Gota Canal Sweden

Categories Summer Tours Small Ship Cruises River & Canal Cruises Gota Canal Cruises Cruises

The Gota Canal Waterway across Sweden passes Archipelagos with thousands of small islands, sails lakes both large and small and passes through 65 narrow locks. The steamer travels slowly past ruins, medieval churches, picturesque small towns and lush forests. You have the chance to get off and walk or bike along the way. Interesting land excursions are also planned.

It is also possible to take a shorter or longer version of this tour or take it in the opposite direction.

Itinerary

11.30 Departure from Töreboda

The railway line between Stockholm and Gothenburg crosses the canal here. Töreboda also proudly present Sweden´s smallest ferry, "Lina" which travels back and forth across the Göta Canal.

13.30 The Berg Canal/The Obelisk

An obelisk marks the highest point (91,5 metres above sea level) of the canal. This part of the canal is called the Berg Canal and originally had a sharp bend which was straightened in 1930-33.

14.30 Tåtorp

At Tåtorp there is another hand-operated lock. From here on we will be going down wards!

14.30-16.45 Lake Viken

The beautiful Lake Viken (91,8 metres above sea level) serves as a water resevoir for the western section of the Göta Canal.

15.40-16.45 The Spetsnäs Canal/Billströmmen

Through two narrow, wood-lined passages and small lakes full of water lilies, we steer out into Lake Viken.

16.45-17.00 Forsvik

Forsvik has a ve ry interesting industrial history. The lock, built in 1813, is the oldest one in the canal. The impressive iron bridge dates from the same year. In the lock we are greeted with songs and flowers by the Kindbom family, a religious group.

17.40 Arr. Karlsborg Fortress

We visit Karlsborg Fortress, initiated by Baltzar von Platen and built 1819-1909. The guided tour is a journey through time and space, full ofsurprises and special effects.

09.00 Departure from Karlsborg

09.00-11.00 Lake Vättern

89 metres above sea level. Sweden´s second largest lake.

11.00 Motala

It was Baltzar von Platen who drew up the plans for Motala, and today it is called "the Capital of the Göta Canal". In 1822 an engineering works, Motala Werkstad, was established here to serve the canal, and is today considered to be the cradle of Swedish industry. Here you also find the head office of the Gota Canal Company, as well as a number of museums, including the well-known Motor Museum. Our cruise ends here.

11.50-12.30 Borenshult

Lock staircase of five locks where you might hear the nightingale sing.

12.30-13.30 Lake Boren

73 metres above sea level.

13.30-13.40 Borensberg

Borensberg has one of the canal’s hand-operated locks. Right by the lock you can also see the well-known Göta Hotel from 1908.

14.00 Kungs Norrby aqueduct

The aqueduct at Kungs Norrby was built in 1993 as part of the national route 36. Shortly after the aqueduct there is a small gazebo leaning out over the canal in the sharp Västanå Bend, also known as the "Helmsman’s Horror".

16.40 Ljungsbro aqueduct

Two more recent aqueducts have been built to carry the canal. The Ljungsbro aqueduct was built in 1970 over the new road into the community.

17.00 Berg (Heda)

The ship has passed all 15 locks in the Berg lock system. It is time to board for departure.

19.00 Arr. Berg (Carl-Johan)

We dock for the night below the impressive lock staircase at Berg. The evening offers the possibility to take a walk along the canal, or to go for an evening swim in Lake Roxen.

07.30 Departure Berg

The Carl-Johan lock staircase is the longest in the canal with seven connected locks. At Berg there is a system of a total of 15 locks.

Here it is possible to take a walk along the canal to the Vreta convent ruins and church.

The convent of Vreta dates from about 1100 and was the first nunnery in Sweden. Its importance was later superseded by the convent founded by Saint Bridget (St. Birgitta) at Vadstena. The old convent church at Vreta is one of Sweden’s most interesting, offering many medieval treasures. Today, it serves as a parish church and is therefore not always open to visitors.

07.30-10.30 Lake Roxen

33 metres above sea level.

09.15-10.15 Runstorp, 1h stop

Runstorp is a manor house dating from Sweden’s period of greatness. The owners Louise and Eddie Uggla take us on a tour of their house with its Gustavian drawing room and interesting library, all while relating anecdotes from its history. Runstorp is not open to the public, which makes this an exclusive visit.

10.30-10.40 Norsholm lock

Here the canal crosses the main railway line between Stockholm and Malmö.

12.05-12.30 Lake Asplången

27 metres above sea level.

13.45-15.00 Carlsborg-Mariehov-Duvkullen

There are eight locks in the short distance of around two kilometres. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs between the locks.

15.30 Arr. Söderköping

The idyllic town Söderköping was founded in the early 1200s and was very important during the Hanseatic period. The town also has a long and very interesting history as a spa. Don’t forget to try the famous ice cream!