There are plenty of ways to see Gothenburg, but the Paddan boats give you a perspective that walking and trams cannot. These low sightseeing boats travel through the canals and towards the harbour, showing how closely the city’s history is tied to water.
I especially like Paddan as an introduction for first-time visitors. In a relatively short trip you get a feel for the layout of central Gothenburg, see several important buildings and hear stories that make later walks around the city more interesting.
Under Gothenburg’s low bridges
The boats are deliberately low because some of the bridges are very low too. Passing underneath them has become part of the experience. The tour then opens out towards the harbour, where the surroundings change from canals and stone buildings to a much broader maritime landscape.
It is not an adventure cruise, and that is really the point. Paddan is classic, uncomplicated sightseeing – the sort of attraction that has survived because the route itself tells a good story about Gothenburg.
The name Padan means “The toad” in Swedish.
When should you go?
I would choose a reasonably calm day if possible. The boats are open enough for you to feel the weather, which is wonderful in sunshine but less charming in cold rain. During busy visitor periods, booking ahead can also be sensible.
The central departure point makes Paddan easy to combine with Haga, the shopping streets, Feskekörka or a walk along the canals. If you only have one day in Gothenburg, it is an efficient way of getting your bearings before exploring independently.
And yes, you will probably duck under at least one bridge even when you do not really need to.
Where do I find Paddan ?
You find the boat at Kungsportsplatsen.