Motala

Travel 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 kilometers). 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.

Motala Stadshotell

Motala Stadshotell

4 out of 5
Stora Torget, 58 Motala Östergötland County
The price is ₩131,501 per night from Sep 6 to Sep 7
₩131,501
₩147,281 total
Sep 6 - Sep 7
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Motala. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,020 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 Jun 14, 2026

Motala Stadshotell
Hotell Nostalgi

Hotell Nostalgi

3 out of 5
Platensgatan 2 Motala
The price is ₩252,251 per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
₩252,251
₩282,522 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Motala. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (746 reviews)
"Excellent service and very friendly staff with great food. The motor museum was an added bonus"

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2025

Hotell Nostalgi
Hotell Carl Friman

Hotell Carl Friman

3 out of 5
Akasialiden 22 Motala Östergötlands län
The price is ₩197,695 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
₩197,695
₩221,418 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Motala. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Motala Motormuseum and Charlottenborg Manor are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (587 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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.
Charming Swedish Forest Cottage Motala

Charming Swedish Forest Cottage Motala

2 out of 5
Motala Östergötland County
Stay at this vacation home in Motala. Enjoy free parking. Popular attraction Kvarnsjön is located nearby.
Charming Swedish Forest Cottage Motala
7 Person Holiday Home in Motala

7 Person Holiday Home in Motala

2 out of 5
Motala Östergötland County
Stay at this vacation home in Motala. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Borenshults Slussar and Motala Industrimuseum are located nearby.
7 Person Holiday Home in Motala
4 Person Holiday Home in Motala

4 Person Holiday Home in Motala

2 out of 5
Motala Orebro County
Stay at this vacation home in Motala. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Kvarnsjön and Hargebaden are located ...
4 Person Holiday Home in Motala
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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