The Catholic Church in the European Union Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union a charming small town on the eastern shore of Lake Vättern has been a significant center for both Catholic and Lutheran spiritual history in Sweden since the Middle Ages Its prominence is largely tied to the life and legacy of Saint Bridget of Sweden (Heliga Birgitta in Swedish) was named one of the six patron saints of Europe Saint Bridget received divine visions from Christ instructing her to establish a new monastic order dedicated to the Most Holy Savior Following Pope Urban V’s approval of the Bridgettine Order in 1370 Vadstena Abbey was founded to fulfill this mission Saint Bridget spent much of her life in Rome and never witnessed the abbey’s completion The practical aspects of its construction and establishment were managed by her children The monastery was finally consecrated in 1384 eleven years after Saint Bridget’s death It swiftly became a prominent religious and cultural centre and links to international pilgrimage routes a Catholic presence endured in Vadstena for many years and the medieval abbey church remained a significant pilgrimage site for countless visitors Vadstena remains an important centre for Catholics in Sweden Pilgrims and tourists from around the world visit the town to honour Saint Bridget and immerse themselves in its rich history established in 1935 by Maria Elisabeth Hesselblad continues the tradition of prayer and hospitality the Catholic Diocese of Stockholm has organised diocesan pilgrimages to Vadstena Saint Bridget’s remarkable life story combined with the town’s stunning surroundings and well-preserved medieval architecture makes Vadstena a truly unique destination in Sweden Her enduring legacy continues to shape the town serving both as a historical landmark and as a vibrant centre of Christian life throughout Scandinavia Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article Saint Catherine of Sweden (born 1331/32, Sweden—died March 24, 1381, Vadstena; feast day March 24) was the daughter of St. Bridget of Sweden whom she succeeded as superior of the Brigittines She was never formally canonized but is listed in the Roman martyrology we found ourselves once again in the era of Heidenstam built 100 years ago with support of Ellen Key sits on a hill with lush vegetation and boasts a lovely view of Vättern and the surrounding countryside it exuded an air of Carl Larsson and turn-of-the-century Sweden: pastel colors and lots of white furniture from the broad terrace that seemed to stretch around the entire building to the dining room with its huge multi-paneled windows The next day we planned to visit neighboring Strand But right now we were making ourselves comfortable in the hotel chatting with chef Marcus Larsson and his wife Pernilla who together with his brother Jonas and sister Linda bought the hotel about six years ago ago and now run it A selection of opening tidbits stretched almost the entire length of a long table most creative cucumber soup poured over a small piling of char we began with a glass of white Bordeaux and continued with Valpolicella And we must not forget the dessert: a cheesecake with rhubarb raspberries and white chocolate — given a maximum five-star review by Roxie who is generally not that crazy about sweets Carl Larsson's presence could once again be felt the famous painter and his wife Karin were both close friends of Ellen and presumably had something to do with the way she decorated her house Ellen Key is no longer much talked about these days she was once one of the most prominent writers in the country An early feminist and suffragist with strong political views on most subjects she’s best known for her book Barnets århundrade “The Century of the Child,” which has been translated into 26 languages and reprinted many times It contains her ideas on education and school problems many of which are so modern that they are only now being put into practice In it she emphasizes the importance of allowing children to specialize in subjects of their own choosing and since young people should be able to grow up without fear she takes a firm stand against all forms of corporal punishment especially in Germany; Goethe was one of her idols as were Henrik Ibsen and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson Key lived in Strand from 1910 until her death in 1926 the house was turned into a summer home for indigent working women and has today become a place where adult female students can engage in study and meditation during the summer As curator Hedda Jansson guided us from room to room one of which was by the well-known painter Richard Bergh “To Ellen from Dick,” he had written on a print of his famous painting of the poet Gustaf Fröding also on display in this remarkable Lake Vättern homestead boasting the longest and arguably most difficult-to-decipher rune inscription in the world (I remember seeing it featured in the New Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology) it’s some 8 feet tall and stands under a protective roof near the church in which it was discovered Adjacent to it is a Viking-inspired shop and café Once again a married couple in charge of running a place This time it was Håkan Strotz and Ulrika Krynitz he a Swedish forester and she a German biologist and designer which slowly but surely has become a reality at UrNatur It began 20 years ago when they bought a 100-acre farm In the midst of meadows and forests and next to a small lake and what could be termed the epitome of eco tourism — where everything is driven and inspired by nature and sustainability which roughly translates to “essence of nature,” is now the perfect place for relaxation and reflection listen to the crackle of wood burning and to the soft wind in the trees outside Each residence is a unique handcrafted cabin with an evocative name we and a few other guests were hoisted onto a cart and taken to our respective cabins A herd of black sheep showed up behind the traditional fence lining the path on both sides Soon we reached our destination: the Air Castle As “perchers” rather than “nesters” (to use definitions picked up during a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water) the newest and highest of UrNatur’s two tree houses Twenty-nine steps up a spiral staircase and we were at our temporary home halfway up a tall pine tree and a suspension bridge led to a nearby platform wrapped around another tree Now we just had to wait for twilight to light the kerosene lamp with little flower bouquets to make you feel extra pampered and not surprisingly consisted of fresh ingredients appropriated from the farm using an axe and wood chopping — these are some of the classes offered at UrNatur Or you can borrow a rowboat or canoe and go fishing or sweat it out in the forest sauna after a hearty breakfast we visited Ulrika’s studio a spacious loft with a display of various furnishings: carpets I was struck by the utter simplicity of many of the patterns all linked to nature with names such as “Seaweed Jellyfish” and “Bark Beetles.” Before departing we went for a short walk and found a young woman busily cutting down the upper branches of a tree A pruning system called “pollarding,” this is yet another one of those things you can do at UrNatur and everyone in Sweden thinks of polkagrisar the red and white candy for which the town has become famous Though aware of Gränna’s popularity among tourists I was amazed at the crowds lining the main street the ruins of the 17th century castle situated on the outskirts of town attempted to reach the North Pole in a hot air balloon The town remembers him with a museum as well as a very popular annual balloon festival So this was the tuft of grass that the giant Vist threw into the lake Visingsö was pretty much as I remembered it from an earlier visit except for the increased number of tourists I climbed onto one of the rustic “Remmalagen” horse-drawn carriages for a tour of the island 20 passengers equally divided on the left and right side of the wagon clickety-clack fashion to various island sights I recall an herb garden and a place where a couple hundred Russian prisoners of war were buried back in the early 1700s And I remember passing through a beautiful oak forest before reaching the Kumlaby church Invited to visit the church’s high lookout tower I decided to give it a miss after I got stuck with my camera bag in the incredibly tight space in a medieval stairway overlooking the harbor and the old castle ruin we dug into a summery salad with herb dressing and a generous serving of those delectable tiny shrimp you get only in Scandinavia Here ends our Vättern adventure: four days of history It was also tinged with a bit of nostalgia since it was in this neighborhood we stayed overnight in Gränna during Roxie’s first visit to Sweden For some reason we were offered the bridal suite a lovely room with a superior view of the lake Roxie had her first taste of vätternröding (Part one appeared in the April 30 issue of Nordstjernan, No. 08. It can also be seen at http://www.nordstjernan.com/news/travel/6061/) spend a summer or simply get away to enjoy the unmatched beauty and culture of the area Some of the country's most welcoming towns are the best ways to experience all the country offers Whether this means historic tours in Visby or hiking through the wilderness of Rättvik Astray from the urban hustle and bustle yet connected to nature tourists love these welcoming communities spread throughout Visby is a mystical and charming mediaeval town situated on the Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea which happens to be the largest island in Sweden The whimsical destination is one of Sweden's UNESCO World Heritage Sites famed for its mediaeval Hanseatic architecture Each boasts unique stories that captivate visitors with centuries of knowledge The Gotland's Museum is a great spot to delve into the area's past including archaeological finds dating back to Viking times travellers may enjoy the great outdoors at the 2.5-hectare Botanical Garden or visit the nearby Tofta Beach These sites are full of lush greenery and glistening water making them perfect for outdoor activities Biking is especially popular in the area since the land is mostly flat while a hiking trip to Högklint offers unforgettable panoramic views which is palpable through the array of historic attractions the area houses several magical castles dating back thousands of years Whether it is their mediaeval architecture or priceless furniture and paintings these castles are a treat for history enthusiasts Rättvik sits on the eastern shore of Lake Siljan and is an attractive destination for those who love classic cars and good tunes attracting tourists from all over to partake in Sweden's biggest meet-up for nostalgic cars Rättvik is also home to Europe's top outdoor arena It's the perfect place to attend a concert and enjoy the area's beauty and the music's excitement Apart from the cultural vibrance and enthusiasm of Rättvik’s 4,700 locals There are plenty of hiking and biking trails such as the 4.5 km (2.8 mi) Enåleden trail or cycling tours in the Siljan area Rättvik's golf course also offers a chance to relax among the breathtaking scenery Kiruna is Sweden's northernmost town, where many find the opportunity to view the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun a phenomenon where the sun remains visible at midnight with an elevation of 6,900 feet above sea level and two mountain peaks such as the famous King’s Trail (Kungsleden) a scenic 467 km (290 mi) route that only the bravest can conquer Dog sledding is another favourite among tourists and locals alike For a more relaxing experience with nature various guided fishing tours cover thousands of lakes in the area A visit to Kiruna also means a visit to Sápmi which is the land of the indigenous Sámi people a culture deeply entrenched in the local community Ystad sits on Sweden's southern coast in Scania county pastel-coloured houses that line its main streets These spots transport visitors to a bygone era whether it is through the town’s fishing past or old railway connections the welcoming streets of Ystad are also full of shops and outlets This is Ystad's most prominent retail street as it is Scandinavia's largest film studio those seeking a relaxing vacation must visit Ystad Saltsjöbad They can experience the bliss of its spa and surrounding scenery Kalmar is a popular destination on the way to the island of Öland though many celebrate it for its own historic charm The town sits on the shores of the Baltic Sea with easy access to Öland via the Öland Bridge featuring over 500 km (311 mi) of coastline that is ideal for a summer vacation Visitors can take in the views through various pursuits visit the Kalmarsund Selden trail and enjoy 200 km (124 mi) of pristine coastline Kalmar also has a rich and intriguing mediaeval town centre a fortified tower in the 12th century transformed into a Renaissance castle by King Gustav Vasa The Kalmar County Museum offers travellers a chance to delve into the area's history It highlights unique events like the centuries-old shipwreck Regalskeppet Kronan kids adore "A World of Dinosaurs," Europe's largest dinosaur exhibit which is open from June through October and features over 200 dinosaur skeletons Vadstena has a history dating back to the 13th century home to various landmarks that history enthusiasts adore it houses another castle from the era of King Gustav Vasa which was the first monastery of the Bridgettine Order and is now one of the most well-preserved castles in the country it now showcases the religious heritage of the town Those interested in learning about the past can visit Wadstena–Fogelsta Järnväg once a railway that connected the town to the rest of Sweden and now a museum railway documenting the town's past Vadstena also sits next to Sweden's second-largest lake which offers water activities such as swimming Trosa is a popular destination for families the "find and guess quiz" on the Heritage Trail Simrishamn sits at the southeastern tip of Sweden and is the heart of Österlen Nicolai Church with Carl Milles sculptures as well as the Rose Garden that marks the town's centre Travellers may explore the town on their own picking up a self-guided tour map at the tourist information office on the south side of the fishing port It also boasts close proximity to the coastline of the Baltic Sea featuring a beautiful harbour and fishing port ideal for anglers and boating enthusiasts alike meaning travellers may easily take a trip to both towns in one vacation Sweden is a blend of beautiful natural landscapes and vibrant cities It is the ideal destination for those looking to explore both culture and unmatched natural beauty Its most welcoming small towns offer an enchantment and warmth unlike any other brightened by the natural scenery surrounding them alongside each community's uniqueness and depth Travelers are sure to find the local events and happenings enthralling photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com New Album “Karg” Available July 22nd on Metal Blade Records Swedish Viking black metal-tinged act, KING OF ASGARD are set to release their third album “Karg” July 22nd, 2014 via Metal Blade Records. Visit metalblade.com/kingofasgard to stream the first single “The Runes Of Hel” and pre-order your copy of the album Today KING OF ASGARD debuts a new video from the record for the song “The Runes of Hel“. Decibel Magazine’s Deciblog is hosting an exclusive premiere of the video HERE handled the photography and the completion of this piece Assisted by our fellow thrall Petter Fredriksson as we present to thee; ‘The Runes of Hel’!“ The song entitled “Remant of the Past” can be streamed HERE “Karg” is the third album of KING OF ASGARD following “Fi’mbulvintr“ which was released in 2010 and “…to North” in 2012 “Karg” has again been recorded with Andy LaRocque at the infamous Sonic Train Studios The band’s two previous, critically acclaimed albums are available worldwide on Metal Blade Records. Listen to the band on iTunes and Spotify to hear what Terrorizer Magazine called “intense blackened folk metal“ Buy iTunes Artist Page Artist News © 2023 Metal Blade Records, Inc.Privacy Policy (function (w,d) {var loader = function () {var s = d.createElement("script") tag = d.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.src="https://cdn.iubenda.com/iubenda.js"; tag.parentNode.insertBefore(s,tag);}; if(w.addEventListener){w.addEventListener("load" false);}else if(w.attachEvent){w.attachEvent("onload" loader);}else{w.onload = loader;}})(window Swedish archaeologists Dr Andreas Viberg of Stockholm University and Dr Martin Rundkvist of the University of Umeå have found the remains of a major Viking feasting hall at the hamlet of Aska near Vadstena Ground-penetrating radar results collected at the Aska hamlet Image credit: © Andreas Viberg / Martin Rundkvist The hamlet of Aska is famous among Viking scholars for a rich 10th century burial with a silver female figurine The main visible archaeological feature of the site is an enormous barrow but its contents have not been excavated yet As the barrow is oval and has an extensive flat top it has been hypothesized previously that rather than a grave superstructure this might be an uncommonly large raised foundation for a long house Dr Viberg and Dr Rundkvist have revealed that it is a foundation platform for a large building and was equipped with double walls and four entrances It was probably the home of a royal family whose rich graves have previously been excavated nearby The scientists used a remote sensing device called ground-penetrating radar to locate and map the hall foundation The measurements also indicate a large fireplace at the center of the floor “Parallels are known from several of the era’s elite sites, such as Fornsigtuna near Stockholm and Lejre near Roskilde,” said Dr Rundkvist, who is a co-author of the paper detailing the discovery in the journal Archaeological Prospection “The closest similarities are however seen in a recently excavated feasting hall at Old Uppsala near Stockholm Such close correspondences suggest intensive communication between the two sites.” Dr Viberg added: “our investigation demonstrates that non-invasive geophysical measurements can be powerful tools for studying similar building foundations elsewhere They even allow scholars to estimate the date of a building without any expensive excavations.” It’s widely known that reviews are hardly ever truly objective As much as the author may try to remain dispassionate their own experience and erudition affect their evaluation of the piece this effect is intensified if the theme or genre is close to one’s heart or area of expertise This is precisely why I avoid writing reviews of productions of older ballets and operas (from the 18th century) which I have been researching for several years A thorough knowledge of the historical material and never-ending discussions with colleagues can result in someone developing their own interpretations and ideas of how such productions may have appeared And those productions which are carried out very rarely correspond to these interpretations.  On the other hand which isn’t really at the centre of interest in contemporary cultural productions will produce excitement and respect in the expert Especially if this presentation is ‘historically informed’ operas and ballets shouldn’t be staged as only an illustration of history but mainly to interest the modern spectator and reveal their inner beauty and charm as pieces from the opera-ballet genre from the 17th and 18th century were put on by two renowned operatic institutions The Drottningholm court theatre (which is as old as the theatre at Český Krumlov castle) staged the well known single act piece Pygmalion by Jean-Phillip Rameau and the Art Academy in Vadstena an evening composed of short pieces under the name Sun and the North Star (Solen och Nordstjärnan Opéra-ballet pour Louis XIV et Charles XII) was devised I was particularly interested by the fact that both institutions decided to move away from “classical” opera interpretation in which the director takes the lead and the dance plays only an accompanying role but instead they placed the entire production in the hands of the choreographers Another interesting fact was the unique approach which the selected artists chose to go down It consisted of two diametrically contrasting methods representing opposing ends of an approach towards older musical and dance pieces both of which became unique exponents in their category Sun and the North Star: Baroque isn’t Boring On one end of the imaginary pole we can see a historically informed way of production by which Swedish choreographer Karin Modigh works The founder of the group Nordic Baroque Dancers has extensive experience with the repertoire and dance technique of the 17th and 18th century as a performer She repeatedly collaborated with French choreographer Marie-Geneviève Massé’s ensemble Compagnie de Danse l’Eventail (ballets Don Juan she even performed in other historical pieces by other directors-choreographers such as Deda Cristina Colonna (Lully’s opera Armide) and Sigrid T’Hooft (Handel’s Imeneo) Every summer she also organises a prestigious international baroque dance school in Sweden This year in Vadstena she received the opportunity to employ her experience in a new role as both director and choreographer at once The Vadstena Academy is a unique institution whose mission is both the education of young artists and the preparation of professional productions After intensive preparation they are revealed in what’s known as the wedding hall of a local castle chooses novel material and frequently provides the opportunity for older pieces to be produced even those which have never been performed in the modern era Karin Modigh was given carte blanche when choosing a piece and The Prologue of Desfontaine’s opera Le désespoir de Tircis (1699) an effusive ode to the French king Louis XIV; Lully’s Ballet des Nations from Moliere’s comedy-ballet Le Bourgeois gentilhomme (1670) and Narva Ballet (Ballet meslé des chants héroiques 1701) performed as a world premiere in the modern time The final named piece has a well-known place in Swedish dance history It was a court ballet arranged by Nicodem Tessin to honour the monarch Charles XII on the occasion of a victorious battle against the Russians at Narva French artists performed in the piece (from the Rosidor Group) and recent research has revealed that their celebratory ballet was a selection of famous pieces from the French ballet and opera repertoire The music was composed by Jean Desfontain and J-B Lully as well as by the Swedish court composer Anders Von Düben The introductory prologue from the composite evening named Sun and The North Star presented a scene of French court life where noblemen entertain themselves by the performance of a pastoral opera Games and Pleasures (Jeux et Plaisirs) celebrates life and youth the return of Louis XIV being the pretext for this cheerful pastoral.   A series of arias choirs and dances are essentially a display of artistic achievements and fantastic costumes There’s a charm in the directoral-choreographical solution of the prologue where performers gradually appear on stage and for the most part stay there constantly active even though they don’t have a solo sometimes all dancing together - in short there’s no silent place The artistic quality of some of the scenes varies - it’s an academy show after all some of whom were trying out the technique of baroque dance and singing for the first time Somewhat stiff hand movements or musical immaturity is compensated for by live acting on the part of the performers which is uncommon even among experienced artists Their engagement and playfulness manages to sufficiently interest the audience Attention is constantly drawn towards the costumes of Anna Kjellsdotter bursting with imagination which also define individual characters is dressed in a round crinoline skirt made entirely of flowers the god of the sea and a nymph in a dress which is blue in colour and laden with sea shells “The Games” are wearing the symbols of playing cards even with high feathered plumes and numberless sequins After a short pause followed the well known Ballet des Nations consisting of musical-dance miniatures on the theme of courting of Spaniards This divertissement is presented as a ‘play within a play’ It starts with the arrival of French artists to the Swedish countryside led by an especially funny libretto distributor (speaking a mixture of old French and Swedish) where they are met by a rather “austere” audience The individual performances overflow with lyricism A trio of exquisite Spanish singers alternate with dancers who skilfully master the playing of castanets the canal is represented by a strip of blue cloth scurry down with a melancholic singer - obviously mimic and movement techniques of comedy dell’arte appear here the French from Poitou sing their love songs and shepherds dance joyful minuets and acting point of view) even livelier than the previous From an interpretational and production standpoint it could be considered the pinnacle of the evening The following Narva ballet showed the lofty and pompous celebration of the monarch primarily consisting of heroic arias and ceremonial processions doesn’t contain as many contrasting scenes The gloomy beginning consists of a sad scene with Carnival who loses his ability to entertain people Despite the fact that his costume is literally an explosion of imagination Even the two doctors are unable to help him (yet they are able to entertain the audience with their minimalistic choreography) (This performer was a mentor for the singers during the rehearsals) The mood changes with the arrival of Gloria who announces the King’s victory in battle with the celebrated arias by Mars and Bellona They are joined in the scene by Swedish noblemen and soldiers While the former don’t move too much the soldiers assemble themselves into an acrobatic pyramid form known from 17th century manuscripts A generally slow tempo and more static direction made the whole thing slightly more clunky Perhaps if this part were placed in the middle the programme would benefit and the audience would leave on a slightly more cheerful note In any case it was a very successful artistic feat which largely thanks to the directoral-choreographical leadership of Karin Modigh and her motivated team proved that baroque opera-ballet consists of many colours life and can offer the audience a varied spectacle And this is quite rare within the realms of so-called historically informed performances which often fall into a near museum-like stasis influenced by period art and references At the court theatre in Drottingholm (Drottningholms Slottsteater) they are taking a completely new approach towards older pieces One of the smaller European baroque theatres with preserved and functional machinery and scenery has being churning out a modern mise-en-scène for several years even if their orchestra plays period instruments and the repertoire is limited to pieces composed before 1800 The conflict between the historical scenery music and the modern directorship is at times almost painful and many consider it a waste of a unique opportunity there are many modern theatres where these kind of experiments can be staged but not very many baroque theatres - and their specific architecture acoustics and overall aesthetic often makes modern mise-en-scène rather difficult many of those here who saw the opera-ballet Pygmalion by J.-P Rameau this year may have felt the same way I was rather torn as my reverence towards baroque theatre clashed with my fondness for contemporary dance specifically the work of Japanese choreographer Saburo Teshigawara I was excited to find that this well-known artists who has created pieces for the Parisian Opera worked very sensitively and respectfully with the space He didn’t try to impose any foreign scenography elements He simply stayed true to his own style which he tastefully built into this unique space Teshigawara decided to use some baroque set pieces and machine elements the audience saw the movements of the clouds the changing of scenery and the trap door in a Drottingholm production again Selected scenery of the inside of the palace the walls and landscape bore subdued beige tones and this shade was used for the simple costumes consisting of light strips of cloth wrapped around the performers’ bodies In order for the choreographer to highlight his discipline he decided to double the singing roles with dancers We saw Pygmalion almost constantly on stage along with his reanimated statue of performers (Anders J Dahlin and Silvia Moi) and dancers (Quentin Roger a Rihoko Sato) Teshigawara alone undertook the role of narrator of some kind - as the only one dressed in a flowing black costume revealing himself at the start of piece and again at key moments the singers sat at the front of the stage in a square of light without any significant movements or facial expressions The choreographer dipped into his typical vocabulary putting emphasis on the fluttering and flapping of arms and a fluency of movement - walking The movements at times faithfully mirrored the music however formally these two elements definitely did not come together as is (was) common in baroque dance which was pleasingly complemented by the lighting (which is for Teshigawara an inseparable part of the piece after some time this monochromatic image became somehow monotone just like the view of three unchanging dancers The monotony was more pronounced as this one act piece was preceded by a purely abstract dancing section was accompanied by the music of Rameau’s predecessors (Lully It was at this point that I felt some colour and life was missing This problem was most apparent in the Dance of Graces which is supposed to celebrate beauty and love the black figure of the choreographer appeared on the stage again and partly danced and mimed the story of a statue turning into a woman The monotony didn’t leave the performance until the end the admirable performances of the artists notwithstanding composed of complex arm movement combinations The invitation of a contemporary choreographer to produce an opera-ballet was a bold choice on the part of the theatre leadership it was he who showed a greater respect to the theatre and was able to incorporate it into the aesthetic of his work more than has been seen here in the past three years His style is visually beautiful and very kinetic even if his encounter with the opera-ballet genre wasn’t a great fit I wonder what the outcome would be had Karin Modigh taken the lead on this with its link to the music and live gesture This we can only imagine and hope that this style one one day return to the Drottningholm stage Written at the performance of the 8th & 11th August 2018 in Vadstena and Drottingholm respectively Vyplněním e-mailu se přihlásíte k odběru automatických notifikací které vás upozorní na nový příspěvek v této diskuzi A two-part account of a journey through Ostergotland in south central Sweden Travel writer and photojournalist Bo Zaunders often reaches back in history to shape the itineraries of his expeditions This two-part account of a journey through Ostergotland in south central Sweden is no exception Part 1: The eastern shores of Lake Vättern Chivalry did not begin with Sir Walter Raleigh laying down his valuable cloak in the muddy ground to prevent Queen Elisabeth I from dirtying her feet making sure his wife had something to step on as she crossed Lake Vättern Moving from gallantry and legend to medieval history was once a hotbed for Swedish royalty with some half a dozen kings using it as their home back in the 12th and 13th centuries is one of the first things that catches the eye History permeates not just the island but the entire eastern shore of Lake Vättern a stretch along which my wife Roxie and I traveled for a few days this past summer which lies at the southern end of the lake was our final stopping point on a journey that began in Linköping familiar to anyone who ever cruised the Göta Canal the couple who owns the hotel and its restaurant the delectable char for which the lake is famous expertly plated by Karin and served with the kind of scrumptious new potatoes in which the whole country takes well-deserved pride Had the question been asked a century ago it may have raised an eyebrow Heidenstam was quite a celebrity and just about the most famous and respected poet and writer in all of Sweden A leading figure among the literary romanticists of the 1890s he later became a member of the Swedish Academy and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1916 his most beloved work may have been Karolinerna (The Charles Men) a series of historical portraits of King Charles XII and his cavaliers a narrative steeped in unabashed patriotism and rather overbearing at times (he was involved at one point in a highly publicized debate in which he and his old patron August Strindberg fought each other viciously) Which brings us to his rambunctious wedding on the small Baltic island of Blå Jungfrun in the summer of 1896 Apparently it was a Dionysian feast without compare In faded photographs you see him and his guests prominent artists and writers such as Albert Engström and Gustav Fröding skinny dipping or romping through the woods with nothing but leaves to cover themselves the manor house he designed and had built on a hillside next to Vättern kept the way it was at the time of his death in 1940 There we met with manager Per-Gunnar Andersson who enthusiastically guided us from room to room displaying an inexhaustible knowledge of everything connected to the great “national poet.” The library Those with golden backs were placed to reflect the sun at sunset the latter to replicate the forest outside one of the windows desk and chairs were arranged so the beautiful lake view would not distract him while working as evidenced by a large shaving mirror right in the middle of his bedroom and others were for dear friends and frequent visitors such as Prince Eugene and explorer Sven Hedin In the kitchen stood the first electric model of an Electrolux 1934 refrigerator As we passed through the main hallway I took note of an imposing statue of Heidenstam’s mythological hero Folke Filbyter used in the wars that raged back in the early 1700s Per-Gunnar’s eyes shone with excitement as he picked it up we could see his tomb and final resting place and told us of a meeting he had a long time ago with a man who Heidenstam would often show up for inspections “Make sure I get plenty of space,” he told the workmen Per-Gunnar presented me with a bag full of various paraphernalia Printed on the bag was a photo of Heidenstam gazing at his beloved lake — always that aristocratic profile a medieval town best known for its connection to Sancta Birgitta (Saint Bridget) we checked in at the Vadstena Klosterhotell a former monastery dating back to the mid-13th century the dimly lit restaurant featured ancient vaults and thick brick walls Roxie began her meal with a light concoction of bleak roe I followed with a side of smoked pork confit boiled in beer and fennel cream This seemed an appropriate ending to a day full of history and good traditional food — enhanced by a bottle of Chablis Pinot Noir all in the chiaroscuro light of a Rembrandt or Caravaggio painting I visited the Sancta Birgitta Convent Museum and the Vadstena Castle The museum elucidates the life and achievements of Birgitta you’re invited to “converse” with Birgitta and browse through her heavenly revelations; in others you get glimpses of what life was like in the old nunnery along with the history of the Brigittine Order I was a little surprised to discover that the Order ran the largest brewery in the country and that each nun received three liters a day for personal consumption who brought about the destruction of the convent while converting Sweden to Protestantism thus retaining Vadstena’s prominence in Sweden Surrounded by a moat and flanked by stout round towers which began as a fortress when it was built in the mid-16th century was later transformed into a continental-style Renaissance palace Its heyday was apparently when Gustav’s son It never played much of a role in defending Sweden and for a long time it was used as a garrison and later as a granary and linen mill and guided tours now show some of the grandeur of its early days In one large hall was a display of opera costumes from various epochs costumes which visitors can try on; they are part of an exhibit called “Opera on Hangers — the art of wardrobe at Vadstena castle.” Read Part 2: Heading south toward Visingsö in the next issue of Nordstjernan The new service centre will focus on configured pumps and agitators for the pulp & paper general industry and chemical processing markets in Sweden and the Nordic countries The facility offers a wide range of services in maintenance support The fully equipped workshop performs repairs refurbishments and advanced services for centrifugal pumps and agitators both for the Sulzer range as well as other original equipment manufacturers The new service centre also has quick access to the manufacturing site's spare parts and testing capabilities Free access to this content is for qualifying individuals only Corporate and institutional access requires an appropriate license or subscription For more information contact institutions@markallengroup.com novelist Sally Franson vacationed in Sweden as a minor celebrity "I can't wait for you to get recognized," my friend Emma said "I'm not going to get recognized," I said "You're so going to get recognized," said Emma's sister "Even if I am recognized," I said I hadn't returned since completing filming in September Scratch that: My contract had prohibited me from returning Turns out what I liked was a spring break-themed victory lap It was Emma's and Jesse's first trip to Sweden and I asked my friend Ola to craft a weeklong itinerary He suggested a picturesque circle around Stockholm filled with quaint villages and shortish drives "Sweden in March?" asked American friends the weather is very bad," said Swedish friends the sky was a cloudless blue and double the temperature in Minneapolis compliments of Volvo — minor celebrity has its perks — and set off for my cousin Nina's house in Huddinge "I love you!" a woman said to me in English when we stopped for coffee "I love her!" she said to the man behind the counter we took a husrundtur (house tour) with her husband and their kids before tucking into lamb with potatoes and whipped goat cheese Though Nina and I had only met in person twice It got late and then later. We didn't want to go, but we'd booked a night at the Lamp Hotel in Norrköping a charming postindustrial city two hours southwest of Stockholm it was once a textile hub before tens of area factories went belly up with globalization We got to the Lamp so late the staff was gone given that we had one bed and I was the hot dog to Emma's and Jesse's bun Our first stop the next morning was the Museum of Work the museum was all pastels and gently socialist rhetoric "REST IN PEAS," announced a photography exhibit It was a bright and cool afternoon, 20 degrees warmer than the Twin Cities. We strolled down the Motola and ate our way through the city for the day's remainder: Lottas for coffee and cardamom buns, Brödernas for wine and smörgåsar, and Pappa Grappa for pizza and more wine before a nightcap at the hotel bar Hungover the next morning, we opted to take the long, slow way from Norrköping to the medieval town of Vadstena. We wound north to Askersund, then south via Lake Vättern. The sun was setting when we arrived, smudging Vadstena Castle with amber. When it got too dark for photos, we trooped to Borgmestaren for burgers "I'm not drinking tonight," Jesse declared as we opened the menus "I know you," our server said to me in English Thank God we were headed to a renowned spa the next day for some proper relaxation, but not before stopping for provisions at Vadstena Saluhall "Sorry we're late," we said when we arrived at the family-owned Trosa Stadshotell and Spa two hours later whisked us straight to the aromatherapy room We emerged just in time for our dinner reservation eating ourselves to groaning on baked cod and blood orange carpaccio which is to Stockholm what the Hamptons is to New York The village was burned by the Russians in the 18th century Russia had invaded Ukraine just three weeks earlier Over lunch at Två Svå Svin (Two Small Pigs) I ate tiny shrimps on toast and tried not to think about war "Hey!" said two women while I stood in the line for the bathroom "'Allt för Sverige!'" shouted a man driving a black Audi as we walked back to the car "All this attention," I complained to Emma and Jesse They were kind enough not to roll their eyes We hustled back to Stockholm just in time to catch the Shout Out Louds, a popular Stockholm band, play at Debaser in Hornstull. Ola, who'd snagged the tickets, met us there. For a global city, Stockholm's tiny: We wound up drinking with the band after the show at the chic bar inside Tjoget I had a couple of press interviews and a photo shoot the next morning, which I tried to conduct as if I'd slept more than five hours. We had plans to lie low and luxuriate in our room at the Rival a hotel owned by ABBA's Benny Andersson but it turned out Ola had planned a surprise hemmafest (house party) in honor of our visit On Saturday, our last full day in Sweden, Swedes strolled through sunny Södermalm and lined up for gelato at StikkiNikki. While Emma and Jesse explored Gamla Stan my cousin Nina and I sat on the Rival's balcony and caught up Our great-great-grandmothers said farewell 135 years ago and never saw each other again "I'll come with you," she said when I told her I had to get a COVID-19 test to travel "Bed by 11," I told Emma and Jesse at the testing center "We can't miss our flight." The plan was to meet a few friends at Pelikan I checked my phone at 9:30; things seemed to be winding down and my friend Charlie was asking if I liked to dance "Good morning," said the Rival's doorman as he ushered us in at 4 The Rival's breakfast is the only reason we made it back to America we slipped into our gate with time to spare I told you you'd be recognized," Emma said at some point on the flight Sally Franson of Minneapolis is the author of "A Lady's Guide to Selling Out," which Netflix is adapting for film. Instagram: @sallyjf No Section Peek inside homes for sale in the Twin Cities area After falling behind 17-0 at halftime and being dominated most of the game the Bulldogs may have locked up a spot in the College Football Playoff This article appeared in the Christmas Specials section of the print edition under the headline “The match king” Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents In 2024 we found new ways to cover a range of topics, from war to the future of energy—and, of course, elections. Each incarnation of Godzilla reflects the fears of its time What happens to an oil town when the drilling stops? The pluses and pitfalls of the world’s most disciplined primary schools Tens of thousands of animals are moved to new states each year, so they can find homes For travelers yearning for a destination that is not too busy but not too isolated, Sweden has a handful of small towns radiating with the art of simple living Sweden even has a concept for their own way of living called lagom not too little” and is the Swedish ideal that happiness in life is all about having balance across all aspects of our lives Not only will the beautiful landscapes be a breath of fresh air but the locals' blissful energy will keep visitors at ease It seems only right to kick off the list with Sigtuna, the oldest town in Sweden. Sigtuna was founded in the 10th century between Uppsala, and Sweden’s capital Stockholm. The town might be quaint The first coin in Sweden was made in Sigatuna and it is also the birthplace of the Sigtuna Princess Ingegerd visitors will pass by old charming churches and houses but the most fascinating thing is the abundance of runestones Sigtuna is known for being populated with so many runestones that it is like a treasure hunt The town is also in the perfect location for outdoor scenery Embark on a peaceful lakeside stroll while sipping on a cup of coffee or practice yoga in the park Another option is to check out Klockbacken a park with mapped-out paths and a barbeque area which is great for taking in the good outdoors The adorable medieval town of Visby can be discovered on the northwest coast of Gotland, which is known to be the largest island in the Baltic Sea Visby is a very well preserved town that dates back to the 12th century Frolicking through the streets of angelic buildings and homes designed between the 12th and 14th centuries will have visitors amazed There are also many historic church ruins to explore such as St Clemens Visby is truly a place to stop and smell the roses as it is a garden hotspot blossoming with roses Visby also has numerous sandy beaches to feed that beach craving Visitors can relax on the bathing jetty by the beach walk in central Visby or a popular spot 20 kilometers south of Visby is Tofta beach there is a lovely hike only seven kilometers south of town where visitors can get immersed in unreal caves The diverse range of natural landscapes makes it a hotspot for outdoors enthusiasts to feel one with the earth and away from crowds of people Visitors will also need to check out Abisko National Park and Vadvetjåkka National Park This town is famous for being the location for the popular crime series Ystad is a very walkable town for visitors to easily bounce between restaurants The charming town centre is laid with cobble stone and shines with vibrant colors and elegant architecture The perfect spot to aimlessly roam and people watch Visitors will also see the Ystad Town Hall and St Mary’s Church in the heart of the town centre A fascinating attraction to visit is Ales Stenar visitors can admire the best preserved ship monument in Scandinavia measuring 67 meters long and 19 meters wide This unique site in the outline of a boat has a stunning coastal view and is a spot that visitors never knew they needed to add to the bucket list Kalmar can be found on the southeast coast of Sweden more specifically in the country of Småland This town calls all outdoor adventure enthusiasts to explore the beaming beaches invites all hikers and bikers along 200 kilometers of open country roads and a delightful coastline Travelers can also catch a direct ferry over to the nearby island of Öland Island Wandering through the cobblestone streets will grab everyone's attention with the many preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries with Kalmar Castle being a prominent symbol of the town Kalmar is also proud to be known for producing sustainable cuisines that are both delicious and sourced locally Visitors should not leave without trying a Swedish cinnamon bun The town of Vadstena is one of the world's pilgrimage destinations which makes it a great spot to step right into earth's natural beauty There are many connecting hiking trails to and from Vadstena that pass through different medieval church villages country fields and along the coastline of Lake Vättern Visitors can stay in town and walk the Vadstena promenade or hike further distances by traveling down east along the coast on the Borghamn - Vadstena trail travelers will find themselves bouncing amongst historical castles Some historical buildings include the Vadstena castle from 1545 which is one of the largest medieval church buildings in Sweden The clicking of shoes on the cobblestone streets and surroundings of old wooden preserved buildings fills the air with energy of simple living and allows visitors to travel with tranquility On this navigation channel from Troso is where travelers will be welcomed by beautiful islands and rock formations to lay on and take a snack break Troso includes stages 53-56 of the 94 total hiking trails of Sörmlandsleden and the Heritage Trail city walk right in town Nuzzled in the middle of the West Sweden archipelago on the Bohuslän coast is the little seaside gem of Lysekil This town is booming with preserved architecture and outdoor adventures Visitors can take in the charming essence walking on Gamla Strandgatan the oldest street in Lysekil that leads through Gamlestan This district is flourishing with old cozy homes narrow alleys and cobblestoned streets from the 16th century visitors can make their way to the tip of Lysekil and discover Stångehuvud Stångehuvud has been a nature reserve since 1982 and is made up of Bohus granite that formed over 920 million years ago Today it remains as a miraculous granite landscape molded into soft shapes from the crashing waves and gusting winds overtime After an afternoon picnic on the granite rocks pack up and head to the 1100 meter long Västerhavspromenade This Western Sea boardwalk gracefully winds through granite cliffs and offers a front row view to the neverending ocean views Built around the whimsical Gripsholm Castle is where the sweet and blissful town of Mariefred can be happily discovered detailed wood detailing and hidden passages in the Gripsholm Castle that date back over 400 years After enjoying the charming atmosphere of the city center and strolling the shops and cafes visitors can hop aboard the historic railway and get a scenic drive of the surrounding landscapes Cruising by water is also an option by hopping on a boat trip on Lake Mälaren which offers numerous routes for day trips visitors can take the Steamer Mariefred boat and experience a cake tour of 60 different cake flavors at the famous cake table at Taxinge Castle Sweden has so many sweet little towns that make for a mindful and easygoing getaway one can roam cobblestone streets with a freshly made cinnamon bun in hand One can also observe historical castles and churches at sunset you can even kayak through an archipelago and watch birds soar above you Sweden has just the right combination of charm and adventure that makes traveling feel easy and happily addictive When Hans Christian Andersen left Copenhagen for a visit to Sweden in 1837, his mind was set on two things: traveling on the Göta Kanal and meeting with Fredrika Bremer a Swedish writer for whom he had great admiration That the then obscure writer of fairy tales should be interested in Göta Canal is not surprising It was the ultimate engineering feat of the day - a system of canals and locks connecting rivers and lakes all the way from Gothenburg in the west to Stockholm in the east sixty miles of rock and soil had had to be cleared away It featured fifty-eight locks and thirty-five bridges the Göta Canal was quickly made obsolete by the railroads making travel on it something of a 19th-century experience or similar in ambience to travel with the Orient Express Many of the hand-operated locks are still in use and the pace has not quickened traversing the country in one of the three passenger boats run by the Göta Canal Steamship Company takes four days I thought I would reacquaint myself with the Göta Canal this year meeting up with the boats in strategic places and catch up with some of the sightseeing which is part and parcel of these cross country cruises My first opportunity came early one day in the village of Berg a mere youngster compared to Juno) was due to arrive from the lake and begin a climb that would last for several hours would give me the chance to board the vessel and chat with those passengers who were not off sightseeing - the particular point of interest her being the Vreta Convent Abbey Sighting the Wilhem Tham in the morning mist brought back strong memories After Stockholm and some fifty miles of Baltic archipelago was where the canal truly takes over and begins to exert its special magic From this point on came the sensation of gliding silently through the heart of the Swedish countryside then as the canal resumed it meandering ways where the canal was just wide enough for the boat leaving you floating alternatively through dense woods - where you could reach out and almost touch the tree branches - and quilts of open fields as the Wilhem Tham pause between two locks How familiar it all felt: The same youthful the same spirit of everyone being one big family a good portion of that family was now on its way to the nunnery “Poached Salmon,” and - how very Swedish and yet with an American twist - “Burger of Elkmeat and Lingonberries with Blackcurrant Jam and Glazed sugar Peas,” Back on deck I noticed that practically all the passengers were gone looking old and just like the one I borrowed years ago when the slow-moving vessel caught up with me shining white from behind verdant foliage; I was all set with a fresh roll of film Once used by oxen for hauling barges and sailing craft Idyllically situated on the eastern shore of Lake Vättern Vadstena evolved around a cluster of 14th-century religious buildings As I approached its rather spectacular harbor featuring a Renaissance castle with a medieval-looking moat It proved to have been chartered by a group of Americans who each one agreed that this was a great way to really see the country Referring to her recent encounter with Vadstena one woman exuberantly exclaimed: “It was wonderful including two weddings and a confirmation ceremony.” when Hans Christian Andersen asked for the whereabouts of Fredrika Bremer I’m sure I’ll meet her.” The next morning he left his cabin at dawn to watch the sunrise over Lake Vänern Instead he ran into a lady wrapped in a coat and shawl - a new passenger who also wanted to see the sun go up When to go: The Göta Canal Steamship Company operates mid-May to mid-September with its long days and midsummer festivities though the boats tend to be more crowded at that time July is when the Swedes themselves take their summer vacations The boats: There are three boats on the Göta Canal Line: M/S Juno but the cabins on the bridge deck are also quite acceptable Prices: Prices are comparable to those on a luxury ocean liner but cabins in general much smaller than you’re used to and service and all other aspects of the accommodations having more in common with the Orient Express on water than anything you’ve ever experienced before the two-day mini canal cruise will run $1,500 - $2,500 the classic four day cruise $3,400 - $6,200 and the luxury Great Swedish 6-day cruise $5,000 - $8,000 (prices are for two) These prices were converted from Swedish kronor and do not take into account early booking discounts and are based on the exchange rate in early November 2012 Contacts: The simplest way to find out more about how to meander the Göta Canal, is to visit the general information site http://gotacanal.se or www.stromma.se/en/Gota-Kanal for the actual Rederi AB Göta Kanal we covered here To speak directly to a representative of the Göta Canal Company in Sweden an ordinary morning turned into a nightmare Eight-year-old Mohammed Ammouri was walking to school when he encountered his attacker Despite Mohammed’s desperate attempt to escape investigators discovered critical evidence including Nyqvist’s DNA on the murder weapon and a blood-soaked beanie Witness accounts and public appeals yielded no breakthroughs leaving the community grappling with unanswered questions for over a decade Daniel Nyquist was ultimately sentenced to lifetime psychiatric care in 2020 As per reports he remains at the Regional Clinic in Vadstena under psychiatric treatment the case was revived thanks to advances in genetic genealogy Swedish genealogist Peter Sjölund played a pivotal role in solving the mystery Sjolund constructed an extensive family tree By comparing genetic data through platforms like FamilyTreeDNA and GEDmatch he identified two brothers as potential suspects Sjölund’s meticulous research pointed to Daniel Nyqvist Authorities obtained a DNA sample from Nyqvist which matched perfectly with the evidence from the crime scene Nyqvist confessed to the murders during his initial interrogation leaving both investigators and the public stunned Nyqvist’s confession revealed a chilling lack of motive He described feeling an uncontrollable compulsion to kill two people a thought he could neither resist nor explain This shocking revelation highlighted the complex interplay between mental health and violent behavior Nyqvist was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome in 2011 He had always found it hard to interact with others and control his emotions His family didn't realize he had this condition until after the murders when his mother insisted he see a psychiatrist This diagnosis shed light on his erratic behavior and isolation leading up to the crime Nyqvist’s severe psychological disorder became a focal point The court sentenced him to lifetime psychiatric care rather than imprisonment he was ordered to pay significant damages to the victims’ families and the Swedish government Nyqvist remains under psychiatric care at the Regional Clinic in Vadstena Reports indicate his treatment has been stable with no psychiatric symptoms in recent years his release is not anticipated anytime soon The families of Mohammed Ammouri and Anna-Lena Svensson continue to grieve their loss while the community of Linkoping grapples with the tragedy’s lasting impact The case serves as a somber reminder of the importance of early mental health intervention Netflix’s The Breakthrough sheds light on the intersection of crime can prevail through relentless pursuit and innovation The tragic tale of Mohammed and Anna-Lena underscores the need for compassion and scientific progress in solving cold cases Keep reading Soap Central for more such pieces Your perspective matters!Start the conversation