Varnhem Abbey

Cistercians settled at Varnhem in 1150 and the church that survives, largely thirteenth century, is one of the few medieval abbey churches in Sweden still standing complete and in use. Birger Jarl, who founded Stockholm and effectively ran the kingdom in the mid thirteenth century, is buried in it with his wife and son. What changed the picture here was excavation from 2005 next to the abbey, which found a stone church and a Christian burial ground in use from around the year 1000 - well before the abbey and before the official conversion - with over three thousand graves. The Kata farm museum on the site covers that.

What you actually see

• A complete medieval abbey church - largely thirteenth century.
• Birger Jarl's tomb - with his wife and son.
• An earlier Christian burial ground - in use from about 1000.
• The Kata farm museum - built over the excavation.

When to go

May to September for the museum; the church is open longer. Two hours.

Honest expectations

The museum is small and seasonal. The church closes for services and weddings. The excavation is displayed under cover, so there is little to see outdoors. A car is needed.

Nearby

Skara is west; Billingen and Skovde are east.