4.5
(879)
4,670
riders
141
rides
Touring cycling routes around the Motala Ström traverse a landscape shaped by the Göta Canal and the Motala Ström river, which drains Lake Vättern. The region features a mix of paved surfaces, lush natural environments, and fertile plains with fields and pastures. Cyclists encounter significant lakes like Vättern and Boren, alongside historical industrial architecture in areas such as Norrköping.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
5.0
(2)
12
riders
48.5km
03:10
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(192)
866
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.2
(73)
257
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(78)
249
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(45)
220
riders
15.5km
01:22
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(47)
218
riders
16.0km
01:25
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(16)
135
riders
36.1km
03:16
70m
70m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(33)
185
riders
13.0km
01:10
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(36)
140
riders
76.6km
05:58
260m
260m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(26)
173
riders
36.7km
03:19
100m
100m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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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Nice place with several restaurants and cafe. Hotel and the famous Motor Museet.
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Mem marks the eastern terminus of the Göta Canal, where Sweden's historic waterway meets the Baltic Sea. This location is significant not only as a navigational point but also as the site where the entire canal system was inaugurated on September 26, 1832, by King Charles XIV John
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The sculpture in Söderköping depicts a canal worker in the act of opening or closing one of the heavy wooden lock gates, honoring the human effort behind the canal’s operation. It’s a tribute to the thousands of men and women who built and maintained the Göta Canal in the 19th century, many of them soldiers who carried out the hard manual work with simple tools. Today the artwork serves as both a historical reminder and a photogenic spot, giving visitors a sense of the physical labor and dedication that shaped this engineering wonder.
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Bergs Herrgård, overlooking the Göta Canal near Linköping, is a historic manor that blends elegance with nature. Built in the 18th century as a noble residence, it now welcomes visitors with refined charm and a stunning view of the famous Berg locks. Its lush parkland and panoramic setting make it an ideal stop for those who wish to experience the canal not only as a waterway but also as a place of relaxation and culture. With peaceful walks, culinary experiences, and its proximity to one of the most spectacular stretches of the Göta Canal, Bergs Herrgård remains a captivating landmark along the journey.
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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 varied tour, easy to cycle.
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The Motala Ström region offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 140 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 57 easy, 76 moderate, and 10 difficult trails.
Touring cyclists in Motala Ström can expect a diverse landscape. Routes often feature mostly paved surfaces, winding through lush natural environments, fertile plains with fields and pastures, and along the shores of significant lakes like Vättern and Boren. You'll also encounter historical industrial architecture, particularly in areas like Norrköping.
Yes, the region is well-equipped for cyclists of different skill levels, including families. Many routes are well-maintained and feature clear signage, with 57 easy routes available. These often follow low-traffic country roads or dedicated paths, providing a pleasant experience for all ages.
Absolutely. In Norrköping, the Motala Ström cascades through a series of captivating waterfalls, often referred to as Norrköpingsfallen. This area combines powerful natural cascades with historical industrial architecture, offering a lively and scenic environment to explore.
The Motala Ström region is rich in attractions. You can visit the impressive Bergs Slussar, Göta Canal, known for its lock staircase, or the Borenshult Lock Staircase. Motala itself, known as the 'Cycling Capital,' offers green parks and the old Motala Workshop. The picturesque town of Söderköping with its cobbled streets is also a highlight. Many routes also pass by beautiful lakes, such as the Lakeside Rest Area with Swimming Spot or offer View of Lake Ljungssjön.
Yes, many touring cycling routes in Motala Ström are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the moderate Cycling Tour on the canal – Loop from Söderköping, which follows the historic Göta Canal. Another option is the easy Söderköping Lock (Göta Canal) – Mem Lock loop from Söderköping.
The touring cycling routes in Motala Ström are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 880 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained paths, the scenic views along the Göta Canal and Motala Ström, and the blend of natural beauty with historical sites.
The Göta Canal is a central feature of the region's cycling. Many routes closely follow its path, offering views of the waterway and its impressive lock systems. For instance, the moderate Göta Canal – Bergs Herrgård at Göta Canal loop from Brunneby kyrka explores the area around the canal, passing by Bergs Herrgård.
Borensberg, known as one of the coziest places along the Göta Canal, is featured in several routes. You can explore the area on the moderate The Motala Ström in Borensberg – Borensberg Manual Lock loop from Motala C, which takes you through the scenic Motala Ström area near the town. Another option is the moderate Platens Grav at Göta Canal – The Motala Ström in Borensberg loop from Borensberg.
While many routes are easy to moderate, there are options for more experienced cyclists seeking a challenge. The region offers 10 difficult routes. An example is the challenging Bergs Slussar, Göta Canal – Göta Canal loop from Berg, which covers a significant distance and elevation.
The best time for touring cycling in Motala Ström is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn. This period offers pleasant weather for exploring the lush natural environments and enjoying the outdoor attractions along the routes. The region's well-maintained paths are accessible throughout these seasons.
Yes, you can find routes that begin near Mems slott. For example, the easy Mem Lock – Söderköping Lock loop from Mems slott offers a shorter ride. For a longer option, consider the moderate Mem Lock – Göta Canal loop from Mems slott.


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