FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Some questions are more frequent than others, and here you will find the answers to the most common questions we receive from visitors to Varnhem.
1. Where are the toilets?
There are toilets at Valleporten, the new building with an InfoPoint and pizzeria. The toilets are accessed from outside the building. Also, there are several toilets at the Abbey Café for the café's guests.
2. Which way is best to get to Kata Farm?
From the car park, walk past Klosterkaféet on the left hand side and then continue straight ahead north of the cemetery. Follow the markings on the posts (red and labelled "Kata gård").'
3. How far is it from the parking to Kata Farm?
300 metres.
4. If you wish to visit both the Västergötland Museum and Kata Farm, where should you start?
The best option is to visit Kata Farm in Varnhem first and experience the site and the exhibition inside Kata Farm. Then continue to the Västergötland Museum in Skara to see the finds and the exhibition about Kata and Kättil.
5. How long does it take to get from Skara to Varnhem?
It is approximately a 15-minute drive by car.
The distance from Gothenburg is 1.5 hours.
Cycling on the well-signposted cycle path means about 1 hour of comfortable cycling.
6. Are there buses/public transport that stop at Varnhem?
Yes, there are good transport links. Västtrafik covers the route with bus 200 and with regional commuter train 1.
Current bus times online at vasttrafik.se
7. How does one book a group tour at Kata Farm and Varnhem Abbey Church?
Here you will find everything you need to know to book group tours.
8. How long does the tour at Kata Farm take?
The guided tour takes 45 minutes for booked groups.
9. Is Kata Farm accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. There are two disabled parking spaces up at Kata Farm (entrance 100 m east of the entrance to the main car park). At Kata Farm, there is a lift from the footpath on the southern side up to the exhibition.
10. Opening hours for the café and abbey church?
You can find the opening hours for the entire area here.
11. Is there a free brochure about the abbey church?
There is a brochure about Varnhem as a destination, which can be picked up at the Abbey Church, at Kata Farm, in the Abbey Café, in the mailbox at the entrance square, and at Varnhem's Infopoint.
12. Is information available in English and also in German?
At the visitor centre, there is material available in several languages.
- Exhibition brochure at Kata Farm, Eng
- The exhibition Christian Vikings in Varnhem at Kata Farm, Eng
- Signs in the abbey ruins, Eng/Ger
- Brochure about Varnhem as a destination, Eng
13. What is Rosenstigen?
Rosenstigen is a 2 km hiking trail around Varnhem with information signs about the landscape, ancient monuments, old farms and much more.
Digital map and route description for Rosenstigen
14. What other hiking trails are nearby?
There is a wide range of trails: Billingeleden, Pilgrimsleden, around Klostersjön, and shorter and longer hiking trails in Valle.
Trails in Varnhem and Skara and surrounding areas
15. How far is it from Varnhem to Lake Hornborga when walking?
The hiking section on the pilgrimage route between Varnhem and Naturum Hornborgasjön is 12 km.
Read more about the Pilgrimsleden trail
16. Where can you stop for a coffee or something to eat in the area?
Inside Varnhem, you will find Varnhem's Abbey Café and Restaurant & Pizzeria Varnhem. In the vicinity, there are many restaurants and cafés with a variety of options.
Here you will find more restaurants and cafés in the area.
17. What accommodation options are available in Varnhem and the surrounding area?
In Varnhem, there is a hostel. There are plenty of accommodation options of various types in the vicinity.
Here you will find accommodation in the area.
18. Is there bicycle rental in Varnhem?
There is no bicycle rental in Varnhem, but it is possible to rent in Skövde and cycle to Varnhem. It is only 13 km between Skövde and Varnhem and you can cycle the entire way on a dedicated cycle path.
Visit Rentbike.se for rental bikes
19. Where can I park my caravan at night?
There is no designated caravan park in Varnhem. However, you may park your caravan for one night at most in the usual car parking.
If you need electricity or a proper pitch, there are caravan sites available at:
- Mellomgården, Axvall
- Flämslätt
- Valle Camping
- Naturum Hornborgasjön