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.

A set of nine locks.

27 metres above sea level.

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

33 metres above sea level.

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

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. Optional walk on your own.

Departure after having passed through 15 locks at Berg.

Here we pass over the first of two aqueducts (built in 1970) on our journey.

Just before Borensberg, there is an aqueduct (built in 1993).

One of two manually operated locks is found here and also the wellknown Göta Hotel (built in 1908).

73 metres above sea level.

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

As Baltzar von Platen had intended, Motala developed into a town. Motala Werkstad, an engineering works, 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.