One of Sweden's richest bird lakes. Commonly known for the amount of cranes that stop at the lake before flying on towards and from their breeding grounds. On pillars in the lake you find the visitor center Hornborgasjön, an information center including an exhibition about the lake's history and bird life. Hornborgasjön is an over 4000 hectare large nature reserve. The reserve includes mainly the lake and its shoreline, but also some of the old farmland east of the lake.
Gudhem Convent was founded in 1161. It originally belonged to the Benedictine order, later joining the Cistercian order. Despite the beautiful location with a view of Lake Hornborga and the plateau mountains, relocation was soon planned.
In 1340 the nuns moved into Aranäs Farm at Kinnekulle, but they soon returned to Gudhem, which became the location of the convent until the Reformation. In 1529 the convent was put to the torch and reduced to ashes and was never rebuilt. Thanks to skilful conservation work, it is easy today to get an impression of the entire convent complex. A convent museum has been set up close to Gudhem Royal Demesne.
Gudhem Convent is mentioned in Jan Guillou’s novel about the hero Arn. It was in Gudhem Convent that Arn’s betrothed Cecilia took her vow of 20 years’ penance, while Arn fought as a Knight Templar.
At the ruins, you'll also find Gudhem Parish Church and a small monastery museum with a monastery garden.