Göta Canal Cycle Route

Göta Canal Route

Göta Canal Cycle Route

A collection of 6 cycling routes.

Overview

About this collection

A classic ride along Sweden’s Göta Canal, linking the Baltic and Lake Vänern. It’s mostly flat canal‑side cruising with plenty of locks, bridges, and cozy stops along the way. Expect a mix of surfaces: lots of asphalt, long stretches of good gravel, and some unpaved bits. You’ll ride a blend of paths, cycleways, and quiet roads—great for touring or gravel bikes.

Do it as a multi‑day tour or pick a favorite section for a chilled day ride. There are frequent places to refuel, watch boats work through the locks, and jump off for a photo or a swim. The route is generally family‑friendly and car‑light—just slow down near popular lock areas and narrow bridges.

What to know: wider tires (around 32–40 mm) make the mixed surfaces comfy; bring a basic repair kit; and pack layers—weather by the water can shift. Late spring to early autumn is the sweet spot.

If you like easygoing miles with big canal vibes and Swedish countryside views, this one’s a no‑brainer.

6
Routes
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Duration
208.4 km
Distance
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Avg. speed
849 m
Ascent
950 m
Descent

Göta Canal Cycle Route

Routes in this collection

All 6 routes in this collection can be opened on the map or in the Bikemap App for more details, where you can adjust them in the route planner, or download them as GPX or KML file. Use them as a template for planning your own rides, or let Bikemap navigate you along them directly.

Göta kanalleden: Borensberg–Linghem
Official

Göta kanalleden: Borensberg–Linghem

Cycling route in Borensberg, Östergötland County, Sweden

Follow the Göta Canal route eastward from the canal junction at Borensberg, past locks, boats, and leafy avenues before turning towards Linghem near Linköping. Approximately 51 km, mostly flat, with a mix of cycle paths, trails, and some gravel – wider tires are comfortable. A peaceful ride with ca…
51 km
Distance
121 m
Ascent
143 m
Descent
Göta kanalleden: Linghem–Söderköping
Official

Göta kanalleden: Linghem–Söderköping

Cycling route in Linghem, Östergötland County, Sweden

Quiet and rural stage on the Göta Canal route from Linghem, just east of Linköping, to charming Söderköping on the Göta Canal. About 42 km with small elevation changes and a gentle downhill towards the finish. A mix of bike paths, quiet country roads, and gravel sections – bring tires that can hand…
41.8 km
Distance
108 m
Ascent
160 m
Descent
Göta kanalleden: Söderköping–Söderköping
Official

Göta kanalleden: Söderköping–Söderköping

Cycling route in Söderköping, Östergötland County, Sweden

Short and nice route along the Göta Canal in Söderköping. About 5.9 km, almost completely flat and mostly on gravel and trails – perfect for a relaxed ride or a quick leg stretch. Start and finish in Söderköping, where you ride close to the water and pass small lock environments and green avenues. …
5.9 km
Distance
0 m
Ascent
6 m
Descent
Göta kanalleden: Motala–Borensberg
Official

Göta kanalleden: Motala–Borensberg

Cycling route in Motala, Östergötland County, Sweden

Final stage along the Göta Canal from Motala on Lake Vättern to Borensberg. About 18 km mostly on asphalt and quiet roads/trails, almost flat and easy cycling. Follow the water, pass locks and small harbours, enjoy a coffee break along the canal and watch the boats. Start in Motala town centre and …
18 km
Distance
96 m
Ascent
83 m
Descent
Göta kanalleden: Töreboda–Karlsborg
Official

Göta kanalleden: Töreboda–Karlsborg

Cycling route in Töreboda, Västra Götaland County, Sweden

Follow the Göta Canal route from Töreboda to Karlsborg, about 76 km along water and lock environments. Start at the canal edge in Töreboda and ride on gravel, trails, and quiet roads. It’s mostly flat, with a few small hills. Take breaks at cafés by the canal and enjoy the boating life. The destina…
75.9 km
Distance
484 m
Ascent
480 m
Descent
Göta kanalleden: Hova–Töreboda
Official

Göta kanalleden: Hova–Töreboda

Cycling route in Hova, Västra Götaland County, Sweden

Short and beautiful stage on the Göta Canal trail from Hova to Töreboda. About 16 km, gently rolling and mostly slightly downhill towards the Göta Canal. The surface is almost entirely gravel and trails – no asphalt – so choose your tires accordingly. Start in the peaceful Hova and roll through for…
15.8 km
Distance
39 m
Ascent
79 m
Descent