Trollhätte kanal

The locks in Trollhättan

In 1900 one million tons of goods were transported on ships on Trollhätte canal and Göta Älv. The full capacity of the locks were used and it became necessary to discuss an enlargement.
1905 the state bought the Canal-company, it was transformed to The Royal Canal- and Waterworks, from 1909 The Royal Waterfall-Board, later known as Waterfall (Vattenfall).
During the first years of the 20th century the canal board discussed different plans för enlargement. In 1908 a proposal was sent to the government with several alternatives. These were to enlarge the canal for ships either 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 meters deep.
In 1909 the government decided to enlarge the canal for ships 4 meter deep, but new locks would be built for 5 meter deep ships.
The works started in 1909 and the completely new canal was inaugurated by king Gustav V on October 25 1916.

During the 1930ies the canal was cleared up so that 4,6 meter deep ships could pass. This increased the possible cargo from 1 500 ton to 2 500 ton on every ship.
From 1972 to 1975 further enlargements were made. This time so that the full dimensions of the locks could be used and the depth was increased from 4,6 to 5,4 meters. The possible cargo thus increased to about 4 000 tons per ship.
From the winter 1973/74 the icebreaker Ale is stationed in lake Vänern during wintertime and some technical improvements were made on the locks. This made it possble for ships to pass all year around.

Slussning i Trollhättan

A friend helps me through
the Trollhättan locks in 1977.

First lock

Second lock

Thrid lock

Forth lock

Do send comments or further information to Bosse Arnholm!

Click here to get back to the Trollhätte canal page.

This page was modified at