DESCRIPTION
WORLD RANKINGS
Total Length Waterways: 2,052 km  Rank: 43

The inland waterways of Sweden are located mostly in the south.


The waterways are navigable to fairly large boats from both Stockholm and Gothenburg right into the vast hinterland.


It is possible to cruise from the Southwest coast of Sweden (Kattegat) to the Southeast coast (Baltic Sea) through Lake Vanern and Lake Vattern and interlinking canals. The Gota Canal links the lakes with 65 locks the highest of which is 91.8 meters above sea level. From Lake Vanern it is possible to cruise northwest on the Dalsland Canal and north on the Saffle Waterway to Karlstad.


From Stockholm it is possible to go to Upsala and through the entire length of the Stromholms Canal, via Lake Malaran. The boating (recreational) season is from mid May to mid September.


There are a number of coastal cities and towns that can be reached by boat on the Swedish Coast. It is possible to go to Norway from Sweden via the Dalsland Canal using a short overland boat transfer.

PORTS AND TERMINALS

Brofjorden - Goteborg - Helsingborg - Lulea - Malmo, Stenungsund - Stockholm - Trelleborg - Visby


The islands of Lake Mälaren form a unique fresh water archipelago.

Stockholm archipelago totals more than 24,000 islands and islets.

Lake Vänern, Sweden's largest lake has considerable expanses of open water and quite a few small archipelagos. Most of Swedens main lakes are chained together by rivers, a natural phenomenon that makes Sweden perfect for boating. Because much of Sweden is surrounded by water, it is possible to cruise to, from, and into Sweden from other Scandinavian and European cities.

Sweden's canals, such as the famous Göta Canal are widely hailed as Sweden's greatest liquid assets. They connect major cities and different bodies of water.

There are many options to discover Swedens Waterways. Boat cruises from a couple of hours to 3-4 days are available.

Boat rentals of all class are easily obtainable. All boats should carry property damage insurance and a deposit is required in advance. Strict navigation rules apply.