Trollhätte canal

The canal from 1800

After the accident on September 20 in 1755 that stopped Polhem's work on a canal through Trollhättan, new proposals and further planning was made for a canal here.
In 1752 Carl's grave between lake Vänern and Göta Älv was enlarged an cleared up. At that time the first lock there, Tessin's lock, was finished too. This lock was replaced by Gustaf's locks in 1777. These were built for bigger ships.
One year later, 1778, Gustaf Adolf's lock at Åkerström was built and after that there were only the falls in Trollhättan that stopped ships from sailing all the way from lake Vänern to the sea.
At this time Daniel Thunberg and Samuel Sohlberg worked on plans for a new canal line through Trollhättan. They proposed a line cut through the rocks east of the falls and the river.
Chief judge Reinold Antonsson proposed an new canal through Trollhättan i 1792 and in 1793 Trollhätte Canal- och Slusswerksbolag got royal privilage to build and maintain the canal.
The works started in 1794 led by Erik Nordewall. He had a big workforce. During periods 900 soldiers helped him besides hundreds of specialized workers.
After five years the first ship could pass through on August 14 in 1800, thus fulfilling the old dream of a canal between lake Vänern and the sea.

This fairway and all the locks in Trollhättan were in Sweden considered as the 8th wonder of the world.
But the locks were far from perfect! Leaking rocks and land slides made the maintenance costs high.

This canal line was used until 1916.

Click on these pictures to see them larger.


The upper flight of locks seen from the most upstream gates.	The upper flight of locks seen upstreams towards the new canal line from the sightseeing tower.	The upper flight of locks seen from the most downstream gates.	The lower flight of locks from it's most upstream gates.
© Picture by Wolfgang Lug, 1996	© Picture by Bosse Arnholm, 2000	© Picture by Bosse Arnholm, 2000	© Picture by Bosse Arnholm, 2000

The quays outside the locks are now open for guest boats.
The lower flight of locks seen from the most downstream gate.
Göta Älv seen from the outlet of the two old canal lines.

© Picture by Bosse Arnholm, 2000
© Picture by Bosse Arnholm, 2000
© Picture by Bosse Arnholm, 2000

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The quays outside the locks are now open for guest boats.	The lower flight of locks seen from the most downstream gate.	Göta Älv seen from the outlet of the two old canal lines.
© Picture by Bosse Arnholm, 2000	© Picture by Bosse Arnholm, 2000	© Picture by Bosse Arnholm, 2000