VADSTENA – A CREATIVE HISTORY

from Visit Vättern 2023

THE GOLDEN TOWN OF KARLSBORG

Vadstena is a small town, but it offers a wide range of fascinating experiences. It's a town where every season has its own unique charm, from the hustle and bustle of summer tourists and outdoor dining to the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of winter.

The town's historical roots are everywhere. Saint Birgitta, and the great king Gustav I of Sweden. It strikes you as soon as you approach and see The Monastery Church, Vadstena Castle and the Red Tower rise over the small town: buildings that have been landmarks for hundreds of years.

While it’s true that summer is the major tourist season in Vadstena, many people are drawn to the municipality at other times of the year. This is thanks to the unique environment and the mix of history, culture, nature and events.

The town comes to life in spring. As the first tourist bus starts rolling in, spring snowflakes bloom in their thousands in the former Abbey gardens, which always awakens great interest and draws the attention of countless camera lenses every year.

Nature lovers flock to lake Tåkern when the migratory birds begin to return and Omberg's many beautiful sites become greener week by week.

Soon the summer arrives, and the town is seething with life. Local guides show both Swedish and foreign visitors around the many attractions. Storgatan and Rådhustorget have an almost continental feel, with their mixture of restaurants and shops. The castle's courtyard is transformed into a concert venue for a few evenings each summer, and in the wedding hall Vadstena Academy performs a new opera. And on the plains south of the town Shakespeare is acted in an old feed factory.

Every Wednesday is nostalgia evening by the moat, when visitors come from all around to admire vehicles from the past and listen to rock’n’roll.

Vadstena Camping is filled with mobile homes and caravans, whilst Vätterviksbadet is full of people who want to enjoy the sun and take a dip in Lake Vättern. Others choose one of the smaller bathing areas in the municipality, or take a swim by the boardwalk.

Culture, creativity and entrepreneurship permeate Vadstena. There is a rich tradition of crafts. Not least in bobbin lace making, a field in for which the town is widely known. However, there are many artistic styles here: sculpture, glass, paint, forged iron and photography. And for art lovers, there are many exhibitions and studios to visit.

Vadstena Infocenter

Open all year round.

Visiting address Storgatan 28

+46 (0)10-234 73 70 info@vadstena.se

More information about local services, accommodation, culinary experiences and activities can be found on Vadstena’s website, vadstenaguiden.se, and on social media @vadstenaguiden

Event calender:

As autumn slowly comes in, the town takes on a different atmosphere. Many people come to Vadstena for a retreat and enjoy relaxing weekend stays with a spa, delicious food and walks in the picturesque town centre. And people travel to the aforementioned Omberg to experience nature and the magnificent views, now painted in autumn colours.

It will soon get darker, but in November Vadstena prepares for Advent. The main street and squares are decorated with trees and lights. It's wonderfully atmospheric and festive. During the ever popular Gammeljul part of the castle is filled with crafts and delicacies. The Christmas concerts follow quickly on from each other, several of them in the impressive Monastery Church.

Winter here is also characterised by a calm atmosphere. But there are still things to do. Non-profit efforts ensure that Ombergliden, the local ski resort, is ready for downhill skiing. And if the cold lasts and the ice stays, ice skaters start to glide out onto Vättern.

Vadstena is a town with a lot to discover and a lot to experience, all year round. But it's also a place where it's nice to simply be. Something that draws many visitors back. And sometimes they even decide to stay.