On 8 and 10 September, international students, researchers and staff from Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg had the opportunity to discover Gothenburg from the water as they were welcomed aboard the city’s iconic Paddan sightseeing boats. During the guided tours, participants gained insights into the city’s history, culture and urban development from a unique perspective.

On two occasions, more than one hundred participants joined a classic Paddan tour through Gothenburg’s canals and harbour areas. The tour took them along the historic moat and through the city’s 17th-century canals, while the guides shared stories about Gothenburg’s history, architecture and defensive heritage.

Along the way, the boats passed several of the city’s characteristic low bridges before continuing towards the harbour, where participants learned more about Gothenburg’s shipbuilding history, the fishing harbour and the city’s ongoing urban development.

The sightseeing tours are part of Unimeet Gothenburg’s efforts to showcase Gothenburg and all that the destination has to offer. The aim is to help international students, researchers and university staff feel welcome and support them in exploring the city. Unimeet Gothenburg also offers career-related activities to showcase the city as an attractive workplace. The long-term ambition is for more international students and researchers to choose to remain in the region after completing their studies or research appointments.

Unimeet Gothenburg is a collaboration between the University of Gothenburg, Chalmers University of Technology, and The Trade & Industry Group at Göteborg & Co. The initiative aims to strengthen connections between international students, researchers and the business community, while also creating cultural and social meeting places and networking opportunities.