Today, it is an intriguing ruin. In the Middle Ages, it was a thriving monastery. At the height of its power, the Riseberga monastery owned 240 properties across six provinces. Gustav Vasa and a major fire in 1546 brought an end to its operations, and the buildings were left to fall into disrepair.
The monastery just outside Fjugesta was a Cistercian convent. Its history dates back to the late 12th century, when Earl Birger Brosa donated a number of large estates to the sisters of Riseberga.
Today, Riseberga consists of the western church wall. The ruins are located in a park setting surrounded by deciduous forest, with views of the Kilsbergen hills and Tiveden.
The area also features a large amphitheater and the Riseberga Prayer House. The prayer house was built in 1855 by Olof Gabriel Hedengren and is the second-oldest prayer house in Sweden.
Tip! TheMunkastigen hiking trail passes through the monastery grounds.
Journeys Through History
