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Sweden
Östergötland

Motala Ström

Attractions and Places To See around the Motala Ström - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around the Motala Ström include a diverse landscape shaped by the Göta Canal and Lake Vättern. This region offers a blend of historical engineering marvels, significant cultural sites, and natural features. Visitors can explore the river system connecting Lake Vättern to the Baltic Sea, which is rich in archaeological finds and industrial heritage. The area provides numerous opportunities for outdoor activities alongside its historical points of interest.

Best attractions and places to see around…

Last updated: May 11, 2026

Bergs Slussar, Göta Canal

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Bergs Slussar is the Göta Canal's largest flight of locks and one of Sweden's most famous engineering structures. The imposing lock system, almost a kilometer long, is a well-visited attraction …

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The lock staircase in Berg is one of Sweden's most spectacular structures. The boats are raised or lowered almost 30 meters via a total of 11 locks.
Carl Johan's locks …

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Where the Göta Canal joins the lake on the west bank of the Roxen is the lowest point of the Bergs Slussar lock staircase, which consists of eleven steps. It …

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Borenshult Lock Staircase

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Five interlocking locks overcome 15.3 m. The locks can be easily reached from Motala on foot or by bike. Simply follow the path along the canal. At the top there …

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Vätternrundan Monument Motala

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The route circles the country's second-largest lake, Lake Vättern, and is part of the Skandinavialoppet (Skandinavialoppet). The race was first held in 1966 and has been held annually since then. …

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In Borensberg, the Göta Canal meets the Motala Ström, creating a picturesque setting where water and history intertwine. This is one of the few sections of the canal without a …

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Kristberg Church

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The oldest parts of the church probably date from around the turn of the 1200s. During the later Middle Ages, probably in the 15th century, the original stone church was …

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The cycle path here takes you across the lake by boat.
gotakanal.se/en/book/to-do/2626994/bicycle-boat-aspl%C3%A5ngen-g%C3%B6ta-canal/showdetails


Bicycle boat operating times in 2024:

Pre- and post-season: May 7th - June 12th and August 16th - September 28th Saturday and Sunday 12pm - 4pm

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Borensberg Manual Lock

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In summer, thousands of boats pass through the locks of the Göta Canal. Here you can experience the spectacle, when enormous volumes of water flow into one of the 58 …

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Motala Motor Museum

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In Motala on Lake Vättern, various exhibits related to the topic of motors can be viewed and admired on an area of 2000m².

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Cycling Sweden’s Blue Ribbon – Göta Canal Trail

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Cycling Sweden’s Blue Ribbon – Göta Canal Trail

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Francesco | Cyclo Ergo Sum

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Nicholas Rrr
April 15, 2026, Bergs Slussar, Göta Canal

Worth to visit in high season when boats are cruising the canal.

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In Borensberg, the Göta Canal meets the Motala Ström, creating a picturesque setting where water and history intertwine. This is one of the few sections of the canal without a lock, as the natural flow of the river carries boats gently onward. The spot is particularly charming, with the old lock keeper’s cottage, small bridges, and cafés giving it the feel of a living postcard. Long a gathering place for travelers and locals, Borensberg highlights the harmony between the canal’s engineering and the surrounding landscape. Today, it remains a beloved stop for cyclists, boaters, and visitors exploring the heart of Östergötland.

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Nice trip across Asplången with a very friendly skipper.

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A cozy cafe from which you can see everything.

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A great experience when the ships and boats are locked through.

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one of the rotating bridges on the canal

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It's interesting to watch the lock going through; at each chamber the boat is lifted about 5 meters to get to the next chamber.

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The hotel is located directly opposite

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most notable engineering marvels to visit around the Motala Ström?

The region is renowned for its impressive engineering feats related to the Göta Canal. You can explore the largest flight of locks at Bergs Slussar, Göta Canal, and specifically the spectacular Carl Johans Lock Staircase (Berg Lock Staircase), where boats are raised or lowered almost 30 meters. Another significant lock system is the Borenshult Lock Staircase.

Are there family-friendly attractions around the Motala Ström?

Yes, many attractions are suitable for families. Watching the boats navigate the locks at Bergs Slussar or the Carl Johans Lock Staircase is a popular activity. The charming section of The Motala Ström in Borensberg with its cafés and bridges is also family-friendly. Additionally, the Motala Motor Museum offers exhibits for all ages, and Varamobaden Beach provides swimming and water sports.

What natural features can I explore in the Motala Ström region?

The Motala Ström region offers beautiful natural landscapes. Lake Vättern, Sweden's second-largest lake, provides stunning views and opportunities for water activities. You can also visit Varamobaden Beach in Motala, northern Europe's largest freshwater beach, ideal for swimming and relaxation. The river system itself, particularly The Motala Ström in Borensberg, offers picturesque river views.

What historical and cultural sites are there to visit?

The area is rich in history. You can explore the Old Motala Verkstad (Industrial Landscape), originally a repair workshop for the Göta Canal, now transforming into a cultural center. The Motala Motor Museum showcases Sweden's largest collection of motors. Charlottenborg Manor House, a 17th-century estate, hosts the Motala Museum, offering insights into local history. The region also has significant archaeological finds from the Early Stone Age.

What outdoor activities, such as hiking, can I do near these attractions?

The Motala Ström area offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find easy to moderate trails, such as the 'Stadsparken Motala – Platen's Grave loop from Verkstadsön' or the 'Motala Harbor – Motala Verkstad loop from Motala'. For more options, explore the various hiking routes available in the Easy hikes around the Motala Ström guide or the Hiking around the Motala Ström guide.

Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots recommended?

Yes, several spots offer great views. The lock systems like Bergs Slussar and Carl Johans Lock Staircase provide impressive vantage points to observe the engineering marvels and surrounding landscape. The section of The Motala Ström in Borensberg is also noted for its picturesque river views from its bridges.

What is the best time of year to visit the Motala Ström region?

The Motala Ström region is enjoyable year-round, but the summer months (June to August) are particularly popular for outdoor activities, boating on the Göta Canal, and enjoying Varamobaden Beach. During this time, cafés and attractions are typically in full operation. Spring and autumn offer beautiful scenery for hiking and cycling with fewer crowds.

Are there cycling opportunities near the attractions?

Absolutely. The Göta Canal, running parallel to Motala Ström, offers excellent cycling paths. The region is also home to the Vätternrundan, a renowned fitness cycling race, and you can find the Vätternrundan Monument Motala. Many trails are suitable for cycling, allowing you to explore the natural beauty and historical sites.

What do visitors enjoy most about the Motala Ström attractions?

Visitors frequently highlight the impressive engineering of the Göta Canal's lock systems, such as Bergs Slussar, finding the process of boats navigating the locks fascinating. The picturesque scenery, especially in places like The Motala Ström in Borensberg, and the blend of natural beauty with historical significance are also highly appreciated.

Are there any unique experiences or 'hidden gems' in the area?

Beyond the well-known locks, consider visiting the Borensberg Manual Lock, one of the few places where locks are still operated by hand in summer, offering a glimpse into traditional canal operations. The Old Motala Verkstad industrial landscape, with its ongoing transformation into a cultural hub, also provides a unique historical and cultural experience.

Can I find places to eat or have a coffee near the attractions?

Yes, you'll find various options. In Borensberg, near The Motala Ström, there are charming cafés. Motala Harbour is a vibrant area with restaurants. Near the Carl Johans Locks, Berg, Göta Canal, there is a snack bar and a restaurant with a café, making it convenient for visitors.

Are there any religious or historical church sites to visit?

Yes, the Kristberg Church is a notable religious building in the area with historical significance. Additionally, the ruins of Vreta Kloster, Sweden's oldest monastery complex, are located in the vicinity of Bergs Slussar.

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Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

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