Paddan boat tour Gothenburg: 20+ bridges and harbour

Twenty bridges, one boat, the whole city's waterways

The Paddan is a 50-minute open-top sightseeing boat tour departing from Kungsportsplatsen that takes you through Gothenburg's historic moat and 17th-century canals, under 20+ low bridges, and out to the harbour. A live guide narrates in English and Swedish, pointing out traditional shipyards, the fishing harbour, and both modern and historic neighbourhoods. Departures run every 30–60 minutes from about 11:00–17:00, with seasonal scheduling: daily April 27–September 27, and Friday–Sunday the rest of the year.

Step-by-step itinerary

Gothenburg boat tour and sightseeing

• Depart from Kungsportsplatsen
• Glide under 20+ low bridges
• Pass through historic moat and canals
• View traditional shipyards and fishing harbour
• See modern and historic neighbourhoods
• Enjoy panoramic views from open-top boat
• Return to departure point

The Experience

Fifty minutes on the water covers Gothenburg's entire waterside story. The boat leaves Kungsportsplatsen and enters the historic moat that once ringed the city's defences, then glides through the 17th-century canal system that shaped how the city grew. You pass under 20+ low bridges—low enough that the open-top design matters; you'll want to duck or lean back on some of them. The live guide speaks English and Swedish throughout, explaining what you're seeing: the construction logic of the old fortifications, the shipyards that built the city's maritime wealth, the fishing harbour where boats still work, and the mix of centuries in the neighbourhoods along the water.

The route ends at the harbour, where modern Gothenburg meets the coast. Because the boat is open-top, weather makes a real difference—bring a jacket or a hat depending on the season. Strollers collapse and fit on board when space allows; infants sit on an adult's lap. Getting to the boat means descending 12 steps to the dock, then a few more to board, so it's not a flat walk-on.

Departures happen every 30–60 minutes, and the schedule shifts with the season. From late April through late September, boats run daily. Outside that window, they operate Friday through Sunday, with a few extra dates in early April and late October. Check the 2026 timetable for your travel dates, since the window when daily service runs is narrower than the full season.

What’s included

• Open-top sightseeing boat.
• live guide in English and Swedish.
• passage under 20+ low bridges and through the historic moat and 17th-century canals.
• views of traditional shipyards, the fishing harbour, and historic and modern neighbourhoods.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Strömma Turism & Sjöfart AB

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guided boat loop through the moat, canals, and harbour with live commentary in Swedish and English—the open-top design means you'll experience the weather directly, so check seasonal dates (late April through late September) and dress accordingly.

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Top questions

How many bridges does the Paddan tour go under?

The Paddan passes under 20+ low bridges as it moves through Gothenburg's moat and canal system. The open-top boat design means you'll need to duck or lean back on some of them.

What language is the guide on the Paddan boat?

The live guide speaks both English and Swedish throughout the entire 50-minute tour, so you hear the same narration in both languages as the boat moves through the waterways.

How often do boats leave on the Paddan tour?

Departures run every 30–60 minutes from about 11:00–17:00. The frequency depends on the season: daily from April 27 through September 27, and Friday–Sunday outside that window, with a few extra dates in early April and late October.

Can I bring a stroller or pram on the Paddan boat?

Yes, strollers and prams are allowed on board when space permits, and collapsible strollers are preferred. Infants can also ride in a pram or sit on an adult's lap. Boarding does require descending 12 steps to the dock and then a few more steps to the boat.

What will I see on the Paddan tour?

The tour takes you through Gothenburg's historic moat and 17th-century canals, past traditional shipyards, the fishing harbour, and both modern and historic neighbourhoods along the water. You'll see how the city's defence and maritime heritage shaped its layout and growth.

Are service animals allowed on the Paddan boat?

Service dogs are allowed on board when they are certified, wear a harness or vest indicating they are on duty, and are pre-booked through the booking department. Regular pets are not mentioned in the tour details.