Permanently moored in Gothenburg Harbor, the four-masted Barken Viking was built in 1906 and is allegedly one of the largest ships ever built in Scandinavia. Despite its name, the boat bears no relation to the Norse warriors—it served as a merchant ship until retiring from service and being transformed into a floating hotel.
Spending a night at the Barken Viking Boat Hotel offers the unique opportunity to sleep on-board a traditional 20th-century ship. The 3-star hotel has 29 rooms in the former crew’s cabins, decorated in keeping with the maritime theme, and guests can explore the ship and admire the views from the deck. If you don’t fancy checking in, book a table for lunch or dinner at the upper deck restaurant or visit in the evening for a cocktail looking out across Lilla Bommen Harbour.
The Barken Viking Boat Hotel is located on the riverfront at Lilla Bommen Harbour. It’s just a 10-minute walk from downtown Gothenburg or else, ride the bus or tram to the Lilla Bommen stop, right nearby.
The hotel is open year-round, but the bar-restaurant on deck is open only during the summer months (May through September). For the best views, book a table on deck for dinner with a view over the illuminated harbor.
Gothenburg’s main harbor, Lilla Bommen, makes a scenic spot for a stroll and is home to a number of the city’s most memorable landmarks. After enjoying views of the Barken Viking, stop to admire the neighboring Gothenburg Opera House, with its ship-inspired façade, and the red-and-white striped Lilla Bommen skyscraper, nicknamed ‘The Lipstick’ for its unusual shape. Another must-visit is the Maritiman floating museum, which has more than a dozen historic boats moored along the waterfront. Cruises to the island fortress of Nya Älvsborg also set sail from Lilla Bommen.