The Göta Canal

Try piloting your own pleasure boat, take things easy with a cruise on a vintage steam vessel, cycle or walk beside the canal - or jump straight in for a swim. These activities are perfect for family holidays and the area’s beauty and tranquillity makes it an attractive destination for a romantic break too. Whatever your age and whatever you choose, you’ll be bowled over by this stunning area.

The Göta Canal was one of the largest civil engineering projects ever undertaken in Sweden and there is no shortage of interesting places to see and opportunities to see them along the way. Here are just a few:

Historic Göta Canal cruise between Gothenburg and Stockholm
Cruising on the Göta Canal you’ll experience two seas, one river, three canals and eight lakes, as well as all those locks. Three beautiful, historical steam boats have been renovated to modern standards to provide the ultimate in canal comfort. There's plenty of hot water on tap in the cosy little cabins, comfy bunk beds to snuggle in to and refreshing shower rooms to help wake you up in the morning. Otherwise, little has changed, except that the steam engines have been replaced by powerful, modern engines

M/S Bellevue cruise between Sjötorp and Töreboda
Take the M/S Bellevue, which sails both ways between Sjötorp and Töreboda, and cast your eyes over ancient trees, cattle grazing in pastures and lovely buildings as you go.

The key to an exciting journey
There are some 58 locks along the canal and Berg Locks, on the eastern stretch, are the most famous with no less than seven levels. The area around Norrkvarn Locks, near Lyrestad, has been transformed into a world of adventure for the whole family with a miniature version of the canal and a range of children’s activities.

Sleep well at Norrkvarn
Norrkvarn is one of the best places to stay along the Göta Canal with 70 excellent hotel and hostel beds available. Try the Baltzar von Platen Lodge, beautifully positioned right beside the canal, and kids and adults alike will love the extraordinary accommodation of the Enchanted Tree Stump! Eat out at the family-friendly restaurant on Norrkvarn’s jetty – perfect for summer dining – and enjoy live music and entertainment too.

A cycle sensation
The Göta Canal is one of the most popular cycle trails in Sweden and visitors can peddle parallel to the banks via a selection of cycling trips. If you are more of a paddler than a pedaller, hire a canoe and see the canal at water level, or simply stroll along beside this man-made wonder.

Fortified Karlsborg
Visit the town of Karlsborg to see the fascinating fortress – one of the largest built structures in Europe.

Eco-travel
Stay at the Tåtorp Café & Logi for high-quality hostel accommodation that’s sympathetic to its wonderful canal surroundings. Built with only environmentally-friendly material, it also serves organic food and is part of the national Nature’s Best scheme for quality nature tours. Rent bikes, kayaks and boats or search for crayfish and dine on your catch during August and September.