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.
