Sledging hills in Gothenburg – nine hills for families with children

Snow in Gothenburg is an event. It rarely comes, it doesn't stay for long, and when it does fall, half the city is out on the hills before lunch. That is why it pays to know in advance which hill you are going to – so you can be there the same morning the snow arrives, before it turns to slush.

Here are nine hills in Gothenburg, from the classics in Slottsskogen and the Delsjön area to the neighbourhood hills the city itself points out at its playgrounds. Further down there are sledging safety tips and what to do when the snow doesn't come at all.

The classics – Slottsskogen and Delsjön

Bragebacken in Slottsskogen is the city's best-known sledging hill. It was built as a ski jump in the early 20th century, and the jump tower made of big granite blocks still stands on Bragehöjden. Today it is a sledging hill on the days it snows. The top gives you speed, so let the youngest start a bit further down. Take the tram to Linnéplatsen and walk into the park. If you want something hot, there is Café Azalea in Slottsskogen, and there is more about the park in Slottsskogen with kids.

Mjölkbacken is by the Plikta playground in eastern Slottsskogen, closest to Linnéplatsen. It suits the youngest better, and there are staff at Plikta almost every day of the year.

Brudarebacken in the Delsjön area, by Skatås, is one of the longer sledging hills in Gothenburg. The sledging hill is next to the ski slope of the same name. Here you are surrounded by forest, and you can combine the sledging with a walk or a campfire.

The neighbourhood hills in eastern Gothenburg

The City of Gothenburg itself points out sledging hills at several playgrounds, and this is often where it is calmest:

• Sockertoppen in Stabbeparken in Björkekärr is a high mound next to the playground. The playground was rebuilt in 2026 and now has a pergola with a barbecue spot. Stop: Stabbetorget.
• Kalasbacken by Gilleplan in Utby is a big hill with a bank at the bottom so that nobody slides into the houses next to it. Stop: Gillegatan.
• Gömmet on Lars Kaggsgatan in Gamlestaden lies at the foot of Bunkeberget, and the city describes the hill as very good. Stop: Bellevue.
• Stenströmsgatan in Kålltorp is a small park with a sloping hill and a lit playground – good for two-year-olds. Skatås is a little way off.
• Komettorget has a slope on the east side of the grassy area, short and just right for the youngest.

Hisingen – Keillers park

Keillers park is on Ramberget, 87 metres above sea level, with views over the whole city and the archipelago. The park is hilly and has a playground. The nearest stops are Ramberget and Lantmannagatan.

Safe on the hill when the snow is thin

Gothenburg's hills have their own risks. The snow rarely comes in thick layers, and under a thin covering there are often stones, roots and the smooth bare rock found in almost every park here.

• Walk the hill first. Walk down once on foot and kick away anything sticking up. It takes two minutes and saves a split lip.
• The bottom is what matters most. A good hill levels out onto a lawn. Skip the ones that end at a footpath, a road or a stream – in the Delsjön area and at the ponds in the parks, the ice is rarely safe.
• Helmets on the children. A cycle helmet is enough, and for the youngest a helmet with a green buckle that releases if it gets caught is the safest.
• Up along the edge. Whoever is pulling the sledge back up stays out of the run.
• Wait for a clear run and always sit feet first.
• Thaw and frost. After a night above freezing followed by frost, the hill becomes icy and fast. Then the youngest ride on an adult's lap.

When is there usually snow?

Gothenburg is by the sea, and you can tell. The snow seasons in southern Sweden are short and vary a lot from year to year – some winters there are only a couple of weeks of snow in total, and in the city it often melts after a couple of days. Your best chance is in January and February. If it snows overnight, go out in the morning. By the afternoon the hill has often been worn down to the grass.

During the Christmas holidays in Gothenburg a white Christmas is far from guaranteed, and the guide to sportlov (February half-term) has more tips for snow near the city, including skiing on the west coast.

When the snow doesn't come

The most common winter weather in Gothenburg is rain and temperatures above freezing. Then this works:

• Universeum with its rainforest and aquariums, and the Wisdome dome cinema in the same building.
• The Maritime Museum Aquarium – fish and boats on a wet morning.
• Indoor skating. Ruddalen ice rink has public skating sessions during the school holidays.
• Head out anyway. Waterproofs, a Christmas sausage on skewers and a campfire in the Delsjön area work in drizzle.

There are more ideas in Gothenburg with Kids. Once the snow stays for an evening, you can build a snow lantern at the foot of the hill. And if you are heading to the capital, there are sledging hills in Stockholm.