Motala Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A river with a boat docked at a pier, a yellow building with flags, and a church spire in the background.
A calm lake at sunset with a lighthouse on a small island, a tree on the right, and a crescent moon in the sky.
A riverside walkway with a metal fence, a bridge, and buildings in the background.
A calm river reflecting buildings and a bridge.
A lakeside park with a swimming pool, picnic tables, and colorful buildings.

A large lake that feeds a pretty river system helps make city life relaxing. Join others in and near the water and discover this city’s many other features.

Look across the watery expanse of Lake Vätternfrom the Swedish city of Motala and you will be viewing the country’s second-largest lake. In fact, the city is surrounded with many bodies of water and an extensive river system. The river system Motala ström connects the lake with the Baltic Sea, a distance of about 60 miles (100 kilometres). On a visit to Motala, be sure to explore the Göta Canal running parallel to the river. It is a popular spot among boating aficionados.

On sunny days Varamobadet beach offers a pleasant place to spend some relaxing hours on Europe’s largest lakeside beach. Stretching along Motala’s shore is a seemingly endless sandy beach with an equally impressive boardwalk. Cottages and campsites are abundant in the area, along with beach-style restaurants and cafés. Arrive early on a good day because savvy beachgoers quickly claim choice spots on the sand. As a blue flag beach the site conforms to high environmental standards.

Automobile lovers or simply visitors with a bit of curiosity will want to tour Sweden’s largest car museum, the Motala Motor Museum. Pursue the historical element of the museum by linking up famous people with their cars.

Visit stately Charlottenborg Manor House. It is located on Motala Stream and has very pleasant surroundings. The house dates back to the 17th century and now hosts the Motala Museum, which provides a history of the area.

Get around the city quickly and safely with a rented bicycle on the designated cycle paths that are quite common in Swedish municipalities.

Motala is a prime example of Sweden’s intertwining of nature with an urban environment. Experience this relaxing way of life that Swedes incorporate effortlessly into their days.

Hotell Carl Friman

Hotell Carl Friman

3 out of 5
Akasialiden 22 Motala Östergötlands län
The price is NZ$315 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$315
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 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! (562 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Hotell Carl Friman
Motala Stadshotell

Motala Stadshotell

4 out of 5
Stora Torget, 58 Motala Östergötland County
The price is NZ$269 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$269
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Motala. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,002 reviews)
"Very central located hotel - friendly staff but can’t mask the very dated and frankly worn out look of the whole hotel. Rooms clean and tidy but impossible to regulate room temp as no AC and super warm bathroom. Breakfast decent and authentic."

Reviewed on 14 June 2026

Motala Stadshotell
Varamons vandrarhem

Varamons vandrarhem

1 out of 5
skogsborgsgatan 1 Motala östergötland
The price is NZ$155 per night from 5 July to 6 July
NZ$155
5 July - 6 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in Motala. Enjoy valet parking (surcharge) and a garden. Popular attractions Varamobadet Beach and Råssnäsbadet are located nearby.
6.4/10 (37 reviews)
"Personalen är väldigt hjälpsamma"

Reviewed on 28 June 2026

Varamons vandrarhem
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.
Amazing home in Motala with WiFi

Amazing home in Motala with WiFi

Motala
Stay at this holiday home in Motala. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and an in-room coffee maker.
Amazing home in Motala with WiFi
Annex for rent – ​​Near Mallboden and Lokverkstaden in beautiful Motala |SE10023

Annex for rent – ​​Near Mallboden and Lokverkstaden in beautiful Motala |SE10023

Motala
Stay at this apartment in Motala. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a sauna and a garden. Popular attractions Motala Industrimuseum and Charlottenborg Manor are located ...
Annex for rent – ​​Near Mallboden and Lokverkstaden in beautiful Motala |SE10023
Charming Swedish Summer Cottage

Charming Swedish Summer Cottage

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

Stay near popular Motala attractions

Cities near Motala