After few busy days in Stockholm, why not slow down the pace and take a river cruise on the Gota Canal. The Gota Canal is the oldest waterway in Sweden, started in 1810 by Baltzar von Platen. The artificial canal was built in order to avoid flooding along the river so that the navigation would be safer.
MS Juno
The MS Juno, the world’s oldest passenger boat with sleeping accommodation,sails between Stockholm and Gothenburg in 4 days. Relax on board and step back in time to 1874.
Dining on-board
The cruise crosses the three biggest lakes of Sweden: Malaren, Vattern and Varnen. As well as sailing on the Baltic Sea, and through the archipelago of St Anna and Sodermanland.
Sixty- six are traversed on the journey. It is fascinating to observe the boat climbing up and down the locks using the technique of either rising or lowering the level of water, especially at the staircase locks such as the 8 locks at Duvkullen-Mariehov-Carlsborg or the 7 connecting locks at Carl-Johan. The highest lock is at Trollhattan, which has a drop of 32 metres and the oldest is at Lilla Edet: the original lock was opened in 1607 and was the first lock in Sweden.
Along the cruise you will be surprised by the ever-changing scenery: villages with the typical red wooden houses, open fields, forests and industrial areas.
The prettiest part of the journey in my opinion is along Lake Viken and the part followed by the Gota Kanal itself, with forest and lakes, and water lilies surrounding the bank.
Scenery along the Gota Canal
But the cruise is not only about the views it is also an opportunity for meeting fellow passengers from around the world and enjoying the delicious food served in the atmospheric dining area.
For those who want to be a little active and stretch their legs, the cruise stops en-route so that it is possible to visit some canal-side communities or join a shore-based excursion. Trosa for example is a picturesque fishermen’s village from 14th century where people from Stockholm used to go on holiday during summer. Treat yourself at the Kutter Konfekt in Trosa with a homemade marzipan or chocolate.
Cruising along the Gota Canal
You can also take an early morning stroll along the 8 locks (approx. 2 km) between Duvkullen, Mariehov and Carlsborg. Or ride the foldable bike (available on board) along the banks of the Gota Canal.
Canal Cruising in Sweden
The Gota Canal cruise is a slow-placed unique voyage. Combine with stays in Stockholm and Gothenburg on a 7-night Scandinavia break. And you will experience the modern and traditional values of Sweden.
Maddalena Cardone
Sunvil Discovery
