I decided to go on a Pet Friendly Vacation in Gothenburg, Sweden. This city is a paradise for people who love to travel with their dogs. The atmosphere is friendly and the places to visit are many. I want to share my experience so you can plan the perfect trip. Gothenburg and the surrounding region have a vibrant dog culture. It is deeply connected to the stunning natural landscapes.
The Plan for Entry and Travel Rules
First of all, I had to learn the local laws for entry. Sweden is part of the European Union, so specific rules apply to pets. My dog needed a working microchip. It must be an ISO-compliant transponder. These numbers are usually 15 digits long. My veterinarian had to scan the chip before the rabies shot was given. This is very important for the health certificate. Additionally, my dog needed a valid rabies vaccination. For a primary shot, I had to wait 21 days before we could travel. Later, I found out that an accredited veterinarian must issue an EU health certificate. If you travel with five or fewer pets, you use the “non-commercial” certificate. It is valid for 30 days after the veterinarian signs it. However, the USDA must endorse it within ten days of arrival in the EU.
On top of that, I had to notify Swedish Customs about my dog. You can do this online if you live in an EU country and have a European pet passport. On the contrary, if you arrive from a non-EU country, you must declare the animal at the border. I had to choose the red lane, which means “Something to declare”. It is an offense to fail to declare your pet. Therefore, I kept all my papers ready for inspection.
Where to Stay in the City
I looked for the Best pet friendly vacation in gothenburg sweden. The options for hotels are great. Hotel Pigalle is a luxury choice that treats dogs like royal family members. They provide a special dog bed made from oak and organic dog food. You can even borrow a designer leash from the front desk. Plus, the Clarion Hotel Post is another high-quality spot. It is located in a historic old post office right by the train station. Hotel Eggers is one of the oldest hotels and also welcomes pets.
Similarly, I found Scandic Rubinen to be a chic and modern place. It is on the busy Avenyn street. If you want a Cheap pet friendly vacation in gothenburg sweden, you might choose Spar Hotel Majorna. It is in a diverse area and has very reasonable prices for family rooms. Another option is the Comfort Hotel City, which is just five minutes from the central station. It is a budget hotel with a trendy bar. Gradually, I realized that most hotels in this city go the extra mile for man’s best friend.
How to Move Around Gothenburg
Public transport in this city is fantastic for pets. It is a city filled with trams. In fact, you will find the largest tram network in Northern Europe here. Västtrafik is the company that runs the buses, trams, and ferries. The best part is that dogs ride for free. They are treated like VIP customers. However, some rules apply for safety. I had to keep my dog on a leash at all times. Plus, fur animals must travel at the rear of the vehicle. This helps people who have allergies.
On trains, we had to sit in the animal carriage. These are marked with dog symbols on the doors. Additionally, if you take a boat, pets must stay on the port side. That is the right side in the direction the boat moves. One ticket for 120 Swedish crowns allowed me to ride as much as I wanted for 24 hours. This includes the ferries to the islands. Later, I used the tram to reach the neighborhood of Majorna. It has old wooden style buildings and is a great place for a stroll.
Top Things to do in Gothenburg with Dog
There are many things to do in gothenburg with dog. First of all, we visited Slottsskogen city park. This is the favorite place for locals to unwind. It has large open fields and wooded areas. I saw a free zoo with penguins and seals. At that time, I hoped to see a moose, which is the king of the forest. Sweden has many wild moose, but this park is a great place to see them up close. However, the moose were away under observation during my visit.
The park also has many playgrounds and outdoor gyms. I enjoyed a walk along the winding paths. There is even a dedicated area where you can let your dog off the lead under supervision. But usually, you must always keep your dog on a lead in the park. Gothenburg has 103 dog-friendly parks in total. These parks have an average rating of 3.78 stars from the DogPack community. Similarly, there are 90 dog-friendly hiking trails to explore.
Another unique experience was the dog cinema gothenburg. The Bio Capitol cinema screens movies for dogs and their owners. This happens on the first Sunday of every month at 6 pm. It is one of the ways the city shows it loves animals. Plus, we visited the Gothenburg Botanical Garden. Dogs are welcome there on a leash, but only from October 1st to February 28th. During the summer, they must stay out to protect sensitive flowers.
Eating and Drinking with Your Pet
Finding a place to eat was easy. Flickorna på Färjenäs is the most dog-friendly cafe in the city. It has been around for 111 years. They give out homemade dog food when you arrive. The bathroom is even filled with dog pictures. This place is highly recommended for a classic Swedish “fika”.
Additionally, we visited Boulebar Rosenlund. You can play boules and eat French food in the garden with your dog. If you like beer, Brewdog has its own non-alcoholic brew for dogs called the Subwoofer. On top of that, Avenyfamiljen restaurants have developed a three-course dog menu. You can choose between beef, fish, or a healthy option. These restaurants include Levantine, Taverna Averna, and Kafé Magasinet. Tapas by River is also a great spot by the water with a lovely view.
Swimming and Beach Fun
Gothenburg has 24 civic bathing areas. Dogs are welcome all year round at 17 of them. The other seven areas only allow dogs from September 15th to April 30th. These include Askimsbadet, Hovåsbadet, and Sillviksbadet. Therefore, check the dates before you go. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all swimming spots. I really liked Hovåsbadet because it has both a sandy beach and rocky cliffs. It is a very cool and calm place for a quick swim. Similarly, Smithska udden and Delsjöbadet are popular dog-friendly spots.
A Day Trip to the Archipelago
I highly recommend a trip to the Southern Archipelago. You can take a boat from Saltholmen. Brännö is a very cute island with houses and small roads. We also walked to Galterö, which is connected by a small bridge. It is a wild area with almost no houses and roaming sheep. On top of that, the Koster Islands are a must-see. They are located about 10 kilometers out to sea.
The Kosterhavet National Park is the first marine national park in Sweden. It has over 12,000 species of animals and plants. Dogs must be on a leash all year round here. We walked the blue trail between Ekenäs and Kilesand.
FAQ
Is Gothenburg dog friendly?
Yes, Gothenburg is highly dog-friendly. The city welcomes pets with “open arms,” offering over 103 dog-friendly parks, scenic waterfront walks, and numerous establishments that cater specifically to pet owners.
How pet friendly is Sweden?
Sweden is known for its vibrant dog culture and humane treatment of animals. The country has high standards for animal welfare and a large population of over one million dog owners.
Are dogs allowed in shops in Sweden?
Yes, some shops in the Gothenburg region are dog-friendly. However, policies vary by establishment, so you should check with individual store owners.
Can I bring my pet to Sweden?
Yes, you can bring your pet to Sweden if you meet specific entry requirements. Pets must be ID-marked with a microchip, have a valid rabies vaccination, and be reported to Swedish Customs upon arrival.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Sweden?
Many restaurants and cafes in Gothenburg allow dogs, especially in outdoor seating areas. Some venues even offer dedicated dog menus with multiple courses or provide homemade dog food on arrival.
Do dogs have to stay in the car on a ferry?
On public transport ferries in Gothenburg, dogs ride as VIP customers and are not required to stay in cars. They are generally permitted on deck or in specified areas at the rear or port side of the vessel to accommodate people with allergies.
Are dogs allowed on public transport in Sweden?
Yes, dogs are allowed on public transport in Gothenburg, including trams, buses, and ferries. They often ride for free, though they must remain on a leash and stay on the floor to avoid getting fur on the seats.
Concluding words
Gothenburg is a premier destination for pet owners, offering a seamless blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. Furry companions are treated like VIP customers in local cafes, hotels, and on the extensive public transport network.
With over 100 dog-friendly parks and clear leash laws designed to protect both pets and wildlife, the city provides a safe and welcoming environment for a vacation. Whether visiting a dog-friendly cinema or walking the scenic archipelago, you will find Gothenburg’s vibrant dog culture exceptional.
