Lockage on the Göta Canal

Göta canal offers many experiences, and the locking is undoubtedly one of the biggest. It is a fascinating feeling to be lifted, or lowered, by water.

Many spectators come to watch, and it’s easy to become a bit nervous. But just relax and remember that our lock keepers are experienced and ready to step in and help if needed. It is always the lock keepers who runs the lock machinery, but at the manually operated locks in Borensberg and Tåtorp we may need your help.

Locking up usually takes about 10 minutes per chamber. If the lock is not open when you arrive, wait at a nearby pier. We will generally tell you when you can enter the lock and where you should position your boat.

As lockage generates strong currents and eddies, particularly in the front section of the lock, we prefer to put sailing boats and larger boats here. To make lockage easier for smaller boats, we may have to shuffle the queue in order to get the right combination of boats.

Locking up

- Boats with winches should be in front of those being held by hand.
- Secure the boat with a short stern line both on land and in the boat.
- The stern of the boat should be directly below the ring the stern line is secured to.
- The bow line should be one or two rings in front of the bow.

- All lines must be taut throughout lockage – haul in the bow line.
- Sailing boats can use their winches.
- The boat must remain very close to the lock wall.
- Never relax your attention - even if it seems quiet at the moment! 

Tips when locking up

Make a loop in the end of the stern line, about 50 cm in diameter. Place the loop around the ring on the edge of the lock and fasten to the boat with a short line. Sailboats with a winch can make a loop in the bow line as well, and run the line through a turning block in the bow to the winch.

Locking down

- Stay ahead of the yellow line to ensure that the boat is clear of the lock threshold when the water is released.
- Pull the bow and stern lines through suitable rings on the lock edge, but never secure the lines on both the quay and the boat.
- Release the lines continuously.
- In a double lock or flight of locks one person should remain on land to move the lines. However, before lockage begins in the final lock chamber, everyone should be on board.

How to thread the line through the ring for lockage down. 

Flip the ring out towards the lock and thread in the line from below.