Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
The train arrived into Gothenburg (actually called Göteborg) running slightly behind schedule on another rainy afternoon. I crossed the square outside Central Station and over a bridge to my hotel. You literally have to look both ways all the time as people, trams and buses interweave across the square and streets. Another town that seems to be teeming with people begging.
As it was mid-afternoon I decided to tour the town immediately. I like the small train excursions, so joined the local one by the Gustavus Adolphus statue. The short 40-50 minute ride gives you a flavour of the town before selecting where you want to visit on foot. You weave past the old town, the remains of the city wall, the opera house (a modern building with nautical features), catching glimpses of the port area, the theatre and parks. The town seems fairly industrial, practical one might say. At the end of the tour I checked out a small backstreet area down Postgatan where apparently travellers used to pass down before heading for port and other lands. Nestling in a courtyard is Kronhuskvarteret, a handicraft centre (a calm oasis in the bustling city) with crafts people displaying their handiwork - leather goods, glassware, woodwork, ceramics and clocks. Kronhuset, a large building with a green roof is the oldest one still standing in Göteborg. Originally it was used to store items for the military including grain and artillery. It was tempting to stop for a coffee in the sunshine which had emerged, but my sightseeing is on a tight schedule. I explored the shopping areas which have a 70s vibe and tried to find somewhere to grab a bite to eat. Nothing took my fancy. I think Göteborg is the kind of place that you need a local to show you around in order to appreciate the finer offerings. Feeling despondent I went for a glass of rosé wine at the Clarion Poste which overlooks Central Station. It's always fun to people watch and sip a glass of vino as a way of taking cover from the rain.
Tuesday, after a leisurely morning it was time to take my next train. I arrived at Central Station early in order to grab a coffee and some snacks for the trip. As I sat outside the Expresso House (a coffee chain here in Sweden) seven people approached me begging for money. It seems some of these cities have an issue. My train to Oslo left on time, but was late arriving. It was packed out - a popular route it seems. Three was no buffet car on board, so I'm glad I'd bought my snacks and water for what turned out to be a 7 hour ride. The scenery is stunning. The flat landscape in this part of Sweden along with the odd wind farm thrown in appeals to me. Just past Ed (pronounced Erd) we were informed we'd crossed the border into Norway. Shortly after customs officers passed through the train to quiz us all. Scenery-wise, the flat landscape gave way to stunning wooded scenery and beautiful water scenes. There are trees! Lots of trees! It's breathtaking, but I'm sure there's more to come with Norway being billed as one of the most beautiful places on earth. The route passes through heavy industrialised areas (ship building and timber operations), but is stunning none the less.
I had to switch trains in Oslo, but had a five hour stop over, so, I went to the Radisson Blu Plaza next to the station. At the Skybar on the 34th floor there are amazing views over the city. I enjoyed my Bellini with a view. I had an interesting chat with an oil man (Ralph) on business from London. He's the first person who I've really spoken to so far, so I guess this makes Oslo the friendliest place! After dinner in the lobby (where the friendly bartender Nash keeps guests entertained), I then crossed the footbridge to Sentral Station for my night train to Bergen.
- comments