Day 2
07.30hrs Departure from Berg (the basin)
We leave the harbour basin and continue our ascent in the Berg lock system.
07.30 - 08.00 Berg (Oscar)
Four locks take us up to the road bridge at Berg. Here it is possible to take a walk
along the canal to the Vreta convent ruins and church.
The convent of Vreta dates from about 1100 and was the first nunnery in Sweden. Its
importance was later superseded by the convent founded by Saint Bridget (St.
Birgitta) at Vadstena. The old convent church at Vreta is one of Sweden’s most
interesting, offering many medieval treasures. Today, it serves as a parish church and is
therefore not always open to visitors.
08.15 - 09.00 Berg
(Brunnby/Heda)
TThis stretch of the canal is regarded as one of the most beautiful with its views over
Lake Roxen.
09.00 - 12.20 Långkanalen
We travel 20 kms without passing any locks through the astonishing Östgata scenery.
We pass two aqueducts, eight bridges, Ljung castle och Brunneby manor.
09.15 Ljungsbro, aqueduct
Two more recent aqueducts have been built to carry the canal. The Ljungsbro aqueduct was built in 1970 over the new road into the community.
11.50 Kungs Norrby, aqueduct
The aqueduct at Kungs Norrby was built in 1993 as part of the national route 36. Shortly after the aqueduct there is a small gazebo leaning out over the canal in the sharp Västanå Bend, also known as the "Helmsman’s Horror".
12.20-12.30 Borensberg
Borensberg has one of the canal’s hand-operated locks. Right by the lock you can also see the well-known Göta Hotel from 1908.
12.30-13.30 Lake Boren
73 metres above sea level.
13.30-14.15 Borenshult
Lock staircase of five locks where you might hear the nightingale sing.
15.15 Motala
It was Baltzar von Platen who drew up the plans for Motala, and today it is called "the Capital of the Göta Canal". In 1822 an engineering works, Motala Werkstad, was established here to serve the canal, and is today considered to be the cradle of Swedish industry. Here you also find the head office of the Gota Canal Company, as well as a number of museums, including the well-known Motor Museum.
15:30-17.30 Lake Vättern
89 metres above sea level. Sweden´s second largest lake.
17.30 Arrive in Karlsborg
We dock for the night by the pier just next to Karlsborg Fortress.
17.30-19.45hrs 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. |