Sweden's scenic Göta Canal Cycle Route has been crowned Europe's premier cycling experience, winning the Cycle Route of the Year 2025 award at Fiets- en Wandelbeurs, the annual cycling and hiking fair in Utrecht, the Netherlands, on Friday.

Cycling enthusiasts and nature lovers alike can now experience one of Sweden's most picturesque cycling routes—the Göta Canal Cycle Route. Known as the Göta Canal Trail, this well-signposted national cycle route stretches approximately 220 kilometers, connecting Sjötorp on Lake Vänern to Mem on the Baltic Sea.

Following the historic Göta Canal, this remarkable journey is divided into seven stages, making it easy for cyclists to plan shorter trips or complete the entire route at their own pace. A significant portion of the trail runs along a car-free towpath, offering a peaceful and safe cycling experience through lush landscapes, past tranquil lakes, historic locks, and canal-side towns such as Töreboda, Karlsborg, and Motala.

A Cycling Route for Everyone
The Göta Canal Cycle Route is designed to cater to cyclists of all abilities. It's mostly flat terrain ensures a comfortable ride for families, casual riders, and experienced cyclists alike. The route is clearly marked with red and white national cycle route signage, ensuring a seamless journey through Sweden's stunning countryside.

Working together for a sustainable future
“Winning this award is a testament to the collaboration and commitment behind the Göta Canal Cycle Route. It inspires us to continue developing the route as a sustainable and attractive destination for cyclists from all over the world,” says Magnus Hollwin, Marketing and Communications Manager at Göta Canal. “The Göta Canal cycle path is more than just a road - it is an experience that brings together nature, history and culture. The award as Europe's best cycle route is a milestone for the Göta Canal and a promise of continued development of this unique destination.” continues Magnus.

Unforgettable Experiences Along the Way

• Charming Towns & Historic Locks – Witness the Göta Canal locks in action and visit the Göta Canal Museum, where you can delve into the canal's rich history, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2022.
• Unique Accommodation & Dining – Stay at the highly regarded Norrqvarn Hotell & Konferens in Lyrestad, which offers fantastic food and a range of hotel rooms to suit different budgets. For a truly magical experience, book a night in one of their fairy-tale-inspired troll stumps or mushroom cabins, ensuring a stay to remember.
• Sweden's Smallest Ferry – Just before leaving Töreboda, don't miss the Lina cable ferry, Sweden's tiniest regular ferry route, which transports passengers across the canal in a delightfully quaint crossing.
• Lanthöjden – Göta Canal's Only Island – Marvel at Lanthöjden, an artificial island created during the 1930s excavation of the Bergkanalen, a canal section built to ease boat navigation around a once-infamous bend.
• Top tip! To learn more about the fascinating history of the Göta Canal while on your journey, and discover places that don't always feature in the tourist brochures, book a guided cycle tour or hike with Värdskapsbyrån.

Plan Your Trip Today
The best time to cycle the Göta Canal is during the summer months, when the weather is warm, and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Whether you're looking for a scenic weekend ride or an extended cycling holiday, the Göta Canal Cycle Route promises an adventure through one of Sweden's most iconic landscapes.

US tour operators Scandinavian Travel and Borton Overseas, among others, offer packages or tailored experiences along the canal with or without bikes.

For more information on Göta Canal:

• Göta Canal
• West Sweden
• Visit Sweden and Sweden's best cycling routes

Press images:

• Cover photo: Cyclists wait beside a lock on the Göta Canal, Åsa Dahlgren/Westsweden.com (Download)
• West Sweden Imagevault
• Imagebank.sweden.se

About the Göta Canal
The Göta Canal is one of Sweden's most iconic tourist destinations, offering unique experiences along its 200km waterway. With attractions such as the cycle path, canal boats and charming small towns, the canal attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.