Gothenburg Amphibious Bus Land and Water Sightseeing Tour

Kungsparken and the old city moat

Your tour starts at Kungsparken, a green park in the very centre of Gothenburg that follows the curve of the old city moat, the Vallgraven. Gothenburg was founded in the early 17th century as a fortified trading town, and its canals and star-shaped moat were laid out by Dutch engineers, giving the centre a look that still recalls old Amsterdam. Kungsparken, with its lawns, trees and bridges, is one of the most pleasant corners of the city.

The meeting point at Kungsparken 1 is a few minutes on foot from Kungsportsplatsen tram stop and the main shopping streets, so it is easy to find. Arrive about 15 minutes early to board calmly. If you are asking how to get to Kungsparken, most trams in central Gothenburg stop nearby, and Central Station is about a 10-minute walk away.

Central Gothenburg by road

The first part of the Gothenburg amphibious bus tour is a drive through the city-centre streets. From your seat you see the elegant stone buildings along the canals, the grand avenue that runs south towards the cultural district, busy squares and markets, and the historic heart of the city where merchants once traded with the East. Your guide points out the main sights and explains how the port shaped Gothenburg's character.

This part is a relaxed way to orient yourself on your first day in Gothenburg: you will recognise the places you want to come back to later, such as the fish market hall, the shopping streets and the canalside quarters. The route may vary with traffic and events, but it always gives a good overview of the centre before the bus heads down to the river.

Splash-down into the Göta älv

The moment everyone waits for comes when the bus drives down a ramp and plunges into the Göta älv, the broad river that divides Gothenburg and flows into the North Sea. Water sprays up on both sides, children cheer, and suddenly the bus is floating and sailing like a boat. It is a short, thrilling moment that makes this one of the most memorable things to do in Gothenburg with kids.

The amphibious vehicle is built for both road and water, with a hull and propellers beneath the bus body, and the crew follow strict safety rules. Life jackets are on board. Once afloat, the pace slows and the views open up across the water, giving you a completely different perspective on the city you just saw from the streets.

Gothenburg harbour from the water

Gothenburg has the largest port in Scandinavia, and the river cruise shows how central the water is to city life. From the river you see the modern waterfront of Lilla Bommen with its striking red-and-white tower, the opera house with its ship-shaped roof, the historic four-masted sailing ship moored by the quay, and on the north bank the giant cranes left from the great shipbuilding era of the 20th century.

Your guide explains how the shipyards once employed thousands of workers and how the old industrial banks have been turned into new neighbourhoods, parks and offices. This Gothenburg harbour tour lasts about half of the one-hour ride before the bus climbs back onto land and returns to Kungsparken. On sunny days the light on the water makes for excellent photos.