S/S Thor

About the museum

The steamer Thor was built in 1887 at Bergsunds Mekaniska Verkstad in Stockholm for traffic between Räppe and Asa on Lake Helgasjön. The Åby lock was completed the same year, and the first official trip ran on 27 August 1887. With her covered saloon, large passenger capacity and ability to tow barges, Thor was the largest steamboat on the lake up to then. Besides passengers, grain, flour, timber and other goods were carried.

Boat traffic was outcompeted by road transport in the 1930s, but tourist traffic continued during the 1940s and 1950s. In 1957 the vessel was donated to Smålands museum, with the wish that she should be kept in service for as long as possible. After a renovation Thor was back in service in summer 1971.

Today the vessel is owned by Smålands museum, Kulturparken Småland (Småland Culture Park), which runs tourist trips with a wood-fired steam engine. The home port is the pier at the Kronoberg castle ruin. No trips ran in summer 2026 owing to a lack of qualified staff, maintenance needs and works at the castle ruin. The aim is to resume traffic in summer 2027.

Highlights

• Steamer from 1887 that is still in operation
• Trips on Helgasjön with stories and facts about the steam engine
• Lock trip through Åby lock, Sweden’s southernmost
• Home port at the Kronoberg castle ruin

Operated by

Kulturparken Småland

Admission & discounts

The price applies to a Helgasjön trip of about one hour (adult SEK 220). All prices include a booking fee. Tickets are sold at biljettkiosken.se/angarenthor, and groups can charter Thor for a day.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Prams may not be taken on board; one or two pram spaces are available in a boathouse near the pier, subject to space. Guide dogs are allowed; other animals are not, because of the risk of allergies. Life jackets are available for emergencies only, and parents are advised to bring their own vest for minors.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Departure from the pier at the Kronoberg castle ruin, about 8 km north of Växjö city centre.

Amenities & dining

You may bring your own fika basket, which can be pre-ordered from Ryttmästaregården nearby.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit