The Gothenburg Cathedral, also known as the Gustavi Domkyrka, is a significant religious landmark in the heart of Gothenburg, with its origins tracing back to the 19th century. The cathedral's striking architecture, featuring a combination of Gothic and neoclassical elements, captivates visitors. The Gothenburg Cathedral plays an integral role in the local community, hosting religious services, concerts, and cultural events. However, the current church is actually the third iteration, as both previous cathedrals were destroyed by fires in 1721 and 1802. The third and current cathedral was completed in 1815, with the tower added in 1825. Over the years, extensive restorations and renovations have taken place, ensuring the preservation and continued grandeur of this historical site.

Dominating the skyline along the Corniche, the massive Emirates Palace oozes opulence and luxury. Built as a hotel, one of the finest in the world, it is worth seeing, even if the room rates are out of budget. Look out for the Triumphant Arch under which royals pass if staying in the palace and its gardens full of fountains. The palace is famous for its gold-plated lobby, roof frescoes and crystal chandeliers.

With its romantic grounds, Sofiero Palace makes for a popular destination. The grounds are perhaps best known for their unparalleled rhododendrons, with an incredible 5,000 bushes bursting into flower in the spring. The fairytale of Sofiero began in 1864, when Crown Prince Oskar and his wife Sophia had their summer residence built here. In 1905, Oskar — by now King Oskar ll — gave the palace to his grandson Prince Gustav Adolf and his bride Princess Margareta as a wedding present. This is when the gardens literally flourished. Princess Margareta was a keen and creative gardener, and it was she who first laid out the grounds that we can enjoy to this day. She arranged flower beds and gardens, had paving laid and wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Every summer, the Crown Prince couple travelled from Stockholm with their four young princes and Princess Ingrid, who eventually became Queen of Denmark. When Margareta died in 1920, Gustaf Adolf carried on the work in the garden, particularly with the rhododendrons. The palace was the summer residence of the Swedish royal family up until 1973, when it was given to the town of Helsingborg. This small palace, which lies like a jewel amid the extensive lawns, is home to a restaurant where the food is prepared by some of Sweden’s finest chefs. There’s also a café with views of the Öresund Sound and Denmark.

This hiking trail can be a bit challenging, but adventurers will be rewarded with a unique experience. A descent through lush rain forest leads to a valley of a solid, yet still steaming lava lake. The scenery of the Kīlauea Iki Crater is barren and desolate, but eerily beautiful.