M/S Wilhelm Tham was built in 1912 at Motala Verkstad and has sailed the Göta Canal for over a century. Today she is one of our three classic canal boats offering memorable cruises on Sweden’s most iconic waterway.
On board, you’ll feel history come alive. With 25 cabins, well-preserved original features and elegant lounges, Wilhelm Tham offers an authentic taste of Swedish maritime tradition. Enjoy meals in style, relax under the covered aft deck, and embrace a gentle pace where every moment becomes part of the journey.
The cabins aboard Wilhelm Tham are decorated in a timeless marine style, with brass details and maritime textiles. All cabins are outside-facing, located above the waterline, and similar in size and character to traditional train sleeping compartments—enhancing that nostalgic feel of travel. Unlike the train, most guests are only in the cabin while sleeping.
Each cabin includes a basin with hot and cold water. Shared toilets and showers are located on every deck and maintained in keeping with the boat’s classic decor.
Upper deck with six cabins offering the best views and access to the sun deck. Guests in this category are welcomed with champagne, fruit, and a bathrobe upon boarding. Shared shower and toilet are available.
The middle deck of the ship is the shelter deck and this is also the point of boarding. There are six cabins on this deck. Here you will also find the dining room and a cosy lounge. There are two toilets on the shelter deck - one of them is combined with a shower.
Main deck is located one staircase down in the ship and on this deck there is a total of 13 cabins. Two of the cabins is our Honeymoon cabins. On main deck there are three toilets and three showers.
With a few exceptions, M/S Wilhelm Tham has bunk beds in all cabins. On the main deck, there are two Honeymoon cabins, each with a 120-cm wide Queen-size bed, and there is also a 4-bed cabin.
There are no private bathrooms in the cabins. Shared facilities on all decks are located close by and offer full privacy. They feature the same classic style as the rest of the boat and are cleaned several times daily.
Built in 1912 at Motala Verkstad to fit all locks along the Göta Canal, this boat is named after the former chairman of the shipping company. She’s been in continuous operation for over 100 years. In 1961, her superstructure was modified at Falkenbergs shipyard, increasing cabin capacity, and in 1965 she switched from steam to diesel. Since 2001, Wilhelm Tham has been owned by Strömma Group and sails the Göta Canal every summer.
Year built: 1912
Shipyard: Motala Verkstad
Length: 31.53 m
Beam: 6.73 m
Draft: 2.72 m
Speed: 9 knots
Engine: 600 hp
Gross tonnage: 268
Cabins: 25
Registry No.: 5359
Call sign: SHIG
Home port: Gothenburg
Accessible: No
Embark on a captivating 6‑day cruise along the Göta Canal aboard M/S Wilhelm Tham or M/S Diana. The ship moors each night so you don’t miss a moment of the stunning scenery. Enjoy full board, charming stops, and breathtaking views – a memorable journey through Swedish nature and heritage.
Read more and book the Grand Sweden Cruise here!
Join a relaxing three-day cruise through the most scenic stretches of the Göta Canal. Enjoy full board, charming towns, historic locks and peaceful nature - a journey where the experience itself is the destination.
Read more and book Göta Canal Highlights here!
