Vadstena Abbey

Vadstena Municipality, Sweden

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.

Find out more

OfficialOfficial website↗

Vadstena Abbey is a Gothic architectural complex on Lake Vättern in Sweden, founded in 1384 and housing the Vadstena Abbey Church, a structure steeped in religious significance and legend. Originally built as a wooden church, it burned in 1388 and was rebuilt toward the close of the 14th century under the direction of Saint Bridget of Sweden, who claimed to have received divine instructions for its construction and desired its furnishings remain simple. The church was consecrated on 16 February 1430. From 1346 to 1595, the abbey served as the motherhouse of the Bridgettine Order and housed a Bridgettine convent until 1605, when the last Swedish Bridgettine nun died; the convent area now holds the Vadstena Abbey Museum. Today, the abbey remains an active pilgrimage site within the Diocese of Linköping of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Sweden, attracting thousands of pilgrims during summer months who follow the Saint Birgitta Ways. The complex maintains its governmental heritage designation and continues to celebrate the Feast of Saint Bridget annually on July 23 with Mass and procession.