A boat trip with M/S Marianne from Sjötorp on Göta Canal to Mariestad, the pearl of Lake Vänern, was a breath taking experience. It was done while having a visit from the in-laws from USA and we took them for a four day trip to our vacation home in Sweden. Of course I will share some of the highlights with you – lets start with the dock where the boat was anchored:
The lower Port docks in Sjötorp on Gjöta Canal
Sjötorp and Gjöta Canal:
The village is the most frequently visited place in the rural district and the start of the Göta Canal with all that this implies; leisure-boats, passenger-ships, car-tourists, bicycle-tourists, fishing-trips etc. Here you’ll find shops, restaurants, sleeping accommodations, wharf, museum and tourist-office.
Göta Canal is one of the largest construction projects (1810-1832) ever undertaken in Sweden. The canal stretches from Sjötorp to Mem, 190 km long and has 58 locks. To learn more, read my post about it: “Summer at Göta Canal” (click pic to bigyfy & enjoy):
The last lock before the boats enters Lake Vänern.
M/S Marianne:
The Motor Ship was built in 1897 in Gothenburg for personal use of Captain Fredrik Pettersson and rebuilt as a passenger boat in 1926. The vessel is built of iron in the clinker. It’s a two masts beauty in 24 meters length and 4 meter wide – just take a look:
Below: Fine hard wood interior on and below deck
Lake Vänern:
Geologically, the lake was formed after the last ice age about 10,000 years ago; when the ice melted, the entire width of Sweden was covered in water, creating a strait between Kattegat and the Gulf of Bothnia. It’s northern Europe’s largest and covers an area of 5,655 km². It is located at 44 meter above sea level and is on average 27 m deep. The maximum depth of the lake is 106 meter. A Viking ship was found on the lake’s bottom on May 6, 2009.
On our way to Mariestad, in warm and sunny weather, we had some nice views of the shore line:
Fast pleasure boats – Family cottages
Campground at Torsö – Clean and safe recreational use
Torsö Bridge:
You reach the island of Torsö by a gently rounded bridge with a beautiful view overlooking Mariestad. It offers several beaches as well as a camp ground and private cabins for rent. Click to read my last post about this beautiful place: “Torsö Island at Mariestad”
Mariestad, the Pearl of Lake Vänern:
Our vacation home town of which I have posted from often is called “The Pearl of Lake Vänern” and for a lot of reasons (see related posts below). Knowing the area quite well, it was kind of special to approach this city from the water. It’s easy to spot the Cathedral; build in the 15th century by the city’s founder Duke Charles, who later became King Charles IX of Sweden. The city is named after his wife Marie of Pfalz:
The boat trip ended in the harbour, a place we frequently visit to have an ice-cream, a snack or even a nice meal now and then:
Talking about it; here is a pic I took with my new Nokia x6 when we had dinner at the harbour restaurant the other day – I just could not resist trying to capture the golden beauty of the sky:
Some related post from Mariestad:
-> Wandering through time in old Mariestad
-> MidSummer or Summer Solstice in Norway and Sweden
-> Red hot sky and icy cold Scandinavian beach beauty
I highly recommend Marianne to everyone who lives in or visits the area. The boat was so nice and the trip was lovely. This group is just starting out with this boat and I hope they will survive the first hard years and give us many nice trips in years to come!! Everyone get on board!
Then we are in the same boat my dear :-)
OMG, what a sunset picture! You know how much I like boats and water. It looks so peaceful… you even manage to capture nice reflections!
Thanks for you’re compliments too – just happy to share you know :-)
Peaceful, yes – and very recreational!
There’s nothing better than a boat on the water. Nothing.
Thanks for taking us along for your trip. Beautiful.
Have a terrific day. Big hug to you both. :)
I knew you would love this Sandee – you are the boat queen you know :-)
What beautiful photos of a picturesque place. I love the boat, too. Thank you for the pleasure trip, Renny.
Thanks for the compliments – glad you liked the photos too!
That was a joy, thank you for taking us on such a lovely journey.
Your welcome – glad you liked it :-)
The pictures are awesome as always! MAn when will I visit this enchanting Norse Land!
You’re welcome any time – tell me in advance and you may borrow our vacation home.
Thank you for showing us my favorite city and environs,Renny.I hope to return some day.I check the webb kammera on the torget in Mariestad first thing every day!!
I’m just happy to take you down you’re memory lane! I check that cam often too – when home in Norway :-)
It’s so beautiful and also very different form the Oslo-area where we will soon meet.
The Göta Kanal as it’s own very spesic charm, no doubt.
And we remember our visit with you and Diane as guides.
It is burned into our memories.
btw. I’m continuing my countdown to OsloBG. So stay tuned. May you link me?
Yea – different: A lake in stead of a fjord you know :-)
We do remember our fun trips together in the aria too you know!
Thanks for you’re support – I’ll do the best I can.
Thanks to share with us your beautiful cruise with your family. This historical two mats is marvelous and the interior decoration more!!! I still never saw a such yellow sunset!!! Incredible!
Can’t wait to be with you all now in Oslo! We count the days!!!
You’re welcome Claudia and I do agree!
We are counting down for the OsloBG too :-)
Hello Renny !!
All set for OsloBg. Arrived Wednesday afternoon, so on Thursday at 9 AM I see you. I’m a little nervous.
A hug for you and Diane
Maria ( Ibiza )
Hi Maria!! Yea; all sett – or at least I hope to have everything under control :-)
Welcome to Norway and don’t be nervous – we are all in the same boat (from different part of the world); anxious to meet up and explore Norway and Oslo!
I must visit Mariestad one day. It looks lovely. Cheers, from Stockholm
What a lovely boat. The photos look so tranquil. I love the water even if I can’t swim. lol