Sweden is located in the south of Scandinavia between the North Sea and the East Sea. The Göta Canal connects Kattegatt on the west coast, with the east coast and is the main waterway through Sweden from Gothenburg to Stockholm.

From Gothenburg, we travel by boat, the Göta Älv, inland. One remarkable lock after the other opens up huge gates and the inflow of water raises the boat to the next level.

The Trollhättan Canal Museum provides a good insight into the construction of the lock system and old drawings show its planning and construction from 1609. It also includes the history of the Göta Canal and how in 1718 Christopher Polhem was commissioned by CharlesThe Twelfth to build a canal.

The pathways alongside the canal were once tow paths where oxen pulled the ships along by rope and trees were planted to provide shade to both Man and beast.

Our journey leads into the waters of 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. It is a truly massive construction, built in 1809 after Sweden lost Finland to Russia.

Located on the idyllic Lovön Island is the royal castle of Drottningholm Slott that is the main residence of the Swedish royal family, the Versailles Of The North. Queen Hedvig Eleonora had this Baroque castle built in 1662 and in 1744 it was presented to Queen Louisa Ulrika as a wedding gift.

This classic route from coast to coast has been an amazing experience with the "Blue Ribbon of Sweden" an unforgettable dream!