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Itinerary
Göteborg – Stockholm, 6-days
Day 1
10.00 Depart from Göteborg, Packhuskajen 10
14.15-14.30 Lilla Edet
The lock at Lilla Edet, built in 1916, is the first on our journey. The original lock was opened in 1607 and was the first lock in Sweden.
15.45-16.30 Trollhättan locks
The impressive flight of locks at Trollhättan consists of four locks, covering a 32-metre difference in water level. There are three lock systems and the biggest one (from 1916) is still in use.
16.30-17.50 Trollhättan
Trollhättan Canal Museum is located in a storehouse from 1893. Here you can learn the fascinating history of the Trollhättan Canal through e.g. some 50 boat models, underwater tools from the 19th century, a blacksmith’s workshop and an old lock hut. Film show. Walk to see the old locks. Visit the Canal Museum.
19.30 Arrive Vänersborg
We visit Älgens Berg (Moose or Elk Mount) - the Royal Hunting Museum - where you can get acquainted with the moose, king of the forests. There are also interesting exhibitions on the unique flora, fauna, geology and history of the Halleberg and Hunneberg areas. Bus to the Hunneberg Royal Hunt Museum for a guided tour. Overnight stop.
Day 2
04.45 Depart Vänersborg
04.45-16.00 Lake Vänern, 44 meters above sea level. Sweden’s largest lake.
09.30-12.00 Läckö Castle
The Castle was built in 1298 as a bishop’s residence. Its golden age was during the reign of Magnus Gabriel de la Gardie, who transformed it into baroque style in 1652. Guided tour of the Castle (stairs). A walk of 2 km.
16.00-17.25 Sjötorp
ere we enter the first of the 58 narrow locks on the Göta Canal. At Sjötorp there is a set of eight locks. Possible to walk between lock 1-8.
19.10-20.45 Godhögen - Hajstorp övre
A lock system consisting of four locks. In 1822 the western section of the Göta Canal was inaugurated at Hajstorp. A taste of Swedish music in the evening.
20.45 Arrive Hajstorp
Our boat berths for the night, close to the Canal Engineer’s house. Overnight stop.
Day 3
06.00 Depart Hajstorp
07.00 Töreboda
The railway line between Stockholm and Göteborg crosses the canal here. Sweden’s smallest ferry, ”Lina”, travels back and forth across the Göta Canal.
09.00 The Berg Canal / the Obelisk
An obelisk marks the canal’s highest point (91.5 meters above sea level). A difficult bend was straightened in 1933, the Berg Canal.
09.55 Tåtorp
One of the canal’s two manually operated locks is found here.
09.55-12.15 Lake Viken
The beautiful Lake Viken (91.8 meters above sea level) serves as a water reservoir for the western section of the Göta Canal.
11.10-12.15 The Spetsnäs Canal/Billströmmen
We steer through two narrow, wooded passages and small lakes with water lilies. Possibility to see osprey.
12.15-12.35 Forsvik
Forsvik lock, built in 1813, is the oldest lock on the Göta Canal. The impressive iron bridge was constructed in the same year.
12.15 Singin
Singing and flowers from the Kindbom family, a religious group. When leaving the lock we will be going downwards!
12.50 Karlsborg
Before our boat enters Lake Vättern, we pass Karlsborg and its fortress, which was built 1819-1909.
12.50-15.00 Lake Vättern. 89 meters above sea level. Sweden’s second largest lake.
15.00-18.30 Vadsten
Vadstena is an idyllic small town, which is famous for St. Birgitta. It grew up around the 14th century convent, becoming a spiritual, cultural and commercial centre. The Abbey was built to the design of St. Birgitta and was consecrated in 1430. The Castle was built in the 1540s by King Gustav Vasa. Guided tour by a ”sight-seeing train” to the Castle and Abbey church. Swimming is possible.
20.00 Arrive Motala
As Baltzar von Platen had intended, Motala developed into a town. An engineering works, Motala Werkstad, was established here to serve the Göta Canal and was considered the cradle of Swedish industry. We visit Motala Motor museum, which has an exhibition of antique cars and motorcycles in authentic surroundings, a collection of radios, toys, household appliances and more. Visit a museum. Walk to von Platen’s grave, 1-km walk (left side of the canal). Overnight stop
Day 4
08.00 Depart Motala
08.40-09.10 Borenshult
Lock stairway of five locks. The song of the nightingale is often heard in this area.
09.10-10.30 Lake Boren. 73 meters above sea level
10.30-11.30 Borensberg
Here is a manually operated lock and the well-known Göta Hotel, which we will visit. Walk together to the “Göta Hotel”. Coffee and waffles served.
12.00 Aqueduct.
East of Borensberg there is an aqueduct (built in 1993)
14.50 Ljungsbro Aqueduct. We pass over the second aqueduct (built in 1970) on our journey
15.00 Berg (Heda)
Arrive at Berg’s lock system of 15 locks. The convent of Vreta Kloster, now a ruin, was the first to be built in Sweden. It dates from about 1100 and its importance was later over-shadowed by the convent founded by St. Birgitta in Vadstena. The church is very interesting, with many medieval works of art. Today, it is used as a parish church and therefore not always open. Guided walk (about 3 km, partly hilly) to Vreta Cloister ruins and church. Or walk along the canal on your own. Swimming in Lake Roxen is an option.
16.30-17.30 Berg (Carl-Johan)
With its seven interconnected locks, the Carl Johan lock stairway in Berg is the longest on the Canal. Board again by “Carl-Johan” lock, right side.
17.30-19.30 Lake Roxen. 33 meters above sea level
19.30 Norsholm
The railway line between Stockholm and Malmö crosses here.
Lake Asplången 27 meters above sea level
21.00 Arrive Klämman
We berth at the water regulating lock “Klämman”. Overnight stop.
Day 5
07.30 Depart Klämman
08.20-09.30 Carlsborg–Mariehov–Duvkullen
A set of nine locks taking us into Söderköping. Walk to Söderköping (4.3 km). Or 2 km from Carlsborg to Dufkullen.
10.00-12.00 Söderköping
Söderköping is an idyllic town, which was founded in the 13th century and it was most important during the Hansa period. The town also has a long and fascinating history as a spa. Walk on your own in town.
13.15 Mem
Passing through the last narrow lock before Slätbaken, an inlet of the Baltic, we leave the Göta Canal. On 26th Sept. 1832, the Göta Canal was inaugurated at Mem amid great pomp and circumstance in the presence of King Karl XIV Johan and his family.
13.15- The Baltic
We cross open water for a short bit and then weave through the archipelago.
14.00-15.30 Stegeborg
The ruins of the Stegeborg Fort are beautifully situated on a small island. The fort was constructed during the early Middle Ages and was built to protect the inlet leading into Söderköping. Guided tour of the garden and ruins of Stegeborg. Hilly country.
20.00 Arr. Sävsundet
Overnight stop at the old pilot station, waiting for dawn. Overnight stop.
Day 6
05.00 Dep. Sävsundet
08.30-08.40 Södertälje
Södertälje lock, 135 meters long, is the largest lock on our journey.
08.40-14.50 Lake Mälaren, 0.3 meters above sea level. Sweden’s third largest lake
10.00-12.00 Birka
The Viking community of Birka on the island of Björkö is often regarded as Sweden's first town. The town was an important harbor for international shipping and trade. It was in use for about 250 years and was abandoned before the year 1000. Birka features on the World Heritage list. Guided walk on the island (about 3 km hilly walk) and visit a museum.
13.45 Drottningholm Castle
Drottningholm Castle, the home of the Royal family since 1981, is on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites. The castle is passed when there is time enough.
15.00 Hammarby lock
The final lock on our journey.
15.30 Arrive Stockholm, Skeppsbrokajen
Our cruise ends at Skeppsbrokajen 103, in the Old Town of Stockholm.
Subject to changes. All times stated are approximate.
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