A Sail Tale

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Canals and short cuts

Göta Canal

Sweden's 'blue ribbon', crossing the country from Lake Vänern to the Baltic through 58 locks in summer.

10 episodes on the chart

Length
190 km (87 km dug or blasted)
Locks
58
Opened
26 September 1832
Transit time
About 3-7 days (operator offers a 3-day express and a 5-day convoy)
Max dimensions
Length 30 m, beam 7 m, draft 2.82 m, air draft 22 m
Operator
AB Göta kanalbolag

The Göta Canal is 190 km, of which 87 km are dug or blasted, and runs from Sjötorp on Lake Vänern across Lake Vättern to Mem on the Baltic coast. Completed in 1832, it is run by the Göta Canal company (AB Göta kanalbolag) and is now used almost entirely for leisure.

Private boats book their passage with the canal company and pay per passage. Only 5 knots is allowed. The operator offers 3-day express or 5-day convoy options, and you can also take it slower. The season runs only in the warmer months, because it is impassable for about five months of winter.

You ladder up and down through the lock staircases with lock-keepers' help, cross the big Vänern and Vättern lakes, and pass lock-side villages, meadows and old canal buildings. It is among Scandinavia's best-known slow-cruising routes.

Highlights

  • Highest point 91.8 m above sea level at Lake Viken
  • Crossing Lake Vättern between two canal sections
  • Berg locks staircase
  • Sweden coast to coast

Watch out for

  • Speed limited to about 5 knots
  • Seasonal, so check opening dates and book early in peak season
  • Mast height limit of about 22 m and a 2.82 m draft limit
  • Vessels over the size limits cannot pass

Episodes on this route 10

Crews on this route

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A summary for learning and dreaming, not for navigation. Rules, fees, seasons and security advice change: check current official sources before you go.

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