| 6-day
cruise itinerary Gothenburg - Stockholm 2005:
June 2, 15, 28 July 2, 11, 28 August 10, 23 September 5 Day
1
10.00 Departure from Göteborg, Packhuskajen 10. 14.15-14.30 Lilla Edet.
The lock at Lilla Edet, built in 1916, is the first on our journey. The original
lock was opened in 1607 and was the first lock in Sweden. 15.45-16.30 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. 16.30-17.50 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. 19.30 Arr. Vänersborg. We visit
Älgens Berg (Moose or Elk Mount) - the Royal Hunting Museum - where you can get
acquainted with the moose, king of the forests. There are also interesting exhibitions
on the unique flora, fauna, geology and history of the Halleberg and Hunneberg
areas. Bus to the Hunneberg Royal Hunt Museum for a guided tour. Overnight stop.
Day
2
04.45 Dep. Vänersborg. 04.45-16.00 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. 09.30-12.00 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.
Guided tour of the Castle (stairs). A walk of 2 km. 16.00-17.25 Sjötorp. Here
we enter the first of the 58 narrow locks on the Göta Canal. At Sjötorp there
is a set of eight locks. Possible to walk between lock 1-8. 19.10-20.45 Godhögen
- Hajstorp övre. A lock system consisting of four locks. In 1822 the western section
of the Göta Canal was inaugurated at Hajstorp. A taste of Swedish music in the
evening. 20.45 Arr. Hajstorp. Our boat berths for the night, close to the Canal
Engineer's house. Overnight stop. Day
3
06.00
Dep. Hajstorp. 07.00 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. 09.00 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.
10.00 Tåtorp. One of the canal's two manually operated locks is found here. 10.00-12.15
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. 11.10-12.15 The Spetsnäs
Canal/Billströmmen. We steer through two narrow, wooded passages and small lakes
with water lilies. Possibility to see osprey. 12.15-12.35 Forsvik. Forsvik lock,
built in 1813, is the oldest lock on the Göta Canal. The impressive iron bridge
was constructed in the same year. 12.15 Singing. Singing and flowers from the
Kindbom family, a religious group. When leaving the lock we will be going downwards!
12.50 Karlsborg. Before our boat enters Lake Vättern, we pass Karlsborg and its
fortress, which was built 1819-1909. 12.50-15.00 Lake Vättern. 89 metres above
sea level. Sweden's second largest and also deepest lake (128 metres deep). 15.00-18.30
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.
20.00 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
4
08.00 Dep. Motala. 09.00-09.40 Borenshult. Lock stairway of five locks.
The song of the nightingale is often heard in this area. 09.40-10.40 Lake Boren.
73 metres above sea level. 10.40-11.40 Borensberg. Here is a manually operated
lock and the wellknown Göta Hotel (built in 1908), which we will visit. Walk together
to the ³Göta Hotel". Coffee and waffles served. 12.00 Aqueduct. East of Borensberg
there is an aqueduct (built in 1993). 14.40 Ljungsbro Aqueduct. We pass over the
second aqueduct (built in 1970) on our journey. 15.00 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 very interesting,
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. 16.30-17.30 Berg (Carl-Johan). With its seven interconnected locks, the
Carl Johan lock stairway in Berg is the longest on the Canal. Board again by ³Carl-Johan"
lock, right side. 17.30-19.30 Lake Roxen. 33 metres above sea level. 19.30 Norsholm.
The railway line between Stockholm and Malmö crosses here. Lake Asplången 27 metres
above sea level. 22.00 Arr. Klämman. We berth at the water regulating lock ³Klämman".
Overnight stop. Day
5
07.30 Dep. Klämman. 08.20-09.30 CarlsborgMariehovDuvkullen. A set
of nine locks taking us into Söderköping. Walk to Söderköping (4.3 km). Or 2 km
from Carlsborg to Dufkullen. 10.00-12.00 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. 13.15 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. 13.15- The Baltic. We cross
open water for a short bit and then weave through the archipelago. 14.00-15.30
Stegeborg. The ruins of the Stegeborg Fort are beautifully situated on a small
island. The fort was constructed during the early Middle Ages and was built to
protect the inlet leading into Söderköping. Guided tour of the garden and ruins
of Stegeborg. Hilly country. 20.00 Arr. Sävsundet. Overnight stop at the old pilot
station, waiting for dawn. Overnight stop. Day
6
05.00 Dep. Sävsundet. 08.30-08.40 Södertälje. Södertälje lock, 135 metres
long, is the largest lock on our journey. 08.40-14.50 Lake Mälaren. 0.3 metres
above sea level. Sweden's third largest lake. 09.45-11.45 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. 13.45 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. 15.00 Hammarby lock. The final lock
on our journey. 15.30 Arr. Stockholm, Skeppsbrokajen. Our cruise ends at Skeppsbrokajen
103, in the Old Town of Stockholm. 6-day
cruise itinerary Stockholm - Gothenburg 2005:
May 26 June 8, 21 July 4, 8, 21 August 3, 16, 29 September 11 Day
1
10.00 Departure from Stockholm, Skeppsbrokajen 103. 10.30 Hammarby lock.
The first lock on our journey. 10.40-13.30 Lake Mälaren. 0.3 metres above sea
level. Sweden's third largest lake. 11.25 Drottningholm Castle. Drottningholm
Castle, the home of the Royal family since 1981, is on UNESCO's list of World
Heritage sites. 13.30-13.40 Södertälje. Södertälje lock, 135 metres long, is the
largest lock on our journey. 13.40- The Baltic. The archipelago of St Anna and
Södermanland. 16.30-18.30 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. 20.00 Arr. Sävsundet. Overnight stop at the old pilot
station. Overnight stop. Day
2
04.15 Dep. Sävsundet. 09.00-10.30 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.
Guided tour of the garden and ruins of Stegeborg. Hilly country. 11.20 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. 12.45-15.30 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.Walk 4.3 km from town to the lock
Carlsborg övre. 18.30-18.55 Lake Asplången. 27 metres above sea level. 20.20 Norsholm.
The railway line between Stockholm and Malmö crosses here. 20.20-22.15 Lake Roxen
33 metres above sea level. 22.15 Berg (Carl-Johan). With its seven interconnected
locks, the Carl Johan lock stairway in Berg is the longest on the Canal. Overnight
stop. Day
3
09.00 Dep. Berg (Carl-Johan). 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. 11.30 Berg (Heda). Departure after having gone through 15 locks
at Berg. Board again at the lock of ³Heda", left side. 11.50 Ljungsbro Aqueduct.
We pass over the first of two aqueducts (built in 1970). 14.30 Aqueduct. Just
before Borensberg, there is an aqueduct (built in 1993). 15.00-16.00 Borensberg.
One of two manually operated locks is found here and also the wellknown Göta Hotel
(built in 1908), which we will visit. Walk together to the ³Göta Hotel".
Coffee and waffles served. 16.00-17.00 Lake Boren. 73 metres above sea level.
17.00-17.40 Borenshult. Lock stairway of five locks. The song of the nightingale
is often heard in this area. 18.45 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
4
07.15 Dep. Motala. We leave Motala and head out into Lake Vättern. 07.15-13.40
Lake Vättern. 89 metres above sea level. Sweden's second largest and also deepest
lake (128 metres deep). 08.45-12.00 Vadstena. Mooring by the pier. 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. 14.20 Singing.
Before we leave the boat there is singing and flowers from the Kindbom family,
a religious group. 14.20-16.00 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).
16.00-16.45 Billströmmen / The Spetsnäs Canal. Through two narrow, wooded passages
and small lakes with water lilies, we steer out into Lake Viken. 16.00-18.15 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.
18.15 Tåtorp. Manually operated lock. Now, we will be going downwards! 18.45 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. A taste of Swedish music in the evening.
21.00 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. 22.00 Arr. Hajstorp. A lock system consisting of four locks. In
1822 the western section of the Göta Canal was inaugurated at Hajstorp. The boat
berths for the night, close to the canal engineer's house. Overnight stop. Day
5
06.00 Dep. Hajstorp. Option to go for a walk. 50 min. walk to Lyrestad
from ³Godhögen" lock. 09.00-10.00 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 10.35-12.00 Sjötorp. At Sjötorp there
is a set of eight locks. Option to walk along the canal. 12.00- 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. 15.30-18.00 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. Guided tour of the Castle (stairs). A walk of 2 km. 24.00 Arr.
Trollhättan, Rysskajen. Overnight stop. Day
6
08.45-10.00
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. Visit the Canal Museum and walk to see the old
locks. 10.10-11.00 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. 12.00-12.15
Lilla Edet. The lock at Lilla Edet, built in 1916, is the last on our journey.
The original lock was opened in 1607 and was the first lock in Sweden. 15.30 Arr.
Göteborg, Packhuskajen 10. Our cruise ends at Packhuskajen 10, near the spectacular
Opera House and the Maritime Centre in Göteborg. 4-day
Itinerary The
Ships Practical
Information Rates/Map The
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