Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Both the old courthouse
rådhus
(town hall), on the town square, and
Rödtornet
(Sång-
gatan) are late-medieval constructions.
Vadstena Slott
CASTLE
(
www.vadstenadirect.se
; Slottsvägen; tours adult/child Skr80/60;
11am-4pm, to 6pm Jun-early
Aug)
Overlooking the lake, and considered one of the finest early Renaissance buildings in the
Nordic region, Vadstena Slott was the family project of the early Vasa kings; their gloomy
portraits are on view, along with a modest historical display. The furnished upper floors
are the most interesting, and be sure to visit the chapel, with its incredible 17-second echo!
There are guided tours (in English) mid-July to mid-September; call ahead for times.
Sancta Birgitta Klostermuseet
MUSEUM
(
www.sanctabirgitta.com
; Lasarettsgatan; adult/child Sk60/30;
10.30am-5pm Jul-mid-Aug,
11am-4pm Jun & rest of Aug)
The Sancta Birgitta Klostermuseet is in Bjälboättens Palats (a royal residence that became
a convent in 1384) and tells the story of St Birgitta's roller-coaster life and those of all her
saint-and-sinner children. Artefacts include the coffin that carried her back from Rome.
Klosterkyrkan
CHURCH
(Abbey Church; 9am-8pm Jul, to 7pm Jun & Aug)
'Of plain construction, humble and strong', Klosterkyrkan was built in response to one of
St Birgitta's visions. After the church's consecration in 1430, Vadstena became
the
top pil-
grimage site in Sweden. Step inside for medieval sculptures and carved floor slabs.
Sleeping
Chain hotels don't get a look-in here - pretty and personal is the rule. Book well in ad-
vance.
Pensionat Solgården
B&B
(
0143-143 50;
www.pensionatsolgarden.se
; Strågatan 3; s/d from Skr540/790;
May-Sep;
)
