ROUTE 208.

STOCKHOLM TO GOTTENBURG, BY THE GOTA CANAL.

Steamers 3 times a week (1879), Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, in 2 days. Fares: first class, 25k.; second, 17k.

(Travellers going from Gottenburg

towards Stockholm, wishing to avoid the less interesting part of the route after passing Trollhaltan, may leave the steamer at Trollhaltan, where there is a fair hotel, or at Wenersborg, 5 miles beyond, where the hotel is excellent, and continue the journey by railway via Wenersborg and Herrljunga Junction to Stockholm).

HE distance is about 370 English miles. The GOTA CANAL is formed of rivers, lakes, and bays united by seven artificial canals. The works were going on for 37 years, and were completed in 1832. Steamers, sometimes towing vessels of 200 or 300 tons, have to pass 74 locks, and to rise to a height of 280 ft. to go from one lake to another. The route, as far as Soderköping, is through the beautiful Mælar Lake.

On leaving Stockholm, we pass the island of Lillon-Kaggeholm, and others. Passing through the basin of Bjorkfjord, we arrive at Sodertelje (see Route next above), and proceeding thence through a canal, the strait of Safo-sund, between the islands of Longo and Safo, we reach Nyköping, a town of 4,835 inhabitants, situated on a bay of the Baltic. Quitting it, we pass by several small islands, some of them wellwooded. On one is the castle of Nya Stegeborg, and on another

the ruins of Stegeborg, where John III. was born in 1557; on the island of Morko is the castle

of Horningsholm. At Mem, the Gota Canal commences. Passing it, we presently reach Soderköping (Hotel Gota-Kanal), population 1,091, a very ancient town, on the south bank of the canal.

The church has two spires of great lightness of construction. and see Linköping, a town of about We then cross the Lake Roxen, 6,900 inhabitants, on its southern side. The Gothic Cathedral is next only in size to that at Upsala. The Gymnasium possesses a good library, a natural history collection, a cabinet of antiquities, coins, medals, &c. In the vicinity is the spot where the battle of Stongebro was fought when Sigismund was vanquished by Charles IX., and lost the crown of Sweden. Passing through the lake Roxen, we ascend into that of Boren, by means of fifteen locks, measuring altogether a height of more than 120 ft. Passing Charlottenburg on the left, we enter the Motala Elf, and proceed to Motala, where we observe some foundries, and iron-works, the largest in Sweden. We next enter Lake Wettern. On the south is a hill called Omberg, on whose southern slope we see the ruins of the celebrated convent of Alvastra, founded in 1140. Lake Wettern is the largest but two in Scandinavia, measuring 90 miles in length, by about 15 in breadth. We pass, on the left, the fortress of Carlsborg, and, on the right, the town of Rodesund, as we enter Lake Botten. We next pass the iron-works of Forsvik, and ascend, by a succession of locks, into the Lake Viken. We now approach the highest point of our route, which is marked by an obelisk. That part of the canal which we next enter, is called the WestGota Canal. Passing Sjotorp,

famed for its timber yards, we ascend gradually into Lake Wenern, which, next to Ladoga and Onega, is the largest in Europe. Its length is 100 miles, and its breadth, at the widest part, 50 miles. We pass between the mainland and the island of Thorso, and make our way slowly through a channel very difficult to navigate, in consequence of the number of shoals and small islands in the vicinity. The principal towns on the lake are, Christinehamn, Carlstad, Mariestad, Lidkoping, and Wenersborg (Hotel: Stads Huis), population 5,350. We now pass through the Wasbotten, the name given to a bay receding from the Wenern Lake, and entering the canal called Carl's-Graf, we reach the river Gota, and proceed to the cataracts of Trollhattan. These are four in number; the highest being about 40 ft. Inclusive of the rapids, they extend about a mile, and the total fall of the river is about 125 ft. The descent of the canal is effected by nine locks; three others are passed before reaching the vil lage of Lilla Edet, at the foot of

the first cataract.

(Travellers going from Gottenburg usually leave the steamer at the locks below Trollhattan, and walk to the falls and to the town, where the steamer comes up with them after about an hour. The walk from the

ocks to the cataracts and town is about 1 mile).

The Gota-Elf gradually widens, and the hills recede as, we approach.

GOTTENBURG (370 miles) (Hotels Haglands, Gota Kellare), the second city of Sweden, with a population of about 70,000, was founded in 1611, by Gustavus Adolphus, and then built of wood. It was subjected to many conflagrations till 1746, when it was

rebuilt, for the most part, of stone. It is situated on the Gota, about five miles from its mouth, and is a place of great commercial importance. It consists of an upper and lower town, the former intersected by numerous canals bordered by rows of fine trees, the latter picturesquely scattered over the rocky heights. This harbour, which is very fine, is protected by three forts. It has no public buildings of any interest. Steamers leave weekly, or oftener, for Hull, Hamburg, Copenhagen, &c.

ROUTES TO NORWAY.

The shortest and most economical route is that by way of Hull and thence by steamer to Christiania or Bergen. The steamer for Christiania leaves Hull every Friday evening, touching at Christiansand on the way. Fares, £4; return ticket, £6. For Bergen every Thursday. Fares the same as to Christiania. To persons suffering from seasickness this route is sometimes trying, the North Sea being frequently rough, and the ships not altogether comfortable. A more agreeable route is that by the Channel to Calais and thence to Hamburg, from which latter place Copenhagen may be reached in twelve hours, either by railway through Schleswig or by Korsor, both of which routes are described above. From Copenhagen, Christiania may be reached by railway via Malmoe, Laxa, and Carlstad. By this route travelling by sea is avoided, except for the short and not disagreeable passage from Kiel to Korsor, and it includes many interesting places. See Routes 204-205 of this Guide Book.

In the summer season there is a weekly steamer from London direct to Christiansand and Christiania. There is also a weekly steamer from London to Gottenburg in Sweden; fare, £3. Persons not objecting to a seavoyage of three days will find the route from London economical.

ROUTES IN NORWAY.

From the many interesting routes in Norway, several of the most interesting have been se

lected for description, all of which are practicable for ladies. Persons contemplating pedestrian tours to remote and difficult regions, should procure the local hand-book, the Lomme Reiseroute, a pamphlet published every year at Christiania, with details (in Norwegian) of all the routes.

PREPARATIONS FOR A TOUR IN NORWAY should be the same as would be made for a long drive in England. No provisions need be taken, as there are good stations on all the routes upon which parties containing ladies would be likely to travel. Two good tweed suits, waterproofs, and a stout umbrella are essential. In remote regions, tea, biscuit, and preserved meats should be added. These and all other supplies can be had at Christiania or Bergen.

In describing Norway, CHRISTIANIA has been selected as the starting point; but the following descriptions are available to persons beginning their tour at Bergen or at Drontheim.

The Norges Communicationer, which gives particulars of the sailings of steamers and departure of trains, and the Lomme Reiseroute, which gives details of all routes, stations, &c., both of them inexpensive pamphlets, published every season, should be procured. It is impossible, in an ordinary guide book, to note all the many changes which occur from year to year. Mr. T. Bennet, of Christiania, compiles and publishes every year a hand-book (in English) similar to the Lomme Reiseroute, which is most useful. Mr B. supplies carrioles, carriages, and travelling requisites, and will give information to persons asking it.

For NORWEGIAN MONEY, see page 799.

The NORWEGIAN MILE is nearly seven English miles; its exact length being 7,018 English miles.

EXPENSES OF TRAVELLING in

Norway. Bennet, in his handbook, says they "may be reckoned in a round sum at 2 kroner pr. Norw. mile for travelling, and kr. 4.0 per day for board and lodging, exclusive of wine and beer; but at least double that price for the time spent in towns."

In travelling by road, the posting charge for each horse is: From fast stations in towns, kr. 160 pr. N. mile; from fast stations in the country, kr. 1.20 pr. N. mile; common stations (not fast), generally called Tilsigelse stations, kr. 0-80 pr. N. mile; but from these common stations

it is necessary to pay 13 ore for each horse for Tilsigelse (ordering the horse). On many hilly roads it is allowed to charge at the rate of kr. 160 pr. mile at the fast stations in the country. It is usual to pay the boy, who accompanies you in order to take back the horse, 20 ore pr. mile; but if the same boy has the care of two horses, 30 ore pr. mile; if three horses, 40 ore pr. mile.

For two persons in one conveyance, with one horse, the fare is half as much again as for one person.

ROUTE 210.

CHRISTIANIA TO DRONTHEIM, BY RAILWAY.

HRISTIANIA (Hotels: see "HOTEL LIST.") This, the capital of Norway, is situated on a plain at the northern extremity of the gulf to which it gives its name. It was founded in 1624 by Christian IV., near the site of the ancient town of Osloe, which was completely destroyed by fire. The Churches of Christiania are not interesting. The principal building is the Castle of Agershuus, in which are deposited the crown jewels, and the archives of the kingdom. The New Palace, built on an eminence at the west end of the city, has a handsome portico.

The University numbers about 800 students. There is an interesting Museum of Scandinavian antiquities; a National Gallery of Paintings; another collection called Konst Forening; a military college; theatre; the council hall of the Storthing, &c. Near the cemetery stands the Column of Liberty, erected in 1814.

There are numerous excursions to the neighbourhood, which will well repay the visitor. OSCAR'S HALL, about 3 miles from the town, one of the country seats of the King, commands a beautiful view over the Fjord and the mountains. One of the finest views in Europe may be had from FROGNER-AASEN, a height about 5 miles from the town. It is more than 1600 feet above the sea, and the view extends to Sweden.

Distance from Christiania to Drontheim, 269 English miles;

time, 18 to 19 hours; fares, 23·10; second, 14:30.

The train leaves Christiania in the morning for Eidsvold on the Mjosen Lake, whence to Hamar travellers go by steamer until the completion of the railway between Eidsvold and Hamar. The train leaves Hamar at 2.30 p.m. Passing Elvarum, a prettily situated village on the Glommen, renowned for its annual horse and timber fair, we go through a country largely covered with timber, and by several unimportant stations, and reach Koppang (Hotels: Hansens, Jernbane), where passengers coming south by railway from Drontheim spend the night. It is the centre of the timber traffic of the Valley of the Glommen. The peasantry of this region are the richest in Norway, owing to the value of their timber lands, which, since the completion of the railway, are rapidly increasing in value. Passing now through the thickly wooded Valley of the Glommen, and by the stations Atna, Lille, and Elvedal, we presently reach TONSET (Jernbane Hotel, Tonset Hotel), where the train stops for the night. Leaving Tonset on the following morning at 7.20, we proceed to Roros, 44 Norwegian miles, where the train stops for breakfast. Roros is a town of 2000 inhabitants. It is in a dreary position, where winter prevails for nearly the whole year. There are copper mines in the neighbourhood. Between Roros and Tyrold, a little more than two Norwegian miles, we reach the highest point on the line. Between the two stations named we pass three small lakes. Passing Reitan, we go through a region which is the most picturesque upon the line. There are many small tunnels, and for part of the distance the line is flanked on the right by snow-clad mountains. Following the course of

the river Gula, we presently reach Singsass, where the train stops for dinner. Resuming our journey, we pass through the picturesque valley of the Gula to STOREN, where there is a fair hotel. One Norwegian mile further on is Hovin, and a little beyond Lundemo, after passing which, and several other small stations, we reach Heimdal, a little beyond which we have a beautiful view of Drontheim and the hills which encircle it. Gradually descending, we cross the river Nid, and presently reach Drontheim (Hotels: see "HOTEL LIST.")

This was the ancient capital of Norway, founded in 997 by King Olaf Trygvason on the site of the ancient city of Nidaros. It is situated at the mouth of the Nid. The principal edifice is the Gothic Cathedral, founded in 1180, now partly in ruins. The choir is octagonal, and surmounted by a modern dome. Over the altar is a cast of the beautiful statue of the Saviour, by Thorwaldsen, surrounded by those of the twelve Apostles. In accordance with the Constitution of 1814, the Kings of Norway are crowned in this Cathedral. The Museum comprises a library and collections of Scandinavian antiquities, armour, and weapons, minerals, native birds, &c. The Arsenal, on the left bank of the Nid, was the old palace of the Norwegian Kings. The ancient throne is still to be seen. Near the Custom-house is the Orething, where the people used to assemble to elect their king. The ruins of an old fortress are seen on a hill above the town. The chief exports are dried cod, timber, and copper from the neighbouring mines of Roraas. Many ships are built at Drontheim.

Excursions may be made to the island and fortress of Munkholm,