Sweden: Stockholm to Gothenburg Cruise

Start your Stockholm cruise after an overnight stay in Sweden’s capital.

Leave Skeppsbrokajen 103 in Stockholm and head towards the charming town of Trosa which was once recognised as a fishing village. On the first day of your Stockholm to Gothenburg cruise you will pass through Hammarby Lock, which separates Lake Mälaren and Saltsjön. Wonder at the magnificence of Drottingholm Castle which since 1981, has been the residence of the Swedish Royal Family and is also listed as a World Heritage Site. During your cruise from Stockholm you will travel a short distance of the Baltic Sea through the archipelago of Södermanland and St Anna.

On a Stockholm to Gothenburg cruise you can admire the beautiful scenery of the small island that is home to the ruins of Stegeborg Castle. Originally built to protect the inlet of Söderkoping, the castle dates back to the Middle Ages. Söderkoping is a quaint spa town and from here you will cruise through eight locks to Carlsborg Övre or if you prefer, you can walk along the banks of the canal.

Around midday you will arrive at the longest lock staircase on your cruise from Stockholm, the Carl-Johan Lock which is situated at Berg. Enjoy a guided walk around the grounds of the Vreta Convent which was the earliest nunnery in Sweden and dates back to 1100. Alternatively you could relax in the tranquil waters of Lake Roxen or stroll along the side of the canal whilst enjoying your cruise from Stockholm to Gothenburg.

After passing the two aquaducts at Ljungsbro and Kungs Norrby you then cross through two more locks before arriving at Motala. Also known as ‘the Capital of the Göta Canal’, Motala is renowned for its rich engineering history. On Stockholm to Gothenburg cruise you may want to discover the interesting exhibitions that are held at the Motor Museum or walk to the grave of Baltzar von Platen, who initially made the plans for Motala. Stay overnight before departure the following morning.

As you continue your journey on the Stockholm to Gothenburg cruise you will sail on the glistening waters of Lake Vättern which, after Lake Vänern, is the next largest lake in Sweden. Take a tour of the Karlsborg Fortress prior to passing Forsvik Lock, where you may be met by the tuneful songs of the Kindbom Family. Following a voyage on Lake Viken you will begin your descent at Tåtorp Lock. Witness the highest peak of the canal on your Stockholm to Gothenburg cruise, which is marked by the Obelisk at the Berg Canal.

On arrival at Sjötorp, you can browse through the local shop and wander around the old warehouse or the Sjötorp Canal Museum. Your Stockholm cruise will arrive at Lake Vänern later in the day.

Depart Sjötorp and begin your journey to Älgens Berg

Learn about the intriguing history of Trollhättan at the Canal Museum’s exhibition or amble down the embankment of the canal as the boat descends 32 metres down the lock staircase. At Lilla Edet you go through the ultimate lock on the Göta Canal, which was built in 1916. Finally, the Stockholm to Gothenburg cruise comes to a close.

*Variation for departures on 23rd Aug, 1st September and 10th Sept 2011*

Today you will head towards Älgens Berg, which is more familiarly known as Elk or Moose Hill. Discover interesting facts about the Swedish elk as you wander around the Royal Hunt’s Museum. You may want to amble around the striking exhibitions of rare flora and fauna or uncover the history of the Halle and Hunneberg region. Admire the exquisitness of the Tröllhättan Lock area before journeying on to Albert Kök, where you can take pleasure in a gastronomic delight at the restaurant. The historic building boasts dramatic vistas of the falls and Tröllhättan town.

On the final day of your Stockholm to Gothenburg cruise, depending on the time of your departure, you may have the opportunity to explore this wonderful city preceding your flight home.