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
$97 nightly
The price is $109 total per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$109 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
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! (1,060 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
$161 nightly
The price is $180 total per night from Oct 13 to Oct 14
$180 total
Oct 13 - Oct 14
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! (782 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
$97 nightly
The price is $109 total per night from Oct 13 to Oct 14
$109 total
Oct 13 - Oct 14
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (631 reviews)
"Very cozy Hotel ! And friendly Staff."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2026

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.
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
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
Familjevänligt och Mysigt hus vid Göta Kanalen, Nära Motala Centrum

Familjevänligt och Mysigt hus vid Göta Kanalen, Nära Motala Centrum

Östergötlands län Östergötlands län
Stay at this villa in Motala. Enjoy laundry facilities and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Motala Industrimuseum and Borenshults Slussar are located ...
Familjevänligt och Mysigt hus vid Göta Kanalen, Nära Motala Centrum
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

Frequently asked questions

Is Motala worth visiting?
Motala is worth visiting for its standout attractions, including Varamobadet Beach and Motala Motormuseum. Travelers can also enjoy diverse dining options, with Italian and Asian cuisine available. The city offers practical transit access via bus and train, making it easy to explore.
When is the best time to visit Motala?
The best time to visit Motala is from May through September, when the weather is generally mild and pleasant. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good bet, offering a different experience with cooler temperatures and potential for snow.
What is Motala known for?
Motala is known for Varamobadet Beach and the Motala Motormuseum. This city in Sweden also features Charlottenborg Manor, providing travelers with a look into local history, and offers a local Italian food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Motala?
A good itinerary length for Motala is two to three days to explore key highlights like Varamobadet Beach, Motala Motormuseum, and Charlottenborg Manor. An extended stay of four to five days allows travelers to enjoy the lake and beach areas more thoroughly, or simply relax and explore at a leisurely pace.
How do you get around Motala?
Travelers in Motala can get around using both bus and train services. Motala Station is a central hub for train travel. For local bus routes, you'll find stops such as Nydalen vändplats Bus Stop and Dammtorpsvägen Bus Stop, providing convenient transport options throughout the area.
What are the top things to do in and around Motala?
Motala offers travelers a mix of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and unique museums to explore:


How do I plan a trip to Motala?
When planning your trip to Motala, search for places to stay on Expedia and book activities like visiting Varamobadet Beach or Motala Motormuseum. Public transit is available via bus and train. For flexibility, pair outdoor plans with indoor backups such as Charlottenborg Manor. Book flights and rental cars in advance to secure your travel.
What cuisines can you find in Motala?
In Motala you can find Italian cuisine, featuring popular dishes like pasta, pizza, risotto, and tiramisu. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of Asian, Middle Eastern, and European options, as well as steakhouses.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Motala?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Motala by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Motala with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Motala trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Motala?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Motala can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Motala trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Motala trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Motala trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Motala trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Motala?
If it's your first trip to Motala, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Motala hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Motala hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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