Discover Motala

Motala offers several distinct themes for a stay: the Göta Canal and its locks, industrial and technological history, and walks and water sports. When looking for a hotel in Motala, you can choose based on what you want to experience while you’re there. Motala Central is the hub for bus and train services and is about a five-minute walk from the center of Motala. Motala also has a large guest harbor.

The Göta Canal and its locks

The Östergötland section of the Göta Canal begins in Motala. You can explore the canal by boat, by bicycle or on foot; each option offers a different focus on the water, cycling or walking. The Borenshult locks connect the Göta Canal with Lake Boren. Visitors can watch the locking process there.

In the Gamla Motala Verkstad area, between the Borenshult locks and Motala’s guest harbor on Lake Vättern, the exhibition “From idea to reality” is housed in one of two pavilions beside the canal. It explains how Baltzar von Platen brought to life the 300-year-old idea of a waterway through Sweden by building the Göta Canal. It also presents the people involved and the technology used.

Industrial history and technology

Motala Verkstad began in 1822 as a repair workshop for the construction of the Göta Canal. By the mid-19th century, it had developed into one of Sweden’s leading industries. In the Gamla Motala Verkstad area, visitors can walk among old cranes and red-painted buildings. Scan a QR code on the Storyspot signs to listen to historical stories about the area.

The Motala Motor Museum covers 2,400 m² in the harbor of Motala. It displays classic cars, motorcycles, mopeds and older technology. Many of the museum’s authentically styled settings are fully functional.

Ancient history and Charlottenborg Castle

The oldest remains at Kanaljorden are 11,000 years old. Motala is considered one of Northern Europe’s most interesting sites for the Stone Age. Charlottenborg Castle offers a later historical focus: it originally dates from the mid-17th century and took on its present appearance in the early 19th century. The castle displays, among other things, wood carvings by Sophia Isberg from the mid-19th century.

Charlottenborg Castle is centrally located by Motala ström and Hårtorpssjön, as well as by a popular walking path along Motala ström. This makes it easy to combine a visit with a walk by the waterways mentioned, without the route depending on other attractions.

Walking, cycling and Varamobaden

In Motala, you can walk by the water, through wetlands or in the forest. The Naturkartan guide for Motala Municipality covers hiking trails, nature reserves and places of interest, as well as tips for cycling routes, barbecue spots, route descriptions and maps. It provides guidance for both hiking and cycling trips.

Varamobaden is considered the largest freshwater bathing area in the Nordic region. Water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding are available there. Varamobaden has a paved beach promenade, ramps leading to the sandy beach and a mat that extends to the water. Alongside its historical attractions, Motala also offers ways to enjoy activities by the water and in nature.

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