Sweden is one of the most exquisite countries in Europe, boasting a wealth of charming towns, idyllic countryside and exceptional cities. With the Baltic Sea to the east and the North Sea to the west, Sweden can be found sandwiched in the north of Europe between Finland and Norway. Well known for its innovative and contemporary design, the country is also renowned for super pop group, Abba, who once had great success in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Sweden has a great deal of treasures waiting to be explored, such as the spectacular Läckö Castle on the shores of Lake Vänern and the medieval Convent of Vreta at Berg. There are also countless lakes which are fabulous for taking a refreshing swim during the summer, and scores of pretty towns and sleepy villages. From Gothenburg in the west to the country’s capital Stockholm in the east, it is now possible to take a cruise along the magnificent Gota Canal, incorporating all of the aforementioned sights into a single holiday.
The Gota Canal cruise follows one of the most remarkable waterways in Europe, linking Sweden’s two largest cities. The actual canal is 190 kilometres in length and was impressively hand-dug during the early 1800s. Sailing along this waterway, guests can enjoy a voyage along rivers, several lakes, three canals and even two seas, with a total of 66 locks to navigate along the way. The journey is taken at an utterly relaxed pace, giving holidaymakers the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the scenery.
There are several excursions included during the course of a Gota Canal cruise. Depending on the length of the cruise, visitors get the chance to visit the interesting Canal Museum at Trollhätten, take a guided tour of Läckö Castle, visit the iconic Vadstena Abbey and even take a look around a fascinating glass blowing studio. There is plenty of time on Gota Canal cruises to explore charming towns such as Motala and Söderköping, where the local ice cream is truly delicious. Leisurely walks along the towpath in the summer sunshine are also highly recommended.
One of the best things about a Gota Canal cruise is that they begin and end in Gothenburg and Stockholm, giving holidaymakers the opportunity to spend some quality sightseeing time in these two magnificent cities. The capital, Stockholm, is a particularly elegant city and has a remarkably clean and fresh feel to it. Spread across 14 islands, the perfect way to see the city is to take a boat tour. Holidaymakers on a Gota Canal cruise love to explore the history of Gamla Stan, the oldest part of Stockholm, and the Vasa Warship Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scandinavia. The Nordic Museum, the Royal Palace and the City Hall are also well worth a visit.
At the opposite side of the country lies Gothenburg, Sweden’s primary port. Bursting with a wealth of history and culture, Gothenburg is perhaps most notable for its gastronomy. A diverse range of excellent restaurants can be found all over the city, and its coastal location is apparent in the number of seafood dishes on the menus. A sight not to be missed is the recently completed Opera House, and Gota Canal cruises dock right next to it. Other must-sees include the vibrant fish market and the imposing fortress (Nya Elfsborgs Fästning) at the entrance to the harbour.
The traditionally styled ships take up to 60 passengers at a time, making a Gota Canal cruise feel quite intimate. Guests are a diverse mix of nationalities and everyone is friendly, and the level of service provided by the ship’s crew is second to none. Meals are freshly prepared by on-board chefs and breakfast, lunch and dinner is served in the opulently decorated dining room. During the day on a Gota Canal cruise, guests can relax on the outdoor decks and soak up the sunshine whilst gazing at the views or delving into a good book. In the evening, the lounge is the perfect place for socialising. Cabins are well-appointed and comfortable with excellent shared WC facilities.
To make a Gota Canal cruise holiday even more enjoyable, it is possible to book additional nights in Stockholm and Gothenburg before and after the cruise to avoid awkward flight times and stress in getting to the ship on time. This also means that there is extra time to explore the city sights or browse the many shops.
About The Author
Linda Gilmour has worked as a consultant in the travel industry for over 20 years. The www.mightyfinecompany.com/ is a specialist travel company offering activity and adventure breaks, Linda specialises in tours to Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland.
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