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. 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.

Facts & Figures 2025/26

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.

Hotspot for innovation

Testbeds in Gothenburg

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!

Gothenburg Green City Zone

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 Gothenburg archipelago

The article was first published in May 2023 but has been updated several times, latest in June 2025.