One of the biggest engineering feats in Swedish history, Göta Canal connects the east and west coasts, along the way crossing Sweden’s two largest lakes, Vänern and Vättern. Originally created to help the country’s industries transport goods, the canal is popular today with tourists who enjoy crossing the country at a leisurely pace. The M/S Juno, for instance, is a 29-cabin cruiser dating from 1874 (it’s one of the world’s oldest cruise ships) that makes the trip in four days. Fans of Scandinavian crime dramas, take note: A cruise on the Göta was the setting for Roseanna, the first novel by famed crime-writing duo Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö.
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The largest construction project in Sweden, the canal was built from 1810 to 1832 to connects the west coast and the east coast of the country. The 120-mile Göta Canal has 58 locks and enabled Sweden to ship cargo from Gothenburg to Stockholm without having to pass through Denmark and pay tolls. Built by more than 58,000 soldiers, along with 200 Russian deserters (who got part of their pay in aquavit), today the canal is a tourist favorite, where you can bike along the canal or sail by boat, both private or tour boats. It’s a great way to experience the countryside at a slow and comfortable pace.
