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 the Motala Ström
- The most popular attractions is Bergs Slussar, Göta Canal, a man-made monument that represents one of Sweden's most famous engineering structures. This impressive lock system, almost a kilometer long, is a well-visited attraction north of Linköping.
- Another must-see spot is Carl Johans Lock Staircase (Berg Lock Staircase), a man-made monument. Here, boats are raised or lowered almost 30 meters via a total of 11 locks, making it one of Sweden's most spectacular structures.
- Visitors also love The Motala Ström in Borensberg, a river section where the Göta Canal meets the Motala Ström. This picturesque setting, featuring an old lock keeper’s cottage, small bridges, and cafés, is one of the few sections of the canal without a lock.
- Motala Ström is known for its engineering marvels, historical sites, and natural features. The region offers a variety of attractions, from the Göta Canal's lock systems to significant cultural points and scenic river views.
- The attractions around the Motala Ström are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 300 upvotes and over 100 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Bergs Slussar, Göta Canal
Highlight • Monument
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Carl Johans Lock Staircase (Berg Lock Staircase)
Highlight • Monument
Carl Johan's locks - the flight of locks The Göta Canal is undoubtedly a fascinating engineering work. In 2000, the canal was voted Swedish Structure of the Millennium. People across the country were asked to vote for what they believed to be the finest structure built between the years 1000 and 2000. Baptismal name: Carl Johan (King Carl XIV Johan and his son Prince Oskar visited the building site in 1815 and laid two foundation stones, which is why the lock staircase got its name). Year of construction: 1815-1818. Technical facts: These seven linked locks form the longest flight of locks on the Göta Canal. They raise and lower the ships 18.8 m between Lake Roxen and Berg's guest harbour. Operation is hydraulic. There are a total of eleven locks at Berg. They are all made of limestone from the Berg limestone quarry. Lock History: Carl Johan's lock keeper's home was built sometime between 1810 and 1820. The house originally contained apartments for two guards and their families. About 100 m south of the locks is the former home of the lock inspector.
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Carl Johans Locks, Berg, Göta Canal
Highlight • Structure
On the mountain side behind this lock staircase is a very large harbor basin, which is used as Berg's boat harbor and as a waiting area for the boats and ships waiting for the lock, but primarily serves as a water reservoir for the seven-step lock staircase.
At the opposite exit of the harbor basin is Oscar's lock, a double lock with which 4.8 meters of altitude can be overcome. After another, much smaller port basin, the last thing to come is the Karl Ludvig Eugen lock, another double lock with which the last 4.8 meters of height difference can be overcome.
Immediately by the locks there is a snack bar as well as a restaurant with a café and a beautifully designed adventure golf course. At the latest, the large car park with numerous motorhome parking spaces shows that Bergs Slussar is a very popular national excursion destination. In the immediate vicinity of the locks are the beautiful Bergsbaden bathing beach and the ruins of Vreta Kloster, Sweden's oldest monastery complex.
guidebook-sweden.com/de/reisefuehrer/reiseziel/bergs-slussar-schleusentreppe-goeta-kanal-berg
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Borenshult Lock Staircase
Highlight • Monument
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Vätternrundan Monument Motala
Highlight • Monument
The race starts in Motala, heading south to cycle around Lake Vättern in a clockwise direction. The other stops on the 300 km route with approximately 1,500 meters of elevation gain are:
Ödeshög (until around 2014 Hästholmen)
Ölmstad (until around 2014 Gränna)
Jönköping
Fagerhult
Hjo
Karlsborg
Boviken
Hammarsundet
Medevi
Only upright bicycles, including tandems, are permitted. Recumbent bicycles, tricycles, scooters, or motorized bicycles are not permitted. Helmets are mandatory.
The Vätternrundan is part of the "Swedish Classic," a combination of four long-distance competitions in various sports in Sweden.
Development of participant numbers
Since the first edition in 1966 with 344 participants, the Vätternrundan has reported new participant records almost every year. Over 1,000 participants registered for the second edition alone. In 1981, over 10,000 registrations were counted for the first time, and by 2010, there were already over 20,000. In 2013, 19,406 of the 22,800 registered riders started.
18,475 reached the finish line within the specified time limit.
Three additional events take place about a week beforehand.
The Tjejvättern is a 90 km race for women only. The organizers assume that there are comparatively few women who want to take part in the Vätternrundan. The 150 km Halvvättern serves both as a smaller version of the Vätternrundan and as preparation for ambitious riders. There is also a Minivättern for cyclists between
6 and 10 years old, with 1.3 or 2.6 km, depending on age.
For women, participation in the Tjejvättern is considered part of the Skandinavialoppet.
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%A4tternrundan
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The Motala Ström in Borensberg
Highlight • River
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Kristberg Church
Highlight • Religious Site
Source: sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristbergs_kyrka
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Bicycle Boat Across Lake Asplången
Highlight • Rest Area
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
High season: June 13th - August 15th Daily 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This year it costs 100 kroner for 1 adult, 50 kr for children up to 12.
Outside of boating times, definitely take the route south of the lake (unfortunately it doesn't lead along a country road that is so nice), a section of the route to the north is now private and completely closed off, i.e. you can't get through (even if Komoot/OpenStreetMap still shows it differently)
Alternative route outside of boating times: gotakanal.se/de/tour/alternative-route-rund-um-asplaangensee-braadtom-snoeveltorp_804288624
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Borensberg Manual Lock
Highlight • Monument
gotakanal.se/de/aktivitaten/schleusenbetrib
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Motala Motor Museum
Highlight • Monument
From old televisions and radios to cameras, not only die-hard motor fans will get their money's worth. Whether male or female, young or old (although the slightly older visitors may have even owned one or two of the exhibits themselves or at least seen them in action), everyone will discover and admire their personal favorite.
The focus of this exhibition is the numerous automobiles. From the first bicycles, such as the penny farthing, to 100 different motorcycle models, to four-wheeled cars, such as an old 70s-style camper van, a variety of Rolls-Royce models, an old fire engine, a decommissioned Formula One car, a rocket car, and even a Lamborghini. Visitors will be simply amazed.
The Motor Museum is open every day of the year.
At the end of your visit, you can take a short walk along Lake Vättern and end the day with a magnificent view.
schwedenstube.de/blog/motala-motormuseum
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Tips from the Community
Simply beautiful the Göta Canal
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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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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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Most popular attractions around the Motala Ström
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