The Cistercian convents were the first in Sweden. Cistercian monasteries of Alvastra and Nydala were established in 1143. They soon inspired others. The number of nunneries is relatively high, considering the Swedish population. In addition to Vreta and Askeby there were four other nunneries: Gudhem in Västergötland, Riseberga in Södermanland, Byarum in Småland which probably was moved to Sko in Uppland and Solberga in Gotland.

Medieval Sweden had more convents and religious orders that are seldom mentioned. A Carthusian convent was founded in Mariefred and a Carmelite convent in Örebro. Most important however was the convent founded by Saint Bridget in Vadstena, inaugurated in 1384.

Many cathedral chapters housed the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine, living by a rule established in the 8th century.

The order of The Holy Spirit was widespread throughout Europe, but in Sweden only one of their hospitals was founded in Söderköping in the beginning of the 16th century. It was not a convent per se, since it was managed by an assembly of lay brethren.

In the 13th century the mendicant orders were founded. The most important among those were the Franciscans and the Dominicans. The Franciscans came to Linköping in 1287. They were not considered monks but friars. Their calling was social in nature and they were to share their insights reached by studies and contemplation with the outside world. This meant that they were not confined to the building where they had taken the monastic wows.