Race Course

Gothenburg’s equivalent to New York’s Central Park and London’s Hyde Park is called Slottsskogen. For nearly 150 years, it has been a natural and scenic meeting place year-round for both locals and visitors.

You’ll reach it before even completing your first kilometer. A lively opening section awaits, with several music stations and a water station just in time before tackling the tough Säldammsbacken hill.

The 137-hectare park offers beautiful surroundings and plenty of space for picnics, walks, play, activities and relaxation. It is also home to one of Sweden’s oldest zoos. Every summer, thousands of music lovers gather in Slottsskogen for the popular Way Out West festival.

Shortly after the start on Margretebergsgatan, near the popular disc golf course, runners enter Slottsskogen and head towards the Gothenburg Natural History Museum before turning back along Björngårdsvägen and facing the energy-draining climb up Säldammsbacken.

Throughout Slottsskogen, the atmosphere is a mix of vibrant festival energy and the cozy feeling of a picnic with friends and family.

POPULAR SPECTATOR SPOT – Slottsskogen – Family Area
Perfect for: Families with children and anyone looking to spend the whole day in a green setting.
What’s happening: This is where you’ll find the Göteborgsvarvet Family Area with Minivarvet, our mascot Varva and a full stage program. Activities, music, food and entertainment for all ages. The half marathon course runs around the Family Area, with the following partner activations:

• Polestar features a DJ and a 30 m wide grandstand.
• Fastighetsbyrån is located by Plikta with their own DJ to boost the atmosphere.

How to get there: Public transport to Linnéplatsen, where bicycle parking is also available. Easy to reach on foot.
When the elite pass: – Men: approx. 13:01, – Women: approx. 13:01
Description: Slottsskogen is the green oasis of the race – a place where families, joy and celebration come together. A perfect spot to cheer and soak up the atmosphere as thousands of runners pass through the park.

After a hilly section behind you, you now enter Majorna, with its charming streets lined with cheering spectators. It’s a great atmosphere for both runners and supporters, with small bands as well as a larger stage featuring live music. Just before the first split timing point at 5 kilometers, there’s a well-deserved refreshment station.

The first settlements in Majorna date back to the mid-17th century, when Finnish sailors and Estonian soldiers settled here. Since 1868, the area has been part of the city of Gothenburg. The cityscape is largely made up of traditional “landshövdingehus” buildings and is a favorite part of the course for many runners, thanks to the lively crowds and the energy still high at this stage.

Majorna, located between Slottsskogen and the Göta River, has historically been shaped by its working-class roots, but today it is a popular and creative district with a vibrant cultural and restaurant scene. Röda Sten Art Centre is a key cultural hub in Gothenburg, offering a wide range of exhibitions, concerts and performing arts. Runners pass Röda Sten just as the climb onto Älvsborgsbron begins, after making their way from Slottsskogen through Mariaplan and along Ostindiegatan between the historic buildings.

POPULAR SPECTATOR SPOT – Majorna – Mariaplan
Perfect for: Groups of friends and spectators looking for a lively atmosphere close to bars and cafés.
What’s happening: DJ, an energetic announcer and great crowd vibes. Bars and cafés along the course offer some of the best views of the runners.
How to get there: Public transport to Mariaplan. Cycle path from the city center via the Linné area.
When the elite pass: – Men: approx. 13:09, – Women: approx. 13:10
Description: Majorna always delivers on atmosphere. The crowd is dancing, the DJ keeps the energy high, and runners get a much-needed boost on their way toward Älvsborgsbron.

When you reach Älvsborgsbron, you’ve completed nearly a quarter of Göteborgsvarvet, and your journey continues from the mainland over to Färjenäs and Eriksberg on Hisingen, Sweden’s fifth-largest island.

The 900-metre suspension bridge, designed by Sven Olof Asplund, was completed in 1966 and greatly improved traffic flow in Gothenburg.

At the time of its inauguration, Älvsborgsbron was the longest bridge in Sweden. It stands almost 108 metres high, with a clearance of 45 metres and a main span of 418 metres. The bridge is 28 metres wide and accommodates six lanes of traffic as well as pedestrian and cycle paths. Looking to your right, you’ll see Scandinavia’s largest port and central Gothenburg, while to your left you may catch a glimpse of the beautiful west coast archipelago. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to Vinga.

Both before and after the bridge, you’ll pass music stations to help you over the highest point of the course at 52 metres above sea level. Water and sports drink await at the end of the section.

POPULAR SPECTATOR SPOT – Färjenäsparken – Karl IX’s väg
Perfect for: Families and groups of friends who want to combine music with scenic views.
What’s happening: The live band Dynamoes meets the runners at Nya Färjeläget (the most scenic turn of the course), while ASICS’s DJ keeps the energy high as runners continue toward Eriksberg. A large green space in Färjenäsparken offers plenty of room for spectators to gather, just after Älvsborg Bridge.
How to get there: Public transport to Ivarsbergsmotet or Pölsebo, or by bike or on foot.
When the elite pass: – Men: approx. 13:19, – Women: approx. 13:21
Description: After Älvsborg Bridge, runners reach Färjenäsparken – one of the most atmospheric spots along the course. Here, spectators gather on picnic blankets and in deck chairs to welcome runners back to solid ground with music and cheers.

When you’ve crossed Älvsborgsbron, nearly 10 kilometers along the waterfront on the Hisingen side await, with the Eriksberg section making up the first 3.2 km.

Here you run through the greenery of Färjenäsparken and along the river with beautiful views over Gothenburg. The scenery, music stations and a refreshment station make this 3.2 km stretch especially enjoyable. By the end of the section, you’ll also have reached the halfway point as you pass the 10 km split.

The area once belonged to the industrial shipbuilding company Eriksbergs Mekaniska Verkstads AB, founded in 1850, which built numerous ships over the years. The 70-metre-high and 110-metre-wide gantry crane—now one of Gothenburg’s most iconic landmarks—made it possible to assemble ships of up to half a million tons.

Before Eriksberg began its transformation from an industrial area into a modern residential district, it hosted major concerts. When Ullevi was under renovation in the late 1980s, world-famous artists such as Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Michael Jackson, U2 and David Bowie performed here.

The replica ship Götheborg, built in the early 2000s to closely resemble the original, has been moored at Pier 4 in Eriksberg for the past two decades. The area also offers fantastic views of Gothenburg, scenic walking paths and many great restaurants.

POPULAR SPECTATOR SPOT – Eriksbergstorget
Perfect for: Anyone looking for a comfortable viewing spot and a great atmosphere.
What’s happening: Partner activations with music from Stadium and Biotherm, outdoor seating and plenty of people. A natural gathering point along the North Riverfront.
How to get there: Ferry to Eriksberg or public transport, bike or on foot.
When the elite pass: – Men: approx. 13:21, – Women: approx. 13:24
Description: Eriksberg offers sunshine, great music and relaxed vibes. Follow the race while enjoying good food as the runners pass just meters away.

Halfway through Göteborgsvarvet, you enter Lindholmen, continuing along the scenic waterfront promenade. Here you’re met by a great atmosphere and several music stations – a real energy boost for both runners and spectators. A refreshment station awaits midway through the section, so don’t forget to refuel after 10 kilometers in your legs.

Lindholmen offers a mix of city life and innovation, with restaurants, quayside walkways and beautiful views over the river. It’s also a popular spot for spectators cheering from the waterfront or nearby outdoor cafés.

Like Eriksberg, Lindholmen is a former shipyard area that has been transformed into a creative hub for Swedish and international IT, tech and media companies, as well as schools and other businesses. Kuggen, an award-winning building designed by Gert Wingårdh, houses research projects and master’s programmes run by Chalmers University of Technology.

You’ll also pass Karlatornet, Sweden’s tallest building at 246 metres and 74 floors. The elevation gain in the Lindholmen section is minimal – here you can expect a flat and easy part of the course.

Until 1855, Lindholmen was an island, separated from Hisingen, and got its name from the linden trees that once grew here. However, the area’s history stretches even further back. As early as the 13th century, a castle stood here, later given by King Magnus Eriksson to Queen Blanche as a morning gift. Like Eriksberg, Lindholmen also has a rich shipbuilding history, and by the late 19th century, the Lindholmen shipyard was the largest workplace in Gothenburg.

POPULAR SPECTATOR SPOT – Lindholmspiren
Perfect for: Families and spectators looking for easily accessible entertainment.
What’s happening: Partner activation by Cramo featuring DJ Gretchen on stage, playing music for all ages. Several outdoor cafés and restaurants in the area add to the festive atmosphere. On Ceresgatan, IFK Göteborg will be present with their unique jersey release for Hisingen. This is the only place and the only day you can get your hands on these shirts.
How to get there: Ferry to Lindholmspiren or other public transport options, as well as by bike or on foot.
When the elite pass: – Men: approx. 13:30, – Women: approx. 13:33
Description: A spectator spot with something for everyone. Easy to get to and easy to stay – Lindholmspiren offers both energy and opportunities to relax right in the heart of the city.

After 12.7 km, you reach the phase Frihamnen. The music stations along the route will hopefully give you the boost you need as you prepare to take on the race’s second bridge.

Eriksberg and Lindholmen have undergone major transformations in recent years, and Frihamnen – Gothenburg’s innermost harbour, located between the new Hisingsbron and Lindholmen – has begun its journey as well. The area is intended to connect both sides of the river, bringing old and new together. The first phase of development is expected to be completed by 2040, with the entire area projected to be finished by 2060. The vision is for around 17,000 people to live here, with just as many working in the area.

The district consists of Södra Frihamnspiren, Norra Frihamnspiren and Kvillepiren, with the first often better known as Bananpiren, as it was used for banana imports to Sweden until the early 2000s. Today, it’s a vibrant pier filled with activity, movement and music, frequently used for events such as the Gothenburg Culture Festival, as well as other festivals, fairs, concerts and sporting events.

The ongoing development of Jubileumsparken marks the starting point for the transformation of the area, with accessibility and inclusion as key principles. The park’s activities and design are shaped by the wishes of Gothenburg’s residents.

Phase 7, just over one kilometer long, features a relatively new addition to Göteborgsvarvet. Hisingsbron was inaugurated in 2021 and made its debut in the race in 2022. In spring 2021, it opened for pedestrians, cyclists, cars and buses, and later that autumn tram traffic was introduced. The bridge was officially inaugurated by King Carl XVI Gustaf. Interestingly, it shares its name with the first bridge that connected the mainland with Hisingen, which was in use from 1874 to 1968, just before the now-demolished Götaälvbron was completed.

The new Hisingsbron is a lift bridge made of steel and concrete, measuring 440 metres in length and around 40 metres in width, with the tops of its four pylons reaching 35 metres above the water. It is therefore lower than its predecessor, Götaälvbron, which may leave runners with a bit more energy for the final stretch of Göteborgsvarvet. Music entertainment both before and on the bridge helps make the steps feel lighter.

When you reach the phase City, you pass the 15 km split. Only just over a quarter of Göteborgsvarvet remains as you run past Gustaf Adolfs Square.

The course continues past Brunnsparken and Kungsportsplatsen before Gothenburg’s classic main boulevard, Avenyn—officially Kungsportsavenyn—welcomes you. Despite the uphill stretch, it’s hard not to feel a surge of energy as you truly realize what a celebration Göteborgsvarvet is. Crowds line the streets several rows deep, cheering you on all the way up to Götaplatsen and the statue of the sea god Poseidon, which you run around.

In addition to the enthusiastic spectators, several music stations line the course.

Shops, restaurants, outdoor cafés, art galleries and nightclubs follow one another along Avenyn, attracting thousands of locals and visitors every day. The Gothenburg Museum of Art, the Röhsska Museum, Gothenburg Concert Hall and the Hasselblad Center are just some of the cultural highlights found along Avenyn and its surrounding streets.

POPULAR SPECTATOR SPOTS

Gustaf Adolfs Square
Perfect for: Anyone looking for a central location with plenty of action.
What’s happening: CELSIUS will be on site with drink sampling, a DJ and an elevated standing area for cheering spectators.
How to get there: Walk or bike. For public transport, plan your journey in the Västtrafik To Go app.
When the elite pass: – Men: approx. 13:43, – Women: approx. 13:48
Description: Right in the city center and at the heart of the festivities. Here, the scents of food, music and cheering crowds come together – a perfect spot for both runners and spectators.

Avenyn & Götaplatsen
Perfect for: Anyone who wants to experience Göteborg’s most iconic spectator street.
What’s happening: Energy all along Avenyn with multiple partner activations. STC will be at Kungsportsplatsen cheering with their instructors, Vitamin Well is mid-Avenyn with a double-decker bus and DJ, and ASICS takes over Götaplatsen. A classic spot with a buzzing atmosphere.
How to get there: Walk or bike. For public transport, plan your journey in the Västtrafik To Go app.
When the elite pass: – Men: approx. 13:45, – Women: approx. 13:50
Description: Avenyn is the parade street of the crowd – filled with celebration, color and cheers. This is where you truly feel Göteborgsvarvet.

You have about four kilometers to go after passing Poseidon and turning into the second-to-last section, which takes you through the charming and beautiful districts of Vasastaden and Linné. Along this 2.7 km stretch, you’ll pass several music stations to keep you motivated all the way to the end. Here you can also refuel with both sports drink and water.

Vasastaden is a blend of student life and the arts, home to institutions such as the School of Business, Economics and Law, the University of Gothenburg, and the Academy of Design and Crafts. The district is characterized by charming turn-of-the-century buildings and is a popular area for socializing, food and drinks.

Linné is a cozy and vibrant neighborhood with a strong local feel. It offers a wide range of inviting restaurants and cafés, as well as the classic Hagabion, which combines a cinema, restaurant and bar.

POPULAR SPECTATOR SPOT – Skanstorget
Perfect for: Those who want to follow the race in a relaxed setting with a festive atmosphere.
What’s happening: A great spot if you want to cheer on the runners from an outdoor café. Arrive early to secure a seat at the very popular Skanshof. Nearby, Norion Bank will be energizing the runners with a DJ and other impactful features.
How to get there: Tram to Handelshögskolan or Järntorget, followed by a short walk.
When the elite pass: – Men: approx. 13:53, – Women: approx. 13:58
Description: One of the final spectator highlights before the finish. Here, music, food and cheering crowds come together – the atmosphere is both relaxed and electric.

The last phase and the very last kilometer! As you pass through the final arch, you also cross the 20 km split. Just one kilometer remains through Slottsskogen, where your journey began.

The crowds grow denser again, and here you’ll also pass the Garmin Power Zone – an energetic stretch filled with excitement.

The final part may feel tough, but it’s also a kilometer to truly enjoy. After an incredible effort, it’s time to cross the finish line at the iconic Göteborgsvarvet finish at Slottsskogsvallen. The arena was inaugurated over 100 years ago, and ahead of Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary in 2021, the area was renovated to welcome all the amazing runners.

POPULAR SPECTATOR SPOT – The Finish
Perfect for: Anyone who wants to cheer runners on the final stretch, as well as families looking to spend the day in a green setting.
What’s happening: Final kilometer energy meets the Family Area nearby. Garmin hosts its Power Zone by the Botaniska Trädgården stop, giving runners a boost toward the finish. In the Family Area, you’ll find activities, music, food and stage performances for younger visitors. The final kilometer of the course runs right alongside it.
How to get there: Public transport to Linnéplatsen, followed by a short walk.
When the elite pass: Men: 13:59, Women: 14:05 (Garmin Power Zone)
Description: The perfect place to cheer and soak up the atmosphere as thousands of runners make their way to the finish line.

You’ve made it to the finish! With a half marathon behind you, you now run into Slottsskogsvallen to cheers from the stands and powerful music.

A well-earned medal and a banana await you as usual after the finish line, and here we also want to treat all runners a little extra. Slottsskogsvallen and parts of the surrounding area transform into the Runners Zone – a space for recovery, snacks, drinks, and a finisher photo at our selfie station.

This is your moment to enjoy – reflect on the race with fellow runners or congratulate each other on an amazing achievement.

Partners in the Runners Zone
Almondy
Vitamin Well
ProPud
Chiquita
Therabody
Biotherm

POPULAR SPECTATOR SPOT – Slottsskogsvallen – Göteborgsvarvet Arena
Perfect for: Anyone who wants to experience excitement, cheers and emotions at their peak.
What’s happening: This is where runners and spectators gather and the atmosphere reaches its climax. Cheer on the elite and watch the final heroes cross the finish line. Large grandstands at Slottsskogsvallen, along with food, drinks and activities throughout the day in Göteborgsvarvet Arena.
How to get there: Tram to Marklandsgatan or Linnéplatsen, followed by a short walk to Slottsskogsvallen.
When the elite finish: – Men: approx. 14:00, – Women: approx. 14:08. The last runners finish at 19:15.
Description: The heart of Göteborgsvarvet. This is where it all ends – with emotion, cheers and tears of joy. Perfect for those who want to feel the pulse and be right in the middle of the celebration.