Vadstena Castle is the best preserved Renaissance castle in Sweden from the time of Gustav Vasa. It began to be built as a defense facility in 1545 by King Gustav Vasa, but it was not until 1620 that the castle was completely finished. Today, visitors can see exhibitions on the first floor, together with a guide, see three of the four gun towers with contemporary cannons. You can also visit the furnished rooms on the third floor with paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries.
This peculiar, very well-preserved late medieval house, built around 1520, is famous for its prevet (toilet). Mårten Skinnare was a wealthy merchant who also worked for King Gustav Vasa, but later fell from grace.
Mårten Skinnare established a combined hospital and shelter for the needy, which later became the hospital in Vadstena. At the Hospital Museum, we get a picture of how mental health care used to work. We can read medical records and get a sense of how different treatment methods were implemented.
It conveys knowledge about the life of St. Birgitta, her visions, revelations and the world around her. The museum also tells the story of medieval monasticism and its great importance for Sweden - religiously, economically and culturally.
Vadstena Abbey Church dates back to the 1430s and was built according to the instructions of St. Bridget, taking 61 years to build. People from all over the world have made pilgrimages here since the Middle Ages and today the church is considered one of Europe's most important pilgrimage destinations and is listed in the Michelin Guide with 3 stars!
Vadstena is and was an important international pilgrimage site. The pilgrimage motif has long been present in almost all cultures and religions. The number of people going on pilgrimage is increasing and in Vadstena the monastery trail is the most visited.
A well-preserved small rural theater in the Vadstena monastery area. Vadstena old theater is today part of Vadstena monastery area. In 1847, the former Assemblésalongen was rebuilt into a more refined theater. In 1967, heating and a new electrical system were installed and in 1972 boxes and toilets in the old garden building.
St. Per's Church in Vadstena was the old town church, dedicated to St. Per, built in the 14th century, today only the bell tower Rödtornet remains. The church replaced a Romanesque stone church from the 12th century, the foundations of which were found in St. Per's former cemetery in 1956. Part of an early Christian burial monument, found in late summer 2006, shows that there was a church here as early as the 11th century, probably built as a private farm church for the large farm that preceded the Bjälboätten palace.
Omberg has a valuable natural environment and an amazing diversity of species. Some of the most valuable natural areas on Omberg are protected as nature reserves. Omberg is located south of Vadstena and has a mile-wide view of Lake Vättern and the Östgöta plain. There are several ancient castles, as well as nature trails and cycle routes. A wonderful environment for those who want to get out and move in nature. You can also just enjoy a sausage barbecue or picnic in the green.
Tåkern is one of northern Europe's most famous bird lakes and is located on the Östgöta plain. Up to 70,000 ducks, geese and swans rest here and it is a fantastic natural environment. There are several lookout towers and hiking trails around the lake. Naturum Tåkern, which is located by the lake, is a business with exhibitions, nature and cultural tours and other activities.
Visit Vas Vitreum, a small glassworks located in the center of Vadstena in Azylenparken. Vas Vitreum is run in the 5th generation by skilled glass masters. See the incredible craftsmanship up close.