Vadstena

ENJOY OUR CREATIVE HISTORY

– WELCOME TO VADSTENA!

In Vadstena, you’ll find yourself surrounded by history – among castles, courtyards, abbeys, and medieval buildings. The picturesque and charming town centre with cobbled streets and old preserved wooden houses is lovely, authentic, and vibrant.

A stroll through town will take you through centuries of history and architecture, but also past cosy shops and delightful dining venues. Vadstena shopping is unique and personal, whether you're into fashion, interior design, antiquities, crafts, or architectural conservation. For those interested in history, we recommend one of the local guided tours and the many museums.

But Vadstena is so much more than history. Residents organise events, activities, and experiences, where Vadstena’s beautiful surroundings set the stage and provide a source of inspiration. Studios and galleries crowd the town centre and open up for exciting encounters. The creativity is expressed through a strong and proud tradition of expert craftsmanship. While Vadstena Lace enjoys a special position, glass, iron work, and other crafts are produced here as well.

At the castle, a rock concert is as natural as an opera performance. Recurring summer events include productions by Shakespearefabriken and Vadstena-Akademien, but also Medieval Days, triathlon competitions, and markets. A stay in Vadstena can also lead to personal growth, creativity, and inspiration – for spectators and practitioners alike. Nature is varied and close at hand, with a variety of bird species at Lake Tåkern, the lovely fertile Östgöta plains, and, of course, Lake Vättern. You’ll find food made with locally sourced ingredients and you can visit market gardens and farm shops. Vadstena's beautiful gardens and proud agricultural traditions are widely recognised.

Lake Vättern is perfect for swimming, fishing, kayaking and boating. The plains are bicycle friendly with winding roads between churches and rolling cornfields. Vätterviksbadet swimming area is shallow and perfect for children, with a cycling lane from the centre of town.

Vadstena Infocenter Open all year round. Street address Storgatan 28 +46 10 234 73 70 info@vadstena.se More information about local services, accommodations, culinary experiences and activities is posted on Vadstena’s website, Vadstenaguiden.se, and in social media @vadstenaguiden

Calendar of events

The guest marina at Vadstena Castle is popular with boaters on Lake Vättern and Göta Canal. At the foot of the mystical Mount Omberg, Borghamn offers a place to rest on your pilgrimage to Vadstena. In Borghamn, limestone quarrying and fishing have been the main sources of livelihood for nearly a thousand years. Mount Omberg has ancient castles from the Migration Period. The impressive scenery on the mountain offers wonderful cycling and hiking adventures with spectacular views of Lake Vättern. The Östgötaleden Trail, also known as the Pilgrim Trail, crosses the mountain and guides you via Borghamn to Vadstena.

For centuries, people have come to Vadstena in search of recreation and inspiration. Vadstena Abbey Church is one of the world’s pilgrimage destinations. The church presents the story of Saint Birgitta, and many music events are organised here. The Pilgrim Centre in the historic abbey upholds the tradition and is open to everyone. Others find what they're looking for on their own, through yoga, or in the spa. It is especially peaceful here in the spring and autumn, with plenty of room for recreation. The place promotes a sense of well being. Vadstena has always been a town to visit, to return to, to enjoy, and to live in. Vadstena has not only one history but several. And we create them together.

Welcome to Vadstena!