Sweden's oldest canal
The Hjälmare Canal is one of Sweden's most scenic waterways, lined with magnificent oak groves and lush meadows. It winds through a historic cultural landscape between Lake Hjälmaren and Lake Mälaren via the Arboga River, with nine hand-operated locks that are still operated in the same way as 400 years ago.
The canal stretches from Gravudden on the Arbogaån river to Notholmen in Hjälmaren and offers a unique journey where you can travel at your own pace, by land or by sea. Along the way, you will encounter varied landscapes and historical traces such as old lock ruins, memorials to kings and canal builders, charming lock-keeper's houses and remains of former water-powered activities. These bear witness to the people who lived and worked here over the centuries.
Today, the canal is served by both pleasure boats and passenger ships offering regular tours during the summer, allowing visitors to experience the rich history and scenic environment in a relaxed way.
The old canal was built in 1629-1639 and the current canal was built between 1819-1829.
Maximum length for boat:
30 m
Maximum depth:
1.95 m
Length:
13.7 km, of which 8.5 km is excavated
Level difference:
22 m
Maximum height:
Sail free height
Number of locks:
9
Maximum width:
7 m
Maximum allowed speed:
5 knots
Quick Facts
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Koordinater
WG S84: Lat N 59° 22′89, Long E 15° 56′61
RT90: X 6584544, Y 1507863