Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
KVARNBYN: CREATIVE OUTSKIRTS
The tiny, creative hub of Kvarnbyn, a district of Mölndal 8km south of Göteborg, has long
attracted architects, designers and artists looking to escape the high rents and pressures
of the city. Here, a brooding landscape of roaring rapids gripped by grain mills and histor-
ic factories (Mölndal means 'valley of the mills') has been transformed into a dynamic yet
low-key cultural centre.
The district's nexus is the smart, interactive
Mölndals Museum
( 031-431 34;
www.museum.molndal.se
; Kvarnbygatan 12; noon-6pm Tue-Sun). Located in an old police sta-
tion, the museum is like a vast warehouse, with a 10,000-strong booty of local nostalgia
spanning a 17th-century clog to kitchen kitsch and a re-created 1930s worker's cottage.
With a focus on memories and feelings, it's an evocative place where you can plunge into
racks of vintage clothes, pull out hidden treasures and learn more about individual items
on the digital catalogue. One particular highlight is the eclectic collection of chairs, in-
cluding beautifully crafted pieces from the nearby village of Lindome, one of Sweden's
most historic furniture-making areas. The temporary exhibitions are clever (a circus ex-
hibit will skip from art to brain research and finish up with a bit of history) and the in-
house cafe boasts summertime seating right by the rapids. The museum also hires out a
brilliant, hand-held computer guide (in Swedish), which leads you through Kvarnbyn's in-
dustrial landscape using a lively mix of historical anecdotes, animation and soundscapes.
The town also hosts some noteworthy cultural events. On a Saturday in mid- to late
tacle of open studios and art installations, as well as dance and music performances.
To reach Kvarnbyn from Göteborg, catch a Kungsbacka-bound train to Mölndal station,
then bus 756 or 752 to Mölndals Museum.
Drinking & Nightlife
Swedish licensing laws mean that bars must have a restaurant section, although in most
cases, it's vice versa. While Kungsportsavenyn brims with beer-downing tourists, there are
still some savvier options.
Clubs have minimum-age limits ranging from 18 to 25, and many may charge admis-
sion depending on the night.
