Frozen Ponds in Slottsskogen City Park

Here's a look back at last month, when the ponds at Slottsskogen park were frozen over!

Walking across some Frozen ponds at Slottsskogen city park was a first for us this winter. We have never seen it actually frozen until this year. There was one time that we did walk across a frozen lake (called Delsjön). That was our first winter in Göteborg years ago and pre-kids.

I was a bit hesitant to go on the ice first, so I waited and watched the scene. There were so many others out on the ice for a long time and the temperature had been way below freezing the last few days. Some were skating, others walking or standing. I decided to go out on it too since who knew when it would be like this again. It was such a cool experience seeing the frozen leaves under the ice just below your feet.

One of the ponds we walked on is by the Villa Belparc restaurant in the Slottsskogen, and the other pond was on the way there by the other cafe, Björngårdsvillan.

The little ones had so much fun playing on the frozen ponds. Sliding on it, making snow angels, or just walking on it. There were even some people even playing Hockey when we first got there.

Slottsskogen which means "Castle Forest" in English, is Göteborg's main park with a large area for exploring. The park has a small outdoor zoo (with seals, penguins and even Moose), and pre-pandemic they also had a petting zoo for the kids. There are a couple of nice play areas in the park like "Plikta" with the huge wooden whale and a wooden playground by the Penguin area. 

There's a sign on the whale to keep your distance... A bit challenging when at a playground though. 

We love to go and explore Slottsskogen. There are so many different paths through the park (most are Stroller friendly too!) and on a nice day pre-pandemic, we have enjoyed many picnics and events at this park. The city park also hosts many events, such as being the start or end point for the city's half marathon (Göteborgsvarvet) and the popular Summer Music festival Way out West.

If you're visiting Göteborg, Sweden in the future, add Slottsskogen to your list, for a stroll, fika, the zoo or just exploring. There are a few different cafes around the park, and some ice cream/hot dog stands but their opening hours vary. We love Villa Belparc. They have delicious dagenslunch, and a covered outdoor area with heaters for the winter. Björngårdsvillan is a great cafe with ice cream and other snacks. We have taken shelter from the rain here a number of times! In the summer, they also have a bouncy castle for kids.

Björnsgårdsvillan cafe in Slottsskogen!

Just in case the cafes are closed, don't forget your snacks!

Slottsskogen
Slottsskogspromenaden, 414 76 Göteborg, Sweden
Check out their website for more information

Two cafes at the park:

Villa Belparc
This one is a proper restaurant with daily lunch special and fika treats.
Check out their website for the menu

Björngårdsvillan
This cafe is right next to path up to the zoo area and in the same building as an art school.

Their facebook page has more information