Nydala Monastery is located by Lake Rusken and is one of Sweden’s oldest surviving Cistercian monasteries. The monastery’s history, garden and paths offer different ways to explore the area: you can learn about the site’s history or discover Nydala through hiking and cycling. The monastery church is on Route 127 between Värnamo and Vrigstad; brown-and-white signs point the way from the road.

Monastery, Chapel and Garden

Nydala Monastery was founded in 1143. French Cistercian monks lived and worked there for 400 years. Bondkyrkan is another notable historical feature of the area: it is Sweden’s only surviving gate or portal chapel. The monastery church and this type of chapel thus illustrate different aspects of the monastery’s history.

The monastery garden presents a historical interpretation: it shows what a medieval herb and spice garden at a Nordic Cistercian monastery might have looked like. The garden’s design is based on an eighth-century monastery plan from St. Gall Monastery in Switzerland. The garden thus connects the question of what such a place might have looked like with a specific historical model, without presenting the reconstruction as a confirmed depiction of a particular garden.

Hiking and Cycling Around Nydala

The Munkaleden is 40 kilometres long. According to tradition, it is said to follow the route the monks of Nydala Monastery took when visiting the nunnery in Byarum. Information boards along the way describe nature and historical sites; there are also places for meditation. Cycling is permitted on the Munkaleden. Check current trail notices before setting out on a cycling trip.

If you are planning a longer circular hike, you can combine the Munkagårdsleden with the Munkaleden to form a loop of about 90 kilometres that starts and ends at Nydala Monastery. The route may change, so check the latest trail information in advance. Another option is the Nydalaleden, which ends at Nydala Monastery Church and connects there with a larger network of pilgrim paths. The Västra Sigfridsleden also ends at the monastery church, which is in Värnamo Municipality.

For a cycling trip, you can ride the signposted Rusken runt route from Nydala. It is about 60 kilometres long and partly hilly. The routes differ not only in length but also in type: alongside the Munkaleden and the connected hiking options, Rusken runt offers a dedicated cycling route. Cycling is also permitted on the Munkaleden; checking current trail notices is a useful part of planning.

Opening Hours, Guided Tours and Events

Nydala Monastery Church is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, from 1 April to 30 September. Check the opening hours before travelling. Guided tours of the monastery church and garden are offered in summer; check the dates in advance for your travel period. Audio guides are available in the church, but availability may change.

Another possible reason to visit is the historical open-air play “Det rika Nova Vallis”, which has been staged every August since 1993. Check the dates for the relevant year before planning your stay around it. This lets you coordinate your travel dates with the seasonal guided tours, church opening hours or a performance, while also keeping the hiking and cycling options in mind.

When looking for accommodation for a stay in Nydala, your reason for travelling can help guide your choice: the monastery church and garden offer a cultural focus, while the hiking and cycling trails provide other options for planning your trip. Search according to your priorities and check availability for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Gällaryd, Rydaholm, Horda, Värnamo, Bredaryd, Os, Dannäs, Tallberga.

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