Södertälje Canal

The largest lock in the Nordic countries, connecting Lake Mälaren to the Baltic

The Södertälje Canal connects Lake Mälaren to the Baltic Sea at the point where the two bodies of water naturally came closest, and the lock here is the largest in Scandinavia. Cargo ships, tankers, and pleasure boats pass through continuously throughout the year. The towpath along the canal is a pleasant walk, and you can watch vessels locking through from the bridge directly above the gates.

The surrounding waterfront area has been tidied up in recent years and makes for a good stroll. There is a small exhibition about the canal's history near the lock. The canal is an active working waterway, not a heritage attraction — which makes it more interesting.

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The original cut here was dug in the 14th century by monks from Julita Abbey, who wanted to avoid the long sea route around the Södertörn peninsula. The modern canal, opened in 1819, is now wide enough for large cargo ships, and watching them glide through the lock — rising or falling three metres in a few minutes — remains quietly spectacular.

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