Göta canal

Göta kanal is destined to impress even the most seasoned DIYer. Fact is, this canal is the biggest construction project in Sweden of all time. And it is visited by over 3 million people each year, who experience it by bike, on foot or by boat.

The 190 kilometer canal starts in Motala and reaches its goal in Mem outside Söderköping (or the other way around, depending on how you see things). And along its route, you’ll find no less than 58 sluices and 21 guest harbors. Half the canal runs through beautiful lakes and the other half was dug out by hand, a project that started back in 1810 and finished 22 years later.

För dig som gillar att cykla kan vi rekommendera sträckan mellan Borensberg och Berg. Bergs slussar är en av de mest populära platserna längs kanalen – och tillika en av Sveriges mest spektakulära konstruktioner. Här finns sju kopplade slussar som lyfter båtar nästan tjugo meter upp i luften.

Fo bike lovers, we recommend going between Borensberg and Berg. The sluices at Berg are among the most popular destinations along the canal – and also one of Sweden’s most spectacular constructions that lifts boats almost 20 meters up into the air.

For those who are more inclined towards sitting down, taking it easy and just enjoy life, we recommend a visit to Söderköping. Here you can enjoy the restaurants by the canal harbor or take a stroll through Drothemskvarteren. And if you suddenly get struck by a lust for adventure, you can take the stairs uphill at Ramundberget and enjoy the view from the mountain top. And, whatever you do while in Söderköping, do not miss out on a visit to Smultronstället – an ice cream restaurant just by the canal.