Göta Canal Cruises, 2 days from Söderkoping
| This is a cruise through the picturesque Östgöta section of the Göta Canal, journeying from Motala on the shore of Lake Vänern to the idyllic town of Söderköping or back.
Enjoy the beautiful eastern section of the canal from the deck of M/S Diana. On the way, we pass Borensberg with its well known Göta Canal hotel, two aqueducts, Lake Roxen and Lake Asplången and Berg with an impressive flight of 11 locks.
This is the perfect choice for anyone wishing to try a shorter canal cruise. Yet despite spending only one night on the ship, there is time for many experiences.
The return trip by bus to the starting point is included.
| Departure | 2 days, Söderköping - Motala July 16th, 20th, 24th, 28th Aug 1st, 5th, 9th, 23rd |
| Price | Prices in USD Category C (main deck) $595 Double cabin per person $370 Extra bed $795 Single cabin Category B (shelter deck) $655 Double cabin per person $1,005 Single cabin Category A (bridge deck, including champagne, fruit and bathrobe) $765 Double cabin per person $1,165 Single cabin EARLY BOOKING SPECIAL: 10 % early booking discount on regular cabin prices if booked by March 1st, 2010. This discount cannot be combined with other offers. |
| Included | Two days and one night on board (dock for the night at the locks at Berg) Full board and lodging - one breakfast, two two-course lunches and one three-course dinner Visit to Runstorp säteri (Runstorp manor) Return trip by bus (approx. 1,5 h) |
| Not Included | International airfare Transfers Alcoholic beverages Personal items Travel insurance Gratuities $25 Service fee |
| Please Note | Cruise also available in reverse order, Motala - Söderköping |
| Tour Options | Please see our offer for all Göta Canal Cruises: "Mini Canal Cruise", 2 days aboard M/S Diana "The Good Life on board", 3 days aboard M/S Diana "From Coast to Coast", 4 days aboard M/S Juno, M/S Wilhelm Tham and M/S Diana "The Great Swedish Cruise", 6 days aboard M/S Juno and M/S Diana |
DaY 1 DEPART SÖDERKÖPING 11.30 Departure Söderköping
The idyllic town Söderköping was founded in the early 1200s and was very important during the Hanseatic period. The town also has a long and very interesting history as a spa. Don't forget to try the famous ice cream!
12.00 - 13.30 Dufkullen-Mariehov-Carlsborg
There are nine locks in the short distance of around two kilometres. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs between the locks.
14.45 - 15.15 Lake Asplången
27 metres above sea level.
16.45 - 17.00 Norsholm lock
Here the canal crosses the main railway line between Stockholm and Malmö.
17.00 - 20.15 Lake Roxen
33 metres above sea level.
17.15 - 18.45 Runstorp
Runstorp is a manor house dating from Sweden's period of greatness. The owners Louise and Eddie Uggla take us on a tour of their house with its Gustavian drawing room and interesting library, all while relating anecdotes from its history. Runstorp is not open to the public, which makes this an exclusive visit.
20.15 - 21.15 Berg (Carl-Johan)
The Carl-Johan lock staircase is the longest in the canal with seven connected locks. At Berg there is a system of a total of 15 locks.
21.15 Arr. Berg
We dock for the night below the impressive lock staircase at Berg. The evening offers the possibility to take a walk along the canal, or to go for an evening swim in Lake Roxen.
Day 2 ARRIVE MOTALA 08.00 Dep. Berg
08.00 - 08.30 Berg (Oscar)
Four locks take us up to the road bridge at Berg. Here it is possible to take a walk along the canal to the Vreta convent ruins and church.
The convent of Vreta dates from about 1100 and was the first nunnery in Sweden. Its importance was later superseded by the convent founded by Saint Bridget (St. Birgitta) at Vadstena. The old convent church at Vreta is one of Sweden's most interesting, offering many medieval treasures. Today, it serves as a parish church and is therefore not always open to visitors.
08.45 - 09.30 Berg (Brunnby/Heda)
This stretch of the canal is regarded as one of the most beautiful with its views over Lake Roxen.
09.30 - 12.50 Långkanalen
We travel 20 kms without passing any locks through the astonishing Östgöta scenery. We pass two aqueducts, eight bridges, Ljung castle and Brunneby manor.
09.45 Ljungsbro, aqueduct
Two more recent aqueducts have been built to carry the canal. The Ljungsbro aqueduct was built in 1970 over the new road into the community.
12.20 Kungs Norrby, aqueduct
The aqueduct at Kungs Norrby was built in 1993 as part of the national route 36. Shortly after the aqueduct there is a small gazebo leaning out over the canal in the sharp Västanå Bend, also known as the "Helmsman's Horror".
12.50 - 13.00 Borensberg
Borensberg has one of the canal's hand-operated locks. Right by the lock you can also see the well-known Göta Hotel from 1908.
13.00 - 14.00 Lake Boren
73 metres above sea level.
14.00 - 14.45 Borenshult
Lock staircase of five locks where you might hear the nightingale sing.
16.00 Arr. Motala
It was Baltzar von Platen who drew up the plans for Motala, and today it is called "the Capital of the Göta Canal". In 1822 an engineering works, Motala Werkstad, was established here to serve the canal, and is today considered to be the cradle of Swedish industry. Here you also find the head office of the Gota Canal Company, as well as a number of museums, including the well-known Motor Museum. Our cruise ends here.
Subject to changes. Note! All times stated are approximate.