Göta Canal cruises

The Göta Canal itself is 190 km long and most of it is dug out by hand. It runs from Sjötorp in the west to Mem in the east. Between 1810 and 1832 as many as 58,000 soldiers helped removing 300,000 cubic meters of rock and earth to create the three meter deep and approximately 14-meter-wide canal. It was Baltzar von Platen who was the man behind Göta Canal, a naval officer and politician who believed it would boost trade and improve Sweden’s defense system.

On the journey you will sail through archipelagos with thousands of small islands, one river, eight lakes, two seas and three canals with 66 locks, including the unique experience of having ascended 91 meters via the ingenious locks before returning to sea level. The ships will make several stops to visit towns and other sights of interest along the canal, often guided by the tour leader.

The cruise itself resembles a group tour since you will be travelling with the same guests for the whole tour (max 50 guests per ship), and you will be accompanied by a tour guide. The tour guide speaks at least three languages (Swedish, English and German) and is available throughout the cruise. Daily information meetings are held during which the tour guide informs about the day’s programme, the history of the Göta Canal and the landmarks along the route as well as practical on-board information. He/she will also lead some of the shore excursions. 

The ships have been carefully refurbished and preserved to reflect the times when they were built. Built in 1874, the M/S Juno is the world's oldest registered ship with overnight accommodation. The M/S Wilhelm Tham was built in 1912 and the youngest ship, M/S Diana, in 1931. Each ship is designed to fit the narrowest lock on the canal like a hand in a glove. 

The atmosphere on board is very personal; the ship only takes up to 50 guests per trip allowing the guests to get to know one another. There is up to 12 staff, including one tour guide, on each cruise providing first-class service to all guests.

The aim is to create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere; there is neither radio nor TV on board any of the ships. It is recommended that you don’t use your mobile phone on board – there are plenty of opportunities for that when the ship lands.

M/S Juno: Built at the Motala shipyard and launched in 1874, today she is the world’s oldest registered ship with overnight accommodation. M/S Juno has 29 cabins on three decks and sails on most 4-day cruises. All cabins are tastefully fitted with brass details and attractive textiles. They are small and cosy, giving an impression of how people once travelled. The M/S Juno has bunk beds in all cabins with one exception, a “honeymoon cabin” on the main deck with a 120 cm wide, queen-size bed.

M/S Diana: The M/S Diana is the youngest of the company’s ships, built at the Finnboda shipyard outside Stockholm and launched in 1931. She had been ordered in anticipation of a wave of Swedish-American guests during the Tercentenary Celebration and was designed to travel the Göta Canal between Gothenburg and Stockholm. There are 25 cabins on three decks. The M/S Diana has bunk beds in the cabins except for the cabins on main deck, which are fitted with twin beds.

M/S Wilhelm Tham: The M/S Wilhelm Tham is the company’s second oldest ship and sails on most 6-day cruises. Like her sister Juno, she was built at the Motala shipyard and was launched in 1912. There are 25 cabins on three decks providing space for around 50 passengers. The M/S Wilhelm Tham has bunk beds for two in all cabins with a few exceptions. On the main deck (lower deck), there are two “honeymoon cabins” each with a 120-cm wide, queen-size bed, and there is also a 4-bed cabin.

Shelter deck features the dining room, lounge and reading area. Bridge deck offers comfortable seating, blankets, and the ship’s bar.

In the dining room Swedish delicacies are served each day. The tables are made up with white table linen and crystal.

The lounge on board includes a small library with books in Swedish, English, and German, including titles about the Göta Canal. A small souvenir shop offers books, postcards, and clothing.

On bridge deck you will find comfortable chairs for relaxing and warm blankets to huddle up in on chilly evenings. Here you will also find a small bar.

The cabins are tastefully decorated with beautiful fabrics and brass details. All of them are outside cabins and above the waterline with a porthole (main deck) or a window. The cabins are similar in size to a small sleeping compartment on a train, offering a compact and cosy space. Most cabins are equipped with bunk beds, and the ceiling height on board is lower than standard. Each cabin is equipped with a washbasin providing hot and cold water. All cabins feature 220V electrical outlets.

Please note that there are no private bathrooms in the cabins. Shared facilities on all decks are located close by and offer full privacy. They feature the same classic style as the rest of the boat and are cleaned several times daily.

If you are taller than 175 cm, please inform us in advance so we can assign a suitable cabin.

As the cabins are small, we recommend to not bring too much luggage. We suggest packing a small suitcase (e.g. a cabin bag) or a bag with that you need during the cruise. The space under the berth can be limited and larger suitcases can be stored in a luggage room on board.

The tour price includes your own cabin on board, full-board accommodation with breakfast, lunch, and dinner (excluding drinks), a selection of excursions along the route, and the services of an on-board tour guide. An overview of the services included is specified for each tour (at the bottom of the tour page).

During the cruise, you will be welcomed with coffee or tea and traditional Swedish fika on your first day. A daily breakfast buffet is served every day except the first day, along with coffee and tea. Guests enjoy a set two-course lunch and a set three-course dinner, although dinner is not served on the final day.

Mealtime drinks, purchases from the souvenir shop and bar expenses are put on your cabin number. The bill is cleared on the last day either in cash (SEK) or using the most common credit cards (VISA, American Express, EuroCard, Master Card and Diners Club).

Full-board is included during the cruise. The kitchen staff is superb and serves a fixed menu for lunch and dinner; two-course lunches and three-course dinners. A breakfast buffet is served every morning, except on the first day of the cruise.

If you should need any special food on board (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic or allergic), please notify us at least four weeks in advance so we can still give you the best culinary experience.

The weather along the Göta Canal can vary. Pack comfortable outdoor clothing since much of the time is spent outdoors. Bring warm layers, rainwear, summer clothes for warm days and a windproof jacket. We recommend walking shoes for the excursions. Tradition has it that the guests change to something a bit more elegant for dinner, but going as far as a dark suit is not essential - smart casual is sufficient.

Most excursions are guided walking tours at a normal pace. You may choose shorter walks or stay on board if you prefer. Programmes may change due to weather or traffic.

Yes. The old towpaths are ideal for walking or jogging. Two bicycles are available on board for guest use.

The departure quays in Gothenburg and Stockholm are centrally located and easy to access.

The departure quay in Stockholm is Skeppsbrokajen 103 in the Old Town (Gamla Stan), opposite the Hotel Reisen and only a stone's throw from the Royal Palace. The nearest bus stop is called "Slottsbacken".

The departure quay in Gothenburg is Packhuskajen 10, close to the Old Customs House (Stora Tullhuset) from 1867 and the Casino Cosmopol. The Central Station is just 15 minutes' walk away, or approximately 5 minutes by taxi. The nearest tram and bus stop is called "Stenpiren".

We will provide a map and directions how to find the quay in your final travel documents.

Airport, hotel and pier transfers are not included in the tour price, but we will provide details on how to get to the quay by public transport or taxi. It is also possible to book a private transfer. 

We will provide you with a detailed travel itinerary, including information on how to get from the airport to your hotel, from your hotel to the train station, ferry terminal etc. We also provide exact details on how to change from one transport to the other during your trip (from train to boat to bus, etc.).

Extra nights can be added when submitting the tour reservation through our website. Please note that the Göta Canal tours depart on fixed dates so that extra nights can only be added before the given start date or at the end.

Extra nights before the start of the tour or after the end of the tour can also be added until the due date of the final payment by sending an e-mail to info@authentic-scandinavia.com

The ships are beautifully preserved historic vessels, and accessibility is limited due to their original design. This means that thresholds are high, doorways are narrow and the stairways are steep. In addition, most shore excursions are on foot and there is uneven ground during some excursions. Guests with reduced mobility or other accessibility needs must travel with a companion. Please contact us well in advance so we can advise you and help plan your trip.

Smoking is only allowed in designated areas outside.

We can unfortunately not offer any senior discount on the prices published on our website as our contracted rates with our suppliers can not be combined with any discounts.

Yes, children from 7 years old can travel. Each child must have their own bed. No child discounts apply.

Since we offer tours throughout the Nordic countries, the Baltics and Russia we do not have staff available to meet you in person during your travels with us. Please rest assured however that we are always available through phone and email during our office hours and through our emergency phone outside our office hours should you require any assistance during your travels.  

All travel documents will be sent by e-mail approximately one month before travel and after final payment is completed.

Included in the travel documents are a detailed travel itinerary, an address list, travel vouchers and/or e-tickets. You will receive a travel voucher and/or e-ticket for each service included in the package tour. These vouchers are your proof of payment and must be presented during your trip.