The lock at Lilla Edet, built in 1916, is the first on our journey. The original lock was opened in 1607 and was the first lock in Sweden.

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.

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.

We visit Älgens Berg (Moose or Elk Mount) - the Royal Hunting Museum - where you can get acquainted with the moose, king of the forests. There are also interesting exhibitions on the unique flora, fauna, geology and history of the Halleberg and Hunneberg areas. Bus to the Hunneberg Royal Hunt Museum for a guided tour. Overnight stop.

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.

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. Guided tour of the Castle (stairs). A walk of 2 km.

Here we enter the first of the 58 narrow locks on the Göta Canal. At Sjötorp there is a set of eight locks. Possible to walk between lock 1-8.

A lock system consisting of four locks. In 1822 the western section of the Göta Canal was inaugurated at Hajstorp. A taste of Swedish music in the evening.

Our boat berths for the night, close to the Canal Engineer's house. Overnight stop.

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

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.

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

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

We steer through two narrow, wooded passages and small lakes with water lilies. Possibility to see osprey.

Forsvik lock, built in 1813, is the oldest lock on the Göta Canal. The impressive iron bridge was constructed in the same year.

Singing and flowers from the Kindbom family, a religious group. When leaving the lock we will be going downwards!

Before our boat enters Lake Vättern, we pass Karlsborg and its fortress, which was built 1819-1909.

89 metres above sea level. Sweden's second largest and also deepest lake (128 metres deep).

Vadstena is an idyllic small town, which is famous for St. Birgitta. It grew up around the 14th century convent, becoming a spiritual, cultural and commercial centre. The Abbey was built to the design of St. Birgitta and was consecrated in 1430. The Castle was built in the 1540s by King Gustav Vasa. Guided tour by a "sight-seeing train" to the Castle and Abbey church. Swimming is possible.

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.

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), which we will visit. Walk together to the "Göta Hotel". Coffee and waffles served.

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 very interesting, with many medieval works of art. Today, it is used as a parish church and therefore not always open. Guided walk (about 3 km, partly hilly) to Vreta Cloister ruins and church. Or walk along the canal on your own. 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. Board again by "Carl-Johan" lock, right side.

33 metres above sea level.

The railway line between Stockholm and Malmö crosses here.

We berth at the water regulating lock "Klämman". Overnight stop.

A set of nine locks taking us into Söderköping. Walk to Söderköping (4.3 km). Or 2 km from Carlsborg to Dufkullen.

Söderköping is an idyllic town, which was founded in the 13th century and it was most important during the Hansa period. The town also has a long and fascinating history as a spa. Time at your own disposal in Söderköping.

Passing through the last narrow lock before Slätbaken, an inlet of the Baltic, we leave the Göta Canal. On 26th Sept. 1832, the Göta Canal was inaugurated at Mem amid great pomp and circumstance in the presence of King Karl XIV Johan and his family.

We cross open water for a short bit and then weave through the archipelago.

The ruins of the Stegeborg Fort are beautifully situated on a small island. The fort was constructed during the early Middle Ages and was built to protect the inlet leading into Söderköping. Guided tour of the garden and ruins of Stegeborg. Hilly country.

Overnight stop at the old pilot station, waiting for dawn. Overnight stop.

Södertälje lock, 135 metres long, is the largest lock on our journey.

0.3 metres above sea level. Sweden's third largest lake.

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.

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.

The final lock on our journey.

Our cruise ends at Skeppsbrokajen 103, in the Old Town of Stockholm.