Family adventure on the Göta Canal

Take the chance and cycle along one of Sweden's most famous tourist attractions. The Göta Canal is not only one of Sweden's largest buildings, it is also a beautiful attraction in itself where the cycle path winds along the water.  

In this bike package you choose for yourself how far you want to cycle along the canal making this a perfect cycling adventure for the whole family - or you just want to cycle a little and feel the wind sweep through your hair while admiring the beautiful views. The Göta Canal, 190 km long stretches from Sjötorp, where this cycling adventure starts, to Mem at Slätbaken with 58 locks along the road.

You sleep well at the family-friendly Sjötorps Vandrarhem & Rum, which is centrally located in Sjötorp and which offers newly renovated and nice country-style rooms. Here you have access to the kitchen and TV room. You can find a shower and toilet in the corridor but for 250 SEK per person you can upgrade your room to a room with double bed and private bathroom. Free parking is included. In the morning, a good breakfast is served at the Kajutan restaurant.

Day 1

Cycle close to the canal

The bikes are picked up in the morning between 09.00-11.30 at Sjötorp's bike rental which is located just north of the canal bridge. You always cycle close to the Göta Canal on the old towpath where oxen used to pull the boats. After about 7 km cycling from Sjötorp, you will reach Lyrestad and after about 10 km you will reach the Norrkvarn lock area where you can view part of the Göta canal built in miniature. If you can cycle a little more, it is only 4 km left until you reach Hajstorp, which is one of the Göta Canal's real gems. Here is a cozy cafe and craft shop in the old magazine. It is fascinating to see when the boats lock. The water is released, it thunders and roars, the boats grow out of the lock or are lowered down the lock stairs. The gates open and the boats slide out of the lock so nicely. In Hajstorp you get really close and can have an ice cream while watching the spectacle.

With you in the pack you have the good lunch package from Malta's fish and delicacies that you can enjoy anytime the spirit falls on. Once back in Sjötorp you will receive the keys to your room when you return the bike. In Sjötorp you can also visit the ice cream kiosk, craft shops, buy smoked fish or visit the canal museum. Here the beach is not far away and in the evening you can if you want to enjoy the fine sunset over Lake Vänern.

After completing the bike ride you are welcome to the cozy restaurant Kajutan, located right next to the Göta kanal locks and enjoy a good dinner. After finishing the meal we recommend that you take a little walk in Sjötorp and take a look at all the fine boats that are moored.

Accommodation: Sjötorps Hostel & Rooms

Meals: Lunch bag and dinner

Cycling: 30 km

Day 2

Breakfast and return trip

After a good night's sleep, you have breakfast in peace and quiet, before it is time to go home.

If you are not in a hurry to get home, you can take the opportunity to visit Surö beech forest, which is a couple of kilometers from Sjötorp. Surö beech forest is classified as a national park and Europe's northernmost beech forest.

Meals: Breakfast