The Scenic Göta Canal Cycle Route has been awarded Cycle Route of the Year 2025 at an annual cycling and hiking fair in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
The Göta Canal is a 200km waterway a cycle path, canal boats and small towns along the way.
Known as the Göta Canal Trail, this well-signposted national cycle route stretches approximately 220 kilometres, connecting Sjötorp on Lake Vänern to Mem on the Baltic Sea.
It is divided into seven stages, making it easy for cyclists to plan shorter trips or complete the entire route at their own pace.
A significant portion of the trail runs along a car-free towpath past lakes, historic locks and charming canal-side towns such as Töreboda, Karlsborg, and Motala.
The Route is designed for cyclists of all abilities.
It has mostly flat terrain suitable for families, casual riders and experienced cyclists alike.
Along the way :
- the Göta Canal Museum, highlights the canal's rich history : https://www.vastsverige.com/en/mariestad/produkter/canal-museum-in-sjotorp-gota-canal/
- The Norrqvarn Hotell & Konferens in Lyrestad offers food and a range of hotel rooms : https://www.vastsverige.com/en/mariestad/produkter/norrqvarn-hotell-konferens/
- The Lina cable ferry is Sweden's smallest regular ferry route : Lanthöjden,Göta Canal's Only Island, is an artificial island created during the 1930s excavation of the Bergkanalen : https://www.vardskapsbyran.se/english/
More in formation :
https://www.gotakanal.se/en/about-us/the-gota-canal-trail
https://www.vastsverige.com/en/nature-experiences/cycling/cycle-paths/cycle-along-the-gota-canal/