Quick facts about the Göta Canal

The Göta Canal stretches between Sjötorp on Lake Vänern and Mem at the Baltic, with 58 locks along the way. A total of 190 km, of which only 87 km are man-made. The canal’s highest point, 91.8 m above sea level, is Lake Viken. Combined with the Trollhätte Canal, from Vänersborg to Gothenburg, the Göta Canal forms a water route from coast to coast.

Quick canal facts
Number of locks: 58
Length of the canal: 190 km, 87 km excavated canal
Highest elevation above sea level: 91.8 m

Maximum boat dimensions
Length: 30 m
Width: 7 m
Maximum draught: 2.82 m
Height: 22
Maximum speed: 5 knots

Note that the full length is counted, including any bathing bridge, dinghy or the like. Sailing-free height applies only in the middle of the canal. In some places, overhanging branches may be from the tree-lined trees.

Historical facts
Year of construction: 1810-1832
Builder: Baltzar von Platen
Number of men: 58,000 divided soldiers from 16 regiments
Number of days work: About seven million effective days work in 12 hours
Tools: Plated wood pavers
Cost: Nine million riksdaler. In the 1995 monetary value, the cost of building Göta channel is approximately SEK 12.3 billion

Trollhätte Canal
Many pleasure craft travelling the Göta Canal continue on through Sweden to the opposite coast. This takes them through another canal – the Trollhätte Canal, 6 locks, between Lake Vänern and Gothenburg. Read more about the Trollhätte Canal here.