From Coast to Coast

A perfect holiday for those seeking the leisurely, relaxing pace of an historic means of transportation combined with gentle scenery and good company.

Created through hard work and ingenious enginering the Göta Canal meanders through fertile fields and verdant woods connecting two of Swedens major cities, Gothenburg and Stockholm.

Although the journey does not offer the fastest trip between the two cities, it does offer one of the most memorable experiences. In completing the journey you will have passed one river, three canals, eight lakes, 66 locks, travelled on two seas and risen 91 metres!

Three historical vessels operate the service, each designed to fit the smallest lock on the canal and all carefully maintained and preserved to ensure a unique travel experience with interiors kept in the original style, mainly of mahogany and brass.

The ships guide holds daily information meetings regarding the days events and provides general information on the history of the canal and local sites.

The tour can begin in either Stockholm or Gothenburg as the itinerary operates back and forth.

View From Coast to Coast in a larger map

Day 1

Fly from London Heathrow Airport or Manchester Airport to Gothenburg. Airport bus to hotel/city centre.

1 night GOTHENBURG - Clarion Collection Hotel Odin (BB)

Day 2

The first day takes us through Lilla Edet lock and off to Trollhättan, where the impressive lock staircase boasts a 32 m difference in water level and 3 parallel lock systems - the largest of which is still in use. Pass Vänersborg before heading onto Lake Vänern.

1 night ONBOARD - Göta Canal Boat (FB)

Day 3

Enter the first of the canal's locks at Sjötorp, where early birds can enjoy a wonderful stroll in Godhögen. Pass the Berg stretch and Tåtorp lock before reaching enchanting Lake Viken. Navigate through two of the canal's narrowest parts. Greeted with song in Forsvik, and a visit to the Karlsborg fortress is a trip through time and space before we continue towards Motala.

1 night ONBOARD - Göta Canal Boat (FB)

Day 4

Boat departs from Göta Canal's 'capital' Motala, and travels towards Borensberg. Glide through Östergötland's wonderful countryside, passing through a hand-operated lock and 2 aqueducts. 15 locks carry us through the Berg locks system, providing plenty of time for a stroll or a swim. Once we have passed Norsholm locks and Lake Asplången, a further 8 locks will offer the chance of a leg-stretch. Time to look around Söderköping before leaving the canal at Mem and heading towards the Baltic Sea.

1 night ONBOARD - Göta Canal Boat (FB)

Day 5

Pass through the Nordic Region's biggest lock in Södertälje, and then continue across Lake Mälaren towards Birka for a guided tour of Björkö Island and the ancient remains of what is thought to be Sweden's first town. Time permitting, pass Drottningholm Palace, home of the Swedish Royal Family, before passing through Hammarby lock and mooring at our journey's final quay, Skeppsbrokajen in Stockholm.

1 night STOCKHOLM - Clarion Hotel Sign (BB)

Day 6

Airport train to airport for return flight to the UK. NB. Itineraries operate in reverse when beginning in Stockholm.

NB. This itinerary operates in reverse when beginning in Stockholm.

From Gothenburg:
30 April 2011
21, 26 & 30 May 2011
4, 8, 17 & 26 June 2011
3, 5, 14 & 23 July 2011
1, 10, 19, 28* August 2011
6 September 2011*

From Stockholm:
25 & 30 May 2011
3, 8, 12, 21, 28 & 30 June 2011
7, 9, 18 & 27 July 2011
5, 14, 23* August 2011
1 & 10 September 2011

Duration:  5 nights

* 

 

Clarion Collection Hotel Odin ****

The Clarion Collection Hotel Odin is located in the heart of Gothenburg, close to Central Station and Nordstan, Northern Europe's largest shopping center. This functional style building has 180 architecturally designed rooms. The standard of the rooms is exceptional with television, stereo,
phone, wireless Internet access (optional) and comfortable beds from Hastens.

Hotel specials.
In-Room Coffee Maker Computer Hook-up
Computer w/ Internet Copy Service for Guests
Currency Exchange In-Room Desk
Fitness Center Free Wireless High Speed Internet Access
Meeting Room Free Newspaper Mon-Fri
Restaurant Valet Cleaning Service
Wake-Up Service

NB. All Clarion Collection Hotels include a FREE evening supper for hotel guests.

Göta Canal Boats

There are three boats. The oldest boat, Juno, was built in 1874 followed by the Wilhelm Tham in 1912 and Diana in 1931. The boats have been carefully maintained and preserved in the original style. Cabins are charming but small. They are fitted with bunk beds and are similar in size to a sleeping compartment on a train. Suitcases are stored in a luggage room on board. We recommend a small bag to hold clothing which can be pushed under the lower berth. All cabins have a wahsbasin with hot and cold water. There are showers on all decks, except for the shelter deck of m.s. Diana. Toilets on all decks. All cabins have 220V outlets. Singles are sole occupancy of a double cabin.

Clarion Hotel Sign ****

Stockholm's largest hotel is located in the heart of Stockholm city adjacent to the Central Station and Arlanda Express facing the Norra Bantorget Square. The hotel is brand new, built in 2008, and is a spectacular building dominated by granite and glass, leaning over the square reflecting the green park. The hotel has a wonderful Aquavit Grill & Raw Bar, contributed by Marcus Samuelsson of New York’s Aquavit restaurant. The eighth floor of the hotel holds Selma CitySpa+ where you can indulge yourself in the sauna, gym, spa with a spa treatment and/or in the heated outdoor pool, all with a fantastic view of Stockholm. All rooms are non-smoking and have TV, telephone, hair dryer, Internet access and some of the most comfortable beds we have ever slept in in the whole of Scandinavia! Lift to all floors.