In 1150 the abbot Henrik and his cistercian monks came to Varnhem and founded the self-sufficient monastery, which had a functional water- and sewer system. The ruins we can see today are remains from this time.

Varnhem and its monastery was an important center both spiritually as well as politically, culturally and economically for a long time. The well preserved monastery church has become the last resting place for four Swedish medieval kings, together with Birger jarl, the founder of Stockholm.