The Göta Canal Trail is one of Sweden's most iconic cycle routes and is national cycle route no. 7. It stretches from Sjötorp on Lake Vänern in the west to Mem on Slätbaken in the east. The trail follows the historic Göta Canal - often referred to as Sweden's blue ribbon - and offers a unique combination of cycling, cultural history and boating.
Most of the trail follows the car-free, gravel towpath along the canal. Here you cycle alongside the boats as they slowly pass locks, small ports and picturesque canal towns. As the trail passes the lakes that link the canal, the route follows minor country roads. To get across Lake Vättern and The aspen grove boat and bicycle ferry are used, but these only operate during the summer months.
Along the way there are plenty of experiences: see a lock up close, visit canal sheep or enjoy a picnic on the canal bank. History is ever-present - here, freighters and tugboats have been replaced by pleasure boats and cyclists sharing the classic towpath.
You can choose between a shorter day trip or a longer cycling vacation with overnight stays along the route. For those who do not want to cycle the entire route, it is possible to combine cycling with passenger boats on the canal and the connecting lakes.
Photographer: Crelle Ekstrand.
Sjötorp by Lake Vänern - this is where the cycling adventure begins or ends.
Riksberg - photo uploaded by Hans W.