GÖTA CANAL BY BIKE AND BOAT SELF GUIDED BIKING ADVENTURE

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During the 16th century it was suggested that a boat route should be arranged across southern Sweden – from the Baltic Sea in the east to the North Sea in the west. The plans of a canal finally became a reality at the beginning of the 19th century. It took 60,000 men and 22 years to build the Göta Canal. During the 19th century, the canal had a great importance as a transportation route for both passengers and goods. However, eventually the railroads and truck routes took over the roll of the canal. The transportation route instead became one of Sweden’s most visited and most well-known tourist attractions.

Experience the western part of the Göta Canal by bike and boat, from Sjötorp to Karlsborg and back. Pedal along the canal and past beautiful lakes and villages and take in the fresh air and quiet countryside. Enjoy a boat ride on part of the canal as you make your way back towards Sjötorp.

Is it for me?
This is a leisurely bicycle tour with easy and mostly flat terrain along the canal and through surrounding farm lands. Daily biking distance is between 20-32 km. You set your own pace make as many stops as you like. This route is rated easy but it’s still recommended that you are recreational bicyclist in reasonably good shape.

Duration:
4 days / 3 nights • 3 days of biking & 1 day by boat.

Departure Dates:
This trip can depart Thursdays from June 12th to August 14th, 2008

Price:

$869/person

Optional Additional Cost:

$130 total – Round trip transfer Töreboda – Sjötorp
$395 total – Luggage transfers

Inclusions:
3 nights of accommodations with bed linens and towels, all meals, maps, route description, bicycle rental with panniers, transportation by boat across Lake Viken, boat ride from Karlsborg to Töreboda. Luggage transfers can be arranged for an additional fee.

Not included:
Transportation to/from Sjötorp, pre and post trip hotel accommodations, personal purchases, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages.

Starting / Finishing Point:

Day 1: Mid morning in Sjötorp / Day 4: Afternoon in Sjötorp

Accommodations:
2 nights in B&B (cabins or rooms) with private or shared facilities and one night in a hotel with private facilities.

Meals:
All meals starting with lunch on day 1 and ending with breakfast on day 4 are included.

Rental Bikes:
A 3-speed rental bike is included as well as panniers and bicycle repair service.

Location:
This biking adventure takes place in southern Sweden, along the famous waterway Göta Canal, which connects the west coast with the east coast through a canal that was built in the early 19th century. The trip starts and ends in Sjötorp, on the shores of Lake Vänern. Sjötorp can be reached by car, or you can travel by train to Töreboda and get a transfer to Sjötorp.