This industrial town on Lake Vättern played a key role in Sweden's radio history, with its 1927 transmitter tower still standing. Its canal locks link major waterways.
Motala, a town of 43,000 people on the eastern shore of Lake Vättern, has evolved beyond its industrial roots. You can watch boats rise 15 meters through the five-step Borenshult locks, explore vintage Volvos and Saabs at the Motor Museum, or spend a summer day at Varamon, where 2.5 kilometers of sandy beach stretch along Sweden's largest freshwater lake.
Swimming and Recreation at Varamon Beach
The 2.5-kilometer Varamon Beach curves along Lake Vättern's protected bay at the northern edge of town. Children can play safely in the shallow waters while adults swim in the deeper sections. You'll find changing rooms, showers, and rental shops where you can get stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. The beach maintains Blue Flag status for its clean water and safety standards.
The Göta Canal and Lock System
The Göta Canal intersects with Lake Vättern at Motala's harbor. At Borenshult, you can watch boats navigate through five consecutive locks, climbing 15 meters eastward. Walk or cycle along the former towpaths into the harbor area, where boats pass through the locks from May to September. The paths lead past several historical points, including the grave of canal architect Baltzar von Platen.
Climate and Seasonal Activities
Summer days in Motala reach around 21.6°C in July, perfect for swimming and canal activities. Winter temperatures hover around freezing point in February. March sees the least rainfall with 29 millimeters. From June through August, daylight extends late into the evening, and more boats travel through the canal system.
Museums and Cultural Sites
The Motala Motor Museum displays cars, motorcycles, and mechanical equipment from 1900-1970. You can examine rare racing cars and browse through collections of vintage radios and record players. At the Swedish Broadcasting Museum, marked by two radio towers, you can learn about early radio technology and broadcasting history. The 13th-century Motala Church retains its medieval stone walls and serves as a central landmark.
Getting Around Motala
Trains run from Motala to Mjölby, Linköping, and Norrköping, connecting to Stockholm in about 2.5 hours. Local buses connect all parts of town and nearby communities. You can walk to most places in the compact town center. Bike paths follow the canal and lake shore, making cycling a practical option for exploring the area.
