Leisure area for water sports fans
Hiking, biking and boating in Berg
For many years, the Göta Canal was a very important waterway in Sweden, playing an important economic and strategic role. It was the main waterway that ran from east to west, via a number of large lakes. Now the canal is mainly a leisure destination for boaters, hikers and cyclists. The waterway attracts many visitors, but the area is quite large so you can still enjoy some peace and quiet time. The region features many car-free cycling and walking routes, with plenty of restaurants along the way to take a break. Two passenger ships, the Wasa Lejon and the Ceres, sail every day from Berg for a cruise along the canal. For visitors who would rather stay on shore, there are many other activities to enjoy around Berg. Birdwatchers will find several good places to observe birds like the bald eagle and the black-tailed godwit. And just outside of Berg, in a lovely green landscape, lies the medieval Vreta Kloster. It is Sweden’s oldest monastery and houses a wealth of history.
The Göta Canal, an amazing feat of manual labour
Inaugurated in 1832, the Göta Canal was partially dug by hand. Led by the Swedish engineer Baltzar von Platen, 58,000 soldiers dug up 87.3 km of the canal. The other 104 km were part of a natural waterway. The locks make it possible to navigate the 91.7 m difference in altitude between the Baltic Sea and Lake Vänern.
