The stage is part of the Göta Canal cycle path. It takes you across Lake Asplången with the bicycle boat section Hulta lock to Snöveltorp's bridge. Then you continue on the gravel, car-free, tow road along the canal through Söderköping with its old genuine urban environment to idyllic Mem. A little north of the bike path lies Norrköping with a large selection of restaurants and cafes. In Mem by the Baltic Sea, your cycling adventure along the Göta Canal ends or begins.
Söderköping is a picturesque, medieval small town surrounded by countryside, nature and the Sankt Anna archipelago. The city was for a long time an important port city for Baltic Sea traffic together with Visby and Kalmar. Several churches and a monastery were also built here in the 13th century. Söderköping is also known for being the filming location for Astrid Lindgren's films about Madicken, the Göta Canal films and the German series Inga Lindström. There are several options when it comes to activities with everything from cycling and climbing trails to history walks and archipelago cruises. Do not miss the ice cream restaurant Smultronstället!
The story of Norrköping takes off in the 17th century when the Dutch businessman Louis de Geer settled in the city. He founded most industries and today Norrköping is known for its yellow trams and old industrial buildings. Visit the magnificent Löfstad Castle or take a turn along the famous Södra Promenaden. The forests in Kolmården are magical and offer wonderful cycling. The peninsula Vikbolandet east of Norrköping is sometimes called Östergötlands Österlen. Here you will find open landscapes, fertile fields, the sea and forests with wild animals, mushrooms and berries. There are also cows, pigs, goats, ostriches, turkeys and deer. And an ice cream factory!
In idyllic Mem ends or begins your cycling adventure along the Göta Canal cycle path. Here you will find Kanalmagasinet's café and restaurant. Enjoy the surroundings on the outdoor terrace over a cup of coffee or a well-cooked, locally produced lunch. It was here in Mem that the entire canal construction was inaugurated in 1832 by King Karl XIV Johan. Mem is a real gem.
