From Gothenburg to Undiscovered Europe: 9 Direct Flight Routes You Didn't Know Existed

Living in Gothenburg often means looking enviously at how Stockholm Arlanda offers a myriad of long- and short-haul routes. However, the west coast's own airport, Landvetter, has spent the last few years building an impressive network of direct flights that take you straight to lesser-known European cities—without layovers and long waiting times. According to the Göteborgs-Posten newspaper, there are now around 60 direct routes from Landvetter, many of which are to destinations that most Swedes have yet to discover.

For those living in Gothenburg, Malmö, or Stockholm, this presents a huge opportunity. Instead of traveling to Arlanda or Kastrup, you can save time and money by utilizing Landvetter's routes. Paired with smart travel platforms like Aiuli, which compares flights from all Swedish airports and factors in ground transport and other costs, you can find the best overall deal for every trip.

Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Season: September–May. Airline: Ryanair. Banja Luka, the capital of the Bosnian Serb Republic (Republika Srpska), has emerged as one of the Balkan region's most interesting small cities. Tourist numbers grew significantly in 2023, and the city's main attraction is the Vrbas River flowing through its center. Here, you can stroll along the banks, swim, and paddle the traditional dajak boat. The medieval Kastel Fortress hosts concerts and festivals during the summer, and the area is also known for its spas with thermal springs. Direct flights from Gothenburg make it easy to combine a city weekend with outdoor adventures.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Season: April–October. Airline: Norwegian (seasonal departures). Sarajevo is often called the "Jerusalem of Europe" for its mix of mosques, churches, and synagogues in the old town. Explore Baščaršija, a 15th-century bazaar, and visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque from 1530. Sarajevo is also historically famous for the 1914 assassination that triggered World War I. With a flight time of just over two hours from Gothenburg, this cultural blend of Ottoman and Austrian influences is suddenly very close.

Pristina, Kosovo

Season: June–August. Airline: Norwegian (summer route). Kosovo's capital, Pristina, is Europe's youngest capital with a modern history. Visit the Newborn monument from 2008, the Heroinat Memorial honoring women affected by the Kosovo War, trendy bars and restaurants downtown, and the Pristina Bear Sanctuary just outside the city. Direct flights from Gothenburg let you skip layovers in Vienna or Istanbul.

Burgas, Bulgaria

Season: May–October. Airline: Charter/Scheduled. Burgas on the Black Sea is the gateway to both the city and resort towns like Sunny Beach, but it offers more than just sun and sand. The enormous Sea Garden is a 600-hectare park stretching five kilometers along the coast, featuring walking paths, playgrounds, concerts, and a large flower exhibition every spring. Along the promenade, you'll see the Burgas Bridge, views of St. Anastasia Island, and monuments honoring the poet Pushkin.

Kaunas, Lithuania

Season: Year-round. Airline: Ryanair or Wizz Air. Named a European Capital of Culture in 2022, Kaunas is known for its medieval old town, Gothic cathedral, and modernist interwar architecture that earned it UNESCO City of Design status. Take the historic Aleksotas Funicular from 1935 for panoramic views and visit the Pažaislis Monastery by the Kaunas Lagoon.

Skopje, North Macedonia

Season: Year-round. Airline: Wizz Air. Skopje is an insider destination where fewer tourists mean more authenticity. Visit Matka Canyon for nature experiences, Kale Fortress with roots in Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history, and the lively Old Bazaar with shops, cafes, and mosques. Don't miss the Mother Teresa Memorial House—the humanitarian icon was born in Skopje.

Belgrade, Serbia

Season: Year-round. Airline: Air Serbia or Wizz Air. Serbia's capital, at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, is one of Europe's oldest and most vibrant cities. Known as the city that never sleeps, Belgrade features floating nightclubs along the rivers and the bohemian Skadarlija quarter with cobblestone streets, music, and traditional food. Also, visit the Kalemegdan Fortress for views and history.

Pula, Croatia

Season: Starts summer 2025. Airline: New direct flight. Pula, on the Istrian coast, is famous for its impressive Roman amphitheater, the Pula Arena, one of the world's best-preserved. Built between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD, it held 20,000 spectators and is now used for concerts and festivals. The city also offers Roman temples, Venetian palaces, and proximity to Brijuni National Park.

Porto, Portugal

Season: Starts October 2025. Airline: Ryanair. Porto has become one of Europe's most charming city-break destinations, known for its port wine and the historic Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, narrow alleys are lined with colorful houses, wine bars, and restaurants overlooking the Luís I Bridge. Take a river cruise on the Douro, visit the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, and explore Ribeira's cozy streets.

How to Use Aiuli to Find the Best Flights

Comparing departures from different airports, tracking prices, and finding good accommodation can be time-consuming—especially when you want to travel spontaneously. Aiuli is a Swedish travel platform that automatically displays ready-made trips with both flights and accommodation, based on your travel dates and preferences. You can instantly see which destinations are cheapest right now, whether from Gothenburg, Stockholm, or Copenhagen.

Instead of manually searching multiple sites, Aiuli provides a complete travel proposal in seconds—perfect for those who want to discover new places without spending hours on planning.

Conclusion

Gothenburg Landvetter has transformed into a springboard to undiscovered parts of Europe. From Bosnia and Kosovo to Istria and the Douro Valley—you can travel directly without changing flights in major hubs. By exploring these lesser-known cities, you get more authentic experiences, lower prices, and often fewer tourists. Combine this with smart technology from Aiuli to ensure you choose the right airport for each trip, and you have a competitive way to make travel more personal and affordable. Next time you book a weekend, think of Banja Luka, Kaunas, or Porto, and discover how much of Europe exists beyond the usual routes.