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. The head office of the Göta Canal Company and also a number of interesting museums are located in Motala.

Lock stairway of five locks. The song of the nightingale is often heard in this area.

73 metres above sea level.

Here is a manually operated lock and the wellknown Göta Hotel (built in 1908).

East of Borensberg there is an aqueduct (built in 1993).

We pass over the second aqueduct (built in 1970) on our journey.

Arrive at Berg's lock system of 15 locks. The convent of Vreta Kloster, now a ruin, was the first to be built in Sweden. It dates from about 1100 and its importance was later over-shadowed by the convent founded by St. Birgitta in Vadstena. The church is one of the most interesting in Sweden, with many medieval works of art. Today, it is used as a parish church and therefore not always open.

Our boat berths for the night in the guest harbour. Walk on your own along the canal to Vreta Kloster. Swimming in Lake Roxen is an option.

With its seven interconnected locks, the Carl Johan lock stairway in Berg is the longest on the Canal.

33 metres above sea level.

The railway line between Stockholm and Malmö crosses here. There is also a lock at Norsholm.

27 metres above sea level.

A set of nine locks taking us into Söderköping. Walk on your own from Carlsborg to Dufkullen, 2 km. Right side of the canal.

Söderköping is an idyllic town, which was founded in the 13th century and it was one of the most important during the Hanseatic era. The town also has a long and fascinating history as a spa.