Sweden's scenic cycle route along the Göta Canal has been named Europe's best cycle route at the prestigious Fiets en Wandelbeurs fair in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The award is a great recognition for Swedish cycling tourism and confirms Göta Kanal's position as one of Europe's premier destinations for cycling experiences.

Göta Canal cycle path received the award Europe's best cycle route 2025 at the Fiets en Wandelbeurs fair in Utrecht. 

– We are incredibly proud of this award. It shows that our investment in creating a sustainable and unique cycling destination has paid off. The combination of water, land and the many experiences along the trail make Göta Canal an unforgettable destination for cyclists, says Magnus Hollwin, Marketing and Communications Manager for Göta Canal.

– Winning this award is proof of the collaboration and commitment behind the Göta Canal cycle path. It gives us inspiration to continue developing the path as a sustainable and attractive destination for cyclists from all over the world, continues Magnus Hollwin.

Gota Canal is one of Sweden's most iconic tourist destinations and offers a unique mix of nature, culture and history along its 200-kilometer waterway. With its well-known canal boats, idyllic small towns and charming accommodations, the canal attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.

Since 2023, both cycling enthusiasts and nature lovers can experience the Göta Canal through the cycle path. Göta Canal Trail. The trail, which is approximately 220 kilometers long and stretches from Sjötorp on Lake Vänern to Mem on the Baltic Sea, follows the historic canal and is divided into seven stages. A significant part of the trail runs along a car-free towpath, providing a peaceful and safe cycling experience ideal for families, beginners and more experienced cyclists alike. The trail is clearly marked with red and white signs for national cycle routes, ensuring a smooth journey through the Swedish countryside past tranquil lakes, historic locks and charming canal towns such as Töreboda, Karlsborg and Motala. 

Some highlights along the way

• Historic locks and charming towns – Experience the locks of the Göta Canal and visit Göta Canal Museum for a deep dive into the history of the canal, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2022.
• Charming accommodation and dining experiences – Norrqvarn Hotel & Conference in Lyrestad offers accommodation in both classic hotel rooms and fabulous troll stumps and mushroom cottages.
• Sweden's smallest ferry - In Töreboda you can take a trip with Lina, Sweden's smallest ferry. regular ferry, which connects both sides of the canal in a charming and unique way.
• The only island in the Göta Canal – Visit Lanthöjden, an artificial island created during the canal works of the 1930s to improve the fairway through the Berg Canal.
• Book a guided cycling or hiking tour with The hospitality agency to learn even more about the history of the Göta Canal and its attractions along the way