Vadstena (pronounced "Vasstena" by the locals) is a village in Sweden. It is in the northern part of the Götaland region in the Östergötland county. It has about 5,000 inhabitants.
Vadstena is a small town, but has many historic buildings from its impressive history.
Vadstena is situated on the eastern shores of Lake Vättern in a rich farmland district.
The town's history is closely connected to the convent, founded by Saint Bridget of Sweden in 1384. It was the first, and also the largest, convent of the Bridgettine Order. The convent was established in the 13th century royal palace by lake Vättern. Since 1999, Bridget has been one of Europe's six patron saints.
After the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, the convent was closed and the abbey church later became the Vadstena parish church, which it still is today.
In the 16th century, a hospital was founded next to the convent to care for the poor pilgrims who couldn't afford to stay at inns and guest houses in town. The hospital lived on through the centuries specialised on psychiatric help. Several old buildings in the hospital area are still standing today.
- Vadstena Abbey Church, Myntbacken 2. One of the largest medieval churches in Scandinavia. It holds a large collection of medieval wooden sculptures. Next to the altar is Saint Bridget of Sweden's reliquary.
- Vadstena Castle. From the 16th century, it was built as a fortress to protect the rich Mälaren Valley from the southern enemy. Rebuilt into a Renaissance palace by the royal Vasa family and since then very well-preserved. Guided tours are offered all year. Museum with furnishings from 16-18th centuries.
- Vadstena Rådhus, Rådhustorget 5. The oldest city hall in Sweden, built in the early 15th century.
- Vadstena Hospital Museum, Jungfrustigen 2. Weekends late Jun-early Sep, daily mid Jul-late Aug. A museum that covers the town's hospital tradition. The 16th-century Mårten Skinnares House is next to the museum and open during guided tours of the museum. 80 kr.
- Saint Bridgets Convent Museum, Gräsgården, Klosterområdet, +46 143-100 31. In the old royal palace which was rebuilt into the Bridgettine convent.
- Vadstena City Museum, Rådhustorget 9, +46 10-476 87 31. In a building from the 16th century. Tells the story of the town. Free.
- Gottfrid Larsson Gården, Skänningegatan 9, +46 10-476 87 31. A house museum dedicated to the local sculptor "Gottfrid Larsson". The house also contains "Spettsmuseum" (Bobbin Lace Museum). Free entry to sculptors museum, 20 kr to Spettsmuseum.
- Leksaksmuseum, Slottsgården, Hamngatan 3 (Opposite the castle, +46 143-292 75. In a building from the 16th century. Tells the story of the town. Adults 60 kr, children 45 kr.
Vadstena Hospital Museum, Jungfrustigen 2. Weekends late Jun-early Sep, daily mid Jul-late Aug. A museum that covers the town's hospital tradition. The 16th-century Mårten Skinnares House is next to the museum and open during guided tours of the museum. 80 kr.
Saint Bridgets Convent Museum, Gräsgården, Klosterområdet, +46 143-100 31. In the old royal palace which was rebuilt into the Bridgettine convent.
Vadstena City Museum, Rådhustorget 9, +46 10-476 87 31. In a building from the 16th century. Tells the story of the town. Free.
Gottfrid Larsson Gården, Skänningegatan 9, +46 10-476 87 31. A house museum dedicated to the local sculptor "Gottfrid Larsson". The house also contains "Spettsmuseum" (Bobbin Lace Museum). Free entry to sculptors museum, 20 kr to Spettsmuseum.
Leksaksmuseum, Slottsgården, Hamngatan 3 (Opposite the castle, +46 143-292 75. In a building from the 16th century. Tells the story of the town. Adults 60 kr, children 45 kr.
Vadstena Abbey Church, Myntbacken 2. One of the largest medieval churches in Scandinavia. It holds a large collection of medieval wooden sculptures. Next to the altar is Saint Bridget of Sweden's reliquary.
Vadstena Castle. From the 16th century, it was built as a fortress to protect the rich Mälaren Valley from the southern enemy. Rebuilt into a Renaissance palace by the royal Vasa family and since then very well-preserved. Guided tours are offered all year. Museum with furnishings from 16-18th centuries.
Vadstena Rådhus, Rådhustorget 5. The oldest city hall in Sweden, built in the early 15th century.
- Visit the Abbey. Don't miss the concertos.
- Walk around the city.
- Attend the Nostalgic evenings at the Toy Museum, once a week during summers.
- The city sightseeing train Hjulius with guided tour of the town.
- Bobbin laces, traditionally woven in Vadstena since the 17th century.
- Systembolaget, Hovsgatan 4 (close to the Rådhustorget Square, +46 143-100 36. Systembolaget is the state-owned monopoly liquor store. This is where you go if you want to buy a bottle of wine or spirits or beer stronger than approx. 3% alcohol which you can find in supermarkets.
- Väversunda Church, Herrestad Church and Örberga Church, dated to the early 12th century
- Lake Tåkern, a known birdwatching site. Naturum visitor center.
- Mountain Omberg, 20 km south of Vadstena. Ski at Ombergsliden in the winter.
- Borghamn, little town 15 km south of Vadstena where you can buy fish and enjoy the harbor, and beautiful walk up to Omberg.
- The ruins of Alvastra Abbey, 20 km south of Vadstena.
- Rökstenen, runestone 20 km south of Vadstena, visitor center
- Vadstena Motorcycle and Tractor Museum, just outside Vadstena
- Motala, town 15 km north of Vadstena.