{"id":25957243,"date":"2026-09-24T11:25:40","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T09:25:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gotakanalcharter.se\/routes\/rod-rutt\/"},"modified":"2026-10-16T11:19:38","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T09:19:38","slug":"red-route","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.gotakanalcharter.se\/en\/routes\/red-route\/","title":{"rendered":"Red Route"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n
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Red Route<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

Motala
\nSj\u00f6torp<\/h1>\n

Follow the G\u00f6ta Canal west from Motala to Sj\u00f6torp on Lake V\u00e4nern. The Red Route takes you across Lake V\u00e4ttern and onward through Forsvik, Lake Viken and some of the canal\u2019s most iconic settings \u2013 a varied journey for anyone who wants to experience the western part of the G\u00f6ta Canal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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VIEW ITINERARY<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n
BOOK A BOAT<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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About the route<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

Discover the Red Route to Sj\u00f6torp and Lake V\u00e4nern<\/h2>\n

The Red Route starts in Motala and heads west across Lake V\u00e4ttern towards Karlsborg and Forsvik. Enjoy a varied canal experience with wide lakes, historic canal settings and some of the G\u00f6ta Canal\u2019s best-known attractions.<\/p>\n

Beyond Forsvik, the journey continues along Spetsn\u00e4skanalen and Lake Viken towards T\u00e5torp, T\u00f6reboda, then on through Hajstorp, Norrkvarn and Lyrestad. The turning point is Sj\u00f6torp, where the G\u00f6ta Canal meets Lake V\u00e4nern.<\/p>\n

The Red Route is ideal for travellers who want to see a great deal of the canal\u2019s western section and is particularly suitable for experienced skippers or returning guests. For a more relaxed pace with more time for stops, we recommend two weeks.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Marina<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n
\uf5a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Start & finish:<\/strong>
\nMotala<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\uf784<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Duration:<\/strong>
\n1 week<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\uf0e2<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Turning point:
\n<\/strong> Sj\u00f6torp<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\uf4fc<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Suitable for:<\/strong>
\nMore experienced skippers<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\"Map<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Day by day<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

Itinerary for Red Route<\/h2>\n

Times are approximate and may be affected by traffic, lock operations and other conditions along the canal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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\n
\uf192<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Saturday<\/strong>
\n12.00\u201314.00
\nMotala \u2013 collect the boat<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\uf192<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Sunday<\/strong>
\n09.00\u201315.00
\nMotala \u2013 Forsvik<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\uf192<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Monday<\/strong>
\n09.00\u201316.00
\nForsvik \u2013 T\u00f6reboda<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\uf192<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Tuesday<\/strong>
\n09.00\u201315.00
\nT\u00f6reboda \u2013 Sj\u00f6torp<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\uf192<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Wednesday<\/strong>
\n09.00\u201315.00
\nSj\u00f6torp \u2013 T\u00f6reboda<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\uf192<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Thursday<\/strong>
\n09.00\u201315.00
\nT\u00f6reboda \u2013 Karlsborg<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\uf192<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Friday<\/strong>
\n09.00\u201314.00
\nKarlsborg \u2013 Motala<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\uf192<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Saturday<\/strong>
\n09.00
\nMotala \u2013 return the boat<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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BOOK THE RED ROUTE<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Stops along the way<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

Guest harbours along the Red Route<\/h2>\n

On the Red Route you pass several guest harbours along the western G\u00f6ta Canal. You can stay overnight, stock up on supplies or stop to explore small canal towns and historic surroundings.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Aerial<\/span><\/div>\n\n
\ue081<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Motala verkstad<\/h3>\n

This is where your canal holiday begins and ends. A small, recently built guest harbour with good facilities, including showers, toilets and parking.<\/p>\n

G\u00f6ta Kanal Charter recommends:<\/strong> Visit the G\u00f6ta Canal museum, have coffee at Mallbodens caf\u00e9, enjoy a meal at Berggrens k\u00e4llare, or stock up at grocery stores about 500 metres from the harbour.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Marina<\/span><\/div>\n\n
\ue081<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Karlsborg<\/h3>\n

The G\u00f6ta Canal guest harbour in Karlsborg has berths on both sides of the road bridge. The main attraction is Karlsborg Fortress, which offers guided tours and treasure hunts for children.<\/p>\n

G\u00f6ta Kanal Charter recommends:<\/strong> Karlsborg is often busy. If the canal company\u2019s harbour is full, there are alternatives: the Carlsborg Sailing Club (CSS) harbour inside the bridge, with electricity, barbecue area, toilets, showers and loan bicycles, or Stenbryggan harbour outside the bridge, close to Karlsborg Fortress.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Bridge<\/span><\/div>\n\n
\ue081<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Forsvik<\/h3>\n

The first lock of the G\u00f6ta Canal was built here in 1813. Attractions include the Forsviks Bruk industrial heritage museum and the paddle steamer Eric Nordevall II. There are 12 guest berths.<\/p>\n

G\u00f6ta Kanal Charter recommends:<\/strong> Many boaters pass Forsvik without stopping, which is a shame because there is much more to see here beyond Forsviks Bruk and the paddle steamer.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Opening<\/span><\/div>\n\n
\ue081<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

T\u00e5torp<\/h3>\n

The guest harbour is in T\u00e5torp by Lake Viken. T\u00e5torp has the only manually operated lock in the West Gothland section of the canal, a pleasant garden caf\u00e9 and a walking path to Lanth\u00f6jden, the highest point of the excavated canal.<\/p>\n

G\u00f6ta Kanal Charter recommends:<\/strong> Ideal for a lunch stop before or after crossing Lake Viken.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Marina<\/span><\/div>\n\n
\ue081<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Vassbacken<\/h3>\n

Vassbacken offers a guest harbour, campsite, cabins and a hostel. There is also a caf\u00e9 serving meals and summer entertainment.<\/p>\n

G\u00f6ta Kanal Charter recommends:<\/strong> If you do not need to stock up on provisions, Vassbacken is a pleasant, family-friendly alternative to T\u00f6reboda.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Cyclists<\/span><\/div>\n\n
\ue081<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Jonsboda<\/h3>\n

Guest harbour by Jonsboda Bridge east of T\u00f6reboda. Facilities include a sauna, summer caf\u00e9 and waffle hut, holiday cabins and motorhome pitches.<\/p>\n

G\u00f6ta Kanal Charter recommends:<\/strong> A quieter alternative to T\u00f6reboda for those seeking some peace, with access to a wood-fired sauna.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Boats<\/span><\/div>\n\n
\ue081<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

T\u00f6reboda<\/h3>\n

Guest harbour in T\u00f6reboda with jetties on both sides of the canal. Shops and services are close by. The campsite by the harbour has a swimming pool area, adventure mini golf and a skate park.<\/p>\n

G\u00f6ta Kanal Charter recommends:<\/strong> Heading east towards S\u00f6derk\u00f6ping, this is a good place to check your supplies.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Bridge<\/span><\/div>\n\n
\ue081<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Hajstorp<\/h3>\n

The guest harbour is beside the Hajstorp locks, a popular G\u00f6ta Canal attraction with several locks close together, a caf\u00e9 and local crafts.<\/p>\n

G\u00f6ta Kanal Charter recommends:<\/strong> A pleasant guest harbour with modern, well-maintained service facilities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Buildings<\/span><\/div>\n\n
\ue081<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Norrkvarn<\/h3>\n

Guest harbour at the Norrkvarn lock area near Lyrestad. Visiting boaters can moor right in the heart of the attraction. There is a miniature canal for children and the Norrqvarn Hotel & Conference centre, with a restaurant and waterfront terrace.<\/p>\n

G\u00f6ta Kanal Charter recommends:<\/strong> One of the most family-friendly guest harbours.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Canal<\/span><\/div>\n\n
\ue081<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Lyrestad<\/h3>\n

Lyrestad guest harbour is a popular meeting place for boaters, motorists and cyclists. In summer, the local heritage society opens its museum in the harbour warehouse.<\/p>\n

G\u00f6ta Kanal Charter recommends:<\/strong> Forgot to buy something in Sj\u00f6torp? This is another opportunity to replenish your supplies at the village shop or eat at one of the local restaurants.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"G\u00f6ta<\/span><\/div>\n\n
\ue081<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n

Sj\u00f6torp<\/h3>\n

Guest harbour in the old dock basin above locks 2\/3 in Sj\u00f6torp. Diesel is available at the quay from a card-operated pump. There are also ten berths between lock 1 and locks 2\/3.<\/p>\n

G\u00f6ta Kanal Charter recommends:<\/strong> A charming village with a shop, fresh fish, restaurants, caf\u00e9s and summer shopping.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Ready to plan your trip?<\/strong>
\nExplore available boats and find a week that suits you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

VIEW AVAILABLE BOATS<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Before your trip<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

Frequently asked questions about Red Route<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
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\r\n \r\n Who is the Red Route suitable for?<\/span>\r\n \r\n \uf13a<\/span><\/span>