Juno

The Classic Canal Cruise from Stockholm to Gothenburg

The Juno, originally launched in 1874, is now the world’s oldest registered ship with overnight accommodation. Travelling down Sweden’s canals on this boat is like stepping into another world. Renovated in 2003, the 29 cabins are nostalgically luxurious and tastefully fitted with brass details and handsome textiles. The bridge deck boasts a covered aft deck offering a perfect view in both sun and rain.

Info

Embark

Embark in Stockholm.

Day 1: Stockholm - Trosa

Embark the Juno in Stockholm for your four day “Coast to Coast” cruise. The first lock on your journey is Hammarby lock which divides Saltsjön from Lake Mälaren. Lake Mälaren is 0.3 metres above sea level and is Sweden’s third largest lake. One of the highlights today is a trip to Drottningholm Castle, the home of the Royal family since 1981, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By midday the cruise reaches Södertälje Lock. At 135 metres long, this is the largest lock in Scandinavia. From here the cruise continues into the Baltic around the archipelago of St Anna and Södermanland to the small town of Trosa, which dates back to the 14th century. Regular steamer traffic from Stockholm and Nyköping began in 1860, bringing large numbers of summer visitors. Here you will be taken on a guided walk around the canals and alleys.

Day 2: Trosa - Motala

Early this morning your cruise passes through Stegeborg and the ruins of the Stegeborg Castle, Mem and the first of the 58 narrow locks on the Göta Canal. Arriving in Söderköping the ship sails through the lock Carlsborg Övre and you can take a nice walk along the canal here. Next the cruise reaches Lake Asplången and makes its way to Berg where you can visit the convent of Vreta, the first nunnery in Sweden. Alternatively, take a walk along the canal, or enjoy a swim in the warm water of Lake Roxen. From here sail past the Ljungsbro and the aqueduct at Kungs Norrby, Borensberg, Lake Boren and the lock staircase of Borenshuit to Motala. Visit the Motor Museum, with its large exhibition of antique cars, motorcycles and more. You can also walk to see Baltzar von Platen’s grave, about 1km further along the canal.

Day 3: Motala - Lake Vänern

The cruise leaves Motala early this morning and heads out onto Lake Vättern. At 89 metres above sea level, this is Sweden’s second largest lake. The morning excursion is a visit to Karlsborg Fortress, initiated by Baltzar von Platen and built 1819-1909. The ship then moves onto Forsvik, Tåtorp and Töreboda. At Hajstorp, a lock system consisting of four locks awaits and you can see the old home of the Canal Engineer. If you want to stretch your legs this is a good place: Hajstorp to Godhögen lock is approximately 1.5 km or to Norrkvarn approximately 5km. From Norrkvarn as the ship continues to Sjötorp, where there is a set of eight locks and the remains of some old shipyards. Visit the old warehouse, where the Visitors Centre and the Sjötorp Canal Museum are located. This evening the ship sales across Lake Vänern to your next destination, Trollhättan.

Day 4: Trollhättan - Gothenburg

Learn more about the fascinating history of the Trollhätte Canal through the interesting exhibition at Trollhättan Canal Museum. You can also take a walk through the beautiful old Trollhättan lock area; this impressive lock staircase consists of four locks, and has a total drop of 32 metres. Of the three parallel lock systems here, only the biggest one (from 1916) is still in use. Your final destination is Gothenburg where you will dock for disembarkation.