Liseberg

Liseberg is the most popular amusement park in Scandinavia, a leafy, well-loved park in the heart of Gothenburg blending modern coasters with old-fashioned charm, flower gardens and a wooden dance pavilion. In late autumn it transforms into one of the great Christmas markets of the north, glittering with lights.

Background

The name goes back to 1752, when landowner Johan Anders Lamberg named his estate after his wife Elisabeth Söderberg, calling it Lisas Berg, or Lisa's Mountain. The park opened on 8 May 1923 as part of the Gothenburg Exhibition for the city's 300-year anniversary. Meant to be temporary, it drew over 800,000 visitors in a little more than a month and stayed open. Herman Lindholm, the carpenter from Skåne, managed it in 1923-42. It now covers 17 hectares with 42 rides, 7 of them coasters. The wooden coaster Balder was voted Best Wooden Tracked Roller Coaster in a major international poll in 2003 and 2005. Pink and green, the official colours, appear on the entrance and older houses.

Source: Wikipedia, "Liseberg"

Highlights

• The coasters - modern thrill rides alongside a classic wooden coaster.
• The gardens - the flower beds and green spaces that soften the park.
• The Christmas market - the famous festive lights and market in late autumn.
• Family rides and shows - gentler rides, a fairy-tale castle and live entertainment.

When to go

The summer season for the full ride programme and gardens; November and December for the celebrated Christmas market and lights. Weekends and holidays are busiest.

Things to know

It is a seasonal park, closed for stretches of the year outside the summer and Christmas seasons. Entry plus a ride pass adds up for a big ride day. It is a lively family and teen attraction rather than a cultural sight.

Nearby

Central Gothenburg, the Haga district and the harbour are close; the Universeum science centre is next door.

Key facts