Liseberg in the Springtime

We enjoyed a Springtime visit to Liseberg recently! Liseberg is a theme park located in Gothenburg, Sweden that has re-opened for the spring/summer season. 

We've missed this theme park the last few months and were lucky to be able to visit again.

There is still a virtual queue for the rides which we used for all of our favorites. We took turns going off to try the rollercoasters like Helix and Valkyria! The single rider queue for Valkyria goes fast, so line-up there if you dare!!

   

The Rabbit show in Kaninlandet is a big hit with our little ones and the characters  are always entertaining. Now that restrictions have lifted, kids are allowed to greet the bunnies after the show. 

There are many enjoyable treats at Liseberg like the Swedish style waffles at "Systrarna Olson Våffelbageri" made fresh and hot to order! You can top them with Jam, whip cream or even ice cream. 

 

There are many different shops throughout the park offering treats and theme park souvenirs. If you want to take a break from the rides, you can pop in to see if there's anything interesting to take with you.

Unfortunately, we were not as lucky this time on the Lyckahjul or Lucky Wheel this time! It's a very popular theme park game where you see if the wheel stops on your number.

You can use cash or card at these games and it costs around 25-30kr for the group of numbers. There are chocolates, gummies, potato chips and even house decor as prizes to win. It's very popular as you can see in the photo!

Since it was a beautiful, sunny day, we tried a couple of boat rides too. Morotsresan in Kaninlandet and Skepp o'skoj at the other end of the park. The Skepp o'skoj attraction is a collaboration between Liseberg and the Stena Line ferries that go to Denmark and Germany. Once you are done, kids can take a photo to get their "boat drivers license" (a plastic card to take with you!)

One of my favorite rides from childhood was the swings! I even got to ride that and it's still as exciting to spin around and just like you are flying!!

Amid all that fun, we had to stop for snacks and drinks again at the Biergarten. At this outdoor Beer Garden, you can order using the QR code. This made it easier for us to just sit at the table and rest a bit before deciding on our snacks.

There's a popular Slushie drink at Liseberg which you can fill yourself. It's one of our favorite drinks to cool us off between rides ;) Choose from flavors like Raspberry, Cola, Blue ice and more!

Ahhhh, it's always a fun-filled day at Liseberg for both the Big and small ;)

If you're in Gothenburg, Sweden be sure to checkout Liseberg! It's definitely one of my Top 5 attractions for the city!

Thanks for reading and remember don't forget your snacks!

Liseberg is located in Gothenburg, Sweden
In the summer time there are also concerts on the Liseberg grounds!

Check out the Liseberg website for more information.

Kids courses in Gothenburg

I remember thinking before kids, why do parents sign their kids up for all these courses? Why are they so popular? 

After becoming a parent and especially once I had a toddler and newborn,  I understood! These courses were special, they were time away from the baby for the older sibling to enjoy. 

When my little one turned 2, I looked up extracurricular activities that were available for that age group. Everything I found was with parent participation.

When she turned 3, some of the classes available she could do on her own!

For the classes that still needed a parent at 3, I attended with the baby in a carrier. I did ask the instructor if it was OK before I sat in the class of course. They were usually ok with it and even gave my child extra help if I was occupied with the baby.

Extracurricular Activities are great way to let kids try different activities and see which ones they enjoy! Since they are kids courses, they are often only 45-50min, so location is important for us. We don't want to have to travel 45min to attend a short 45min class. Instead, I try to see what's around the neighbourhood that the kids and I could walk to.

In Gothenburg, Sweden, we have tried the following:

• Dansforum 
• BeSporty
• Ivrakurser
• Starz Soccer
• MiniyogiGBG

I've also found a few courses at Medborgsskolan but did not get a chance to try them.

Dansforum

Dansforum has moved locations since we last took a course and are now located across the water at Frihamnen. My daughter enjoyed the kids dance course here! They even had a performance for all the parents at the end of the semester. The younger kids were also included in this which made it really special! 

Dansforum is very popular so sign up early or you will need to be put on the waitlist.

BeSporty 

BeSporty offers kids courses all over Sweden. From sports, gym, dance and more. My 5 year old has been enjoying the "gym" class since she was 3. If you have previously been signed up for a course, they reserve a spot for you the following semester and a slightly discounted price.

We really appreciated that they stopped classes during the Pandemic in 2020 because it wasn't safe to hold indoor classes. They also arranged for those who missed those classes to take make up lessons when they re-started (when covid cases were down).

Ivrakurser

Ivrakurser moved into our neighborhood recently, so it was a great place to try some classes.

The 5 year old enjoyed a dance class there. They also offer family yoga and for older kids "Friday hangout time". The waiting area in the building gets very crowded since it is a small space. If your kids miss a class, you may be able to get a 'makeup' class depending on whether there are any free spaces in other classes.

Starz Soccer 

This course was something my daughter tried at 3 years old. I remember bringing the newborn along and having to still encourage the 3 year old to participate. It was a high energy course(lots of running, and a great way to get their energy out) but the course took place after daycare. This meant that the 3 year old often fell asleep on the way home...which made her actual bedtime much much later. 

It was a fun course that took place in the gym of an elementary school. There were at least 2 teachers every session.

MiniYogiGBG

MiniYogiGBG has previously offered Family yoga classes. We enjoyed this a few times but it was a bus ride away, so not very convenient for us unfortunately. I also took Baby and Mama yoga classes with the MiniYogiGBG founder and Yoga instructor Maëva Begon and I really enjoyed it! Check out my past blog post about Mama and Baby yoga here.

Unfortunately, MiniyogiGBG stopped classes during the Pandemic and have not been holding any classes recently but hopefully they will start up again in the future! 

However there are some Fairytale Yoga sessions or "Sagoyoga" offered at libraries and museums around the city. Check out the upcoming dates here.

Hope this helps those looking for some courses for their kids in Gothenburg, Sweden! Good luck finding some courses to try for your little ones. Remember, don't forget your snacks (especially since kids get hungry after a lot of activity)!

Banh Mi Shop Saluhallen

 

Saluhallen in Gothenburg, Sweden is a great place to try traditional Swedish pastries, Swedish cheeses, deli meats, fresh bread, even local, fresh meat cut by the butcher (in specific cuts you can't find in the regular grocery store). It's also a nice place to grab lunch to sit out in the sun. 

There are a few different lunch restaurants at Saluhallen. The Banh Mi Shop, is the first Asian restaurant we've seen in Saluhallen during our time living in Gothenburg. It was exciting to see a new Vietnamese place open up! The Banh Mi shop, offers not only delicious Vietnamese sandwiches but a few other Vietnamese dishes and drinks.

We tried a Banh Mi sandwich, Pho bo and a Matcha Boba. You can choose how much sugar in your Boba too. Unfortunately, it was still too sweet and the Tapioca balls were hard. Maybe it was an off day and not many people order Boba there?

The Banh Mi sandwich on the other hand was delish! The bread was hot and fresh and the filling was tasty. Will definitely go back again for the Banh Mi!

Located near the Kungstorget entrance of Saluhallen, the Banh Mi Shop offers Takeaway or Dine in. There are a few tables if you'd like to eat in Saluhallen.

If you are in Gothenburg, Sweden or visiting, enjoy a Vietnamese sandwich from the Banh Mi Shop at Saluhallen! 

Thanks for reading and remember, don't forget your snacks.

Banh Mi Shop

Located in Stora Saluhallen and shares the Saluhallen's opening hours.

Check out their website for more information.

Gothenburg's Biggest Candy Store Sega Gubben!

 

The largest candy store in Gothenburg, Sweden has to be, Sega Gubben. From bulk candy, to Chocolate and international snacks, there's a snack for the littlest to the biggest ;)

Here's a quick look into this amazing candy store!

Sega Gubben also sells a variety of soda, like Vanilla coke, Lipton tea, and different flavors of Fanta. It's nice to check back as their selection changes. You'll also find ice cream tubs like Ben & Jerry and individual Popsicles.

Little toys that include candy, is also a popular section of the store. A variety of Kinder Surprise eggs are also available to choose from, like Peppa Pig, Paw Partrol, Hot Wheels. 

Chocolate and candy you scoop into a bag and weigh at the end!

Just before the Christmas season begins, Sega Gubben stocks an assortment of Advent Calendars to get you ready for the countdown to Christmas! 🎄 

If you're in Gothenburg or planning to visit, stop by Sega Gubben for some treats for "Lördagsgodis" (Saturday sweets),  weekend movie nights or some Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers!

Enjoy your countdown to the holidays and remember, don't forget your snacks (Sega Gubben has some great ones)!

Christmas at Liseberg!

It's that time of year again and this year (unlike last year in 2020), Liseberg, in Gothenburg, Sweden, is open to celebrate the Christmas season!  Here's my past blog on Liseberg memories since it was closed during 2020. 

Christmas is definitely one of my favorite holidays. European Christmas markets, in my opinion, are nicer than the North American ones. Maybe it's what the vendors are selling or maybe it's just that the markets are set-up around a European city, so there's just a certain charm to them.

Liseberg has one of the city's Top Christmas markets, with vendors all around the park. They sell everything from food items like Salami, Äpplemust and Chocolate balls to Swedish-made wool socks and silver ornaments. 

Since Liseberg's Christmas market vendors are set-up all over the park. It's nice to be able to shop and check out Liseberg's Christmas decorations and Christmas lights while walking to your next ride ;)

Liseberg usually has an Ice show which changes each year. The last time Liseberg was open for Christmas,the Ice Show was a version of Scrooge. 

Unfortunately, this year there isn't a Christmas ice show, but visitors are free to ice skate at the skating rink! For the kids, one of the rabbits visits the ice rink a few times during the day. The 5-year old tried ice skating for the first time during our visit and was pretty good!

The kids also enjoyed the Christmas Rabbit performance that takes place in Kaninlandet on the Kanin stage. 

Always a lot of family fun with music, dancing and a funny performance. The toddler especially loved it!

We finally got a chance to ride the big Ferris Wheel as a family. The views are amazing! You actually go around 3x so you get enough time to enjoy the views!

 The view of the beautiful ice skating rink all lit up.

A Christmas visit to Liseberg isn’t complete without a visit to Santa's house! This was our first visit with Santa in 2 years!! 

Everyone is welcome to visit Santa's house and kids can write down their wish list and take it to him :)

The lineup to see Santa was pretty long, so bring something to help pass the time. I saw some kids with lollipops, some with snacks, games and toys.

It was worth the wait to see Santa! 

Another highlight of our visit was riding the Rollercoaster Valkyria! The Single Rider queue was only a few minutes and The thrill of the initial drop was made more chilling by with how cold your face got in the cold air!

 

During the Christmas season at Liseberg, there are places to warm your hands and faces up. If you notice people standing around then you know they are around the fire. It gets quite hot so keep your hands at a safe distance. 

The Chocolate Wheels are always fun to try whenever we visit Liseberg. I was getting used to not winning, until, I won!! For the very first time! We were sooo lucky this time and it was a great way to end the night!

If you're in Gothenburg for the holidays, consider a visit to Liseberg during the Holiday season. Remember, you need to book a visit in advance and cant just show up at the park. If you book a julbord at one of the restaurants in Liseberg, the park entrance is included. 

Enjoy your countdown to the holidays, and remember, don't forget your snacks!

Liseberg

Gothenburg, Sweden 

Check out their website for more information.

Christmas Market in Haga

The Christmas market or "Julmarknad" in Haga takes place on the weekends before Christmas starting on Saturday, Nov 27th.

There are 40+ Vendors that line up the main street Haga Nygata. Visitors to the market can find some great Christmas gifts like little Tomten statues, Christmas decorations and even Unique smoked meats! 

You can grab a warm drink and traditional Swedish pastry as you stroll around the market. You can also stop in at one of the wonderful cozy cafes in Haga. 

There's so much to see and try, from Glögg (mulled wine) to licorice and Swedish Fika pastries. 

The little "old town" of Haga has always had an olden day feel complete with cobblestones streets and little wooden cafes and shops. It's lovely to visit year round but it is especially nice during the Christmas season.

Candy canes, lollipops and other bulk sweets available at this candy shop.

There were even pony rides this year! I didn't see anyone riding, just the ponies taking a break at the market..

Here's Haga with just a sprinkling of snow, just before thw heavy snowfall last night. What a Winter Wonderland! It definitely feels like Christmas 🎄

Hope you're enjoying the Christmas season so far, and remember, don't forget your snacks! 

Haga Christmas market

Find out more info on the Göteborg.com website 

Beef Noodle Soup From Nooodle

A delicious and warm bowl of beef noodle soup is just what we need on cold Autumn days! 

Nooodle, a family-run restaurant in Gothenburg, Sweden, has been around for a few years now. It was closed for some time, then reopened with the current owner. The family is always friendly and we are happy to support local businesses. 

I remember eating here when pregnant, I'd order a big bowl of soup as my pre-dinner snack after work and it really hit the spot! Another friend recommended this Chinese noodle place back then and we've been going since.

Each bowl comes with a soft boiled egg, beef, noodles and delicious broth.

An order of beef noodle soup is easy to pickup as a takeaway and you can either call ahead or order at the restaurant.

A generous helping of noodles! 

These days, the little restaurant has become so popular that there is often a lineup during lunch. With only a few tables and a row of high chairs to sit at the counter, many, like us, get takeaway to eat in the comfort of your own home.

Their menu consists of just a few items. You can choose rice noodles or regular noodles. And can even customize your bowl of soup with things like chili or extra noodle.

If I order for the kids, I get it with chili on the side and no herbs. They don't like "green stuff". I also often order extra noodles which they give you in a separate bowl. There is also a carrot side salad that comes with your soup. 

The restaurant has been so popular that it's even taking over another location on the same street in Spring 2022.

If you are in Gothenburg and craving a nice, warm bowl of delicious noodle soup, stop by Nooodle! You won'tbe disappointed!

*Update: They have since moved into their new location! And sounds like they're still very popular! 

Stay warm and remember, don't forget your snacks! 

Nooodle

Skanstorget 1, 411 22 Göteborg

Check out their Instagram for some delicious food photos and updates from Nooodle!

Happy Vegan Store in Gothenburg

Once I became Dairy and Egg Free, I was on the hunt for Dairy and Egg alternatives.  I always made sure to check at the grocery stores for snacks and treats for myself. That's why I was really glad to find Happy Vegan, a Vegan grocery store in the city. 

Some of our favorite items are the Pancake mix, Tiramisu, Marshmellows, and Vegan Cheese.

They have a freezer section that stocks things like Vegan pizza, egg rolls and desserts like cake and various Ice Creams.

In their baking section you can find items like almond flour, chocolate chips and egg substitutes. 

We have also found baby food like kids porridge and smoothie Pouches that are Vegan! It's great for kids who are Vegan or have allergies like my little one.

Happy Vegan doesn't just have food, the store even has a household section with items like toothpaste and bamboo toothbrushes for kids.

This great little Vegan shop also stocks seasonal goods like Easter eggs and Advent Calendars, but this needs to be reserved, so contact them for more information.

If you're in Gothenburg, Sweden, Happy Vegan is a great place to stock up on Vegan snacks. You can also order online!

Have a great week and remember don't forget your snacks!! 

Happy Vegan AB
Olivedalsgatan 2, 413 10 Göteborg

Can order online for pickup or delivery. 

Checkout their website for full item list.

**Updated Feb 2022, unfortunately, the Happy Vegan grocery store has been closed :( both the physical store and webshop.**

Halloween at Liseberg!

We have been lucky to visit Liseberg for Halloween season. Here's a look at the time we planned a Liseberg visit as a birthday surprise for our little one who loves Liseberg!!

Located in Gothenburg, Sweden, Liseberg is Gothenburg's theme park with rides, games and kids shows. It's really a fun filled day each time we visit.

During the Pandemic, you needed to book your visit before you go.

Pumpkins aplenty all over the park! There was also Halloween spooky music heard throughout the park. The kids complained about it being scary at first but they soon forgot about it, as they were too busy enjoying the games and rides! 

Tried our luck at a few of the wheels in the park. This is one in the Kids area, Kaninlandet (Rabbit land). 

Across the bridge by rollercoaster Valkyria, after 5pm, beware of the zombies! Most of the "zombies" were behind fences but there were a couple of them out scaring people and zombie catchers tried to grab them.

After a busy, fun day at Liseberg, it was nice to sit and relax at the beer garden after the kids fell asleep! We also took turns riding a few more rides before heading home.

So glad we got to enjoy the Halloween season at Liseberg! Happy Halloween!

Don't forget your snacks!