Grynet´s Canal facts
When you visit the Göta Canal, you quickly become curious about many things. Here, Grynet has gathered some info for all the curious children!
A Super Long Waterway!
Did you know that the Göta Canal is a whopping 19 mil long (that's about 190 kilometers)? It's like walking back and forth over a large football field 2,000 times! Phew, it's a good thing the boats don't have to walk – they just float along instead!
Dug by Hand!
The canal was built between 1810 and 1832. Back then, there were no excavators. Nearly 60,000 people dug with shovels and pickaxes! Imagine the incredible work they did!
The Locks – Elevators for Boats!
There are 58 locks in the canal that work like elevators for boats. They help the boats go up or down so they can continue along the canal!
A Kind Sea Captain – Baltzar von Platen
The Göta Canal was Baltzar von Platen's big idea. He believed that boats should have a shortcut through Sweden instead of having to go all the way around. If he had had a time machine, he would probably be proud today!
Grynet Loves Bridges!
There are 83 bridges over the Göta Canal. Some go up and down, others swing sideways, and some open by being pulled back. I usually wave to all the boats that pass by!
Home to Many Animals
In and around the canal live tons of animals – fish, birds, frogs, and of course the occasional badger! Can you guess which animal is the fastest in the water?
Boat Parade Every Day!
In the summer, big and small boats sail through the canal. I often count how many I see each day – some days there are a lot!
A Super Long Bathtub!
The canal is like a super long bathtub! But I promise the very best thing is to swim in the lakes nearby – the water in the canal is mostly for boats! Of course, you can also take an evening dip when the boats have finished for the day and are resting in a harbor.
Speed Limit for Boats – No Racing!
Boats are only allowed to travel at 5 knots on the canal – about the speed of a swimming duck! This is to avoid creating big waves that could damage the canal and its banks.
More Than Just Boats
I really love all the boats that travel on the canal and never get tired of watching them as they go through the locks or glide along the water. BUT there is so much more to do at the canal! Cycling, paddling, playing at the playground, eating ice cream, living in a mushroom, spending the night in a glamping tent, taking a guided tour – everything is fun! Which adventure will be your favorite?
