Is Gothenburg the world's most sustainable destination?
Inspiration from the world: Denmark is in the front when it comes to sustainable tourism. But we can always learn from other destinations such as a close neighbor Gothenburg in Sweden.
Gothenburg is the world’s most sustainable destination, according to the Global Destination Sustainability Index 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. And now, Gothenburg can now add another sustainability award to its list of accolades. Lonely Planet unveiled its Best in Travel 2021 list yesterday, naming Gothenburg the world’s Best Sustainable City Stay.
Gothenburg is the world’s best sustainable city to visit 2021
When Lonely Planet published its annual Best in Travel list, Gothenburg came out top in the sustainability category, and has therefore been named the world’s Best Sustainable City Stay!
Lonely planet writes: "Gothenburg has held the top ranking in the Global Destinations Sustainability Index since 2016 and its progressive, measurable solutions for sustainability wowed our expert panel. With a regional climate target of being fossil-independent by 2030, Gothenburg was the first city in the world to issue Green Bonds to accelerate investments in climate-oriented solutions. 97 percent of its public transport now runs on renewable energy, 95% of its hotels are eco-certified, it has a low emission zone in the centre and the airport is certified to the highest level of the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme.”
Food
Locally produced, organic, vegan and vegetarian – in Gothenburg there are plenty of sustainable food and drink options. Enjoy the season's seafood at Japanese inspired Vrå, grab a "rescued" lunch at Stadsmissionen or taste local ingredients prepared to perfection at Restaurang Familjen. Garveriet and Gunnebo house and gardens are two great options for a sustainability focussed day trip.
Accommodation
Gothenburg is one of the greenest hotel cities in the world, approximately 95 % of all the hotels are environmentally friendly. It is easy to sleep with a good conscience here. The hotels of Gothenburg are not just sustainable – the three best hotels in Sweden according to Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award 2019 are in Gothenburg. The top three hotels are Upper House, Hotel Pigalle and Avalon Hotel. Almost everything is close at hand here, therefore, it is not hard to find accommodation in the central parts.
Shopping
The circular economy is only getting bigger, and in Gothenburg you’ll find many different stores selling second hand and vintage clothes and where you can rent or loan clothes, sports gear and outdoor equipments etc.
Actvities
Take a bicycle tour, enjoy parks and gardens or pick some fruit in one of the public fruit groves. There are endless opportunities to explore Gothenburg in a sustainable way.
