Day 1
09.00hrs DEPARTURE FROM GÖTEBORG, 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 TROLLHÄTTAN LOCKS - The impressive flight of locks at Trollhättan consists of four locks, covering a 32-metre difference in water level. There are three lock systems and the biggest one (from 1916) is still in use.

15.30-17.00 TROLLHÄTTAN - Trollhättan Canal Museum is located in a storehouse from 1893. Here you can learn the fascinating history of the Trollhätte Canal through e.g. some 50 boat models, underwater tools from the 19th century, a blacksmith's workshop and an old lock hut. Film show. Walk to see the old locks. Visit the Canal Museum.
18.00 VÄNERSBORG - This is the last town before we head out into Lake Vänern. The "Brinkebergskulle" lock is just before Vänersborg.

18:30-03:00 LAKE VÄNERN - 44 metres above sea level. Sweden's largest lake. Lake Vänern is the third largest lake in Europe, after the Ladoga and Onega lakes in Russia.

22:45hrs LÄCKÖ CASTLE - The Castle was built in 1298 as a bishop's residence. Its golden age was during the reign of Magnus Gabriel de la Gardie, who transformed it into baroque style in 1652. The boat goes close by and the tour guide will tell the story of the castle.

Day 2
03.00-04.30hrs SJÖTORP
Here we enter the first of the 58 narrow locks on the Göta Canal. At Sjötorp there is a set of eight locks.

06.10-08.00 GODHÖGEN-HAJSTORP ÖVRE
We pass a lock system consisting of four locks in beautiful surroundings. In 1822 the western section of the Göta Canal was inaugurated at Hajstorp.Walking is possible for "early birds" from Godhögen to Hajstorp, app. 1.5 km.1.4 km.

09.00 TÖREBODA - The railway line between Stockholm and Göteborg crosses the canal here. Sweden's smallest ferry, "Lina", travels back and forth across the Göta Canal.

11.20 THE BERG CANAL/THE OBELISK - An obelisk marks the highest point (91.5 metres above sea level) of that part of the canal, which was excavated. A difficult bend was straightened in 1933, the Berg Canal.

11.50 TÅTORP - One of the canal's two manually operated locks is found here.

11.50-14.00 LAKE VIKEN - The beautiful Lake Viken (91.8 metres above sea level) serves as a water reservoir for the western section of the Göta Canal.

13.00-14.00 THE SPETSNÄS CANAL/BILLSTRÖMMEN - We steer through two narrow, wooded passages and small lakes with water lilies.

13.50-14.00 FORSVIK - 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 sometimes greeted with songs and flowers by the Kindbom family, a religious group. From here on we will be going downwards!

14.50-17.00 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.

17.00-19.00 LAKE VÄTTERN - 89 metres above sea level. Sweden's second largest and also deepest lake (128 metres deep).

19.00hrs ARRIVAL IN MOTALA - As Baltzar von Platen had intended, Motala developed into a town. An engineering works, Motala Werkstad, was established here to serve the Göta Canal and was considered the cradle of Swedish industry. We visit Motala Motormuseum, which has an exhibition of antique cars and motorcycles in authentic surroundings, a collection of radios, toys, household appliances and more. Visit a museum. Walk to von Platen's grave, 1-km walk (left side of the canal). Overnight stop.

Day 4
07.15-7.25hrs SÖDERTÄLJE - Södertälje lock, 135 metres long, is the largest lock that we will go through.

07:25-13.50 LAKE MÄLAREN - 0.3 metres above sea level. Sweden's third largest lake.

09.00-11.00 BIRKA - The Viking community of Birka on the island of Björkö is often regarded as Sweden's first town. The town was an important harbour for international shipping and trade. It was in use for about 250 years and was abandoned before the year 1000. Birka features on the World Heritage list. Guided walk on the island (about 3 km hilly walk) and visit a museum.

12.45 DROTTNINGHOLM CASTLE - Drottningholm Castle, the home of the Royal family since 1981, is on UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites. The castle is passed when there is time enough.

14.00 HAMMARBY LOCK - The final lock on our journey delivers us from Lake Mälaren into Saltsjön.

14.00hrs ARRIVAL IN STOCKHOLM, SKEPPSBROKAJEN - Our cruise ends at Skeppsbrokajen 103, in the Old Town of Stockholm.