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Göta Canal – Sweden's blue ribbon

Göta Canal is one of Sweden’s most popular tourist destinations. It's ideal for a memorable canal cruise across the country and biking on the car-free towpaths that run along Göta Canal is also a beautiful way to explore this iconic waterway.

Göta Canal is often referred to as Sweden’s blue ribbon. The 19th century canal connects Lake Vänern in central-west Sweden with Lake Vättern and ends – or begins, depending on how you look at it – on the east coast. In total, it stretches over 190 kilometres from the town of Sjötorp to Mem.

The canal was built by some 58,000 soldiers and is up until today one of the largest construction projects in Sweden. The first part of Göta Canal was inaugurated in 1822, however, it wasn’t fully completed until 1832. Before the railway and road traffic, it was an important transportation route for both goods and passengers.

Today, it’s one of Sweden’s most popular tourist destinations.

• Pre-season: 7 May-12 June.
• High season: 13 June-15 August.
• Post-season: 16 August-28 September.

Göta Canal, Östergötland

Göta Canal has 87 kilometres of car-free towpaths, ideal for a biking holiday.

Photo : Oskar Lürén

Photo : Jesper Anhede/Göta Kanal

Biking along Göta Canal

Photo : Niclas Albinsson/Göta Kanal

How to visit Göta Canal

You can visit Göta Canal in various ways and for a day or a few weeks – depending on the season, way of travel and if you want to experience the whole canal or a part of it. The classic route, to travel the entire Göta Canal by boat, takes approximately five days during pre and post-season and seven days during peak season.

• By boat: Bring your own boat and set off for the classic way to discover Göta Canal. Practical information such as tickets, booking, locks, fuel and maximum boat size can be found on the official Göta Canal website . Boat rental can be arranged by Göta Kanal Charter .
• Canal cruise: Let others do the work and sit back and relax on a truly Swedish canal cruise. Nine different passenger boats are currently trafficking Göta Canal and the cruise options range from a few hours to nearly a week.
• By bike: Biking along Göta Canal is an easy yet active way to enjoy the destination. There’s a total of 87 kilometres of old towpaths with no cars in sight. Göta Canal offers cycling packages from one to five days, bicycle rental and guides for various routes. If you’re lucky, you might meet the canal sheep!
• On foot: Hiking along Göta Canal is a great way to take in the surrounding nature at your own pace. There are several rest areas and windbreaks along the canal. Hiking packages and guides can be found on the official website of Göta Canal .
• 190 kilometres long.
• 58 locks on the canal.
• 3 million visitors every year.

When to visit

Spring: Be among the first to visit Göta Canal as it opens in May. Restaurants are opening up for the season, the canal sheep are let out to pasture, and you can enjoy the lush nature and bright evenings of Swedish spring before the crowds.

Summer: Peak season means many visitors but also a range of events, activities and other happenings along the canal.

Autumn: Watch Sweden’s longest tree avenue shift into vibrant autumn colours and take in the destination at your own pace as most visitors have left. This is the perfect time for a hike or bike ride along the car-free towpaths.

Winter: Göta Canal is closed from October to April and a visit then is a completely different experience. Some sections are submerged or drained due to renovation, which gives you a new perspective of the canal. Enjoy a winter walk and warm up in one of the restaurants and hotels that are open all year round. On cold winter days, you can even go ice skating on Göta Canal!

Harbour in Sjötorp, Göta Canal

Sjötorp harbour is located next to Lake Vänern, where Göta Canal starts (or ends, depending on which way you go).

Photo : Oscar Luren/Göta Kanal

Göta Hotel, Borensberg

Photo : Jacob Sjöman/Göta Kanal

Autumn at Göta Canal

Photo : Hasse Schröder/Göta Kanal

Where to stay along Göta Canal

There are 21 marinas along Göta Canal, but there’s a range of accommodation alternatives for those who prefer to sleep on solid ground as well. If you’re longing for a classic canal hotel, Göta Hotell in Borensberg, Söderköpings Brunn or Kanalhotellet in Karlsborg are a few suggestions. Looking for something different? Why not stay in a giant mushroom or an old lock keeper’s house courtesy of Norrqvarn Hotell or try glamping by the Berg locks.

There are also several hostels, B&Bs and campsites along Göta Canal.

• 87 kilometres of the canal were dug by hand.
• To keep the workers in good spirits, 14 measurements of schnapps were included in their weekly rations.
• The movie “Göta Kanal eller Vem drog ur proppen?” (Göta Canal or Who pulled the plug) from 1981 is a classic Swedish comedy, set on the canal.

Canal cafés and craft breweries

Göta Canal is dotted with picturesque little restaurants perfect for a ‘fika’ break. Hajstorp Slusscafé and Café Visthuset are two cosy cafés working with fairtrade, organic and local produce. Smultronstället in Söderköping and Hamnpiren in Motala are safe bets for ice cream lovers.

Craft beverage enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either. Here are three gems worthy of a stop:

• Brunneby Musteri in Borensberg: Creating cider, cordial, juice and jam sold at the onsite farm shop and restaurant.
• Lock, hop and Barrel in Söderköping: A craft brewery offering beer and American food in a historic building.
• Vreta Klosterbryggeri in Ljungsbro: Award-winning Belgian styled microbrewery located next to the remains of the oldest abbey in Sweden. The taproom is open during the summer months.

Canal sheep, Ruda

There are several things to experience along Göta Canal such as farms, animals, castles and manors.

Göta Canal, Motala

Photo : Göran Billeson/Göta Kanal

Vadstena Castle, Östergötland

Things to do along Göta Canal

Travelling along Göta Canal is much more than boats and bikes. The blue ribbon passes by several towns, including Sjötorp, Motala, Söderköping, Linköping and Norrköping – all great starting points for cultural experiences. Here are a few suggestions for museums and outdoor experiences along or close to the canal.

Outdoor activities

• Fishing: It’s allowed to angle in the canal if you travel by boat, except for the canal route in Motala. In Töreboda municipality, from the Gastorp bridge to the railway bridge, it’s even allowed to angle from land. Other areas require a fishing license or permit.
• Kayaking and canoeing: Kayaks and canoes are not allowed to pass through the locks on Göta Canal. However, there are some shorter canoe-friendly sections .
• Observe the locks: Göta Canal has 58 locks and thousands of boats pass through them during the season. The locks in Borensberg and Tåtorp are still operated manually. In Berg’s locks, there is an outdoor lock gate exhibition.
• Artwork: There are several art installations to discover along the canal. ‘Rabbit Crossing’ in Söderköping, ‘Water Stairway’ in Sjötorp and ‘Outpost’ in Mem, to name a few.
• Pat the canal sheep: It’s not unusual to see sheep graze on the grass along the towpaths in the summer. They’re usually found around Berg.
• The Canal Museum in Sjötorp: Learn more about the history of Göta Canal.
• Vadstena Castle: Explore the 16th century Renaissance castle on a guided tour.
• Swedish Air Force Museum (Flygvapenmuseum) in Linköping: Browse through Swedish military aviation development via a unique collection of aircraft.
• Kornettogården in Vreta Kloster: A family-owned museum and café with thousands of objects from the 20th century, placed in nostalgic environments from bygone times.
• Motala Motormuseum: Sweden’s largest motor museum with an exciting range of vehicles, taking you on a nostalgic journey.

Göta Canal is called Sweden’s blue ribbon, even though it doesn’t wrap around the whole country. If you want to cross Sweden by boat, you can continue – or start – your journey on the Trollhätte Canal , which stretches from Lake Vänern to the Gothenburg archipelago.

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Region Östergötland

On the road between Gothenburg and Stockholm – a cultural adventure

Region West Sweden

City Norrköping – an outdoor haven with a rich cultural heritage

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GOTA Canal Steamship Company

Oct 12, 2019 | 0

Gota Canal Steamship Company

The ships are historic treasures, full of charm and purpose-built to transit the canal; a truly unique way to see Sweden.

Three historic canal boats sail full or partial cruises Sweden between Stockholm, the capital, and Gothenburg, located on the west coast and the country’s main port. The 382-mile waterway was constructed in the early 19 th- century linking man-made canals with single locks and flights of locks, rivers and lakes, two of them quite large.

Juno docked at Stockholm * Photo Credit: Ted Scull

• Juno (built 1874 & 58 passengers)
• Wilhelm Tham (b. 1912 & 50 p)
• Diana (b. 1931 & 50 p)

All three ships have been rebuilt and accommodations enlarged and improved over their long lives. However, expect small cabins and a very slow pace. The original steam engines have been long since replaced with twin diesels.

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Passenger profile.

Passengers hail from Sweden, other Scandinavian countries, Germany, Britain and a few from North America. Most are 50+ and the official languages are Swedish, German and English.

Passenger Decks

3; no elevator and very steep stairs.

$$  Expensive

Included Features

• Some shore excursions & admissions

Itineraries

Four sample itineraries, operating only between May and August, with some an even shorter season, cover either partial or full transit of the Gota Canal and connecting waterways between Stockholm and Gothenburg. There are variations, so check the website for exact details.

• 2-day mini-cruise aboard Wilhelm Tham   is the shortest: between Soderkoping (southwest of Stockholm) and Motala (Gota Canal line’s headquarters).
• 4 days aboard Wilhelm Tham between Soderkoping (southwest of Stockholm) and Gothenburg, and ship ties up every night.
• 4 days aboard Juno, the Classic Canal journey, operating since the line began,  cruises the full length of the water route between Stockholm and Gothenburg.
• 6 days aboard Diana, The Great Swedish Cruise, between Stockholm and Gothenburg, with the most stops (9), and ship ties up every night, so no stretches are missed in daylight. N.B. Daylight lasts extra hours in the summetime.

When the boats tie up at night, walks are available in the evening.

First off, the ships are historic treasures, full of charm and purpose-built to transit the canal. The historic origins come with tiny cabins, bunk beds and wash basins only. The route across Sweden is highly scenic with lots of castles, fortresses, churches, farms, small towns and large; flights of lock to navigate; large lakes to cross; camaraderie amongst the passengers; good meals catering to Europeans.

RELATED: Read Heidi’s account of a lovely four-night Juno family cruise from Gothenburg to Stockholm.

RELATED: Here’s Peter Knego’s review of his six-night cruise aboard the Diana from Stockholm to Gothenburg.

When to Go?

The itineraries only operate in the warmer months.

All outside (portholes on Main Deck) spread over all three decks, with doors opening on a side passage on Bridge and Shelter decks and to an inside corridor on the lowest Main Deck. Size, think railway sleeping compartments for most of the accommodations, a couple are a bit larger with one queen-size bed; showers and toilets in separate compartments along the same deck, hence wash basin only in the cabins. Forgot get about TVs and regular cruise ship amenities.

Juno , with 29 cabins and, Wilhelm Tham   and Diana , with 25 cabins, have one queen-size bedded “honeymoon” cabin on Main Deck. All three cabin categories can be sold as singles for a premium varying with category and ship.

Charming and compact ! * Photo: Heidi Sarna

Public Rooms

Mahogany and brass period décor is similar on all three vessels, and the lounge is separate from the dining room (on JUNO, most passengers eat in the dining room, though if it’s a full house, about 10 dine on tables in the lounge). The covered lounge area aft on Bridge Deck is open to three sides.

The food is very good with breakfast buffets and set (no choice) two-course lunches and dinners. Special diets are catered for with advance notice.

Activities & Entertainment

While underway, watching the passing town and country scenery and locking operations; when on land, visits to historic sites and towns and independent walks. A bicycle or two are carried on board so passengers can pedal along the tow paths to the next stop. Briefings are given in three languages: English, German and Swedish.

Biking along the tow paths. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

Special Notes

Come prepared for the tight quarters then enjoy the travel atmosphere of a bygone era. Smoking is allowed outside.

Along the Same Lines

Other canal and inland waterway cruises, but there are no parallels in terms of sailing with these national treasures.

Contact Info

www.gotacanal.se; +46 (0) 31 80 6315; US Agents include Scantours – 800-223-7226; Euro River Cruises – 800-543-4504, and Five Stars of Scandinavia – 800-722-4126.

— TWS & HMS

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About The Author

QuirkyCruise

Ted & Heidi are long-time travel writers with a penchant for small ship cruising. Between them they've traveled all over the world aboard hundreds and hundreds of small cruise ships of all kinds, from river boats to expedition vessels and sailing ships.

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Göta Canal Cruises

Cruise on the Göta Canal in Sweden on one of the world's most remarkable waterways. On the journey between Stockholm and Gothenburg you will pass through 66 water locks, one river, eight lakes and two seas on board historical ships.

Travel serenely past medieval churches, picturesque towns and lush forests through the heartland of Sweden. The journey is an intimate experience with no more than 50 guests on board. Food and guided excursions are included during the canal cruise. Combination possibilities with tours starting in Stockholm and Oslo.

Read more about the Göta Canal cruises.

Explore our Göta Canal Cruises

How this works

1. find your dream tour.

Choose from our selection of tours — or discuss the options with our travel specialists.

2. Request your booking

Complete the online process — add extra nights and experiences and combine tours. 

3. Prepare for your journey

Book your flights, receive your travel documents and get ready for an experience of a lifetime.

Destination Göta kanal

Questions about travelling with your own pleasure boat:

E-mail:  [email protected] Phone: +46(0) 141-20 20 50

Book accommodation, activities and packages:

E-mail:  [email protected] Phone: +46 (0) 10-33 23 200

More ways of contact - click here  

Cruises by passenger boat

When the journey is the destination

Cruise on the Göta Canal - a dream journey

A canal cruise is a real dream journey and an experience of a lifetime. Ever since the Göta Canal was inaugurated, it has been served by passenger ships between Stockholm and Gothenburg, and some of them are still in service. A cruise on the Göta Canal is therefore a truly classic journey! 

Here you will find cruise packages and offers from the cruise line servicing the Göta Canal. The length of the journeys varies from 2 days with one overnight stay, to 6 days with 5 overnight stays.

Stay comfortably on land

The shorter cruises, Mariestad-Norsholm and Motala-Söderköping, can favourably be combined with a night ashore before departure or after you disembark. Here you can find several accommodations that are suitable to combine with your cruise.

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Grand Sweden Cruise

Our premium cruise on the Göta Canal with M/S Diana. Experience the whole route in daylight!

From SEK 27 450

Classic Canal Cruise

This classic route with M/S Juno has been maintained since the company was founded in 1869.

From SEK 18 570

Experience the best of Göta Canal during three days onboard M/S Wilhelm Tham.

From SEK 11 280

Mini Canal Cruise

A cruise through the beautiful Östgöta section of the canal and overnight stay at the locks of Berg.

From SEK 5 995

M/S Wilhelm Tham

Life on board

Your pleasure is key for all our cruises on the Göta Canal. Switch off your phone and enjoy the beauty of the Swedish nature, the company of your fellow passengers, and delicious food.

Along the route

Your cruise on the Göta Canal takes you across lakes, through locks, over aqueducts, and to such famous sights as the Abbey in Vadstena, the Canal Museum in Trollhättan, and Läckö Castle.

Before your trip

All the information you need before you start your cruise, including maps, quays and embarkation instructions to suggested clothing and excursions.

About the Canal

The Göta Canal ranks among the biggest construction projects ever completed in Sweden. The canal is a total of 190 km long, 87 km of which were dug by hand.

Treat yourself with a canal cruise on a historic canal boat – enjoy delicious food, beverages and get plenty of time to socialize. In a tranquil pace we pass beautiful landscapes, idyllic small towns and stop for guided tours.

Our historical ships are unique in the world and are specially designed to fit the narrow locks in the Göta Canal. We have carefully maintained and preserved the charm of our classic canal boats.  Therefore, the interior style reflects the period when the ships were built.

• Company history

Göta Canal Highlights

A cruise on the most beautiful stretch of the göta canal.

With our aptly named cruise Highlights Cruise, you’re guaranteed to see the very best parts of the famous Göta Canal as your cruise takes you to the most beautiful stretch of the canal over the course of three unforgettable days. Our cruise goes between the city of Mariestad on the shores of Lake Vänern to Norsholm in the province of Östergötland with the choice of route entirely up to you. Of course, full board with breakfast, lunch, and dinner is included. You can also book a connecting bus transfer between Gothenburg and Mariestad as well as Norsholm and Stockholm.

This cruise is perfect for those who want to experience the most beautiful parts of the canal at a relaxed and leisurely pace that harkens back to the historical way of travelling where the experiences made on the way are just as important as the destination itself. A big part of that is our ship itself: built in 1912, the  M/S Wilhelm Tham is a true maritime marvel that has been carefully preserved and renovated for over a century now. To make sure that you get to enjoy the most spectacular views on your cruise, the ship will remain moored each night so you will see the canal in broad daylight.

Sights along the waterway

One of the things the Göta Canal is famous for is its intricate system of historical locks and lock systems of various sizes. Over the course of the cruise Göta Canal Highlights, we pass through a total of 44 locks. Among the most well-known of these are the Göta Canal’s two longest lock staircases – the Carl Johan’s lock staircase at Berg with seven connected locks and Borenshult’s lock staircase with five locks. In addition to these sights, you may also follow along on a guided tour of the Forsviks Bruk – one of Sweden’s most interesting industrial communities. And finally, the cruise also includes a visit to the Motala Motor Museum, Sweden’s most visited automobile and adventure museum.

From SEK 11 280 - this is included in your cruise:

• 3 days and 2 nights on board (at the quayside)
• Full board and accommodation with 2 breakfasts, 3 two-course lunches, and 2 three-course dinners
• 3 stops for land excursions

Book the Göta Canal Highlights Cruise>>

More information about departures and prices can be found further down the page.

• Gothenburg/Mariestad -> Norsholm/Stockholm
• Stockholm/Norsholm -> Mariestad/Gothenburg

highlights of the cruise

• Sweden's smallest ferry, "Lina", in Töreboda
• Forsviks Bruk 
• Motala and the Motor Museum
• The convent church of Vreta and the remains of Sweden's first convent
• The Carl Johan lock staircase in Berg

Docking for the night

Mariestad – Norsholm: Day 1: Vassbacken Day 2: Borensberg See the itinerary for the opposite direction

Go back to the cruise

• Forsviks Bruk

Norsholm – Mariestad: Day 1: Borensberg Day 2: Hajstorp See the itinerary for the opposite direction

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Departures 2024

From mariestad.

Departs from Mariestad at 11:30 (bus departs from Gothenburg at 09:00). Arrives at Norsholm day 3 at approx. 13:30 (bus arrives in Stockholm at approx. 16:00).

June Friday 14th Thursday 20th

July Sunday 14th Monday 29th

For information on other train and bus connections to/from Mariestad and to/from Norsholm, please visit www.sj.se.

From Norsholm

Departs from Norsholm at 11:30 (bus departs from Stockholm at 09:00). Arrives at Mariestad day 3 at approx. 13.30 (bus arrives in Gothenburg at approx. 16:00).

June Monday 17th

July Thursday 11th Friday 26th

August Saturday 10th

Prices 2024

Click here to see a full price list for 2024