Hurtigruten (formerly Norwegian Coastal Voyage) is offering unique four- and six-day small ship adventures along Sweden’s spectacular Göta Canal from late May through mid-September.
The cruises focus on the history of the canal (the 175th anniversary celebrations are scheduled for next year) and the culture and attractions of the surrounding cities and towns. The 190 km long Göta Canal includes 58 locks reaching a total elevation of 92 meters above sea level.
The vintage small ships, the M/S Diana, M/S Juno and M/S Wilhelm Tham, were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and refurbished in 2003-2004 to include modern comforts while maintaining the ambience of their original period. They have no more than 29 cozy, small cabins, most of which have bunk beds, washbasins and shared toilets and showers.
Each cruise includes daily buffet breakfasts, with fixed-menu two-course lunches and three-course dinners. Swedish, English and German are spoken onboard. The ships have a dining room, lounge, library and small kiosk. There are no televisions or radios to disrupt the relaxing voyage.
The four- and six-day cruises travel from Stockholm to Göteborg, Sweden’s largest port. Along the way, guests are able to explore the villages and historical sites by foot or by bicycle. Key sites include:
- The Trollhätte Canal Museum with detailed descriptions of historic and modern canal lock construction;
- The Royal Hunting Museum in Älgens Berg with a special display on the region’s noblest animal, the moose;
- A collection of castles: Läckö's 13th-century castle, rebuilt in the Baroque-style in the 17th century; the ruins of 13th century Stegeborg castle, with unique Viking pole barriers; and the Vadstena Cloister with King Gustav Vasa's 1540s Gripsholm Castle.
