Gota Canal – 9 Days
Type of tour: Self-guided
Level: 2
Duration: 8 Nights
Distance: 32 Miles/day average
Dates:Sundays: May 17-Aug 23, 2015
Tour price: SEK14400
Start city: Katrineholm, Sweden
End city: Katrineholm, Sweden
Tour Description
Anyone who longs for intact nature and outdoor activities is definitely in the right place here! Experience Sweden from its most beautiful side. The tour starts in middle of Sweden to Katrineholm, which is situated 62 miles (100 km) south-west of the capital Stockholm.
From there you will start your circular trip by bike through green forests, along sparkling lakes to picturesque homesteads and, above al l along Sweden’s most beautiful waterway, the Gota Canal. At a length of 118 miles (190 km) the canal combines lakes from Stockholm across Sweden to Göteborg on the westcoast.
Enjoy yourself on well-marked bikeways, as you pass typical red framehouses and relish the silence of untouched nature!
Highlights: Self-guided Daily Program: Self-guided Day 1: Katrineholm Arrival Day 2: Katrineholm – Kila Mobler (29 miles/48 km) Day 3: Kila Mobler – Söderköping (31 miles/50 km) Day 4: Soderkoping – Linköping (33 days/55 km) Day 5: Linköping – Motala (31 miles/51 km) Day 6: Motala – Askersund (43 miles/69 km) Day 7: Askersund – Regna (40 miles/65 km) Day 8: Regna – Katrineholm (25 miles/42 km) Day 9: Katrineholm Departure Included Services: Self-guided Bike Rentals: Self-guided Bikes available to rent on this tour (must be reserved at time of booking): Hybrid bikes are equipped with the following at no extra charge: Pedals: Seats: Helmets:
Arrival to Katrineholm.
Overnight in Katrineholm.
The first stage is easy cycling, so you will arrive quickly at the Ericsberg Castle, dating to 1680, with its lovely gardens built after French example. You will cycle further to Wira Bruk and Sweden’s biggest porcelain museum. Soon you will arrive at Stavsjö, a small steel works place from the 17th century.
Overnight in Vreta.
Today’s route will lead you to one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sweden. The lovely little town of Söderköping used to be one of the most exclusive cities in Sweden. With buildings from the 18th and 19th century, it is well-worth seeing.
Overnight in Soderkoping.
There it is, the Göta canal, which first started in 1810 with 58 watergates. You will not cycle the complete canal, but quite a good stage of the 118 miles (190 km) of waterway. You have the possibility of following the busy activities at the water-gates and take a picture of the beautiful houses of the bridge care takers. The lively university city of Linköping awaits you with a cathedral well worth seeing, as well as the castle and a cozy city center and some marketplaces.
Overnight in Linköping.
Today you will experience the most famous water-gate of the Gota canal! The ‘Karl Johann Watergate’ forms a long stair along with 7 other water-gates and allows interesting observations. You will cycle through green landscapes to the ruins of the Vreta monastery, Sweden’s oldest monastery from the 12th century. Today’s destination is situated idyllically on the Vätternsee. Vätternsee, with its 730 square miles (1,900 sq kms), appears more like a semi-enclosed sea.
Overnight in Motala.
Through the broad forests of Ostergötland you will cycle to Zinkgruvan, an old coal mine town from 1860. Gaze at the exhibits of the museum or use the lovely swimming site for a cool refreshment. The last distance of the route is easy cycling as it heads to the north bank of Vätternsee to Askersund, with its lovely frame-houses, tiny harbor and paved market.
Overnight in Askersund.
Past innumerable lakes you will cycle to the castle of Boo, situated within a beautiful park. Visit the little ‘Herrenhofkirche’ (a country estate church) of 1870, which was exclusively built for the castle owner. Afterwards you will cycle to today’s accommodation at Regna.
Overnight in Regna.
Your last cycling day presents you with a colorful mix! Spend your time in green forests, around blue lakes, enjoy the bright colors of freshly painted frame-houses and take a look at the black of ironworks in Övre Hävla Bruk. Here you can inspect the last still known blacksmith technique, the so called “Deutschherd”.
Overnight in Katrineholm.
After breakfast your lovely cycle tour will end in Katrineholm.
Bikes availabe and included in tour cost (must be reserved at time of booking):
The bikes will have FLAT pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
If you plan to bring your own seat, please ensure that it has a universal seat post.
Helmet rental is not available on this tour. We recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.
