Photographer: Lukasz Larsson Warzecha - LWimages Studio

Kata Gård
Varnhem

Visit Sweden's probably oldest preserved room

The ruins of one of Sweden's oldest churches lie on the hill behind Varnhems monastery; a private farm church from the Viking Age. The place is called Kata Farm and archaeologists have made sensational finds during their excavations, which describe the area from the time before the monks arrived in the 12th century. The church's crypt may well be Sweden's oldest preserved room.

Kata Farm redefines established Swedish history

The name Kata Gård (Kata Farm) comes from a woman whose skeleton is one of the greatest finds made during the excavations. Kata ruled at the large farm during the end of the Viking era. The excavations led to a change in accepted Swedish history, since it proves that Varnhem became Christian one century earlier than the rest of Sweden.

Modern architecture meets one thousand year old walls

An information building has been erected at the excavation site, where modern architecture is joined to one thousand year old walls. Walk around the finds and see some of the graves through glass sections in the floor; in particular, Kata's grave with runes engraved in the covering stone.

Café and accommodation with a historic view

When you need some refreshments, go to the nearby café and have coffee and delicious cakes with a view overlooking the monastery park.

At the cozy Klostergården Hostel, next to the Varnhem Abbey Church, you'll stay in individually decorated rooms. There are four rooms with a total of 14 beds, a fully equipped kitchen, and a living room. There is also a charming farm shop selling interior design products and locally produced goods.

Don’t miss the Västergötland Museum in Skara and see the exhibition called “Kata and Kättil – the finds in Varnhem”.