Oh Göteborg! It had been a while since I last visited this city, but I’m so glad I went back. I arrived to sunshine and a dusting of snow on the rooftops. It was such a magical sight, and exactly what I needed to shake off the jet lag. This was my sixth time here, so everything felt familiar, but I had forgotten just how cozy the city is. And with Christmas decorations everywhere, it felt even more enchanting and heart-warming.

Technically, November isn’t the most obvious time to visit Scandinavia (daylight is limited, after all), but it didn’t feel nearly as dark as I expected. Every window was glowing with paper stars, Advent lights, and festive displays, making the whole city feel like a Holiday movie. Cafés and restaurants have tall candles on each table, and people are bundled up in the most stylish coats and scarves. My time here felt inspiring in terms of embracing the darker and colder months, as well as in how to dress.

In this note, I’ll walk you through what I wore during my stay in Göteborg, the little things that delighted me this week, some recommendations for your visit to the city. If you’ve never been, I think you’ll want to book a city break by the end of this post.

Have a lovely Sunday!

What I wore in Göteborg

On day one, I wore a light cream jacket from Zara that gives total Totême vibes. It was pretty cold, but the trick is layering a thin puffer underneath (I recommend the Uniqlo ones). I paired the jacket with my trusty ATP Atelier crossbody bag and a classic pair of jeans, which made for a comfortable outfit for wandering around the city.

I also stopped by the By Malene Birger store and treated myself to the furry gloves I featured in my Holiday Gift Guide. An early Christmas present from me to me. They looked so chic with my long coat!

For the rest of the days, I rotated between the Zara coat and my long navy Arket coat, pairing them with cozy sweaters (like this Arket cable-knit), and my usual jeans. For footwear, I packed two pairs: a comfortable leather boot from Vagabond with chunky soles for icy pavements, and my BMB heeled boots with pointed toes for a dressier touch. I finished all my outdoor outfits with my cobalt blue wool scarf from Filippa K, which added the perfect pop of colour.

When packing for a winter city break, the key is choosing pieces that work well together, allowing you to mix and match without filling your suitcase with bulky sweaters. And above all, comfort is essential. I always prioritize shoes that I know I can walk in for hours, and lots of layers so I can adjust to the temperature.

Everyday Delights

I called this section of the blog “Everyday Delights” to remind myself to notice the little things I encounter during the week that make me happy. There were so many during my time in Göteborg, but I’ve chosen to highlight the ones from these three images.

On my first morning, I woke up and sat in the living room of my Airbnb, which had an incredible 180° view over the neighbourhood. It had snowed a few days earlier, so the rooftops were still dusted white. I made myself a cup of tea, watched the sunrise (love an 8 a.m. sunrise), and read the German edition of Vogue to practice my vocabulary. This is what I call a cozy morning!

On my last day, I visited the most stunning pilates studio (Pilates Complete), located in an old corset factory at the base of a park where you are surrounded by massive rocks. The whole city is built on rock, so it felt especially fitting to spend my final morning there. Afterwards, I wandered through the old neighbourhood of Haga and soaked in all the Christmas energy.

Notable Addresses

Artilleriet

Probably the most beautiful homeware and furniture store to ever exist. I’ve visited a couple of times, and I’m always amazed by how they create a whole atmosphere with their styling. Naturally, they also carry a wide range of Nordic brands. I highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the city. The shop is divided into two separate buildings on different street corners, so be sure to check out both!

Bistro Hemma Hos

I had the best shrimp toast there! It’s located in the center of the bustling Haga neighbourhood and is the perfect option if you want something that’s a mix between cozy and trendy. I saw someone order the meatballs, and they looked delicious as well. The whole place felt so charming with paper stars glowing in the windows.

Sol Bageri Och Kaffee

This café feels like a little slice of Copenhagen in Göteborg. It’s incredibly cozy with plenty of space to sit. I went for a classic BMO (Bulle med ost, a bun with cheese), and it was such a simple but delicious breakfast.

Borgskog
Another trendy spot I discovered on Instagram. I loved the atmosphere, especially the bubble lights hanging overhead. They offer a big selection of pastries, and it’s a great place for groups of friends to meet up.

This Week’s Edit

Zara Larsson ‘Up Close’ on Prime Video

I watched the Zara Larsson documentary one night. The first time I ever came to Göteborg, I remember listening to Lush Life on repeat so this feels like a full circle moment, especially because she’s currently trending on TikTok with this song. This is a good watch if you’re a fan of hers!

Ferm Living Stockings

I found these on sale at the Svenssons store, and I can’t wait to hang them by the Christmas tree. They’re minimal, yet the fabric and texture make them feel super cozy.

Känn ingen sorg för mig Göteborg, Håkan Hellström

A beautiful song about Göteborg that I’ve rediscovered on this trip. It makes the perfect soundtrack for wandering through the city’s streets.

Saffron buns (Lussekatter)

You simply can’t visit Sweden at this time of year without having a saffron bun. I had more than a few, and my favourites were the ones from Fabrique.

Love, S.

Note 12 - The Göteborg Postcard

Effortless & Edited

Note 12 - The Göteborg Postcard

Note 13 - The Ultimate Stockholm City Guide

Note 11 - The Beauty Edit

Effortless & Edited