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
$111 nightly
The price is $125 total per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
$125 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
Total with taxes and 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! (1,018 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$178 nightly
The price is $199 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$199 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Total with taxes and 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! (745 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
$140 nightly
The price is $157 total per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
$157 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
Total with taxes and 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! (586 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.
Lovely home in Motala with WiFi

Lovely home in Motala with WiFi

Motala Ostergotland County
Stay at this vacation home in Motala. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Varamobadet Beach and Råssnäsbadet ...
6/10 (1 review)
Enttäuschung bei Ankunft
"Das Haus ist schön gelegen. Leider entsprachen die Fotos auf der Webside nicht der Realität. Haus und Umgebung waren sehr vernachlässigt. Wir haben das Haus sauberer verlassen, als wir es angetroffen haben."

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024

Lovely 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 WiFi, 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
Amazing home in Motala with WiFi

Amazing home in Motala with WiFi

Motala
Stay at this vacation home in Motala. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attraction Kvarnsjön is located nearby.
Amazing home in Motala with WiFi
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