Vadstena Klosterhotellet

What once was the premier religious stronghold in Sweden has been transformed into a hotel and conference center that welcomes individuals (and occasional church and civil groups) into its sprawling and echoing medieval premises. Set adjacent to the abbey church, about 640m (2,100 ft.) from Vadstena Castle, it's contained within one wing of an L-shape building that was constructed in the 12th century as a convent. The remainder of the building -- which includes 59 nuns' cells and the longest triple-barrel vault (57m/187 ft. long) in northern Sweden -- can be explored without hindrance.

Accommodations are severely dignified and deliberately spartan-looking, with dark-stained copies of furniture inspired by medieval models, stark white walls -- which gives a vague sense of their original anything-but-plush function as lodgings for penitents. They are nonetheless comfortable, with high ceilings and simple, small, but adequate bathrooms. Rooms that overlook the lake are at the high end of the price spectrum; units fronting the town and forest are at the low end.

Facilities:
2 restaurants; bar; sauna; laundry service; dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; rooms for those w/limited mobility

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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