Balder, Sweden Travel Guide

**History of The Balder**

Step into the thrilling realm of The Balder, located in the heart of Gothenburg's Liseberg amusement park. This iconic wooden roller coaster, which opened its gates to adrenaline enthusiasts in 2003, is a modern marvel with a rich backstory.

Named after the Norse god Balder, known for his beauty and invincibility, the ride embodies the spirit of its mythical namesake. What sets The Balder apart is its record-breaking airtime; riders experience the sensation of weightlessness as they race along its meticulously crafted wooden tracks.

In a city known for its maritime history, The Balder anchors Gothenburg's reputation as a hub for thrill-seekers. This roller coaster has not only won the hearts of locals but has also been crowned the best wooden coaster in the world multiple times by coaster enthusiasts.

Legend has it that on certain misty mornings, the ethereal spirit of Balder himself can be felt racing alongside riders. Many claim to have caught brief glimpses of a shadowy figure, evoking intrigue and a hint of mystery.

Whether you're a thrill-seeker or a history enthusiast, The Balder promises an unforgettable journey through both time and excitement. Don't miss out on this legendary experience when visiting Gothenburg!

The Balder, located in the heart of Liseberg amusement park in Gothenburg, Sweden, is no ordinary wooden roller coaster.

One of its standout features is its remarkable height, reaching an impressive 36 meters, making it one of the tallest wooden roller coasters in the world. Despite its towering presence, the Balder is renowned for its smooth ride, a quality that few wooden coasters can boast.

What's truly captivating about The Balder is its design, which offers a thrilling combination of sharp turns and sweeping drops. The ride features a staggering 70-degree first drop, providing an adrenaline rush that coaster enthusiasts crave.

In addition to its exhilarating ride, The Balder is also celebrated for its picturesque setting. As riders ascend to the top, they are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding park and the city skyline, adding a layer of visual delight to the thrilling experience.

Finally, The Balder's wooden structure, crafted with precision and care, offers a nostalgic charm that harks back to the golden age of roller coasters, making it a beloved favorite among both locals and tourists alike.

Did you know that The Balder stands out as one of the few roller coasters in the world constructed entirely from wood? This architectural choice gives it a distinctive character, offering a classic yet thrilling experience that sets it apart from modern steel coasters. Despite its wooden structure, The Balder impressively achieves a maximum speed of up to 90 km/h, making it a favorite for adrenaline seekers.

The Balder is celebrated for its remarkable smoothness, a rare trait among wooden roller coasters. This is due to its innovative track design, which uses prefabricated sections to ensure a consistent ride. This commitment to quality and engineering excellence has awarded The Balder the title of "Best Wooden Roller Coaster" multiple times in international polls.

Uniquely, The Balder boasts an incredible drop angle of 70 degrees, providing a thrilling descent that leaves riders breathless. This steep angle is one of the reasons why roller coaster enthusiasts travel from far and wide to experience the exhilaration only The Balder can offer. Its combination of speed, smoothness, and sheer excitement makes it a must-visit attraction for anyone in Gothenburg.

Discover Balder, a prime feature of Gothenburg, in the vibrant Gothenburg Municipality. Balder is situated at Liseberg, 402 22 Göteborg, Sweden, just a short distance from Lisebergbanan and Liseberg, making it a perfect addition to your itinerary.

In the vicinity of Balder, various dining and shopping options await, alongside a lively atmosphere that captures the essence of local life. This location serves as a perfect starting point or a key highlight during your exploration of Gothenburg, a city in Sweden rich with cultural and adventurous activities.

When planning your trip, timing is key. Discover the best time to visit Gothenburg to fully enjoy the seasonal charm of Balder. Explore travel trips and ideas on this city from the comprehensive Gothenburg travel guide for an unforgettable adventure.

The best time to go to Balder in Gothenburg, Sweden, is during the late spring and summer months, specifically from May to August. During this period, the weather is pleasantly mild and generally sunny, offering ideal conditions for outdoor activities and exploration. Visitors can enjoy extended daylight hours, with the sun setting as late as 10 PM, providing ample opportunity to experience the thrill of Balder and other attractions without feeling rushed.

Another fantastic time to visit is during the annual Liseberg amusement park's Halloween celebrations in October. This period offers a unique experience as the park transforms with spooky decorations and themed activities. While the evenings might be chillier, the festive ambiance and fewer crowds ensure a memorable visit.

For those seeking quieter times, consider visiting in early September, when the summer crowds have thinned but the weather remains agreeable. Regardless of when you choose to visit, Balder promises an exhilarating experience. Explore our extended guide on the best time to visit Balder for more inspiration on things to do in every season.

Balder is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Gothenburg, Sweden. If you're flying in, Göteborg Landvetter Airport is approximately 10.7 miles (17.2 km) away from the city center. From there, you can easily reach Balder by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Gothenburg, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Balder, which is located 1.4 miles (2.3 km) from the city center. Its exact address is Liseberg, 402 22 Göteborg, Sweden.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Balder!

With everything seamlessly arranged for your trip to Gothenburg, you can simply pack your bags and look forward to exploring Balder.

Keep reading to discover the best options for experiencing this iconic amusement park in Sweden.

Upon arriving at Göteborg Landvetter Airport, you’ll find 3 reputable rental car companies conveniently situated near the city of Gothenburg.

Click 'See More' to unlock other affordable car rental options in Gothenburg.

Choosing the right accommodation near Balder from the widest selection of hotels and places to stay in Gothenburg can truly make all the difference in your trip. Not only will you be within a comfortable distance from Balder, but you’ll also enjoy the best rates available, backed by 24/7 customer service and glowing reviews.

To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve curated a handpicked list of top-rated hotels nearby.

Beyond Balder, Gothenburg boasts plenty more landmarks that make every trip unforgettable. From park to park, the top attractions in Gothenburg offer experiences you won’t want to miss.

One of the most notable attractions to visit while in Gothenburg is Slottsskogen, located at Slottsskogspromenaden, 414 76 Göteborg, Sweden. This well-known park enhances your time in the city.

It's a popular park that’s perfect for rounding out your itinerary. You’ll find it at Slussgatan 1, 411 06 Göteborg, Sweden.

For an unforgettable addition to your itinerary, a visit to Gothenburg Botanical Garden completes any trip to Gothenburg. This park draws visitors with its unique appeal, making it an essential stop on your journey. Located at Carl Skottsbergs gata 22A, 413 19 Göteborg, Sweden, its surroundings offer plenty of reasons to linger a little longer.

The city's top sights offer a wide variety of experiences to make your trip truly memorable. Check out the full list of top attractions in Gothenburg below to discover even more incredible places to explore.