Göta Canal
About the Göta Canal
The Göta Canal – one of Sweden’s greatest attractions
You could say that the idea for the canal was born out of frustration: one of the main motivations was to avoid the high customs duties imposed by Denmark. Baltzar von Platen began construction of the Göta Canal in 1810, and the entire canal was completed in 1832.
The Göta Canal is undoubtedly one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken in Sweden. It stretches 190 km from Sjötorp on Lake Vänern to Mem on Slätbaken and has 58 locks. Of this distance, 87 km is excavated canal.
A truly unique canal with a fascinating history.
History
History of the Göta Canal
The Göta Canal is one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken in Sweden. It stretches 190 km from Sjötorp on Lake Vänern to Mem on Slätbaken, with 58 locks. Of the total distance, 87 km is excavated canal, while the smaller lakes along the route account for 103 km.
A 300-year-old dream
As early as the 16th century, the renowned Bishop Brask of Linköping proposed a waterway across Sweden, from the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. Plans for a canal through Sweden were discussed repeatedly until the early 19th century, when Baltzar von Platen’s vision finally became reality.
Explore more
Discover more of the Göta Canal
Plan your stops along the way, check our current offers or get inspired by our films about life on the Göta Canal.
Guest harbours
Discover guest harbours along the Göta Canal and find great places to stop for overnight stays, services, food and activities along the way.
Offers
Browse current offers for your canal trip and discover opportunities to book your boating holiday at a better price.
Inspiring videos
Get a feel for the Göta Canal before your trip with videos of boating, locks, nature and experiences along the waterway.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions about the Göta Canal
No, no special boating licence is required to hire one of our boats. Before departure, you will receive a personal briefing in Motala covering the boat, safety, navigation and how the locks work.
No. We offer suggested routes with stops, guest harbours and sights, making your trip easier to plan.
We show you how the locks work before you set off and explain the key steps on site. During the trip you will also have a GPS chartplotter, maps and guides to help you along the way.
You stay overnight on board the boat, and the routes are planned around guest harbours and suitable stops along the way.
We have suggested routes with planned stops, guest harbours and sights. The best route for you depends on factors such as journey length, your chosen boat and your boating experience.
If you have questions or encounter problems during your journey, you can contact us for support and assistance.
The journey combines boating with locks, guest harbours, sights and Swedish nature. You skipper the boat yourself and can discover the canal at a relaxed pace.
The trip starts and ends in Motala, in the heart of the Göta Canal. Here, we go through the boat together, and you have time to unpack and prepare for departure at your own pace.
The boats have navigation aids, and you will receive maps and guides with information about stops and sights along the route.
That depends on how many people are travelling, the kind of trip you want and whether you prefer a classic canal boat or an electric boat. We will gladly help you choose.
Yes. If you have limited experience, you can book a guide to accompany you on the first day and help you get started.
