass - The Nordic round table for industry

10. A front-runner in Sustainability

Gothenburg has built a strong position as one of the world’s most sustainable cities. Seven first-place rankings in the Global Destination Sustainability Index say a lot – but not everything.

Here, it’s visible in concrete choices: electrified public transport, urban development guided by clear climate targets, and a visitor industry that is transitioning together. Sustainability shapes decisions across the city, not as a project, but as a way of working.

As one of the United Nations’ selected hubs for sustainable lifestyles, Gothenburg brings together partners to test and scale solutions that make an impact beyond the city itself. This work continues to gain recognition, most recently with the title Fairtrade City of the Year 2026. Through the Win Win Award, we also highlight those who show what real transition looks like in practice.

We are proud of Gothenburg as a role model – but not satisfied. There is more to be done. If you want to be part of the next step, we’re here.

UN Sustainable Lifestyle hub in Gothenburg

Win Win Awards

How Gothenburg became a blueprint for sustainable cities

11. A hub for the future of health and life science

GoCo Health Innovation City in Mölndal is on track to become the most dynamic hub for health and life science in the Nordics. Growth continues at a rapid pace, with international companies and major investments choosing to establish themselves here. When global leaders like Thermo Fisher Scientific invest in the area, it is a clear signal of the strong innovation capacity that defines the location.

But GoCo is only part of the bigger picture. Across the Gothenburg region, Sahlgrenska Science Park, AstraZeneca, the university and healthcare providers form a strong and connected innovation ecosystem.
In May 2026, leading representatives from the private sector, academia and the public sector set a shared direction forward by forming a joint council for life science in western Sweden. At the same time, construction of Sahlgrenska Life officially began during the spring.

12. Nordic Compass takes its first step in Gothenburg

Nordic Compass is a new Nordic industrial alliance bringing together leading companies, investors and organizations to strengthen competitiveness and resilience across the region. The focus is on developing concrete initiatives – and driving them all the way from idea to implementation.

In November, around 150 selected participants will gather in Gothenburg for the first Nordic Compass Summit. The format is hands-on and focused, with the aim of moving work forward in areas such as capital markets, deep tech, defence and energy.

The initiative comes at a time of significant change. At the same time, the Nordic region stands strong, with stable economies, high levels of trust and a long tradition of cross-border collaboration. This creates a solid foundation to build on, and it is in this context that Nordic Compass operates.

The choice of Gothenburg as host city is deliberate. The city is recognized as an environment where industry, academia, and the public sector work closely together, a place where collaboration and progress go hand in hand.

In November, global attention will turn to what we call the Gothenburg way. We look forward to welcoming it, and we are confident that this is the start of something truly impactful, for the Nordics and for Gothenburg.

Nordic Compass

The Gothenburg way

13. The Nordic Capital of Craft Beer

Gothenburg is more than a city by the sea, creativity is brewing here, quite literally. With more than 40 breweries in and around the city, along with a growing number of taprooms and brewpubs, Gothenburg has been named the Nordic capital of craft beer by Visit Sweden. In other words, a natural frontrunner on the Nordic beer scene.

But this is nothing new. As early as the days of the Swedish East India Company, beer from Gothenburg was exported across the world. Today, we are seeing a modern revival, driven by passionate craft brewers who are renewing tradition with both quality and character.

If you want to experience it for yourself, hop on the Brewery Bus – a unique collaboration between local breweries offering free transport between different taprooms across the city. Every Saturday between 12:00 and 18:00, Brewery Bus GBG runs through Gothenburg. Get on at Järntorget and join the ride.

Time table for the Brewery Bus

Craft beer and breweries in Gothenburg

14. A pioneer in climate-neutral construction

Gothenburg has taken a leading role in the transition to climate-neutral construction. Through a unique regional collaboration platform, developers, property owners, architects and public organizations come together to accelerate the shift towards a net-zero building sector. Here, concrete solutions are tested, scaled and shared – from large-scale reuse of building materials and circular design to clear climate requirements in procurement.

One example is Kaj 16, where the former Kromet site in Frihamnen has been transformed into a material bank for reuse in new urban development. In 2026, Vasakronan was named Reuse Company of the Year after demonstrating how reuse can be scaled in larger construction projects and integrated throughout the entire process. Initiatives like these position Gothenburg as a frontrunner in sustainable urban development.
During the year, Gothenburg also became the first city in Sweden to introduce joint electricity requirements in procurements for construction and civil engineering projects.

Platform for climate-neutral construction

15. Look up – a new skyline is taking shape

New landmarks are rising and reshaping the city. Today, several buildings exceed 100 metres. Karlatornet has set a completely new scale at 246 metres – the tallest building in the Nordics and a new point of reference far beyond the region. In Gårda, Citygate at 144 metres signals how working life is moving upward, while Kineum, at 110 metres, brings together offices and a hotel. At Järntorget, Draken at 104 metres has transformed one of the city’s most familiar spaces.

This is about more than tall buildings. It’s about a city becoming denser and more vibrant, where every district gains new life. More homes mean more Gothenburg residents. More people create more business opportunities, more capital and a larger market for companies here. That generates momentum, and growing international interest in establishing, investing and being part of what’s happening.

Masthuggskajen, the Central Station area and Hisingen are all filling with new content and new energy. At the same time, the West Link rail project will open a new station at the Central Station in December – underground, but with a clear impact on the city above. In summer 2026, Gothenburg View will open, offering a new way to see the transformation from above.

Next time you see a construction crane – look up.
This is where it happens.

16. 8,530 new businesses

Gothenburg continues to be a place where ideas turn into businesses. In 2025, 8,530 new companies were started in the region, representing 11.5 per cent of all new businesses in Sweden. Behind that figure are everything from sole traders and early-stage growth companies to individuals testing an idea alongside their day job.

Small businesses are a vital part of the local economy, accounting for a significant share of employment, turnover and value creation in the region. And if you want to turn an idea into action, support is available. In 2025, Business Region Gothenburg’s business advisors delivered their strongest year to date, with 396 advisory sessions leading to 164 new companies being established. Read more about the record year.

For many looking to start or grow a business, YESBOX in Gamlestadens Fabriker is a natural starting point. In 2025, the site welcomed more than 13,000 unique visitors. Here, several organisations come together under one roof to offer advice, guidance and practical tools at the early stages of the business journey.

17. This is where the Nordics’ next AI hub is taking shape

There is something distinctly Gothenburg about the way AI Gothenburg is taking shape. Not the biggest. Not the tallest. But close-knit. Here, founders work side by side with industry, testing in real-world conditions, failing fast and moving on even faster. There is less talk about the future – and more actual work being done.

The pace says something too. The initiative was announced in March. By June, more than 100 companies had already expressed interest, and around twenty are confirmed to move in (or are already in place). By autumn, the premises at Järntorget will likely be full. It has moved fast. And it continues to.

Among those moving in are companies such as Staer, Pickel, Cognivity, The Intelligence Company, Barrion, Konfliktkollen and Verda Solutions. Their work spans areas such as energy, batteries, credit data, construction processes and cybersecurity. Different directions – but with a shared focus on making things work in practice.

Some are just getting started. Others have built companies before. They share code, contacts and pace. And at the centre of it all is access: to computing power, investment, global partners like NVIDIA, and an industry that both challenges and drives development.

It changes the speed. The confidence.
And it is no coincidence that it is happening here.

AI Gothenburg

18. The Swedish Ship Gothenburg gain prime location in Gothenburg

The Swedish Ship Götheborg is a living symbol of Gothenburg’s heritage as an international trading and maritime city. That history has laid the foundation for much of what defines the city today – from expertise in shipping and shipbuilding to science and infrastructure.

It has now been confirmed that the ship will have a permanent home at Masthuggskajen, right next to Järntorget. Plans are underway to develop a new experience centre by 2031 – the same year the Swedish East India Company celebrates its 300th anniversary.

The ambition is to create a vibrant meeting place in the heart of the city, where the ship’s historic journeys to China and its role in Gothenburg’s development become a reason to visit – for at least another 300 years.

Learn more about the ship Götheborg
Learn more about the Swedish East India Company

19. “Sweden’s new capital of cool”

When international magazines try to describe Gothenburg, it’s hard to look past what’s immediately visible. This spring, Travel + Leisure called us “Sweden’s new capital of cool” – a city where food, design and everyday life blend together in an effortless way. It’s a nice read, and that’s fair enough. But those of us who live here know they’ve only scratched the surface.

What truly makes the city come alive is rarely found in curated guides. It exists in the energy just below the surface. On Ringön, where microbreweries serve straight from the tanks in raw industrial spaces. In Vassen at Götaverken, where street food, art and music have transformed an old shipyard quay into something entirely its own. You’ll find it along the long streets lined with restaurants, on rooftop bars, in the archipelago, along the canals – and in how quickly we find ways to use what’s waiting to become something new.

It’s about an organic, opportunity-driven food and cultural scene, shaped by curiosity. One that refuses to be boxed in by the expected or the standard. And it’s about an entrepreneurial spirit. The force that draws an international audience to independent record labels and clubs, that sees natural wine produced in the middle of Gamlestaden, and pop-up restaurants selling out in twenty minutes from a single Instagram post.
We thrive in what is constantly moving forward – from live music venues around Majorna and Stigbergstorget to temporary collaborations between chefs and creatives that appear in a courtyard for a single weekend.

The established and the temporary exist side by side. It’s not a fixed image. It’s a pace.
Others are just beginning to discover it. We’re right in the middle of it – and more than happy to disappear into Vassen this summer.

Gothenburg is Sweden's New Capital of Cool