Cycling Gothenburg to Stockholm

Highlights: “Stockholm’s little sister”

An important seaport, and unexpectedly energetic city, Gothenburg offers plenty to explore. With its 17-century canals winding through the lush King’s Park and chic Acenyn boulevard lined with bars and shops Gothenburg’s many attractions are a wonderful introduction to Sweden.

Highlights: Private tour of Läckö Castle, Lake Vänern

We will start the day with a train ride out of Gothenburg to the small village of Lovene where our bikes will be waiting for us. From Lovene our ride takes us through picturesque Swedish farmland that gently transitions into beautiful shaded forests, ending on the shores of Lake Vänern, where we will enjoy a private tour of Läckö Castle, one of the country’s most beautiful and interesting historic sites. With its well-preserved interior Läckö tells the intriguing story of a bishop’s fort transformation into a baroque castle. After our tour we’ll head to our tranquil nature hotel with views back to Läckö.

Highlights: Gota Canal, Lake Vanern views, Karlsborg

We start today with a transfer from Lake Vänern to Sjotorp, where the Gota Canal’s gate “begins” from Lake Vanern. Our cycling route this morning takes us along this engineering wonder built by some 600,000 soldiers between 1802 and 1832. The canal provided a valuable transport and trade link between Sweden’s east and west coasts, although never fully living up to its economic potential due to the arrival of the steam trains. Cafes and restaurants dot the canal, perfect places to stop for lunch. The second part of our ride we travel through quiet roads and dense forests on our way to the lakeside town of Karlsborg.

Highlights: Motala, Lake Vattern, Vadstena city and castle

This morning we transfer to the other side of Lake Vattern to ride to the beautiful little city of Vadstena. Our ride today follows the shores of Lake Vattern and crosses paths with the 315 kms that make up the Vatternrundan bike route, held every June, and considered one of the largest cycling events in Sweden. We’ll spend the night in charming Vadstena, which, in spite of its small population, is still referred to as a city due to its historic significance and beautiful castle.

Highlights: Kornettgarden Café Museum, Boställets Farm and Bakery

We leave the coast behind and cycle inland along quiet country roads through a landscape dotted with typical Swedish farms ending in Linköping, where the past meets the present merging the modern parts of the city into its historic center. On our way we stop by the largest lock on this end of the Gota Canal where you can stop for a coffee before cycling into Linköping where we spend the night tonight.

The June 6 departure is staying at Clarion Hotel Slottsparken.

Highlights: Steam Train, Gripsholms Slott (Castle)

We start the day with a train ride to Södertälje. From Södertälje we will cycle to Mariefred, nestles on the shores of Lake Mälaren. Mariefred is home to Gripsholms Castle that houses one of Europe’s best-preserved 18th century theaters and the state’s portrait collection. Explore the castle, and take a ride on Sweden’s oldest steam train dating from 1888.

Highlights: Steamship to Stockholm on Lake Mälaren

Our last ride today takes us through some beautiful Swedish countryside. We´ll be back in Mariefred in time for a quick shower and lunch before boarding the S.S Mariefred steam ship which has been making the same route to Stockholm since 1903. We will enjoy our final dinner together tonight as we steam our way towards Stockholm on the picturesque Lake Mälaren.

Highlights: Walking tour of Stockholm

Our tour ends after a fascinating guided walk of Stockholm. We highly recommend that you take a few days to enjoy all that the city has to offer. Whatever you decide, have a wonderful journey.