Göta Canal (lock): Opening of the water-lock (1)

About the sound

Göta Kanal is a canal in Sweden that connects the Baltic Sea with Kattegat, and with that Skagerrak and eventually the North Sea. It goes through a large part of southern Sweden, from Gothenburg to Söderköping - about 614 kilometers whilst the canal itself is around 190 kilometers. It was built between 1810 and 1832 and was a very important trade route - until the railways were introduced. Today it is a popular tourist attraction for both swedes and people coming from abroad - with or without their own boats.

During this first part we can hear the train-bridge being raised, as well as the soundscape around the lock. Whenever a boat arrives to venture trough the lock and onwards in the canal people turn up to comment and watch. This is an important part of the town, and as such a small group of people usually gathers to see the many different boats and chat with their owners.

Photo and recording by Erik Pålsson.