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  • Tempelgården på Visingsö

Tempelgården på Visingsö

Wonderful artist’s estate with café and accommodation

  • Temple yard
  • Free
  • Year 1913
  • Visingsö

The tempel yard on Visingsö

Discover the artist’s estate Tempelgården on the beautiful island of Visingsö. Here, you can stay, enjoy fika, and explore art by local artist Olle Krantz.

In this one-of-a-kind setting, you’ll find art in various forms, charming cottages for accommodation, and spaces to enjoy fika, meet others, and relax.

A rich history

Tempelgården has a fascinating history. Over 100 years ago, it hosted the Theosophists' World Peace Congress. During midsummer in 1913, 2,000 visitors from around the globe gathered on Visingsö, an initiative made by Katherine Tingley.

Artist Olle Krantz

Visingsö artist Olle Krantz (1906–1999) purchased the land where Tempelgården now stands. He moved several buildings from across the island to this location, including The Temple, originally used by the Theosophists during their peace congress.

Olle’s life dream was to create Tempelgården, a unique place that took years of hard work to complete. He painted in oils and sculpted statues, which can still be seen today in the garden.

The temple

The temple was originally built for the Theosophists’ World Peace Congress on Visingsö in 1913. Designed as an art hall for the delegates, it showcased works by renowned artists such as Carl Larsson, Anders Zorn, Bruno Liljefors, Julius Kronberg, Kristina Gyllenkrona, John Börjesson, and Carl Milles.

Originally located near the castle ruins, the temple was a replica of the Greek Parthenon. It was later moved to Stigby in the southern part of the island for use as a classroom by the Raja Yoga School. When it was dismantled after serving as both a school and a refugee center, Olle transported the pieces on his moped to its current location. Tempelgården remains a place of wonder and inspiration.

Accommodation

Tempelgården also offers seven unique cottages for rent. A shared service house provides showers and a kitchen, while some cottages are equipped with private kitchens and bathrooms. Booking is easily done via Tempelgården’s website: Book a Cottage External link..

Café and ceramics

The estate features a summer café serving light lunches such as shrimp sandwiches and salads. The café also sells ceramics crafted on-site.

Visingsö

Take the ferry from Gränna to Visingsö, a gem in Lake Vättern with stunning nature and a rich history tied to the powerful Brahe family. Don’t miss Brahe Church, home to a wealth of artistic treasures. The island is easy to explore by bike or by horse-drawn carriage – remmalag. Here, you're close to nature and can meet alpacas, go horseback riding, or paddle a kayak.

Good to know

  • Accessibility: Limited car access; parking available outside.
  • Café/Restaurant: Yes, summer café.
  • Parking: Yes, including an electric car spot.
  • Toilets: Yes

Tempelgården an InfoPoint

An InfoPoint is a staffed tourist service location. It is an enhancement of local hospitality aimed at meeting you as a tourist and visitor at various places around the municipality.

InfoPoints are located where many tourists gather; at hotels, cafes, museums, and other attractions around the municipality. Our InfoPoints are a very important part of local hospitality that broadens the personal encounter. The various actors we have chosen to collaborate with have placed hospitality at the center and are passionate about giving their guests the best experience.

How to get here

Tempelgården is located approximately 5 km north on the island. From the harbour, follow Hamnvägen, which transitions into Norrbovägen. Tempelgården will be on your right. Parking is available outside Tempelgården, including an electric car spot. No cars are allowed inside the grounds.

Bus 126 departs from the harbor and stops right outside Tempelgården.

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