Motala Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Shutterstock
Photo by Helena @ Ohdarling.org
Photo by Helena @ Ohdarling.org
Photo by Helena @ Ohdarling.org
Photo by Helena @ Ohdarling.org

The historical town of Motala is situated right on Gota Kanal, the most famous waterway of western Sweden.

Motala is located in the county of Ostergotland, with lake Boren in the east and lake Vattern in the west. The two waterways Motala Strom and Gota Kanal flow through the town, and Motala is definitely a town shaped by water. There are plenty of opportunities here both for fishing, swimming and water sports. One of Motala's most famous historical figures was Baltzar von Platen, who oversaw the building of Gota Kanal. He wanted a capital of the canal, right at its middle point, and so he founded Motala.

Motala Harbour is a great place to visit even if you don't arrive here by boat, as it houses several fascinating sights and attractions. Go on a five hour cruise with M/S Kung Sverker to Borensberg and back. On the way you will pass the castles Ulfåsa and Charlottenberg as well as the Burial Place of Baltzar von Platen. You will also get the chance to go through several of the locks on Gota Kanal. There are also shorter tours that last about an hour, and dinner- and prawn cruises with live music.

At the harbour you also find Motala Motor Museum which apart from a wide range of cars, mopeds and motorcycles also boasts a reconstructed car workshop from the 1920s and a nostalgia inducing old petrol station. Visit the Vattern Aquarium to see the water creatures that reside in lake Vattern, as well as in tropical oceans around the globe.

Get a great view of the town while visiting the radio museum Sveriges Rundradiomuseum. You will notice the two radio masts in the distance, and these historic towers were used for the first public radio transmission in Sweden. If you're not scared of heights you can scale the 120meter towers together with a guide if you book in advance.

Motala is situated approximately halfway between Stockholm and Gothenburg, in the middle of southern Sweden. The closest international airport is Stockholm Skavsta, which has flights to many European cities with the budget airline Ryanair. From Skavsta it takes around 1.5 hours by car to Motala, and you can also travel by public transport.

Why not spend your Sweden holiday in Motala, where there is always something to do. Enjoy both historically fascinating attractions and light hearted entertainment by water.

Best Western Motala Stadshotell

Best Western Motala Stadshotell

4 out of 5
Kungsgatan 6-8, Motala
The price is ₹16,198 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
₹16,198
₹18,142 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Motala. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"GREAT.. AT THE AIRPOORT"

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2025

Best Western Motala Stadshotell
Hotell City

Hotell City

3 out of 5
Kungsgatan 1, Motala
The price is ₹8,684 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹8,684
₹9,726 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Motala. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (884 reviews)
"Everything was just perfect for our short stay in Motala."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Hotell City
Hotell Carl Friman

Hotell Carl Friman

3 out of 5
Akasialiden 22, Motala, Östergötlands län
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Motala. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Motala Motormuseum and Charlottenborg Manor are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (440 reviews)
"Owners were special, family owned small hotel. No elevator"

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

Hotell Carl Friman
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
7 Person Holiday Home in Motala-by Traum

7 Person Holiday Home in Motala-by Traum

2 out of 5
Motala, Östergötland County
Stay at this holiday home in Motala. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Borenshults Slussar and Charlottenborgsbron Göta kanal are located nearby.
7 Person Holiday Home in Motala-by Traum
Charming Swedish Summer Cottage

Charming Swedish Summer Cottage

3 out of 5
Motala, Östergötland County
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Motala. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and cable TV channels.
Charming Swedish Summer Cottage
4 Person Holiday Home in Motala-by Traum

4 Person Holiday Home in Motala-by Traum

2 out of 5
Motala, Orebro County
Stay at this holiday home in Motala. Enjoy free parking, a garden and balconies. Popular attraction Hargebaden is located nearby.
4 Person Holiday Home in Motala-by Traum
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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