The Edible Country – Göta Canal

If you book the table by the Göta Canal you can expect a food and drink experience like no other. Top quality ingredients and a lovely view of the boats going past on one of Sweden’s most popular destinations. It’s not surprising that the Göta Canal was voted Construction of the Century by the Swedish people. There’s an incredible amount for the whole family to experience all along it. The table is placed in a leafy grove of trees right next to the canal. It’s within walking distance of Norrqvarn Hotell & Konferens who manage the bookings. Norrqvarn is situated between Sweden’s two largest lakes, a little over two hours north east of Gothenburg.

The table is bookable on Saturdays from May to October.

Focus on local ingredients

The area around the Göta Canal is made up of beautiful countryside with perfect conditions for both arable and pastoral farming. Thanks to its close collaboration with local producers guests can enjoy really good sustainable food at Norrqvarn. The menu provided when you book the table by the Göta Canal consists of a playfully composed meal showcasing local ingredients. Malin Johansson and Sven-Erik Larsson have created a recipe for a potato tortilla filled with seasonal greens, beef mince from nearby farms, rapeseed oil and wild herbs.   

Norrqvarn Hotel & Conference is situated by the Göta Canal, right between Sweden’s two largest lakes. The easiest way to get here is by car. It takes around two hours from Gothenburg. 

GETTING HERE

Cycle, walk or pass through locks

Experiencing the Göta Canal is virtually a must when visiting Sweden. This impressive construction was opened in 1832, after around 58 000 Swedish soldiers, helped by iron-tipped spades, spent 22 years digging through hills, moraine and clay. The canal links the North Sea to the Baltic, and is a total 190 kilometres long, of which 87 kilometres was dug.

Hire bikes from Norrqvarn and cycle along the car free gravel paths by the water, which were used by oxen and horses to pull sailing boats through the canal. Walking alongside the canal is also lovely.

Another way to explore the Göta Canal is by canoe or kayak. Just be aware that paddling through the locks isn’t allowed, the canoes/kayaks have to be lifted out of the water and carried along the path. Some stretches are therefore better for paddling than others. Or why not hop on a boat and combine your visit to the table with a canal cruise?

Unique fairy tale accommodation

Norrqvarn Hotel & Conference doesn’t just offer classic hotel accommodation, but also a unique chance to sleep in cosy troll tree stumps, and mushrooms. It’s like living in a fairy tale land, and is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience for both children and adults.