| 4-day
cruise itinerary Gothenburg - Stockholm 2005:
May 16, 18, 25, 27 June 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 30 July 9, 18, 27 August 5, 14, 23,
29 September 1, 10 Day
1
09.00 Departure from Göteborg, Packhuskajen 10 13.15-13.30 Lilla
Edet. The lock at Lilla Edet, built in 1916, is the first lock on our journey.
The original lock was opened in 1607 and was the first lock in Sweden. 14.45-15.30
Trollhättan locks. The impressive flight of locks at Trollhättan consists
of four locks, covering a 32-metre difference in water level. There are three
lock systems and the biggest one (from 1916) is still in use. 15.30-16.45 Trollhättan.
Trollhättan Canal Museum is located in a storehouse from 1893. Here you can
learn the fascinating history of the Trollhätte Canal through e.g. some 50
boat models, underwater tools from the 19th century, a blacksmith's workshop and
an old lock hut. Film show. Walk to see the old locks. Visit the Canal Museum.
17.45 Vänersborg. This is the last town before we head out into Lake Vänern.
The "Brinkebergskulle" lock is just before Vänersborg. 18.15-02.00
Lake Vänern. 44 metres above sea level. Sweden's largest lake. Lake Vänern
is the third largest lake in Europe, after the Ladoga and Onega lakes in Russia.
22.30 Läckö Castle. The Castle was built in 1298 as a bishop's residence.
Its golden age was during the reign of Magnus Gabriel de la Gardie, who transformed
it into baroque style in 1652. The boat goes close by and the tour guide will
tell the story of the castle. Day
2
02.00-03.30 Sjötorp. Here we enter the first of the 58 narrow locks
on the Göta Canal. At Sjötorp there is a set of eight locks. 05.10-07.00
Godhögen-Hajstorp Övre. A lock system consisting of four locks. In 1822 the
western section of the Göta Canal was inaugurated at Hajstorp. Walking is
possible for "early birds". 1.4 km. 08.00 Töreboda. The railway
line between Stockholm and Göteborg crosses the canal here. Sweden's smallest
ferry, "Lina", travels back and forth across the Göta Canal. 10.20
The Berg Canal / the Obelisk. An obelisk marks the highest point (91.5 metres
above sea level) of that part of the canal, which was excavated. A difficult bend
was straightened in 1933, the Berg Canal. 10.50 Tåtorp. One of the canal's two
manually operated locks is found here. 10.50-13.00 Lake Viken. The beautiful Lake
Viken (91.8 metres above sea level) serves as a water reservoir for the western
section of the Göta Canal. 12.00-13.00 Spetsnäskanalen/Billströmmen.
We steer through two narrow, wooded passages and small lakes with water lilies.
12.50-13.00 Forsvik. Forsvik lock, built in 1813, is the oldest lock on the Göta
Canal. The impressive iron bridge was constructed in the same year. 12.50 Singing.
Singing and flowers from the Kindbom family, a religious group. When we leave
the lock we will be going downwards! 13.35 Karlsborg. Before our boat enters Lake
Vättern, we pass Karlsborg and its fortress, which was built 1819-1909. 13.35-15.20
Lake Vättern. 89 metres above sea level. Sweden's second largest and also
deepest lake (128 metres deep). 15.20-18.30 Vadstena. Vadstena is an idyllic small
town, which is famous for St. Birgitta. It grew up around the 14th century convent,
becoming a spiritual, cultural and commercial centre. The Abbey was built to the
design of St. Birgitta and was consecrated in 1430. The Castle was built in the
1540s by King Gustav Vasa. Guided tour by a "sight-seeing train" to
the Castle and Abbey church. Swimming is possible. 19.45 Arr. Motala. As Baltzar
von Platen had intended, Motala developed into a town. An engineering works, Motala
Werkstad, was established here to serve the Göta Canal and was considered
the cradle of Swedish industry. We visit Motala Motormuseum, which has an exhibition
of antique cars and motorcycles in authentic surroundings, a collection of radios,
toys, household appliances and more. Visit a museum. Walk to von Platen's grave,
1-km walk (left side of the canal). Overnight stop. Day
3
05.00 Dep. Motala. 06.00-06.30 Borenshult. Lock stairway of five locks.
The song of the nightingale is often heard in this area. 06.30-07.30 Lake Boren.
73 metres above sea level. 07.30-07.40 Borensberg. Here is a manually operated
lock and the wellknown Göta Hotel (built in 1908). 08.00 Aqueduct. East of
Borensberg there is an aqueduct (built in 1993). 10.40 Ljungsbro Aqueduct. We
pass over the second aqueduct (built in 1970) on our journey. 11.00 Berg (Heda).
Arrive at Berg's lock system of 15 locks. The convent of Vreta Kloster, now a
ruin, was the first to be built in Sweden. It dates from about 1100 and its importance
was later over-shadowed by the convent founded by St. Birgitta in Vadstena. The
church is one of the most interesting in Sweden, with many medieval works of art.
Today, it is used as a parish church and therefore not always open. Guided walk
(about 3 km, partly hilly) to Vreta Cloister ruins and church. Or walk along the
canal on your own. Swimming in Lake Roxen is an option. 12.00-13.00 Berg (Carl-Johan).
With its seven interconnected locks, the Carl Johan lock stairway in Berg is the
longest on the Canal. Board again by "Carl-Johan" lock, right side.
13.00-15.00 Lake Roxen. 33 metres above sea level. 15.00 Norsholm. The railway
line between Stockholm and Malmö crosses here. 16.45-17.15 Lake Asplången.
27 metres above sea level. 18.40-19.45 Carlsborg-Mariehov-Duvkullen. A set of
nine locks taking us into Söderköping. 20.00-21.30 Söderköping.
Söderköping is an idyllic town, which was founded in the 13th century
and it was most important during the Hansa period. The town also has a long and
fascinating history as a spa. Time at your own disposal in Söderköping.
22.50 Mem. Passing through the last narrow lock before Slätbaken, an inlet
of the Baltic, we leave the Göta Canal. On 26th Sept. 1832, the Göta
Canal was inaugurated at Mem amid great pomp and circumstance in the presence
of King Karl XIV Johan and his family. 22.50-07.45 The Baltic. We cross open water
for a short bit and then weave through the archipelago in the early morning light.
Day
4
07.45-07.55 Södertälje. Södertälje lock, 135 metres
long, is the largest lock that we will go through. 07.55-13.50 Lake Mälaren.
0.3 metres above sea level. Sweden's third largest lake. 09.00-11.00 Birka. The
Viking community of Birka on the island of Björkö is often regarded
as Sweden's first town. The town was an important harbour for international shipping
and trade. It was in use for about 250 years and was abandoned before the year
1000. Birka features on the World Heritage list. Guided walk on the island (about
3 km hilly walk) and visit a museum. 12.45 Drottningholm Castle. Drottningholm
Castle, the home of the Royal family since 1981, is on UNESCO's list of World
Heritage sites. The castle is passed when there is time enough. 14.00 Hammarby
lock. The final lock on our journey. 14.30 Arr. Stockholm, Skeppsbrokajen. Our
cruise ends at Skeppsbrokajen 103, in the Old Town of Stockholm. 4-day
cruise itinerary Stockholm - Gothenburg
2005:
May 20, 22, 29, 31 June 7, 9, 16, 18, 25, 27 July 4, 13, 22, 31 August 9, 18,
24, 27 September 5, 14 Day
1
09.00 Departure from Stockholm, Skeppsbrokajen 103 09.30 Hammarby lock.
The first lock on our journey. 09.40-12.30 Lake Mälaren. 0.3 metres above
sea level. Sweden's third largest lake. 10.30 Drottningholm Castle. Drottningholm
Castle, the home of the Royal family since 1981, is on UNESCO's list of World
Heritage sites. 12.30-12.40 Södertälje. Södertälje lock, 135
metres long, is the largest lock that we will go through. 12.40- The Baltic. The
archipelago of St Anna and Södermanland. 16.00-18.00 Trosa. Trosa has been
a well-known town since the 14th century. It was moved to its present site in
1610. Regular steamer traffic from Stockholm and Nyköping began in 1860,
bringing large numbers of summer visitors. Some of the local fishermen's picturesque
red houses have been rebuilt into attractive homes with carved wood decoration
and beautiful verandas. Guided walk (about 2.5 km) Swimming is an option. Day
2
00.15 Stegeborg. The ruins of the Stegeborg Castle are in a lovely natural
setting overlooking Slätbaken bay. The fort dates from the early Middle Ages
and was built to guard the entrance to Söderköping. 01.00-04.45 Mem.
On 26th Sept. 1832, the Göta Canal was inaugurated at Mem amid great pomp
and circumstance in the presence of King Karl XIV Johan and his family. We now
go through the first of the 58 narrow locks on the Göta Canal. 06.10-06.20
Söderköping. Söderköping is an idyllic town, which was founded
in the 13th century and it was most important during the Hansa period. The town
also has a long and fascinating history as a spa. Walk along the canal and board
at the lock "Carlsborg övre" (4.3 km). 09.20-09.50 Lake Asplangen.
27 metres above sea level. 11.20 Norsholm. The railway line between Stockholm
and Malmö crosses here. There is also a lock at Norsholm. 11.20-13.15 Lake
Roxen. 33 metres above sea level. 13.15 Berg (Carl-Johan). With its seven interconnected
locks, the Carl Johan lock stairway in Berg is the longest on the Canal. The convent
of Vreta Kloster, now a ruin, was the first to be built in Sweden. It dates from
about 1100 and its importance was later over-shadowed by the convent founded by
St. Birgitta in Vadstena. The church is one of the most interesting in Sweden,
with many medieval works of art. Today, it is used as a parish church and therefore
not always open. Guided walk (about 3 km, partly hilly) to Vreta Cloister ruins
and church. Or walk along the canal on your own. Swimming in Lake Roxen is an
option. 15.45 Berg (Heda). Departure after having gone through 15 locks at Berg.
Board again at the lock of "Heda", left side. 16.00 Ljungsbro Aqueduct.
Here we pass over the first of two aqueducts (built in 1970) on our journey. 18.30
Aqueduct. Just before Borensberg, there is an aqueduct (built in 1993). 19.00-19.10
Borensberg. One of two manually operated locks is found here and also the wellknown
Göta Hotel (built in 1908). 19.10-20.10 Lake Boren. 73 metres above sea level.
20.10-20.40 Borenshult. Lock stairway of five locks. The song of the nightingale
is often heard in this area. Walk to Motala past von Platen's grave. 1 hour. 21.30
Arr. Motala. As Baltzar von Platen had intended, Motala developed into a town.
Motala Werkstad, an engineering works, was established here to serve the Göta
Canal and was considered the cradle of Swedish industry. We visit Motala Motormuseum,
which has an exhibition of antique cars and motorcycles in authentic surroundings,
a collection of radios, toys, household appliances and more. Visit a museum. Walk
to von Platen's grave, 1-km walk (left side of the canal). Overnight stop. Day
3
04.00 Dep. Motala. We leave Motala and head out into Lake Vättern.
04.00-06.00 Lake Vättern. 89 metres above sea level. Sweden's second largest
and also deepest lake (128 metres deep). 06.45 Singing. Before we leave the boat
there is singing and flowers from the Kindbom family, a religious group. 06.45-08.30
Forsvik. Forsvik Bruk is one Sweden's most interesting industrial communities
and its history is six hundred years old. Today, it is a well-known museum of
industrial history with various exhibitions, a film show, and more. Forsvik also
has the Göta Canal's oldest lock, built in 1813, and an impressive iron bridge
constructed in the same year. Visit a museum (short walk). 08.30-09.15 Billströmmen/
The Spetsnäs Canal. Through two narrow, wooded passages and small lakes with
water lilies, we steer out into Lake Viken. 08.30-10.45 Lake Viken. The beautiful
Lake Viken (91.8 metres above sea level) serves as a water reservoir for the western
section of the Göta Canal. Possibility to see osprey. 10.45 Tåtorp. Manually
operated lock. Now, we will be going downwards! 11.15 The Berg Canal / the Obelisk.
An obelisk marks the highest point (91.5 metres above sea level) of that part
of the canal, which was excavated. A difficult bend was straightened in 1933,
the Berg Canal. 13.30 Töreboda. The railway line between Stockholm and Göteborg
crosses the canal here. Sweden's smallest ferry, "Lina", travels back
and forth across the Göta Canal. 14.15-14.35 Hajstorp. A lock system consisting
of four locks. In 1822 the western section of the Göta Canal was inaugurated
at Hajstorp. 50 min. walk to Lyrestad from "Godhögen" lock. 16.45-17.45
Lyrestad. According to von Platen, Lyrestad was intended to become a major town.
The old harbour storehouse was used for goods carried on the canal. Nowadays,
it contains a museum run by the local homestead association. Visit the Homestead
Museum. 18.45-20.15 Sjötorp. At Sjötorp there is a set of eight locks.
20.15-04.15 Lake Vänern. 44 metres above sea level. Sweden's largest lake.
Lake Vänern is the third largest lake in Europe, after the Ladoga and Onega
lakes in Russia. 23.45 Läckö Castle. The Castle was built in 1298 as
a bishop's residence. Its golden age was during the reign of Magnus Gabriel de
la Gardie, who transformed it into baroque style in 1652. The boat goes close
by and the tour guide will tell the story of the castle. Day
4
05.30-06.30 Trollhättan, Rysskajen. The impressive flight of locks
at Trollhättan consists of four locks, covering a 32-metre difference in
water level. There are three lock systems and the biggest one (from 1916) is still
in use. We stop here to await daylight. Possible to go on an early morning walk
in the lock area. 06.30-07.30 Trollhättan, locks. 08.30-08.45 Lilla Edet.
The lock at Lilla Edet, built in 1916, is the last lock on our journey. The original
lock was opened in 1607 and was the first lock in Sweden. 09.45-11.30 Lödöse.
Lödöse was a prominent trading centre on the west coast as far back
as the 11th century. We visit the Medieval Museum, which depicts the area, the
people and the crafts of early times. Guided visit to a museum (a walk of about
1 km). 14.30 Arr. Göteborg, Packhuskajen 10. Our cruise ends at Packhuskajen
10, near the spectacular Opera House and the Maritime Centre in Göteborg. 6-day
Itinerary The
Ships Practical
Information Rates/Map The
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