The Göta Canal is Sweden's construction of the millennium and connects Kattegatt on the west coast with the east coast of the Baltic Sea, and is the main waterway through Sweden, from Gothenburg to Stockholm.

Gothenburg is a seaport that was founded in 1621 and on Packhus Quay, close to both the Maritime Centre and the Opera, the Wilhelm Tham on which we shall travel across Sweden, awaits us.

Shortly before Trollhättan our first adventure begins as the boat ascends within a masterpiece of canal design. Over a short distance, six lock systems built in a row overcome a height difference of forty four metres. One lock after the other opens up, and the inflow of water raises the boat to the next level.

Our journey leads into the Bottensjön that is connected to Lake Vättern until we finally arrive at the port of Karlsborg. Behind the walls of Karlsborg Fortress are barracks, various buildings and a church. A truly massive structure, built in 1809 after Sweden had lost Finland to Russia.

At Berg the captain skilfully steers the boat into the Carl Johans locks. Our descent is complete and we continue on the long drawn-out Lake Roxen. Again, a natural body of water forms part of the eastern Göta Canal, a remnant of the Ice Age, thirty three metres above sea level.

The crossing of southern Sweden has only been made possible due to the construction of the Göta Canal, an amazing waterway with sixty six locks and countless bridges.