Walk along the Göta canal
Sjötorp - Norrkvarn - Tåtorp

Swedish construction of the millennium

Sweden’s largest ever construction work is an amazing feat: 190 kilometres of canal from Söderköping in Östergötland, via the lakes Roxen and Boren out into lake Vättern. In Västergötland the canal goes through Bottensjön and Viken before continuing all the way up Sjötorp, on Vänern’s east coast.

You can walk alongside the canal on a car-free, old towpath through wonderful scenery. The towpaths were built along the canal as it was constructed since it was not possible to use sail power on the narrow sections of the canal. Oxen or horses provided the muscle power to pull the cargo boats. A number of guides have been written to describe the fascinating history associated with the canal. 

Experiences along the path

There is so much to see along the canal. The small picturesque villages are filled with activities and events, and have something to offer for everyone. During the summer season, the Göta Canal is full of private leisure boats and passenger boats and there are many cyclists touring the towpaths, watching the procedures at the locks.  If you enjoy cycling, there are many different packages on offer. Sjötorp's experience centre, for example, rents out bicycles. 

Along the section from Sjötorp to Tåtorp there are many different options for accommodation and many events take place here during the high season. Go to intimate music evenings, look at art, exhibitions and museums and enjoy good food and drinks. Don't miss Hajstorps Slusscafé at the locks and Café Visthuset, two atmospheric places to rest right next to the canal. Several companies along the Göta Canal offer walking packages with accommodation and food included. One attractive option for the whole family is Norrqvarn Hotell & Konferens. In this unique place you can spend the night inside trolls and mushrooms, play in the Children's Mini-Canal or enjoy good food and drink at the restaurant's charming outdoor dining area on the pier.

The canal is open between May and September, but the area around the Göta Canal is busy all year round. Recreational fishers have many varied waters to choose between and in cold winters the canal freezes over and turns into a fantastic winter sports arena for ice skaters and other sports enthusiasts.