There are also two and four day versions of this trip.
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.
Voyage Description:
In 2004, the Gota Kanal Steamship Company celebrated its 135th Anniversary. Once, these Vintage Steamers were the fastest means of transport between Stockholm and Gothenburg. Today, the original vessels are still in use, offering a gentle-paced journey with fascinating Historical and Cultural associations. The SIX-DAY* journey is what most travelers consider ideal with a more relaxed pace allowing overnight stops and more sightseeing along the way. The FOUR-DAY journey still allows a gentle-paced trip with stops en route for those with limited time in the area. 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.
Ship and Cabin Description:
These 60 passenger steamers are intimate yet allow the freedom from intrusion. All cabins are small, have a washbasin with hot and cold water and are without private facilities. Showers are on Main and Bridge Decks and toilets are on all Decks. On Shelter Deck there is a Dining Room and a Lounge with a small library.
Your Itinerary (this itinerary is reversed on certain departure dates):
Day 1: Depart Gothenburg at 10:00am
10.00 Departure from Gothenburg, 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 Trollhätte 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 Arr. 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 Dep. Vänersborg.
04.45-16.00 Lake Vänern.
44 metres above sea level. Sweden’s largest lake and the third largest lake in Europe, after the Ladoga and Onega lakes in Russia.
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.
Here we enter the first of the 58 narrow locks on the Göta Canal. At Sjötorp there is a set of eight locks and also the remains of some old shipyards.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 Arr. Hajstorp.
Our ship berths for the night, close to the Canal Engineer’s house.
Day 3: 06.00 Dep. Hajstorp.
07.00 Töreboda.
The railway line between Stockholm and Gothenburg 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 highest point (91.5 metres above sea level) of that part of the canal, which was excavated. A difficult bend was straightened in 1933, the Berg Canal.
10.00 Tåtorp.
One of the canal’s two hand-operated operated locks is found here.
10.00-12.15 Lake Viken.
The beautiful Lake Viken (91.8 metres 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 Singing.
Singing and flowers from the Kindbom family, a religious group. When leaving the lock we will be going downwards!
12.50 Karlsborg.
Before our ship enters Lake Vättern, we pass Karlsborg and its fortress, which was built 1819-1909.
12.50-15.00 Lake Vättern.
89 metres above sea level. Sweden’s second largest and also deepest lake (128 metres deep).
15.00-18.00 Vadstena.
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.
19.30 Arr. Motala.
Motala developed into a town along the lines of Baltzar von Platen's plans. An engineering works, Motala Werkstad, was established here to serve the Göta Canal and was considered the cradle of Swedish industry. We visit the 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 Dep. Motala.
09.00-09.40 Borenshult.
Lock stairway of five locks where you can hear the nightingale sing.
09.40-10.40 Lake Boren.
73 metres above sea level.
10.40-11.40 Borensberg.
There is a hand-operated lock here, after which we see the well-known Göta Hotel from 1908. Farther on in the Västanå Bend, known as the "mate's dread", there is a summer pavilion.
Walk together to the “Göta Hotel”. Coffee and waffles served.
12.00 Kungs Norrby, aqueduct.
Two more recent aqueducts have been built to carry the canal, one at Kungs Norrby built in 1993 as part of the national route 36.
14.40 Ljungsbro, aqueduct.
The Ljungsbro aqueduct was built in 1970 to reduce traffic into the community.
15.00 Berg (Heda).
Here we pass through a system of 15 locks.
The convent of Vreta Kloster dates from about 1100 and was the first nunnery in Sweden. Its importance was later superseded by the convent founded by Saint Birgitta in Vadstena. The church at Vreta Kloster is one of Sweden's most interesting, offering many medieval treasures. Today, it is used as a parish church and it is therefore not always open to visitors.
Guided walk (about 3 km, partly hilly) to Vreta Kloster 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).
The Carl-Johan lock stairway is the longest in the canal with seven connected locks.
Board again by “Carl-Johan” lock, right side.
17.30-19.30 Lake Roxen.
33 metres above sea level.
19.30 Norsholm lock.
Here the canal crosses the main railway line between Stockholm and Malmö.
Lake Asplången
27 metres above sea level.
22.00 Arr. Klämman.
We berth at the water regulating lock “Klämman”.
Day 5: 07.30 Dep. Klämman.
08.20-09.30 Carlsborg–Mariehov–Duvkullen.
In the short distance of around two kilometres there are nine locks. You can walk the whole way on the right side of the canal - starboard of the ship. Or you can walk a shorter distance.
Walk to Söderköping (4.3 km). Or 2 km from Carlsborg to Dufkullen.
10.00-12.00 Söderköping.
The idyllic town Söderköping was founded in the early 1200s and was very important during the Hansa period. It also has a long and very interesting history as a spa.
Time at your own disposal in Söderköping. Don't forget to try their famous ice cream!
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.
Day 6: 04.40 Dep. Sävsundet.
08.10-08.20 Södertälje.
Södertälje lock, 135 metres long, is the largest lock on our journey.
08.20-14.50 Lake Mälaren.
0.3 metres above sea level. Sweden’s third largest lake.
09.45-11.45 Birka.
The Viking community of Birka on the island of Björkö is often regarded as Sweden's first town. The town was an important harbour 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 Arr. Stockholm, Skeppsbrokajen.
Our cruise ends at Skeppsbrokajen 103, in the Old Town of Stockholm.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Includes:
- 6 days and 5 nights on board.
- Full board: 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners.
- Drinks/beverages not included.
- 11 stops of varying duration included.
- Port Charges
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Sweden
Cultural Journey
Boating and Sailing
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