The Cistercian brothers came to Varnhem in 1150. The fertile site on the western slope of the Billingen plateau was ideal with its access to timber, rock and fresh water. The brothers built a small monastic town and excavations have revealed an advanced water and sewer system that probably included channels for heating and ventilation.
At the end of the 1200s the monastery church was the largest sacred building in Sweden and the operations flourished for several centuries more. The reformation in the 1500s closed the monastery and the church was abandoned. A hundred years later Count Magnus Gabriel de la Gardie paid for a restoration and it is thanks to him that the edifice is in good shape today. However, the monastery was left to decay until excavations began in the 1920s. The monastic life is well documented and the museum next to the church holds a number of interesting objects from the first excavations.
The beautiful Varnhem Church is the burial church for the Erik royal family (11/1200s). Stockholm´s founder, regent Birger Jarl lies here, as do the church´s "savior", Magnus Gabriel de la Gardie and his wife, the Princess Maria Eufrosyne.
Varnhem Abbey is an active parish church with services and ceremonies which may at times restrict access to the church for tourists.
Opening-times for the 2011 season
April open daily 11am – 4pm
May – August open daily 10am – 6pm
September open daily 11am – 4pm
NB: The church is closed for the period of September 2010 to April 2011 due to the installation of a new heating system. It will be officially reopened on April 25th 2011, but it may be open to visitors from April 17th.
Entry fee to the Abbey complex:
Adults 40 SEK
Children 7-16 years 10 SEK
Children under 7 Free
Family max. 100 SEK
The fee includes access to the whole abbey complex, a guided tour of the church and parking.
Public transport
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