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Mem - The Baltic Sea Gateway to the Göta Canal

Mem is a small town by the deep bay of Slätbaken, just outside Söderköping. The small town serves as the Baltic Sea gateway to the Göta Canal and it was also here that the canal was once inaugurated. For us, this is the place where we start our motorhome journey to follow the Göta Canal.

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Meme

On 26 September 1832, the entire Göta Canal was inaugurated in Mem. The festive occasion was attended by no less than King Karl XIV Johan, the Queen and the Crown Prince couple. Today, this is a quiet little town, which still feels alive thanks to the canal and boat traffic.

Mem is close to Söderköping, and the closest you can get is by boat on the canal. By car, you have to take a small detour on winding but nice roads.

Mems lock, Göta Canal

Mem's lock was built in 1831-1832, and was the last lock built in the Göta Canal. The lock, built of granite, has a head of three metres and is a single lock controlled by hydraulic operation. The baptismal name is Bengt Erland Franc Sparre.

Sluss i Mem
Sluss i Mem

Our visit to Mem

When we arrived in Mem, we parked by the canal. We knew there would be a car park, and immediately saw a sign saying to ask for a space before driving on. We arrived relatively late and suspected that it would be full, but started with a little walk to look around.

Husbil
Mem

The artwork Outpost

Along the Göta Canal is a sculpture trail that has been developed through the art project 'Visions by Water'. There are several different artworks, one of which is "Outpost" by Richard Johansson, from 2004.

There are four bronze sculptures on the roof and, according to the artist, they symbolise farewells and reunions (the sailor), viewers of their canal (Baltzar von Platen), nature experiences along the journey (the tree) and something annual (the bird).

Konstverket Utpost

The canal warehouse in Mem

At Mem's lock there is an old warehouse, which today has been converted into a café and hostel. There is also a lunch and pub menu, and people were sitting on the outdoor terrace when we passed by.

RV park in Mem

After a short walk we came down to the site. It looked really nice with spacious pitches and electricity (price: 185 SEK/day). But the four sites were of course occupied. We wonder if this is how it will be for the whole trip, now that many people are on holiday in Sweden? Anyway, it was just to roll on ... Continuation follows!

Ställplats i Mem

See more nearby: Söderköping and Stegeborg

Not far from Mem is Söderköping, a charming town with historic buildings and cosy neighbourhoods. Here you can also climb the Ramunderberget mountain, eat ice cream at Smultronstället or maybe try beer from the microbrewery. Another interesting excursion is to the Stegeborg castle ruins. Here you can immerse yourself in history or perhaps relax at the harbour tavern. If you also want to visit Norrköping, we have lots of tips!

Östergötland
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Have you been to Mem?

Have you been to Mem? If so, have you been here by boat, car or perhaps by bike?

Facts about Mem

  • Landscape: Östergötland
  • County: County of Östergötland
  • Municipality: Norrköping municipality
  • Population: About 50 (2015)

Facts about Mems lock

  • Year of construction: 1831-1832
  • Baptismal name: Bengt Erland Franc Sparre
  • Technical facts: Single lock controlled by hydraulic operation, with a fall height of three metres.

Finding the Mem

  • Car: If you come from Norrköping and drive towards Söderköping, turn east between Norrköping and Söderköping.
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