6 minute read
Vadstena
from Around Vättern 2021
by Runtvattern
Discover a creative history. Welcome to Vadstena!
This year marks 500 years since Gustav Vasa was appointed regent in Vadstena. The event is celebrated with the anniversary exhibition “Gustav Vasa speaks up, an exhibition about power” at Vadstena Castle, open from 15 June through 30 September.
In Vadstena, you find yourself amidst history – among castles, courtyards, abbeys, and medieval buildings. The picturesque and quaint town centre with cobbled streets and old preserved wooden houses is charming, authentic, and vibrant. A stroll through town takes 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 the history buff, we recommend the local guided tours and the many museums.
A town full of creative enthusiasts
But Vadstena is so much more than just history. Enthusiasts organise events, activities, and experiences with the town's beautiful surroundings as the stage and source of inspiration. Studios and galleries crowd the town centre and allow for exciting encounters. The creativity is expressed through a strong and proud tradition of expert craftsmanship. While Vadstena lace enjoys a special position, glass, wroughtiron, and other crafts are produced here as well.
2021 Highlights
Gustav Vasa Anniversary
Since 2021 marks 500 years since Gustav Vasa was appointed regent in Vadstena, the exhibition “Gustav Vasa speaks up, an exhibition about power” will be displayed at Vadstena Castle from 15 June through 30 September. Vadstena Castle is Sweden's best-preserved renaissance castle, once built as a military defence structure. Today, it is a popular and exciting destination for the whole family. The medieval town of Vadstena completes the experience and the story of how past events have affected our present and the form of today's government. The anniversary programme is continuously updated at www.gustavvasa500.se
JUNE – JULY
15 Gustav Vasa 500 Years, opening of the exhibition at Vadstena Castle. 3/7 - 7/8 A Winter Tale (“Vintersagan”) by Shakespearefabriken 5/7- 8/7 Pilgrim Summer, Vadstena Pilgrim Centre 10/7 Premiere Vadstena-Akademien, “Il colore fa la regina” at Vadstena Old Theatre 18/7 Climate Walk from Vadstena to Glasgow, the Pilgrim Centre 23/7 World premiere Vadstena-Akademien, “The Zebra” (“Zebran”) in the Wedding Hall of Vadstena Castle 24- 25/7 Vadstena's Gardens.
AUGUST – SEPTEMBER
21-22/8 Anniversary Weekend 28/8 Vadstena Triathlon 4/9 – 5/9 Östgötadagarna (Östgöta Days) 10/9-12/9 Vadstena Art Tour
Subject to change. For more information about the local offer and events, please see
www.vadstena.se/turism
TOURIST
CENTER
Vadstena InfoCenter Storgatan 28
Tel: 0143-315 70 info@vadstena.se
Bird-rich Lake Tåkern and the bicycle-friendly plains
The nature here is varied and noticeably close. In addition to the bird-rich Lake Tåkern, you have Lake Vättern, which offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and boating. The beautiful, fertile Östgötaslätten Plains provide locally produced ingredients and lovely gardens. Vadstena’s proud cultivation tradition is widely recognised.
The plains are bicycle-friendly with winding roads between churches and rolling cornfields. Vätterviksbadet swim area is shallow and perfect for children, with a cycle path from the centre of town. The welcoming marina and the RV park at Vadstena Castle is popular with those boating on Lake Vättern and Göta Canal.
Mythical Mount Omberg
At the foot of the mythical Mount Omberg lies Borghamn, where limestone quarrying and fishing have been the main sources of livelihood for almost a thousand years. On Mount Omberg, you can find 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 crosses the mountain, as does the pilgrimage route of The Birgitta Ways, which shows the way to Vadstena.
The tourist ambassadors
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 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 at the hotel. It is especially peaceful here in the spring and autumn, with lots of room for recreation.
Vadstena has always been a town to marvel at, to visit, to return to, to enjoy, and to stay in.
Vadstena has not only one history but several. And we create them together.
Welcome to Vadstena!
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Skänningegatan 1, Vadstena +46(0)143-131 70 https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/15b2ae4173ac26f1?projector=1restauranghornet.se 1/1
Camping in the sunset by Lake Vättern!
Name: Marita Fagrell Age: 61 Lives: Commutes between Vadstena and Stockholm during half the year. Family: Parents who live in Vadstena. Cohabitant Henry Runsala, 56, and their daughter, plus Henry’s two children and grandchildren. Works: Camping host at Vadstena Camping, a family business started 38 years ago. Excursion tips in the immediate area: All the old, lovely churches in the immediate area. Some of them date all the way back to the 12th century and both their interior and exterior are beautiful. Any given summer, 70,000 people pass through the camping village a few kilometres from Vadstena. One reason is the popular Vätterviksbadet swim area. The water is shallow, and the sandy beach is beautiful. – I really want to encourage visits to Lake Vättern! Who wants to swim in the sea when there is a big, beautiful lake with crystal-clear water? I want people to discover the lakes and the great nature experiences they have to offer, Maria says. She runs Vadstena Camping together with her partner. It is a 4-star campsite that especially caters to families. – New for this year is the pump track for kids and young people, where they can ride their scooters, skateboards, inline skates, and BMX bikes. We are also building an outdoor padel court and a small ropeway. The giant jumping pillow is popular. In addition, we’re renovating our oldest service building to give it the same high standard as the others. We also have plans to move four small cabins to form a kids’ village, Marita says enthusiastically, adding that it's her dad who often comes up with ideas like this. – We have received the highest rating for activities and events, Marita says proudly. There is a cycle and walking path into Vadstena. During the month of July, the campsite train, “Rödingen”, offers daily service into town. – The train goes into town at 11 am and picks up at 3 pm. Vadstena is a true gem. Every building tells a story, she says lovingly about her town. The campsite also features a restaurant with self-caught crayfish and a cosy pub. This summer, there will be a new boardwalk by the beach, where you can sit and have a beer. Or you can relax at your cabin, on your own porch, and watch the sunset over Lake Vättern.
