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Vätternakvariet
Vätternakvariet (Closed)
This is a small, lake-themed aquarium focused mainly on species from Lake Vättern, with an additional section of tropical fish.
Despite its modest size, the collection is quite good and includes a few interesting species. Some of the highlights for me were giant danio (devario aequipinnatus), medusa pleco (ancistrus ranunculus), ancistomus feldbergae, cylinder cichlid (neolamprologus cylindricus), and bristlenose catfish (ancistrus sp. L181).
I had a pleasant visit here, arriving right when they opened in the morning and being the only guest for a while. I took my time, chatted a bit with one of the staff members, and enjoyed photographing the fish and the collection. Even so, it’s a fairly quick stop.
This isn’t a place you’d travel far for unless you’re specifically targeting some of the rarer species, but if you’re in Motala or nearby, it’s definitely worth dropping by. For me, it was a relaxed visit and a nice little collection to document.
Edit: This collection closed later the same year as my visit.
Entrance
General Information
Opened: 19 May 2012
Closed: 7 November 2025
Location: Motala, Sweden
Type: Public aquarium / freshwater collection
Vätternakvariet i Motala was a small public aquarium dedicated primarily to the aquatic life of Lake Vättern. Opened in 2012, it was located in the harbour area of Motala and aimed to introduce visitors to the fish and other wildlife of Sweden's second-largest lake.
The aquarium featured several tanks with native Vättern fish and other freshwater animals, alongside a smaller collection of tropical freshwater species from Africa, Asia and South America. The exhibition also included information about Lake Vättern, its wildlife and local natural history. At the time of its closure, the aquarium had around 15 tanks.
Vätternakvariet closed permanently on 7 November 2025 as its owners, who also operate Motala Motormuseum, decided to reduce their activities. There was some interest in taking over the aquarium, but it was ultimately reported as permanently closed.
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