Cycle the gota canal – Sweden’s most beautiful waterway

Anyone who longs for intact nature and outdoor activities is definitely in the right place here! Experience Sweden from its most beautiful side. Follow us to middle Sweden to Katrineholm, which is situated 100 km south-west of the capital Stockholm. From there you will start your circular trip by bike through green forests, along sparkling lakes to picturesque homesteads and above all along Sweden’s most beautiful waterway – the gota canal. On a length of 190 km the canal combines lakes from Stockholm across Sweden to Göteborg on the westcoast. Enjoy yourself on well-marked bikeways, typical red framehouses and relish the silence of untouched nature.

1. day  Katrineholm Arrival

In Katrineholm you will stay at a beautiful former country estate, which is situated directly by the water. Arrival from Hamburg 9am German Railway; Flight to Stockholm incl. continuation of journey by train (1h) possible.

2. day  Katrineholm-Vreta 48 km

The first stage is easy cycling, so you will arrive quickly at the Ericsberg castle (1680) with its lovely gardens, built after French example. You will cycle further to Wira Bruk and Sweden’s biggest porcelain museum. Soon you will arrive at Stavsjö, a small steel works place from the 17th century. But you might want to go swimming; at the hotel you will find a lovely beach.

3. day  Vreta-Söderköping 50 km

Your route will lead you to one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sweden. The lovely little town of Söderköping used to be one of the most exclusive cities in Sweden. With buildings from the 18th and 19th century it is well worth seeing.

4. day  Söderköping-Linköping 55 km

There it is: the Göta canal – started in 1810 with 58 watergates. You will not cycle the complete canal, but quite a good stage of the 190 km of waterway. You have the possibility of following the busy activities at the watergates and take a picture of the beautiful houses of the bridge care takers. The lively university city of Linköping awaits you with a cathedral well worth seeing, as well as the castle and a cosy city centre and some marketplaces.

5. day  Linköping-Motala 51 km

Today you will experience the most famous watergate of the Gota canal! The ‘Karl Johann watergate’ forms a long stair along with 7 other watergates and allows interesting observations.
You will cycle through green landscapes to the ruins of the Vreta monastery, Sweden’s oldest monastery (12th century). Today’s destination is situated idyllically on the Vätternsee. Vätternsee with its 1900 square kms appears more like a semi enclosed sea.

6. day  Motala-Askersund 69 km

Through the broad forests of Ostergötland you will cycle to Zinkgruvan, an old coal mine town from 1860. Gaze at the exhibits of the museum or use the lovely swimming site for a cool refreshment. The last kilometres to the north bank of Vätternsee to Askersund, with its lovely framehouses, tiny harbour and paved market, are easy cycling.

7. day  Regna 63 km

Past innumerable lakes you will cycle to the castle of Boo, situated within a beautiful park. Visit the little ‘Herrenhofkirche’ (a country estate church) of 1870, which was exclusively built for the castle owner. Afterwards you will cycle to today’s accommodation at Regna.

8. day  Regna-Katrineholm 42 km

Your last cycling day presents you with a colourful mix! Spend your time in green forests, around blue lakes, enjoy the bright colours of freshly painted framehouses and take a look at the black of ironworks in Övre Hävla Bruk. Here you can inspect the last still known blacksmith technique, the so called "Deutschherd".

9. day  Katrineholm Departure

After breakfast your lovely cycle tour will end in Katrineholm.