Soak in Sweden as you cycle along quiet country roads, passing typical Swedish farms and tour some of it's most famous attractions including a private tour the country’s most beautiful castle, Läckö Castle. You will cycle across Sweden's greatest civil-engineering feat, the Göta Canal and finish your tour with a ride on the S/S Mariefred steam ship which has been making the same route into Stockholm since 1903.
* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.
Gothenburg, Läckö Castle, Kornettgarden Café Museum, Linköping, steamship into Stockholm, Göta Canal Locks
Keep in Mind: We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
We use charming and modern hotels but A/C or fans may not always be available since they haven't been needed traditionally. Read more on the use of air conditioning in Europe here.
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.
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. Make sure you get to town early enough to grab lunch, 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.
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.
Meeting time 1 p.m. - on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on the itinerary.
Note:
As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
The closest airport is Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT). Copenhagen (CPH) is about 3.5 hours by train.
From the Gothenburg Airport to the Day 1 Hotel
*Taxi (20 min/SEK 450)
Or public transportation
Flygbuss Airport bus the Nils Ericson Terminalen bus station, located at the Gothenburg central station (30 min/SEK 99)
Walk from the Nils Ericson Terminalen bus station to the Day 1 Hotel.
*Note: Taxi companies set their prices freely so you can check for the comparative price displayed on the cars. You don't have to take the first taxi in line. Ask if the company applies fixed prices. If they do, then it will be entered in the taxi meter before your journey starts.
Day 8: Departure Information
Stockholm
The tour ends on the final day after a walking tour of Stockholm at 12:30 p.m. back at the hotel. If you would like to participate in the walking tour, schedule flights out of Stockholm Arlanda after 3 p.m.
The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio.
We recommend flying out of the Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN).
Flying out of ARN
Taxi from the Ending Hotel to the airport (25 min/SEK 575)
Or public transportation
Walk from Ending Hotel to Stockholm Central Station
Train from Stockholm Central Station to Arlanda Norra Station (20-40 min/fares vary)
Look up train schedules for Sweden and adjacent regions at SJ.com or Trainline.com. Questions? See our information on taking trains in Europe here or ask us.
Keep in Mind
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
We use charming and modern hotels but A/C or fans may not always be available since they haven't been needed traditionally. Read more on the use of air conditioning in Europe here.
Read through your Reservation Confirmation and After you Book Information (link sent to you by e-mail), it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country.
Refer to your Tour Packet/Itinerary to see step-by-step arrival and departure information for your tour, meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
Begin your chosen training program.
Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail we send 10 days prior to the due date for detailed instructions.
We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition and Bike & Boat tours).
Day of Your Flight
Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!
What to Expect on Tour
Classic Tour Style
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic page.
Beautiful countryside, excellent food, good company, great castles, and a very doable physical challenge for most people.
Gwen F., Los Angeles, CA - June 2022
It was our first tour and we were just blown away by the great people, food and preparedness. Well Done! We had a trip to Sweden as part of Volvo's Oversea's Delivery Package and wanted to go from Gothenburg to Stockholm along the Gott Canal. I think everyone who does the Volvo trip in the summer should know about this itinerary. It was made to showcase Sweden.
Amy R., Corrales, NM - July 2022
Gentle
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Hilly
Very hilly
Mountainous
