Lonely Planet - EARTH

Beautiful Vadstena on Vattern lake is a legacy of both church and state power, and today St Birgitta’s abbey and Gustav Vasa’s castle compete for the visitor’s interest. The atmosphere in the old town between Storgatan and the abbey, with its wonderful cobbled lanes, evocative street names and wooden buildings, makes Vadstena one of the most pleasing places in Sweden.

Located near the lake, the mighty Renaissance castle Vadstena Slott was the family project of the early Vasa kings. The lower floors contain a small historical display. The furnished upper floors are more interesting, but are only open during guided tours. It’s worth going on one if only to visit the chapel, which has an incredible 17-second echo!