Green Route
Motala
Kinda Canal
Discover both the Göta Canal and the Kinda Canal on a varied week-long cruise from Motala. The Green Route combines classic locks, central Linköping and the peaceful natural surroundings of the Kinda Canal – an itinerary for both new and experienced skippers.
About the route
Discover the Green Route on the Göta and Kinda Canals
The Green Route offers two canal experiences in one trip. From Motala the journey takes you through some of the Göta Canal’s most famous landmarks, including the Borenshult flight of locks, Lake Boren, Borensberg and the impressive locks at Berg.
After Berg, the journey continues towards Linköping and the Kinda Canal. The character changes and the pace becomes more relaxed, with greenery, narrower waterways and beautiful natural scenery. The cruise continues via Tannefors to Hovetorp before returning towards Linköping and the Göta Canal.
The combination of classic canal towns, central Linköping and the quieter Kinda Canal makes the Green Route a great choice for anyone who wants to experience a lot in one week.
Start & finish:
Motala
Duration:
1 week
Turning point:
Hovetorp
Suitable for:
New and experienced skippers
Day by day
Itinerary for Green Route
Times are approximate and may be affected by traffic, lock operations and other conditions along the canal.
Saturday
12.00–14.00
Motala – collect the boat
Sunday
09.00–15.00
Motala – Berg
Monday
09.00–14.00
Berg – Tannefors
Tuesday
09.00–16.00
Tannefors – Hovetorp
Wednesday
09.00–15.00
Hovetorp – Tannefors (Linköping)
Thursday
09.00–15.00
Linköping – Malfors
Friday
09.00–14.00
Malfors – Motala
Saturday
09.00
Motala – return the boat
Stops along the way
Guest harbours along the Green Route
The Green Route offers several guest harbours where you can stop overnight, use facilities or take a break during your journey. Here are some of the main stops between Motala, the Göta Canal and the Kinda Canal.
Motala verkstad
This is where your canal holiday begins and ends. A small, recently built guest harbour with good facilities, including showers, toilets and parking.
Göta Kanal Charter recommends: Visit the Göta Canal museum, have coffee at Mallbodens café, enjoy a meal at Berggrens källare, or stock up at grocery stores about 500 metres from the harbour.
Borenshult
Guest harbour below the Borenshult flight of locks on Lake Boren. The five-lock staircase is the Göta Canal’s second largest, with a height difference of 15.3 metres, and is one of Motala’s most popular attractions.
Göta Kanal Charter recommends: If you decide not to stop in Borensberg while travelling west, or have had enough locking after descending the Borenshult staircase on an eastbound trip, this harbour offers a peaceful place to rest and spend the night.
Borensberg
Guest harbour in the canal town of Borensberg. Here you will find one of only two Göta Canal locks still operated manually in the traditional way. There are 20 guest berths.
Göta Kanal Charter recommends: You will probably spend your second night here, or your second-to-last if heading east. Excellent facilities, with restaurants and grocery stores nearby.
Berg
The locks at Berg are among the Göta Canal’s top attractions, drawing thousands of visitors. The area has restaurants, cafés, adventure golf, a hostel offering bike rentals and more. There are 40 guest berths, plus ten berths below the Carl Johan lock staircase with electricity, water and a service building with showers and toilets.
Göta Kanal Charter recommends: A natural overnight stop; see the route plan. ICA Nära supermarket is a five-minute walk away.
Malfors
The guest harbour is beside Malfors Bridge in Ljungsbro, within walking distance of the Cloetta chocolate shop.
Göta Kanal Charter recommends: An alternative to staying overnight at Berg. Berg’s restaurants are within walking distance, as is Cloetta’s factory outlet selling delicious sweets.
Ready to plan your trip?
Explore available boats and find a week that suits you.
Before your trip
Frequently asked questions about Green Route
The Green Route is a good choice for those who prefer a relaxed itinerary, including travellers with limited boating experience.
Choose a boat based on your group size, preferred accommodation on board and the way you want to travel. We are happy to help you compare the options.
The route starts in Motala and returns to Motala, so you do not need to organise transport between different starting and finishing points.
Yes. You receive navigation aids, maps and guides with stops and information to help you follow the route.
