The very nice Motala, 19-22 June 2020

The ride between Borensberg and Motala was most pleasant, with a few bridges and locks, in a very picturesque landscape. We had planned to stay in Motala for Midsummer and enjoy the celebrations there. As for celebrations, there was nothing because of the Covid 19 and the social distancing "voluntary" measures enforced by people.

Kung Sverker at the Motala lock

But Motala has a lot to offer, in the area around it (see previous posts) but in the city itself as well...

Vadstena castle moats, 23 June 2020

Vadstena castle is one of the best preserved baroque castle in Northern Scandinavia. It was built by Gustav Vasa in 1545 to protect Stockholm from the Danish invasions. The castle is located on the east bank of the Vättern lake and surrounded by moats that are used now to accommodate visitors in the guest harbour.

Belisama in the moats of the Vadstena castle.

... and three megalith sites - 19 June

Many megalith sites are located around the lake Vättern. We visited three around Motala. Below is a rock carving found in Hästholmen. The exact location is very difficult to find as there is no indications. Should you wish to visit, enter 58.275723 and 14.638081 as coordinate, and cross the field from the road leading to the guest harbour...

Horses pulling the sun back on earth in the evening...

Four churches around Motala, 19 June

We stayed in Motala for the midsummer weekend. Due to Civid 19, there ware no celebrations or danses as one would expect for Midsummer. Strange feeling when you know how serious midsummer is for the Swedish people. 

Our exploration of the Saint Birgitta pilgrimage route made us visit four very nice churches... 

Väversunda church

Borensberg to Motala, 17 June

From Borensberg to Motala, we had a quiet day along the canal, rythmes by the locks and bridge openings. Peaceful day, yet demanding when we had to operate manually a lock!

Stéphane as the lock keeper on the way to Motala...

On the way to Berg, 16 June 2020

We arrive in Berg after going through the Roxen lake. The pedestrian on the rock at the entrance of the Berg guest harbour is the mark of Berg. 

Magic welcome by a shoal of swans as we enter the Berg guest pier