Things To Do In Gothenburg

A harbour city where the tram ends at the ferry to a car-free archipelago. Plan it by the day, by the weather, or by the month.

1 Day With Kids Rainy Days Winter After Dark Archipelago
The Sea Right Now 16.3 °C at Vinga, at the last SMHI reading

Things To Do In Gothenburg Over One, Two Or Three Days

Start in Haga, eat at the old fish church, walk the free park with its zoo and finish on the hilltop fort above the city. The stops sit on the tram network.

Full one-day itinerary
1Morning
Cobbled street in Haga lined with low painted wooden houses and shopfronts

Haga

The one part of the city where the seventeenth-century working-class past survives in wood and cobblestone.

Free
2Midday
A long wooden market hall building with tall arched windows seen from a Gothenburg street

Feskekôrka

The fish church reopened in 2024 as a food hall, with fish counters and restaurants inside.

3Afternoon
A wide green park lawn in Gothenburg with tree-lined paths and people walking in the distance

Slottsskogen

The park and its zoo are free to enter at any time of year.

Free
4Evening
Stone fortification tower on a wooded hill above Gothenburg's rooftops

Skansen Kronan

A restored hilltop fort above Haga with a view over the city, the Göta älv and the archipelago.

Free
A guide leading a small group along a cobbled lane of painted wooden houses in Haga
Haga Old Town Walking Tour 4.6 from 248 reviews · from $52
Check availability

How Many Days Do You Need In Gothenburg?

Two full days is the right answer for most first visits. That is enough for the old quarter, the waterfront, Haga and one archipelago ferry without rushing. A third day buys museums, Liseberg or a longer boat trip, and a fourth only makes sense for day trips up the coast. One day works, but you will be choosing between the islands and the city.

The Best Things To Do In Gothenburg

Eight places that define the city, from the amusement park to a free hilltop fort.

A large amusement park seen from above, with a wooden roller coaster curving between tree-lined paths and the towers of Gothenburg beyond Entry from 95 kr LisebergThe amusement park, with rides priced separately from entry A tall glass science centre building beside a canal with green trees in front UniverseumThe science centre with a rainforest hall, open every day The neoclassical art museum building on Götaplatsen in Gothenburg seen from the avenue below 75 kr Göteborgs KonstmuseumArt on Götaplatsen, free for under-20s Stone fortification tower on a wooded hill above Gothenburg's rooftops Free Skansen KronanA hilltop fort above Haga with the best free view A wide green park lawn in Gothenburg with tree-lined paths and people walking in the distance Free SlottsskogenA big city park with a free zoo Historic ships moored together on a city quay, masts and funnels against a grey Nordic sky MaritimanA fleet of historic ships moored on the Göta älv The wooden-clad World of Volvo building in Gothenburg on a bright day From 120 kr World Of VolvoThe successor to the closed Volvo Museum A long wooden market hall building with tall arched windows seen from a Gothenburg street FeskekôrkaThe fish church, now a food hall

Twelve Kinds Of Things To Do In Gothenburg, Compared

Walking tours, archipelago trips, food walks and museum-adjacent visits each get their own section, and the free walks sit alongside the paid options. Every product carries its own published rating and duration from the live listing.

See all 4 Archipelago Cruises
See all 5 Sailing the Islands
See all 3 Canals and the Harbour
See all 5 City Sightseeing
See all 4 Walks and Districts
See all 4 Free Guided Walks
See all 6 Food and Fika
See all 4 Attraction Tickets
See all 5 Active and Outside
See all 3 Sauna and Sea Baths
See all 4 Day Trips
See all 2 Passes
9,525 traveller reviewsacross 49 checked tours
From $12cheapest paid tour today
Prices checkedagainst the booking page, refreshed monthly

Which Things To Do In Gothenburg Suit You?

Forty-nine tours, tickets and free walks cover Gothenburg. Three quick questions sort them into a shortlist that fits your plans.

1. What kind of experience are you after?
2. What are you happy to spend per person?
3. How much time do you have?

A starting shortlist of the best-reviewed options. Answer a question or two and it rebuilds around you.

  1. Land and Water Amphibious Bus 1 hour from $36 ★ 4.7 4,326 Check availability
  2. Guided Archipelago Cruise, 2.5 Hours 2.5 hours from $44 ★ 4.4 1,488 Check availability
  3. 50-Minute Canal Sightseeing Cruise 50 minutes from $28 ★ 4.7 783 Check availability
  4. Universeum Entry Ticket 1 day from $25 ★ 4.2 611 Check availability
  5. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, 1 Day 1 day from $37 ★ 3.8 251 Check availability
  6. Haga Old Town Walking Tour 1.5 hours from $52 ★ 4.6 248 Check availability
  7. All-Inclusive Pass, 20+ Attractions 1 - 5 days from $56 ★ 3.8 238 Check availability
  8. Free Walk, Majorna District 1 hour and 30 minutes Sebastian Free, tips welcome ★ 4.8 234 See this free tour on GuruWalk
  9. World of Volvo Entry Ticket 1 day from $19 ★ 4.5 202 Check availability
  10. 40-Minute Old Town Sightseeing 40 minutes from $16 ★ 4.6 200 Check availability
  11. Free City Walking Tour 2 hours Oscar Free, tips welcome ★ 4.9 112 See this free tour on GuruWalk
  12. Paddan Cruise on River Säveån 2 hours from $40 ★ 4.6 105 Check availability
  13. Guided Kayak Tour, 2 Hours 2 hours from $62 ★ 4.9 81 Check availability
  14. Electric Self-Drive Boat Tour 1 hour from $92 ★ 4.3 80 Check availability
  15. Walking Tour, Swedish Fika 2 hours from $93 ★ 4.4 71 Check availability
  16. Free Walk, Food and Architecture 2 hours and 30 minutes Juan Pablo Free, tips welcome ★ 5.0 63 See this free tour on GuruWalk
  17. Paradox Museum Entry Ticket 1 hour from $24 ★ 4.0 52 Check availability
  18. Bike Tour with Local Guide 2 hours from $62 ★ 4.9 47 Check availability
  19. Private Walk with a Local 1 hour from $49 ★ 4.8 44 Check availability
  20. Self-Guided Kayak Hire, 2 Hours 2 hours from $31 ★ 4.8 41 Check availability
  21. Archipelago Cruise, Lunch Included 2h 30m from $68 ★ 4.3 38 Check availability
  22. Alfie Atkins Centre Ticket 3 hours from $17 ★ 4.4 29 Check availability
  23. Mini Hot Rod City Tour 2 hours from $129 ★ 5.0 26 Check availability
  24. Free Walk, Hidden Corners 2 hours and 15 minutes Constanza Andrea Free, tips welcome ★ 4.9 24 See this free tour on GuruWalk
  25. Highlights Bike Tour, Transfer Included 2h 30m from $144 ★ 4.7 20 Check availability
  26. Archipelago Cruise, Swedish Fika 2h 30m from $58 ★ 4.3 19 Check availability
  27. West Coast Food Walking Tour 3 hours from $144 ★ 4.8 17 Check availability
  28. Shrimp Salmon Cruise, Live Music 3 hours from $95 ★ 4.7 14 Check availability
  29. History and Local Flavors Walk 2 hours from $34 ★ 4.9 11 Check availability
  30. Walk with a Native Gothenburger 2h 30m from $46 ★ 4.9 10 Check availability
  31. Wildlife Park Entry, Nordens Ark 1 day from $29 ★ 4.5 10 Check availability
  32. 4-Hour Sail with Local Skipper 4 hours from $138 ★ 5.0 9 Check availability
  33. Hot Rod Island Archipelago Tour 3h 30m from $205 ★ 5.0 7 Check availability
  34. Evening Sail, Swedish Fika 3h 30m from $46 ★ 5.0 5 Check availability
  35. Essentials Pass, 3 Attractions 30 days from $47 ★ 4.3 5 Check availability
  36. Distillery Tour with Tasting 1h 30m from $56 ★ 5.0 3 Check availability
  37. Sauna Boat Cruise, 4 Hours 4 hours from $344 ★ 5.0 1 Check availability
  38. Archipelago Sail, Shrimp Meal 4.5 hours from $139 Check availability
  39. Vinga Island Sail, Buffet & Fika 8 hours from $701 Check availability
  40. Sunrise Sail, Breakfast Buffet 3 hours from $66 Check availability
  41. Island Hiking Tour, Fika Included 8 hours from $103 Check availability
  42. Audio Walk with Bus Option 1 day from $12 Check availability
  43. Marstrand Sail, Seafood Market 5 hours from $148 Check availability
  44. Marstrand Sail, Christmas Market 5 hours from $206 Check availability
  45. Private Lake Vänern Castle Trip 10 hours from $515 Check availability
  46. Craft Beer Walk with Tastings 3 hours from $112 Check availability
  47. Distillery Tour, Gin Workshop 2 hours from $206 Check availability
  48. Hot Tub and Sea Dip Tour 3 hours from $103 Check availability
  49. Hot Tub Beach and Harbor Cruise 4 hours from $536 Check availability

Things To Do In Gothenburg With Kids

A science centre, a free zoo and an amusement park cover most ages, and Universeum is open every day of the year.

A tall glass science centre building beside a canal with green trees in frontUniverseumRainforest, aquarium and science halls under one roof A wide green park lawn in Gothenburg with tree-lined paths and people walking in the distanceSlottsskogenA park with a free zoo and playgrounds A large amusement park seen from above, with a wooden roller coaster curving between tree-lined paths and the towers of Gothenburg beyondLisebergRides, with a separate Rabbit Land for small children
A child-friendly cultural centre for young children in GothenburgA cultural centre for young childrenAlfie Atkins Centre Ticket4.4 from 29 reviews · from $17Check availability

Things To Do In Gothenburg When It Rains

The city's museums cluster around Götaplatsen and the centre, and the rainy-day itinerary strings them together.

The neoclassical art museum building on Götaplatsen in Gothenburg seen from the avenue belowGöteborgs KonstmuseumClosed on Mondays, cashless The brick facade of a Gothenburg museum building on a city street under a grey Nordic skyRöhsska MuseumDesign and craft in a single building The Museum of World Culture building in Gothenburg seen from the street on a bright dayMuseum Of World CultureThe city museum of world cultures Wet cobblestone street in central Gothenburg with trams passing and people with umbrellasA Rainy Day PlanAn itinerary built around indoor stops

Things To Do In Gothenburg In Winter

Liseberg closes for long stretches of the cold season, so the plan leans on the Christmas market, indoor halls and the winter archipelago.

A Christmas market stall glowing with string lights against a dark Nordic winter evening in GothenburgChristmas MarketChristmas season in the city, with Liseberg's dates Red ferry boats moored at a small wooden jetty on a snow-dusted island in winter lightThe Archipelago In WinterThe islands in the cold season Liseberg amusement park in Gothenburg with its wooden roller coaster against a summer skyLiseberg By SeasonWhen the park is open and when it is not
An indoor science centre open all year in GothenburgOpen every day of the yearUniverseum Entry Ticket4.2 from 611 reviews · from $25Check availability

Things To Do In Gothenburg After Dark

Evenings run along Avenyn, through the craft beer bars and out on the water.

Gothenburg city lights reflecting in the harbour water at duskGothenburg At NightWhat the city does after dark A craft beer bar interior in Gothenburg with taps, glasses and warm evening lightCraft Beer And BarsBars and breweries in the centre Evening light over a Gothenburg street with lit bar windows and people walkingNightlifeBars and clubs after dark
An evening boat cruise on the Göta älv with live musicA cruise with live musicShrimp Salmon Cruise, Live Music4.7 from 14 reviews · from $95Check availability
A wide green park lawn in Gothenburg with tree-lined paths and people walking in the distance Stone fortification tower on a wooded hill above Gothenburg's rooftops

Free Things To Do In Gothenburg

Climb the fort, wander the park and its zoo, cross Haga and join a pay-what-you-want walk with a local guide.

Walk Slottsskogen Climb Skansen Kronan Free Museums Gothenburg On A Budget All Free Things To Do
A guide leading a free walking tour through Majorna in Gothenburg
Free Walk, Majorna District 4.77 from 234 reviews · free, pay what you want
See this free tour on GuruWalk

Things To Do In Gothenburg Without Booking Anything

Four free walking tours run in Gothenburg and they are listed on a separate walking-tour platform, not among this site's paid tours. Check the language before you turn up, since not every departure runs in English. There is no booking fee and no ticket, just a tip for the guide at the end.

Things To Do In Gothenburg On A Budget

Gothenburg suits careful spenders. Sweden runs close to cashless, so a card covers almost every till. A 24-hour Västtrafik ticket costs 125 kr and takes the trams plus the archipelago ferries from Saltholmen, which makes the southern islands the cheapest full day out the city offers. Add one of the free walking tours and a fika stop in Haga, and the day still costs very little.

Things To Do In Gothenburg For Food And Fika

A cinnamon bun at fika time, fish by the water, then a shrimp sandwich to go.

All food guides
A cinnamon bun and a cup of coffee on a wooden cafe table in Gothenburg Fika In Gothenburg How the coffee break works and where to take it. A long wooden market hall building with tall arched windows seen from a Gothenburg street Feskekôrka Feskekörka, Fisktorget 4 Fish counters and restaurants in the old fish church. Open shrimp sandwiches on a wooden table beside a harbour in Gothenburg Räkmacka And Oysters Restaurang Avalon, Kungstorget 9 The shrimp sandwich, plus the oyster safari.

The Gothenburg Map: Where Everything Actually Is

Loading the map. Every place is also listed below.

Click the map to zoom with the scroll wheel. Numbers match the list.

  1. Gustaf Adolfs TorgGustaf Adolfs Torg, the square the old town is measured from
  2. LisebergLandmark · 2.1 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  3. UniverseumMuseum · 1.9 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  4. World of VolvoMuseum · 2.7 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  5. Göteborgs konstmuseumMuseum · 1.4 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  6. Röhsska museetMuseum · 890 m from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  7. VärldskulturmuseetMuseum · 1.9 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  8. Sjöfartsmuseet AkvarietMuseum · 2.2 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  9. MaritimanLandmark · 450 m from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  10. FeskekôrkaLandmark · 870 m from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  11. Skansen KronanLandmark · 1.4 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  12. MasthuggskyrkanLandmark · 2.1 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  13. Göteborgs domkyrkaOld Town · 310 m from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  14. KronhusetOld Town · 200 m from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  15. Stora SaluhallenOld Town · 410 m from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  16. RambergetPark · 2.5 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  17. SlottsskogenPark · 2.7 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  18. Botaniska trädgårdenPark · 3.1 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  19. TrädgårdsföreningenPark · 550 m from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  20. HagaDistrict · 1.2 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  21. GötaplatsenDistrict · 1.4 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  22. LinnéstadenDistrict · 1.7 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  23. MajornaDistrict · 3.2 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  24. VasastanDistrict · 910 m from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  25. LindholmenDistrict · 1.9 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  26. KlippanDistrict · 4 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  27. Röda StenDistrict · 4.4 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  28. SaltholmenIsland · 9 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  29. LångedragIsland · 8.2 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  30. Styrsö BrattenIsland · 14 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  31. Brännö RödstenIsland · 13 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  32. Vrångö hamnIsland · 19 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  33. Donsö hamnIsland · 16 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  34. ÖckeröIsland · 18 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  35. HönöIsland · 18 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg
  36. BjörköIsland · 17 km from Gustaf Adolfs Torg

Things To Do In Gothenburg Out In The Archipelago

A tram to Saltholmen and a ferry reach the southern islands on an ordinary Västtrafik ticket, and Marstrand and the Bohuslän coast sit further up the coast.

Red ferry boat at a wooden jetty on a rocky island in the Gothenburg archipelagoIslands

Southern Archipelago

Car-free islands off the tram terminus at Saltholmen.

4.4 from 1,488 reviews · from $44Check availability
Red wooden boathouses on a rocky granite shoreline facing the open seaIslands

Northern Archipelago

Öckerö, Hönö and Björkö, north of the city.

Read the island guide
Kayaks resting on a smooth granite shoreline with red wooden boathouses and open sea beyondPaddle

Kayaking The Archipelago

Where to paddle among the islands.

GuideRead the kayak guide
A small island town with a stone fortress on a rocky hill above wooden houses and a harbourFortress

Marstrand

A fortress island on the Bohuslän coast.

About an hour westRead the day trip
Red boathouses and smooth granite rocks along a Bohuslän harbour at duskCoast

Bohuslän Coast

Smögen, Fjällbacka and the granite islands.

Day tripRead the day trip

The archipelago guide

Getting Around Gothenburg: Trams, Ferries And Landvetter

Gothenburg runs on trams, and a single Västtrafik ticket covers them along with the buses and the archipelago ferries from Saltholmen, which turns the southern islands into an easy half-day add-on rather than a separate expedition. Buy before you board; the Västtrafik app is the simplest way. For the airport there is no train, so the airport coach is the usual transfer. Once in the centre, Inom Vallgraven, the harbour and Avenyn are close enough to cover on foot.

How Warm Is The Sea In The Gothenburg Archipelago Right Now?

The live reading below comes direct from the measuring station off the coast, with the monthly record beside it, so you can weigh up a swim before you commit to the ferry.

Right now the sea at Vinga, the archipelago lighthouse, 10 km out, is 16.3 °C.

0 10 20 3.9 Jan 2.7 Feb 4.1 Mar 7.1 Apr 11.6 May 16.2 Jun 18.3 Jul 18.6 Aug 16.7 Sep 12.8 Oct 9.3 Nov 5.5 Dec
Mean sea temperature by month at Vinga, in °C. Sep is highlighted.

The water lags the air by about six weeks. It peaks at 18.6 °C in August, not in July, and the coldest month is February at 2.7 °C, not January. That is why September swimming (16.7 °C) beats June (16.2 °C).

Other stations in the same hour: Hisingsbron 15.9 °C, Tångudden 16.1 °C, Krossholmen 16.35 °C, Marstrand 16.1 °C.

Sea temperature from SMHI, station Vinga. Monthly means from 61246 quality-controlled hourly observations, 2019-07-01 to 2026-09-12.

When To Go, And Why The Water Peaks In August

Gothenburg is coolest in February, averaging 0.7 degrees, and warmest in July at 18.3. The sea peaks in August at 18.6. October is the wettest month at 102.9 mm, per SMHI's 1991 to 2020 normals at Göteborg A.

Here is the part that surprises people: the sea is warmer in September than in June. The water runs about six weeks behind the air, so the air peaks in July at 18.3 °C while the sea does not peak until August at 18.6 °C. The coldest water is in February, not January.

0° 0 10° 60 20° 120 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
air °C sea °C rainfall mm, right axis

And the rain is not a summer problem. Gothenburg takes 912 mm across 127.4 wet days a year, and the wettest month is October at 102.9 mm, not July. The driest is April, at 51.3 mm.

Daylight is the other thing to plan around: 6 h 32 m on 21 December against 18 h 06 m on 21 June, a swing of 11 h 34 m.

Air, rainfall and wet days: SMHI 1991-2020 normals for station Göteborg A (71420). Sea temperature: SMHI hourly observations at Vinga.

Where To Stay In Gothenburg, And Which District Suits You

Three bases, three different trips: the wooden old quarter, the boulevard by the art museum, or the park and café streets of Linné.

Where to stay guide
Cobbled street in Haga lined with low painted wooden houses and shopfronts

Haga

Best for old wooden lanes

Cobbled streets and low painted wooden houses, a ten-minute walk from the centre.

Haga guide
Gothenburg's Avenyn boulevard with trees, buildings and the Poseidon fountain visible at the far end

Avenyn And Götaplatsen

Best for the boulevard

The main boulevard running up to the art museum square.

Avenyn guide
A tree-lined Gothenburg street with outdoor cafe tables and old stone buildings

Linné

Best for park and cafés

The Långgatorna strip beside Slottsskogen, reached by tram.

Linné guide

What Travellers Say About Things To Do In Gothenburg

“The tour was guided well. It's great to have a real person and not a pre-recorded narration.”

Karen-Margrete, operator-listing review of 50-Minute Canal Sightseeing Cruise

“It was sometimes difficult to hear the guide. I think they should change the sound system on the boat.”

Kirsten Anne Grethe, operator-listing review of Guided Archipelago Cruise, 2.5 Hours

“Experience was really good - top 3 floors were the best! didnt enjoy human or space as much - thats a personal preference and a language barrier thing. Definitely would recommend!”

Elysha, operator-listing review of Universeum Entry Ticket

What Is Gothenburg Known For?

1

Liseberg

An amusement park that draws about 2.5 million visitors a year.

2

The Archipelago

Car-free southern islands reached by tram and ferry on an ordinary ticket.

3

Fika

The Swedish coffee and cinnamon bun break, with a guide of its own here.

4

Haga

Wooden houses and cobbled lanes saved from demolition.

5

Feskekôrka

The fish church, built in 1874 and reopened as a food hall in 2024.

6

The Trams

Twelve lines and 134 stops, from Mölndal to Angered and out to Saltholmen.

Questions About Things To Do In Gothenburg

All guides
Best Time To Visit Trams, Tickets And Zones What A Trip Costs Where To Stay Reaching The Archipelago For First-Time Visitors

Things To Do In Gothenburg, Answered

The questions people really type before a Gothenburg trip, answered straight, with the honest answer rather than the flattering one.

What Is Gothenburg Known for? Sweden's West Coast City Explained

Gothenburg is known for five things above all: a car-free island archipelago reached by tram and ordinary ferry ticket, the Liseberg amusement park, one of Europe's great tram networks, a Dutch-built canal city at the mouth of the Göta älv, and a food culture running from fika to shrimp sandwiches.

Read the full answer

Are Gothenburg and Göteborg the Same? Sweden's Second City, Explained

Gothenburg and Göteborg are two names for one city on Sweden's west coast. Göteborg is the Swedish name, Gothenburg is the English one, and the confusion gets worse once you discover a Gothenburg in Nebraska.

Read the full answer

Why Is Gothenburg Called Little London? The British Story Behind Sweden's Second City

Gothenburg has been called Little London for over two centuries, and the name is not a marketing invention. It records a real stretch of history in which British merchants, Scottish engineers and English habits shaped the city more than any other foreign influence.

Read the full answer

Where to Avoid in Gothenburg: The Places and Mistakes That Ruin Trips

Gothenburg is one of the safest cities a visitor can walk around, so the real question is not which district to avoid but which mistakes to avoid: a closed amusement park, a museum that shut in 2023, a city card that no longer exists and an October you did not pack for.

Read the full answer

Is the Gothenburg to Stockholm Train Scenic? What the Window Actually Shows

The Gothenburg to Stockholm train is a comfortable, sensible way to cross Sweden, but anyone booking it expecting fjords or alpine drama will be disappointed. Here is what the window actually shows, section by section, and how to weigh the train against flying.

Read the full answer

Is There a High-Speed Train from Gothenburg to Stockholm?

The short answer is yes, with an asterisk. Sweden runs fast trains between Gothenburg and Stockholm, but it has no dedicated high-speed line of the kind France, Spain or Germany built, and the trains themselves define the category rather than the track.

Read the full answer

What Is the Best Time to Visit Gothenburg?

The honest answer depends on what you are coming for, and the city's own weather data argues against the obvious choice. Gothenburg's driest month is April, its wettest is October, and the sea is warmer in September than in June.

Read the full answer

What Language Is Spoken in Gothenburg?

The official language of Gothenburg is Swedish, spoken with a distinctive western accent, but English is so widely spoken that a visitor can go days without needing a Swedish word beyond tack and hej.

Read the full answer

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