Motala: Radio, the Göta Canal and industrial heritage

Motala’s history can be seen in specific places: a protected radio station dating from 1927 houses the Sveriges rundradiomuseum, while the Göta Canal and Gamla Motala Verkstad tell the story of technology and industrial history. There are also exhibitions on early settlements and working life, nature reserves and waterside experiences on Lake Vättern.

Museums and early history

The radio station in Motala dates from 1927 and is a listed building. It houses the Sveriges rundradiomuseum, whose “Alla tiders radio” exhibition traces the development of radio from crystal receivers to mobile phones. Charlottenborg Castle offers a different timeline: its “Från Istid till Nutid” timeline begins 11,000 years ago and covers Stone Age settlements, medieval church building and the Göta Canal. Motala is one of the most interesting sites for finds from the Old Stone Age in Northern Europe.

Charlottenborg Castle also displays wood carvings by Sophia Isberg, art from different periods and archaeological finds from Motala. The Göta Canal itself was built between 1810 and 1832, is 190 kilometres long and has 58 locks; these figures refer to the entire canal. This puts the local history of the canal into the broader context of the waterway.

Industrial history on display

Gamla Motala Verkstad began in 1822 as a repair workshop for the construction of the Göta Canal and developed into one of Sweden’s leading industries in the mid-19th century. Overhead cranes and Falu-red buildings remain on the old factory site, where visitors can walk around. The “Verkstadsvandring” guided tour explores the workshop’s origins and the history of the canal. It takes place mostly outdoors and ends at the Museilägenheterna; check in advance whether the tour is available.

The Museilägenheterna recreate workers’ homes from 1850 and 1903, offering a glimpse into family life among the workers of Motala Verkstad. The Motala Motormuseum has a fully functioning car workshop from the 1920s or 1930s on display. It also exhibits around 125 motorcycles and mopeds, including Einar “Motala Linkan” Lindqvist’s complete motorcycle collection. The specific exhibits may change.

Nature reserves, trails and Lake Vättern

The Staffanstorp nature reserve features a hilly landscape with varied woodland, open pastures, small bogs and lakes. Its rich wildlife and abundant flowers also define the area. Staffanstorp is accessible by car and bicycle and is within walking distance of Motala tätort. Sjöbo-Knäppan nature reserve has accessible barbecue areas and toilets; several trails have been adapted for wheelchairs. If you rely on specific accessible facilities or trails, check the latest accessibility information before your visit.

Varamobaden is on Lake Vättern and is described as Northern Europe’s largest inland beach. Its sheltered, shallow bay is suitable for windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Facilities include a paved beachfront promenade, ramps for wheelchairs leading to the sandy beach and a mat extending into the water. Swimming conditions can vary by season; check that any equipment you need is available before travelling.

The historic route along Motala ström and Kvarnön is just under three kilometres long, can also be cycled and follows asphalt and gravel paths. The section between Motala and Ljungsbro is part of the Östgötaleden trail: it follows a car-free gravel path along the north shore of the Göta Canal and crosses the open landscape on the south shore of Lake Boren. Routes and surfaces may change; check the latest trail information before setting out. Fishing is possible in Motala ström between Motala harbour and the power station. Check the applicable rules before fishing.

Kvarnön was formed when the Göta Canal was dug through Motala alongside Motala ström: the river’s water was too fast for canal boats. This history explains why the canal and river are intertwined in the town’s past.

Harbour and travel planning

Motala harbour is in the harbour basin of Lake Vättern and has floating pontoons and a stone quay, as well as the Göta Canal’s main office. Harbour facilities may change; check the latest information before travelling. The M/S Kung Sverker offers a trip along the Göta Canal from Motala harbour to Borensberg, passing through Motala and the historic quarter of the old Motala Verkstad area. The trip is seasonal and depends on the operator, so it is advisable to check current availability in advance. Motala central station is served by Östgötapendeln and Tåg i Bergslagen; check the timetable for your journey.

For a fika break, Ubbes Bageri in Motala has a retro-style café reminiscent of an old-fashioned pastry shop. You can enjoy fika indoors or outside in summer, or buy pastries to take away. Check current opening information before your visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Motala, Nykyrka, Tjällmo, Bona, Borensberg, Kinda, Finspång, Ydre.

Go to the main travel overview: Östergötland.