Göta kanalleden top cycling route of 2025
Photos: Mirre Oost, Denederlandsetoerist.nl
“Göta kanalleden” has been named Hicle Cycle Route of the Year 2025. This was announced by the jury on the first day of the Fiets en Wandelbeurs at Jaarbeurs Utrecht.
The 220-kilometre cycling route follows the Göta Canal in southern Sweden, between Sjötorp and Mem. Along the way, you’ll cross several lakes by boat. The canal is popular with tourists for good reason — there’s plenty to see and experience along this blue ribbon. You’ll cycle past forests and meadows, often spot a boat passing through one of the 58 locks, and encounter sights like a castle or a charming historic town centre. The facilities are excellent too, with plenty of cosy cafés and unique accommodation options along the route.
Versatile route
The jury was pleasantly surprised by the versatility of this cycling route in southern Sweden. The bike paths are excellent and largely free of motorised traffic. The history of the canal is highlighted in several museums along the route and on information panels at each lock. In addition to watching boats go by, it’s also possible to take to the water yourself on the Göta Canal. Historic passenger boats sail parts of the route daily, and bikes are welcome on board.
Sweden, land of water
The cycling trip is easy to plan thanks to the extensive information available online. Additionally, it is relatively simple to travel to both the start and end points by public transport. Along the way, you’ll encounter several lakes where bike ferries will take you across. In some cases, detouring is not an option, so the best time to cycle this route is between mid-June and mid-August, when the boats run daily. Between mid-May and mid-September, these bike ferries also operate, but only on weekends.
Three nominees
Göta kanalleden was chosen from three nominees. The other nominees are La Vélomaritime in France and the Route der Norddeutschen Romantik in Germany. The jury, consisting of Bert Sitters, Jessica de Korte, and Mirre Oost, cycled all these nominated routes to evaluate them based on numerous criteria such as signage, facilities, and the quality of the road surface.
More info: Götakanal.se.
The election of the Hicle Cycle Route of the Year is an initiative by Hicle/Fiets en Wandelbeurs, aimed at encouraging the development of high-quality cycling routes. Eligible are new or recently modified routes in Europe. The winner receives the coveted honorary title of ‘Best Cycling Route’ along with the accompanying trophy, plus a voucher from Z-CARD®, a convenient foldable print product.
