Construction on Sweden's largest canal began in 1810. Up to 58 000 young conscripts worked for 22 years to build the 190km of waterway between Mem and Sjötorp. The canal, which today runs from Gothenburg to Stockholm, considerably improved communications within the country, as steamboats were used for transporting both passengers and goods. Although river transport was soon rivalled by the railways, it remains a good option for a pleasant cruise to explore the diversity of the Swedish landscape.