Göta kanal – Sweden’s blue ribbon – is one of the country’s most famous works of engineering and a paddling experience of its own. The hand-dug canal winds through Östergötland and on towards Västergötland, linking lakes, palaces and old mill towns with a long line of locks. To paddle the canal is to glide through living history.
Paddling along the canal
The water in the canal itself is quiet and forgiving, perfect for beginners and families, while the lakes in between such as Boren and Roxen can offer more open water. You paddle past lock staircases, guest harbours and cultural settings, and there are plenty of places to put in and rest. See stretches and stages in our overview of Göta kanal.
Good to know
Rent a kayak and canoe via Kayakomat Motala or at Kajakparadiset and S:t Anna Kajak in Söderköping nearer the east coast. Respect locks, canal traffic and local rules for paddling in the canal, and always wear a life jacket. Find more trips on the map.