In Motala, the Göta Canal, industrial history and waterside activities come together. There is also a clear point of reference for getting your bearings: Motala Central is the hub for bus and train services and is about a five-minute walk from the centre. There is also a large guest harbour. When choosing accommodation, you can consider which aspects of the city you would like to shape your stay—canal scenery, historical collections, or paths and water activities.

Göta Canal: Exhibition and locks

The section of the Göta Canal in Östergötland begins in Motala. The exhibition “From idea to reality” is housed in one of two pavilions beside the canal, in the area of the Old Motala Workshop. It is located between the Borenshult locks and Motala guest harbour on Lake Vättern. The exhibition explores the 300-year-old idea of a waterway through Sweden and how Baltzar von Platen brought it to life by building the Göta Canal. The people involved and the technology used are also presented.

At the canal, you can choose between different ways of exploring: by boat, by bicycle or on foot. At the Borenshult locks, you can watch the lock operations; the locks connect the Göta Canal with Lake Boren. This means that both the engineering and the waterside landscape take centre stage along the same canal.

Industrial history and collections

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 stroll among old cranes and red-painted buildings. Storyspot signs invite you to scan a QR code and listen to historical stories about the area.

In Motala harbour, the Motala Motor Museum covers 2,400 square metres. It features classic cars, motorcycles, mopeds and older technology. Many of the authentically recreated settings are fully functional. This gives the museum a different focus from the Göta Canal exhibition: here, vehicles, technology and recreated settings take centre stage.

Castle and early history

Charlottenborg Castle brings together different historical periods: 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. The castle is centrally located by Motala ström and Hårtorpssjön, as well as beside a popular walking path along Motala ström.

The area’s earlier history also stretches far back. The oldest remains at Kanaljorden are 11,000 years old. Motala is considered one of Northern Europe’s most interesting sites for the Early Stone Age. For those interested in these early traces, they offer another way to explore the city alongside its canal and industrial history.

Walks and water activities

In Motala, you can walk by the water, through wetlands or in the forest. The Nature Map guide for Motala Municipality covers hiking trails, nature reserves, places of interest, cycling tips, barbecue areas, as well as trail descriptions and maps. It provides guidance for a range of activities; its coverage is limited to Motala Municipality.

Varamobaden is described as the largest freshwater bathing area in the Nordic region and offers water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Facilities include a paved beachfront promenade, ramps leading down to the sandy beach and a mat extending to the water. These features make Varamobaden a destination in its own right, alongside the city’s walking paths and cultural attractions.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Motala, you can start by deciding which interests matter most for your trip: canal scenery, industrial and cultural history, or nature and water activities. The city offers several different reasons to visit rather than focusing on just one theme.

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Go to the main travel overview: Askersund.