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This is a different version of the traditional cruise in either direction between Gothenburg and Stockholm which has been on the schedule almost every year since the shipping line was established in 1869. On this cruise, the ship moors at night and fewer excursions are offered. The cruise stops in Soderkoping and you continue by bus to Stockholm.

It is also possible to take this cruise from Soderkoping to Gothenburg (bus from Stockholm to Soderkoping) or to take 2, 4 (Classic Cruise) and 6 day versions of this cruise.

See also different version of the cruises: http://www.scantours.net/products/gota-canal-4/429/

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Itinerary

09.00 Departure from Gothenburg, 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 Trollhattan locks. The impressive lock staircase at Trollhattan consists of four locks, and has a total drop of 32 metres. Of the three parallel lock systems here, only the biggest one (from 1916) is still in use.

15.30-17.00 Trollhattan. The Trollhattan Canal Museum is located in a storehouse from 1893. Learn more about the fascinating history of the Trollhtte Canal through the interesting exhibition and film shown here. You can also take a walk through the beautiful old lock area.

18.30 Vanersborg This is the last town before we head out into Lake Vnern. The ships moors overnight.

07.30 Depart Vanersborg and cross Sweden's largest lake, Vanern.

16.00-17.30 Sjotorp Here we enter the first of the 58 narrow locks on the Gota Canal. At Sojtorp we have a set of eight locks and also the remains of some old shipyards.

21.00 Arrive Hajstorp vre. Overnight here.

05.30 Depart Hajstorp

We pass a lock system consisting of four locks in beautiful surroundings. In 1822 the western section of the Gota Canal was inaugurated at Hajstorp.

Toreboda The railway line between Stockholm and Gothenburg crosses the canal here. Toreboda also proudly presents Swedens smallest ferry, Lina, which travels back and forth across the Gota Canal.

The Berg Canal/the Obelisk. An obelisk marks the highest point (91.5 metres above sea level) of the canal. This part of the canal is called the Berg Canal and originally had a sharp bend which was straightened in 1930-33.

Totorp One of the canals two hand-operated locks is found at Totorp.

Lake Viken. The beautiful Lake Viken (91.8 metres above sea level) serves as a water reservoir for the western section of the Gota Canal.

The Spetsnas Canal/Billstrommen. We steer through two narrow, wood-lined passages and small lakes full of water lilies.

Forsvik has a very interesting industrial history. The lock, built in 1813, is the oldest one in the canal. The impressive iron bridge dates from the same year. In the lock we are greeted with songs and flowers by the Kindbom family, a religious group. From here on we will be going downwards!

Karlsborg Fortress We visit Karlsborg Fortress, initiated by Baltzar von Platen and built 1819-1909. The guided tour is a journey through time and space, full of surprises and special effects.

Lake Vattern 89 metres above sea level. Swedens second largest lake.

14.20 Motala It was Baltzar von Platen who drew up the plans for Motala, and today it is called the Capital of the Gota Canal. In 1822 an engineering works, Motala Werkstad, was established here to serve the Gota Canal and is today considered to be the cradle of Swedish industry. Here you also find the head office of the Gota Canal Company, responsible for operation and maintenance. We visit the Motor Museum, with its large exhibition of antique cars and motorcycles in authentic surroundings, collection of radios, toys, household appliances and more. You can also walk to see Baltzar von Platens grave, about 1 km along the left side of the canal.

18.00 Arrive Borensberg

23.00 Arrive Berg. The ships moors here overnight.

05.30 Depart Berg

Berg (Heda) At Berg we pass through a system with a total of 15 locks.

Berg (Carl-Johan) The Carl-Johan lock staircase is the longest in the canal with seven connected locks. Here we board the ship again before steering out on the lake.

06.30-08.30 Lake Roxen 33 metres above sea level.

Norsholm lock Here the canal crosses the main railway line between Stockholm and Malm.

Lake Asplngen 27 metres above sea level.

Carlsborg/Mariehov/Duvkullen. At the lock Carlsborg vre we have the first of the eight locks taking us down to Soderkoping.

13.30 Soderkoping The idyllic town Soderkping was founded in the early 1200s and was very important during the Hanseatic period. The town also has a long and interesting history as a spa. Soderkping is yours to explore on your own. Dont forget to try the famous ice cream!

Depart by bus to Stockholm.

16.00 Arrive Stockholm.