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Visby – a Swedish fairytale town on the island of Gotland

Ask any Swede about Visby and they’ll probably get a dreamy look on their face. It’s rare to find someone who isn’t fond of this enchanting medieval town, located on the island of Gotland, east of the Swedish mainland.

• Visby is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Saffron pancakes are a local speciality.
• Gotland is the largest island in Sweden.

Whether you’re looking for history, nature, culture, good food or just want to relax on the beach, the town of Visby , has it all. Located on the island of Gotland, in the Baltic Sea, this fairy-tale town is a national treasure. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterised as having “outstanding universal value.”

This well-preserved medieval Hanseatic town dates back to the 12th century and contains several remarkable church ruins from the period such as St Clemens, St Nicolai and Drotten’s ruins, and the St Karin church ruin with its high arches. Visby boasts several historic churches as well, including the Sankta Maria Cathedral built at the end of the 12th century.

Visby also has a well-preserved 3.5 kilometres long medieval ring wall (The Visby City Wall) with many of its original towers from the 1200s still intact. The wall encircles the centre of Visby and was initially built for protection against both foreign enemies and Swedish assailants from the countryside.

The Visby City Wall

'Ringmuren' (The Visby City Wall) stretches across 3.5 kilometres.

Photo : Patrick Hansson/Destination Gotland

The Gotland Museum

Photo : Gotlands Museum

Fiskargränd, Visby

Photo : Tina Axelsson/imagebank.sweden.se

Visby, Gotland

Photo : Rodrigo Rivas Ruiz/imagebank.sweden.se

Kneippbyn Resort, Gotland

Photo : Kneippbyn Resort

St Nicolai, Gotland

Photo : Sofia Cassis/Region Gotland

Drotten’s ruins, Gotland

Visby culture – from Vikings to Pippi Longstocking

Along the streets of Visby are more than 200 buildings and homes dating back to somewhere between the 12th and 14th centuries. The Gotland Museum’s Fornsalen (Hall of Antiquities) contains a number of archaeological finds dating back to Viking times and the museum’s Treasury boasts the largest silver treasure in Europe – 67 kilos of bangles, bracelets and 14,000 coins. A visit here will help put the town’s long and fascinating history into perspective. If you’re eager for more, a guided tour with the museum’s knowledgeable guides gives you a chance to visit some of the ruins usually closed to the public.

The beloved Pippi Longstocking movies were filmed along the narrow streets of Visby and the original Villa Villerkulla can be found just outside the town, at Kneippbyn Resort. Another address, appreciated by Pippi fans and Instagrammers alike, is Fiskargränd. The picturesque alley with its cobblestones and winding roses is probably the most photographed street in Visby today. If you wish to explore Visby in the footsteps of Pippi Longstocking even further, the local tourist office provides free maps listing all Pippi locations in town.

With its natural beauty and ancient history, Gotland is a mystical and inspiring place to live that attracts many artists. Their handicrafts are sold in the local Visby shops. Gotland is particularly known for its wonderful ceramics and woollen items. The grey, wool lambskins from local sheep, are warm and decorate many Scandinavian homes.

Södra Hällarna, Gotland

Gotland is Sweden's largest island and is a popular destination during summer.

Photo : Olof Segerberg/Destination Gotland

Högklint, Gotland

Tofta Beach, Gotland

Sailing outside Gotland

Photo : Tuukka Ervasti/imagebank.sweden.se

Garden blooms and day trips outdoors

In addition to its long history and fascinating ruins, Visby is also known for its gardens, particularly the profusion of roses that bloom in the sunny summer months. In addition to the roses and overflowing flower boxes on Visby’s winding, cobblestone lanes, there’s a collection of roses at the 2.5-hectare Botanical Garden , which dates back to 1855. It also has a large collection of exotic trees and plants that flourish in Gotland’s mild climate. There’s no entrance fee for the gardens, which also contain a herb garden and a Gazebo Garden (an open-sided pavilion).

There is a bathing jetty by the beach walk in central Visby, and four beaches within just five kilometres. If you feel like going a little further afield, head for the popular Tofta Beach, located 20 kilometres south of Visby. Although Gotland is the largest island in Sweden, the distances are short and the landscape mostly flat, making Visby a good starting point for day trips by bike.

A hike to Högklint, seven kilometres south of Visby, will give you not only magnificent views over the town but also a treat through Södra Hällarna nature reserve with steep cliffs and caves, an ivy forest and rocky beaches.

For more hiking, biking and bathing tips around the island, visit our Gotland destination page .

Major events in Visby

• Almedalen Week – 'Almedalsveckan': Swedish political parties, journalists, influential people and mere mortals gather in Visby to discuss politics and attend seminars, speeches and other political activities as well as some festive events. The Almedalen Week always takes place week 27.
• Medieval Week – 'Medeltidsveckan': Every summer in week 32, the Middle Ages return to Gotland and the once-powerful Hanseatic city of Visby. Up to 40.000 visitors dress up in costumes and recreate life in medieval days with theatre, markets, crafts, tower games and music. It’s the biggest medieval festival in northern Europe and a lively experience for visitors of all ages.
• Gotland Truffle Festival – ‘Gotlands Tryffelfestival’: A week-long dedication to the Gotlandic truffle and the finale of the Gotland Truffle Month which takes place from 13 October to 19 November. Visitors can expect seminars on truffles, a truffle market, truffle hunts, a truffle ceremony and special truffle menus at many restaurants in Visby.

The taste of Visby – from saffron pancakes to truffles

While Visby is at its liveliest in the spring and summer months, there is plenty to do at any time of the year, not least visiting its many excellent restaurants, bars and cosy cafés. As in the rest of Sweden, “fika” is a popular pastime. Gotland has its own brews of coffee and tea that are served with delicious homemade goods, such as the island’s traditional saffron pancake with berries and cream.

4 notable cafés in Visby:

• Själsö bageri , a craft bakery a few kilometres outside Visby with stone-baked sourdough bread and mouth-watering cinnamon buns. They also have a bred truck at Östercentrum in central Visby.
• Café Amalia , a cute café and long-standing favourite among locals. Serves healthy and homemade breakfast all day, decorated with edible flowers.
• Ett rum för resande , a small and cosy café especially appreciated for the homemade pasta and generous opening times year-round.
• S:t Hans , a summertime gem as this garden café is idyllically situated in the S:t Hans Church ruins.

The lime-rich soil of Gotland and a favourable climate contribute to plenty of fresh, local produce. If you happen to be in Visby in the early spring, asparagus will be on the menu in all forms.

Truffles grow on the island as well and if you’re a fan, you won’t want to miss the late autumn months, when truffles appear on restaurant menus and in shops. If you happen to be here in November, there are also tastings, truffle hunts and lectures arranged by the island’s truffle academy.

An abundance of lamb on Gotland means you’ll find lamb dishes served in many restaurants, along with tasty local sausages, venison and more. Smoked salmon, flounder and herring are also popular thanks to the strong local fishing traditions.

You might want to wash the food down with beers like Wisby Pils and Sleepy Bulldog from the local Gotlands Bryggeri – one of many breweries on the island.

Gotlands Bryggeri, Visby

Gotlands Bryggeri was founded in 1995 and has since then brewed some of the most beloved craft beers in Sweden.

Photo : Gotlands Bryggeri

Värdshuset Lindgården, Visby

Photo : Lindgården

Crêperi & Logi, Visby

Surfers, Visby

Photo : Surfers Visby

Visby’s top restaurants

Visby is one of Sweden’s most restaurant-dense towns and many are open year-round.

For traditional Swedish dishes and local specialities like Gotlandic lamb, make a reservation at Värdshuset Lindgården . Their kitchen follows the farming calendar and serves up seasonal and local produce. After dinner, move upstairs to the Gin Room, where a large selection of Gotlandic, Swedish and international gin and tonic varieties are on the menu.

Freshly caught seafood is another Gotlandic speciality, best enjoyed at Bakfickan . This small and genuine restaurant has been serving fried herring and fish soup for over 25 years. Come for lunch or dinner but be early, during the busy summer weeks they only run drop-ins.

Most restaurants in Visby are scattered around or close by Stora torget (The Main Square). While some are spin-offs from Stockholm restaurants, highly appreciated restaurants like Surfers and Crêperi & Logi have done it the other way around – they started in Visby and now have branches on the mainland.

Visit our Gotland destination page for more breweries and top restaurant tips outside of Visby.

Most visitors come to Visby during the bustling summer months when the waters are warm and the island is in full bloom. However, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are equally beautiful, just without the crowds. If you come in winter, you can expect tranquil streets, Christmas markets and maybe even snow. No matter what season you choose to visit Visby, you’ll surely be enchanted by this fairy tale town.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION BEFORE YOUR TRIP TO VISBY

There are frequent ferry services with Destination Gotland . Ferries to Visby run throughout the year from Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn. The journey takes about three hours and should be booked in advance, especially for the busy summer months.

There are several direct flights to Visby Airport (located 4 kilometres from Visby town) from the Swedish mainland year-round, though the number of routes increases during the summer months.

The narrow streets of Visby are best explored on foot and it’s easy to get around in the city centre. There is also a public transport system consisting of Visby city lines as well as regional lines. You can purchase single tickets or 24- and 72-hour tickets. Bikes are another convenient way to move about and there are plenty of bike paths. There are two bike rentals in central Visby: Gotlands Cykeluthyrning and Visby Hyrcykel .

Kalk Hotel , located in the very centre of Visby, offers 21 uniquely designed rooms with Gotlandic limestone details in a 16th-century building.

Hotel St. Clemens , at the foot of the mighty St. Clemens ruin. The 30 rooms – all in different sizes and with individual decor – are spread out over five different buildings, connected by two gardens.

Villa Alma in Almedalen is a boutique hotel with 21 newly renovated rooms and lots of social spaces, like the terrace with sunset sea views.

Kneippbyn Resort , a few kilometres south of Visby, is the island’s only five-star campsite and water park, offering cottages, apartments, a hotel and camping spaces.

A mere 15-minute drive from central Visby, Three Pheasants Boutique B&B is a small hideaway with four colourful rooms in a lush surrounding.

Visby has plenty of activities for people of all ages. Among its main attractions are the medieval city wall ('ringmuren') and the many remarkable church ruins including St Clemens, St Nicolai, Drottens and St Karin. There’s also the Sankta Maria Cathedral built at the end of the 12th century.

Stroll through the Botanical Garden or go back to the Viking days at the Gotland Museum.

Bring something memorable from Gotland with you home – there are plenty of shops selling local crafts and delicacies. Kränku Te & Kaffe in central Visby sells tea, coffee and sweets in a charming, old-fashioned shop. Krusmyntagården , north of Visby, has all kinds of spices and herbs, and beautifully packaged gifts. Lilla Bjers , south of Visby, sells freshly harvested and ecologically grown farm goods as well as ecological products like olive oil and chocolate.

All ages will enjoy the Visby city wall and exploring the many towers and ruins of the city or spending time in parks and on beaches.

At The Gotland Museum , children can see treasures from the Viking Age including medieval armour and skeletons or let loose in the museum’s playroom, which includes child-sized boats and a lighthouse.

Fans of the Pippi Longstocking books and movies can travel a few kilometres south of Visby to Kneippbyn , a summer resort and water park with the original Villa Villekulla house.

Hotel S:t Clemens, Visby

Hotel S:t Clemens is a small family-owned hotel in Visby, with two beautiful gardens and a Medieval church ruin.

Photo : Hotel S:t Clemens

Kalk Hotel, Visby

Photo : Kalk Hotel

Three Pheasants B&B, Gotland

Photo : Three Pheasants

Krysmyntagården, Gotland

Photo : Gotlandspecialisten AB

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Situated off Sweden's southeastern coast, Gotland is the largest island in the Baltic Sea (2994 sq km in diameter). It is also one of the country's most beautiful destinations, its tranquil, sparsely populated landscapes almost haunting in their beauty. Archaeological finds attest to a human history that predates the Christian tradition, stretching back some 8000 years.

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Gotlandsturism

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Gotland Tourism

Explore the many facets of tourism attractions and experiences in Gotland. Gotland, Sweden’s largest island, offers a rich blend of historical sites, scenic landscapes, art, culture, and adventurous activities, making it a fantastic destination for tourists from around the world. Here’s an overview of what Gotland has to offer visitors seeking a unique and memorable vacation experience.

Historical sites and culture: Visby

Visit the well-preserved medieval town of Visby, known for its cobblestone streets surrounded by a ring wall, colorful houses, and beautiful gardens. Visby is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers many historical attractions, such as St. Maria Church and Visby Cathedral. Ancient monuments: Gotland is home to over 90 ancient forts, runestones, and picture stones that bear witness to the island’s long history. Visit some of the most impressive ancient sites, such as Tjelvar’s grave and the Guta Saga. Gotland Museum: Learn more about the island and its history by visiting the Gotland Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into Gotland’s culture and archaeology.

Scenic landscapes

Hoburgsgubben and rauks: Admire the mighty limestone formations, called rauks, that stretch along Gotland’s coasts. Visit Hoburgsgubben, one of the most famous rauks resembling a face. Lummelunda Caves: Explore Lummelunda Caves, one of Sweden’s largest cave systems, and discover its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Nature reserves: Gotland has over 100 nature reserves where you can enjoy beautiful nature and rich flora and fauna. Visit, for example, Hall-Hangvar nature reserve or the Blue Lagoon, an impressive limestone quarry lake.

Activities and adventures

Cycling: Rent a bike and explore the island on your own or follow one of the many cycling routes that stretch across the island. Hiking: Gotland offers many beautiful hiking trails, such as those along the coast and through forests and heaths. Beaches: Enjoy Gotland’s beautiful beaches, such as Tofta beach and Sudersand, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation.

Family-friendly activities

Kneippbyn Summer and Water Park: Take the family to Kneippbyn, which offers both an amusement park and a water park, as well as the opportunity to visit Villa Villekulla, Pippi Longstocking’s house from the movies. Fårö: Explore the picturesque island of Fårö, with its rauk areas, long sandy beaches, and charming fishing villages. Also, visit the Bergman Center, dedicated to the famous director Ingmar Bergman who lived and worked on Fårö. Krusmyntagården: Krusmyntagården is a garden and shop where you can learn more about Gotlandic herbs and spices and participate in various activities for children and adults.

Events and festivals

Medieval Week: Every summer, Medieval Week is organized in Visby, where the city is transformed into a lively medieval market with parades, jousting, concerts, and performances. Gotland Pride: Celebrate diversity and support the LGBTQ+ movement by participating in Gotland Pride, a colorful and welcoming festival held every summer. Culture Night: Experience Gotlandic culture during Culture Night, an annual event featuring art exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and much more.

Accommodations

Gotland offers a variety of accommodation options for tourists, from charming hotels and B&Bs in Visby to cottage villages and campsites in the countryside. Choose from traditional Gotlandic farms, modern hotels, or unique accommodations such as fortresses and manors for an unforgettable stay on the island.

Food and drink

Local delicacies: Taste Gotland’s unique food culture by trying some of the local delicacies, such as saffron pancake, lamb skewers, Gotlandic ice cream, or any of the many cheeses produced on the island. Restaurants and cafes: Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes that Gotland has to offer, from seafood restaurants along the coast to cozy cafes and taverns in Visby and the countryside. Beverages: Visit one of the local breweries, such as Gotlands Brewery, to taste the island’s unique beer varieties, or try some of Gotland’s own wines and ciders.

Gotland offers a range of experiences for all types of tourists, from history enthusiasts and nature lovers to adventure-seekers and families. No matter what your interests are, you will undoubtedly find something to enjoy on this unique and charming island.

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Welcome to Gotland.com! This webpage is mainly in Swedish, but can be translated through pressing ”Select Language” in the top menu.

However, below we present to you some of our guides and articles written in English. If you have questions please contact the Gotland Tourist Information Centre [email protected] , +46 498 20 17 00, [email protected]

Let us guide you to Gotland

Top 10 attractions

We have collected some of Gotland’s most popular sites, primarily for those who are new to Gotland and who wants to discover the places everyone’s talking about. These sites are in many ways the essence of Gotland.

In a hurry? It is actually possible to experience at least the main attractions in Visby in just a few hours. The city may have been a medieval metropolis, or Medieval Manhattan as it is sometimes called, but it’s still a relatively small city that is easy to grasp

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From the saddle, you get significantly closer to nature. You can feel the smells, the wind sweeping through your hair and hear the sounds of waves crashing on the beach.

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Gotland has more than sun, sand and sightseeing to offer. Experience the vivid juxtaposition of barren landscapes and lush vegetation accompanied by the omnipresent sea.

More in English

Past and present

Silver Treasures, Vikings and medieval buildings. Gotland has a long and fascinating history and is the natural link between the past and the present

Gotland - The island of a hundred churches

It’s difficult not to notice the churches when you are on Gotland, whether you’re in Visby or the countryside.

Pilgrims on Gotland - hiking for body and soul

Gotland is beautiful. And life more so. People who go on pilgrimages explore both of these truths. You pass this gorgeous landscape under your feet. Step by step.

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August 4-11 2024

Guided tours in English

Free Tours - Guidad tur på engelska

Guidad tur på engelska

Kiki’s Tour Visby

This is a walking tour that will guide you directly to the places in Visby that inspired Hayao Miyazaki to make the animation film "Kiki’s Delivery Service". We will visit spots that are shown in the movie and talk about the scenes (appr. 2 hours). In Japanese, English, German or Swedish.

Visby Hop On-Hop Off Buss

Dubbeldäckare till bland annat Kneippbyn, Visby och Lummelunda. Åk obegränsat under 24 eller 72 timmar, du kan hoppa på och av så mycket du vill.

Ta en tur med Visbytåget

Guidade rundturer med tåg runt Visby ringmur. Vill du få ut ännu mer av din vistelse i Visby? Ta en tur med Visbytåget i samarbete med Gotlands Museum! Det tar dig på en fantastisk historisk resa runt Visby ringmur som tar ca 25 minuter.

Blå-Gula Tåget

Guidad tur med minitåg runt ringmuren

Gotland Tourist Information Centre

World class service – always! As our guest we will keep you up to date and guide you to the highlights around the island. Here you will find maps, brochures, souvenirs and lots of inspiration. Visit us at Donners plats in Visby.

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A Guide to Gotland, a Rural Paradise Off the Swedish Coast

By John Wogan

Surrounded by the Baltic Sea, about 60 miles off the southeastern coast of Sweden’s mainland, Gotland is the largest of the country’s bucolic islands (which number well over 200,000), and one that has a seemingly split personality. In the short summer season — primarily July and August, when temperatures hover in the balmy 70s — revelers descend on this mostly wild, windswept and sparsely populated province for all-night partying and the rambunctious weeklong electronic music festival Stockholmsveckan. Outside of high season, though — and anywhere outside of its largest town, Visby (population: 24,300) — Gotland remains a rural paradise, popular with outdoorsy Stockholm professionals looking to escape city life by hiking along the island’s craggy limestone cliffs and cycling past tiny clapboard fishing villages, crumbling medieval churches and 18th-century farmhouses. Several Stockholm-based architects have even chosen to build their own startlingly contemporary houses on the tradition-bound island.

Lately, Gotland has been attracting a growing stream of international visitors, too. Chalk it up to gloomy political and environmental forecasts if you will, but as travelers increasingly seek out pristine landscapes offering peace and quiet, the island presents the perfect retreat — just a 40-minute flight from Stockholm. Design-forward boutique hotels offer access to nature that doesn’t require pitching a tent in the wilderness, and a clutch of remarkably good restaurants — serving fresh-caught Baltic fish and all manner of organic locally grown vegetables — show off the bounty of the surrounding farmland. Throw in a few charming craft-oriented Nordic design shops and an impressively large collection of museums for an island with a population of just 60,000, and you have a compelling reason to skip the mainland entirely.

Hotel Stelor

Staying at this tiny, six-room hotel in rural Vastergarn village (about a 20-minute drive south of central Visby) feels like being a guest at a family friend’s country compound. The wood-beamed interiors of the 18th-century farmhouse are endlessly photogenic, decorated with pastel floral wallpaper, sheepskin throw rugs and jugs of freshly picked wildflowers. During the summer, there are live folk music performances in the property’s barn, and the traditionally Swedish restaurant — which uses produce from the hotel’s own two-acre garden — is considered one of the best on Gotland.

Fabriken Furillen

An imposing former factory building on the site of an old limestone quarry might not sound particularly inviting, but photographer Johan Hellstrom had a vision for what it could become, and he turned this industrial patch of land into a high-end escape (about an hour’s drive northeast of Visby) after purchasing the abandoned factory in 1999. The 19 guest rooms all have Hastens beds and a color scheme dominated by soothing grays and white, so there’s nothing to detract from the natural, forested surroundings. For those who really want to detach, there’s a “Hermit Cabin” on the grounds — an isolated outpost (a 20-minute bike ride from the main building) with no running water, no Wi-Fi and free-roaming cows and sheep as your only neighbors.

Revolver Hotel

Tucked into a quiet courtyard in central Visby, the three-year-old Revolver is an under-the-radar hotel option in Gotland’s main town — there’s no website and no outside signage, so word of mouth has been the main driver for bookings here. Quirky décor dominates — think sparkly golden bathroom tiles, vintage rotary phones as objets d’art, and Fornasetti wallpaper depicting hot air balloons — all of it the singular vision of its owner, the conceptual designer Ingela Tanaka Rohnstrom. There’s no restaurant, but the hotel is within walking distance of the main commercial blocks of Visby, and three of the nine guest rooms have a full kitchen and living room. 011-46-70-639-39-01

In central Visby, the island’s premier seafood restaurant is a no-frills rustic dining room, filled with mismatched wooden chairs and vintage fish prints, that’s usually packed — no reservations accepted. The day’s specials are written on a chalkboard at the entrance and often include baked perch with celeriac and truffle vinaigrette, lobster soup with black radish, and fried herring with spring onion butter and mashed potatoes. In warm weather, simple wooden tables are set up on the street outside — the ideal place to sip a glass of Chardonnay and watch the summer crowds pass by.

Krakas Krog

A 40-minute drive east across Gotland from Visby brings you to this hybrid restaurant and hotel in the middle of the Kräklingbo countryside. There’s a highly seasonal tasting menu of six to eight courses — regular ingredients include grilled beetroot, local lamb, and frogs’ legs sourced from the nearby pond — all presented by one of the cooks in the spare, minimalist dining room. And with only one seating a night, there’s a sense of special occasion that permeates dinners here. The three guest rooms are similarly simple and refined, all in varying shades of white, with wide-plank wood floors and fluffy down comforters.

Lilla Bjers

This 30-acre family-run farm on the outskirts of Visby is surrounded by vegetable fields and fruit orchards, from which it sources the ingredients for its organic, constantly changing menu. Everything from blueberries and currants to garlic and nine varieties of asparagus, as well as Christmas trees, are grown on the property. Dishes are a simple affair — think roasted lamb with pickled carrots and potatoes pulled straight from the earth — and a walk around the grounds before a meal is the best way to fully appreciate what you’re about to eat. You can even meet the chickens that supply the kitchen’s eggs. Dinner in the farm’s atmospheric greenhouse can also be arranged, where you’ll dine amid banana, fig and olive trees.

C. Jensen Keramik

The ubiquity of Nordic design extends to Gotland, where the ceramist Camilla Jensen occupies a studio-cum-store selling her delicate, artfully imperfect handmade stone and porcelain tableware, most in pristine shades of white or jet black. The space itself, in central Visby — all whitewashed walls and pale linen finishings — is reminiscent of an art gallery. On the building’s lower level, Jensen also sells a small selection of home items (textiles, rugs, woven baskets), primarily sourced from India, where she travels every year.

Toftalagret

In the medieval coastal town of Tofta, you’ll find an extension of Visby’s Revolver Hotel (which lies about 15 minutes to the north). Here, the hotel’s owner, Ingela Tanaka, and her partner Lena Herrmann, who runs the shop, have created another home for Tanaka’s vast assortment of design and fashion finds, collected over decades. There’s a whole room of vintage clothing (including original Levi’s and Lee denim, wedding dresses and unusual sneakers), bicycles from the 1960s, kitschy decorative items like porcelain parrots, vinyl records and an array of giftable local items (Swedish candy, homemade soaps, specialty loose-leaf teas and herbs). 011-07-63-94-24-44

Visby Botanical Garden

A verdant expanse of parkland near the shoreline, Visby’s 150-year-old botanical garden is the place to be on warm summer afternoons — for a picnic lunch or to stroll the garden’s 60 acres while taking a closer look at the magnolia, tulips, cedar and sequoia trees. Be sure to explore the ivy-shrouded ruins of St. Olaf, a former church from the 13th century, whose gray stone structure still stands on the southern edge of the park.

Gotland Fornsalen

The Gotland Museum comprises seven different structures scattered throughout Visby, but its main building , Fornsalen (housed in a former 18th-century distillery) is dedicated to the culture and history of the island, with a collection that spans roughly 8,000 years. Here, you’ll find everything from the mummified remains of Stone Age islanders to medieval armor from the Danish invasion of 1361. It’s a deep dive into Gotland’s rugged, seafaring culture and why the island holds such a special place in the Swedish imagination.

Related: A Low-Key Swedish Island’s Shockingly Modern Architecture

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The complete guide for exploring the Swedish island of Gotland

Gotland is the largest island in the Baltic Sea. It is a wonderful island for walking or cycling on quiet country roads, along white beaches and roadsides full of colorful flowers. Gotland has a mild climate with lots of sunshine and is therefore popular among the Stockholmers. The island is easy to combine with a city trip to Stockholm. The crossings to the island from Oskarshamn and Nynäshamn take only 3 hours. Here you’ll find the complete guide to exploring the island of Gotland.

“Discover the serene beauty of Gotland, the Baltic Sea’s largest island, where quiet country roads, white sandy beaches, and abundant sunshine create a haven for walkers and cyclists alike.”

Table of Contents

How to get there, discover the nature of gotland, explore the rich culture in the historic capital of visby, taste the delicious cuisine of gotland, gotland: a haven for nature, history, and gastronomy.

The island of Gotland has a large coastline of around 800 kilometers, and you will also find the fantastic Gotska Sandön park on this island. A trip to the medieval town of Visby is also highly recommended.

Gotland is located 90 km from the Swedish mainland. Traveling to Gotland is now easier than ever. You Fortunately, traveling to Gotland has become easier than ever before, with several transport options available to visitors. You can choose to take a ferry or plane to the island or even sail in on your own boat. However, taking one of the ferries that leave from Nynäshamn and Oscarshamn is still considered the best and most convenient way to get there. The Gotland website provides a comprehensive timetable and rates for all available transport options so you can plan your trip with ease.

“Discover the beauty of Gotland, just 90 km from the Swedish mainland. With convenient transport options like ferries, planes, and personal boats, your unforgettable island adventure awaits.”

The nature of Gotland has plenty to offer. The “Raukar”, an ancient limestone formation that rises high above the sea, is known far beyond Sweden. Below that you will find the Hoburgsgubbe on the south side and Digerhuvud in the North on neighboring island Faro. Faro is definitely worth a visit when you stay in a holiday home in Sweden. The fascinating landscape and the dune area Ulla Hau is also fun for children and with its unique animal world definitely worth it. The stalactite caves of Lummelunda are a beautiful natural work of art. The caves are among the largest in Europe and have a total length of no less than 4.5 kilometers.

“Explore the wonders of Gotland, from the majestic Raukar limestone formations to the enchanting Lummelunda caves, and embrace nature’s artistry in Sweden’s unique landscapes.”

From a cultural-historical point of view, Gotland is also extremely interesting. The inner city and the city wall of capital Visby are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The wall that was built in the year 1300, the small alleys, the viewpoints and the many roses gives you a typical medieval feel. The history of Gotland comes alive when you visit one of the 92 medieval churches that are scattered throughout the island. In Klintehamn you can admire the true beauty of archeology. Go back in time and visit the Gotland museum in the capital. The museum houses many stained glass windows, wooden statues and runic cities.

“Discover the rich history of Gotland through its enchanting medieval streets, ancient city walls, and the echoes of the past found in its 92 medieval churches.”

During your stay in an apartment in Gotland, try the special Safran pancakes or the Kajsoup (type of potato soup). Lovers of the modern kitchen cannot get lucky here. There are 7 of the 199 best restaurants in Sweden here. Join the fishermen on the water in Bohuslän for the mussel or lobster safari. Spring, summer and fall is the high season for crustaceans. The island is known for its fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, and cheeses. In the fall you will find an exclusive range of truffles. Each region has its own specialties. Sample the delicious local cuisine on the island of Gotland!

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• The three best places to see the northern lights in Sweden
• Explore the spectacular Norwegian coasts by sailing boat
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“Discover the flavors of Gotland with Safran pancakes and Kajsoup, indulge in 7 of Sweden’s best restaurants, and explore fresh produce, cheeses, and truffles – all while experiencing the excitement of a Bohuslän crustacean adventure.”

In conclusion, the enchanting island of Gotland offers a myriad of experiences for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and food connoisseurs alike. From exploring the unique landscapes and geological formations to immersing yourself in medieval history at Visby’s UNESCO World Heritage site, there is no shortage of adventure on this Baltic gem.

“Discover the enchanting island of Gotland, where nature’s beauty, medieval history, and culinary delights create unforgettable memories.”

Savor the local flavors as you discover Gotland’s diverse culinary offerings and delight in the picturesque beauty that makes this island truly unforgettable. Embark on your journey to Gotland and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Last Updated on June 3, 2023

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I'm a passionate travel blogger captivated by Scandinavia's stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and Viking history. I explore offbeat destinations in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, providing authentic insights into Nordic life. When not adventuring, I share my experiences, photos, and love for Scandinavian cuisine. Join me as I uncover Scandinavia's hidden gems and magic!

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10 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Gotland

Written by Andrew Birbeck and Shandley McMurray Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

It's easy to see why Gotland has become such a hot spot for summer vacationers. The largest of the Baltic Islands, this Swedish paradise is magical, tranquil, and wildly beautiful. Here, tourists will find plenty of interesting things to do, like visit the fairy-tale town of Visby, lounge on a pristine beach, and tour the Botanical Garden.

If seeing ruined churches is your thing, you're in luck. Visby is home to a former Dominican monastery. For even more ancient excitement, visit during Medieval Week , an annual celebration each August that includes jousting, live shows, and delicious treats.

Bring the kids along for a fun-filled getaway from Stockholm , which is a mere 35-minute flight away. They'll love swimming in the Blue Lagoon, walking on Visby's ancient walls, and soaring on rides at Kneippbyn Amusement Park.

Find more worthwhile places to visit on our list of the best things to do in Gotland.

See also: Where to Stay in Gotland

1. Visit Historic Visby

2. walk visby's town walls, 3. gotland museum, 4. dbw's botanical garden (botaniska trädgården), 5. explore the ruins of st. nicholas' church, 6. visby cathedral, 7. take a hike in högklint nature reserve, 8. take a ferry to fårö, 9. have family fun at kneippbyn amusement park, 10. take a dip in the blue lagoon, where to stay in gotland for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in gotland, more exciting destinations in sweden.

Visby is to Gotland as Nice is to Italy; an unmissable city filled with historic charm, tasty restaurants, and impressive tourist attractions. If arriving on the island by ferry, visitors will dock at this famed medieval town, so beautifully preserved that it's been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ringed by 13th-century walls , it's one of the most picturesque, postcard-perfect towns in Scandinavia and one of the most popular places to visit in Sweden .

Expect to be greeted by quaint cottages, old turrets and towers, and countless church spires. In summer, they'll be adorned with blooms, adding to their allure. Add to this the town's leafy bowers and its serpentine cobblestone streets and cute shops, and you will never want to leave.

Settle in at one of the many cafés and eateries and soak up the medieval surroundings. A speciality in Gotland is saffranspannkaka, a saffron pancake smothered with red berries and dollops of cream. It's utterly delicious.

Other popular things to do in Visby include strolling around town to see the many medieval sights and a walking tour along the 3.5-kilometer-long medieval city walls. See St. Mary's Cathedral (Visby Domkyrka) and St. Nicholas' Church to admire some architectural features from the 13th century, and visit the Gotlands Museum for a dose of island history.

There's something magical about walking along the 13th-century limestone walls of Visby. Stretching over 3.5 kilometers , these ancient walls transport guests back in time, while presenting them with remarkable views of the town and the sparkling Baltic Sea.

Dotting these formidable medieval walls are 44 towers standing 15 to 20 meters high. Near the north end stands the Maiden's Tower (Jungfrutornet), where legend has it that the daughter of a Visby goldsmith was walled up alive for betraying the town to the Danes out of love for the Danish King, Valdemar Atterdag.

From here, the walls run east to the line of cliffs, turn south at the town's main gate (Norderport), follow the edge of the cliffs to Söderport (South Gate), and finally veer west to end at the ruins of Visborg Castle overlooking the harbor.

Regular walking tours in English are available; check with the Tourist Office for details.

Attention history buffs — Gotland Museum is a must-see for those wishing to immerse themselves in the island's history and culture. Founded in 1875, this museum is filled with interesting exhibits that are packed with information on the town's storied past. Not surprisingly, it is one of the top attractions in Visby.

Permanent exhibitions include not only antiquities and artifacts dating back some 8,000 years from the Stone Age to Viking times, but also natural history and art. Highlights include fossils unique to the shores of the Baltic, the world's biggest hoard of Viking silver, and priceless runic stones.

Guided tours of the museum are available (in English), as are informative guided walks around the town.

Address: Strandgatan 14, Visby, Gotland

Even if you aren't a horticulturist, you'll want to spend time in the majestic DBW's Botanical Garden (Botaniska Trädgården) . Located a short stroll from the town walls, this beautiful 150-year-old attraction is both breathtaking and rejuvenating. Just inhaling the sweet scents and ogling the lush flora and fauna is enough to decrease stress levels.

History mingles with nature at the garden's south end, where the ivy-cloaked ruins of the Romanesque St. Olof's Church (ca. 1200) stand. The garden is full of rose beds for which Visby, known in Sweden as "the town of roses and ruins," is renowned (rose blooms adorn many of the town's buildings throughout the summer).

Apple, fig, walnut, mulberry, and magnolia trees thrive here in Visby's relatively mild climate, as well as magnificent giant redwoods and Chinese sequoia.

The garden's busy summer program includes outdoor jazz (a Swedish favorite), farmers markets, classical recitals, guided tours, and children's activities. Entry is free, and English-language guided tours are available.

Address: Strandgatan, 621 55, Visby

From Visby's Church of the Holy Ghost, a side street runs past the remains of the little 15th-century chapel of St. Gertrude to the ruins of St. Nicholas's Church (Sankt Nikolai) , the largest in Visby. Once part of a Dominican monastery, the church was built around 1230, and the Lübeckers destroyed it in 1525.

Two beautiful rose windows adorn the gable end. This hauntingly beautiful church now makes an evocative setting for music and theater performances. That said, the ruins are closed for tours, so tourists can only get a good look during pre-organized events.

Address:Smedjegatan 19, 621 55 Visby

To the west along St. Hansgatan you'll find St. Mary's Cathedral (Sankta Maria Domkyrka) . Also commonly referred to as Visby Cathedral, it's the only one of the town's old churches that's still in use. Built by German merchants and consecrated in 1225, it was much altered in later centuries (restored 1899-1907 and again in 1945).

Now one of Visby's most visited tourist attractions, its most notable features include the massive square tower on the west front and two smaller towers at the east end. The south chapel commemorates Burgomaster Swerting, who was executed in 1350. The church contains a fine carved pulpit of walnut and ebony from Lübeck (1684) and a 13th-century font of red Gotland marble.

Address: Västra Kyrkogatan, 621 56 Visby, Gotland

Located about 10 kilometers south of Visby, Högklint Nature Reserve (Hogklint Naturreservat) is a wonderful spot for a hike as you soak up breathtaking views of Visby, the beautiful blue Baltic Sea, and the rocky west coast from Gotland's highest sea cliffs. You can follow a short hike along the rugged cliffs to a path that winds down to some shallow sea caves and the pebbly beach below.

If you continue south, you'll end up at Ygne, a small fishing village. Climbers like to scale the knobby rock formations jutting along the coast. Sunset is a particularly beautiful time to visit, but take extra care walking along the steep cliffs as there are no guardrails. Many visitors like to rent a bike in Visby and cycle out here with a picnic, although biking up the hills can be a challenge.

The beautiful island of Farö boasts unique scenery that's different from the rest of Gotland, even though it only takes seven minutes by ferry to cross the strait. The landscape is more barren, and the sand on the beautiful bare beaches seems even finer.

While you're visiting, be sure to see the incredible Langhammars Sea Stacks and Helgumannen fishing village. Tiny fields and buildings dot the landscape, and many structures unique to the island are roofed with sedge, a tradition that has been abandoned elsewhere. Farö's most famous resident was Swedish Film Director Ingmar Bergman, who died at his home on the island in 2007.

A free ferry runs to Farö continuously during the summer and half-hourly at other times of the year.

If you're traveling with younger children this colorful amusement park is worth a visit, especially if the kids are fans of Pippi Longstocking. Among other attractions, Kneippbyn Amusement Park is home to a replica of Pippi's Villekulla Cottage ; a rollercoaster; go-karts; trampolines; and a gigantic water park suitable for all ages, with plenty of fun slides and pools.

You can also stay here at the Kneippbyn Resort Visby . Accommodation ranges from tents and hotel rooms to holiday cottages, and plenty of other facilities are on-site, including a café, restaurants, shops, tennis courts, and mini-golf. On summer evenings, concerts and activities are staged here for all ages. Regular shuttle buses take visitors to and from Visby several times daily during peak season.

Address: Kneippbyn 15, 622 61, Visby

Why is it that the most spectacular places to visit seem to boast a blue lagoon? For instance, one of Fiji's top attractions is a lagoon of this nature, the Bahamas has an island dedicated to its blue wonderland, and Iceland boasts a stunning resort at its Blue Lagoon.

Gotland's Blue Lagoon (Bla Lagunen) is just as impressive. Located on the island's north coast, this pretty place is a popular spot for a cool dip during the summer months. Fringed with white sand and filled with clear blue water that shimmers in hues of turquoise in the sunlight, the lagoon was once a limestone quarry.

It tends to trap the heat, so it's usually a pleasant temperature for a swim in the warmer months. You can also explore the area's walking paths. There are restrooms on-site.

We recommend these delightful hotels near the top attractions in Visby, Gotland's gateway town:

• Clarion Hotel Wisby : Featuring mid-range pricing, this popular hotel is just steps from the marina, and boasts a spa with a heated pool and sauna, and a mix of old and new décor.
• Hotel St. Clemens : This charming 3-star hotel is family-run and in an old town location, with two beautiful gardens and medieval church ruins.
• Scandic Visby : Offering affordable rates and located near the ferry terminal, this hotel comes with a wonderful free breakfast, an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, plus complimentary use of bikes.
• Hotell Slottsbacken : This good-value boutique hotel features stylish décor, comfortable beds, and complimentary tea and cookies.

Sweden is full of exciting things to see and do. Less than a 40-minute flight from Gotland, you can see all the top sights in the country's capital, Stockholm , and explore the surrounding countryside on fun day trips . From Stockholm, the picturesque university city of Uppsala is only 70 kilometers away. On the western side of the country, laid-back Gothenburg has a more temperate climate than Stockholm and is a top spot for foodies, while to the south of Gothenburg, both Helsingborg and Malmo lie only a short hop from neighboring Denmark , across the Oresund strait.

More on Sweden

Here's What Gotland, Sweden Is Known For (& Why You Should Visit)

Gotland's stunning landscapes, history, and distinct culture make it a popular destination for vacationers.

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Get out and about in visby, gotland's storybook town, explore gotland's landscape and more than 100 nature reserves, savor the one-of-a-kind tastes of gotland's cuisine and drinks.

The largest Baltic Sea island, Gotland, is a picture-perfect paradise with a mountainous interior and a shoreline peppered with sandy beaches. Thanks to its stunning scenery, rich history, and delicious local cuisine, it is one of Sweden's most popular tourist destinations.

The city of Visby, the island's capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Viking-period marvel whose meandering, cobblestone streets transport visitors to another era. While Gotland is best known as a summer vacation spot for Swedes, it is also an excellent destination for international visitors.

Related: Discover The Marvelous Trail Path At Sweden's West Coast

Visby is an excellent destination for vacationers since it offers everything for everyone: history, nature, culture, delicious food, and beach relaxation. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995, Visby is the best-preserved walled commercial town in northern Europe.

The Visby City Wall, a 3.5-kilometer-long ring wall dating back to the Middle Ages, has been meticulously conserved, and it still features several of its original towers from the 1200s. Initially built to defend against foreign invaders and Swedish attackers from the countryside, the wall encircles the center of Visby.

There are almost two hundred structures and dwellings in Visby that date back to the 12th and 14th centuries, and they are all worth seeing. The Fornsalen (Hall of Antiquities) of the Gotland Museum houses several artifacts from the Viking age and is worth a visit for anybody interested in Viking history. The 67 kg of silver bangles, bracelets, and 14,000 coins housed in the museum's Treasury make up the biggest silver treasure in Europe.

Visby's quaint streets served as backdrops in the classic Pippi Longstocking films , and the real Villa Villerkulla is not far from the city borders in Kneippbyn Resort. Also, Fiskargränd alley, with its winding, rose-lined, cobblestone lane, is arguably the most photographed street in Visby.

More than a hundred nature reserves scatter across Gotland's lush greenery. Travelers flock to this island to experience its enchanting ivy forests, sandy beaches, and bleak sea stack fields. Travelers interested in a sea stack safari should visit Hoburgsgubben and Lergravsporten, as well as Frörö, which is home to an even more magnificent array of sea stacks.

Hikers make up a sizable portion of Gotland's tourist population. The Östkustenleden trail, which spans eight parishes and eight nature reserves between Anga and Närsholm, is a major draw. Between Björkume and Hallshuk, the 30-kilometer-long Klintkustleden passes through cliffs, wetlands, and old fishing towns. Then there's the seven-kilometer-long route from Roma Kungsträdgrd to Dalhem, which is accessible year-round.

There are also various places to go swimming or sunbathing on Gotland, from flooded limestone quarries to inland lakes and miles of sandy beaches. The northwest shore is typically rockier, whereas the southeast coast is sandier. Beaches like Tofta, Nisseviken, and Sudersand are ideal for families with young children because of their shallow water.

Related: Sweden's Unusual Salute To The Supernatural Is An Old Tradition Spanning Back Centuries

The cuisine of Gotland is a fascinating experiment in sustainable modernity. Due to its fortunate past as a trading station, the island has developed a taste for exotic ingredients like saffron. Try a traditional Gotlandic dish like "saffranspannkaka" (saffron pancake, based on rice) with whipped cream and jam prepared from dewberry (a related of the blackberry also known as "salmbär").

On Gotland, people can find a variety of asparagus, including white, green, and purple types, as well as the coveted truffle. The regional delicacy, called Gotlandic truffle (black Bourgogne truffle), is celebrated yearly in November.

Seafood of all varieties is a specialty here due to the region's long history as a fishing hotspot, but meat enthusiasts should take the chance to sample the excellent lamb produced in the area. Gotland is famous for its lamb (and wool), and the sheep are featured prominently on the island's flag.

"Gotlandsdricka," the island's signature smoky-sweet juniper-flavored traditional beer, has been brewed there for centuries. Other styles of locally brewed beer are always available. Gotlands Bryggeri is a long-standing brewery that serves a wide selection of beers throughout the island's drinking establishments. Not to be forgotten are the flavored spirits from Boge Bränneri and the gins from Gotland Spirits and Hellström.

• How to get to Gotland: Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Linköping all offer year-round flight service to Visby. Summer also brings flights from Oslo and Ängelholm. Ferries to Visby leave Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn throughout the year and are operated by Destination Gotland.
• Where to sleep: Hotel St. Clemens. Smedjegatan 3, Visby, Gotland 621 55 Sweden. Guests will find the Hotel St. Clemens inside the city walls of Visby. This hotel occupies five old structures near the Botanical Garden and the Cathedral.
• Where to eat: Visby Crêperie & Logi. Wallers Plats 3, Visby, Gotland 621 56 Sweden. The crêperie at Waller's place, housed in a lovely iron structure, is often bustling with customers. The menu features a variety of galettes stuffed with tasty fillings.

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

14 Best Things to Do in Gotland, Sweden

By Spencer Leasca · Last updated on May 3, 2024

For a country that brought us ABBA, IKEA and Knäckebröd, it is a shame that Gotland Island doesn’t quite enjoy as much international recognition.

Nestled in the heart of the Baltic Sea, off the east coast of Sweden, this idyllic gem is where time appears to have stood still. Boasting medieval city walls and cobblestone streets that transport visitors back in history.

Its picturesque landscapes of rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and lush meadows provide endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. At the same time, Gotland is also a culinary haven, offering locally sourced ingredients, savory seafood and a thriving craft beverage scene.

As the largest island in Sweden and entirely surrounded by the Baltic Sea, Gotland is a captivating place rich in nature and tourist attractions and oozing a timeless charm. Plan to spend at least two to three days here to discover all the things to do in Gotland during your Swedish sojourn.

Map of Gotland

14. Jungfrun

Even though you are visiting an island, it is worth popping over to nearby Jungfrun Island – a small and mysterious island off the northeastern coast of Gotland.

Often referred to as Blue Maiden, this granite island stretches for one kilometre and rises majestically above the shimmering waters of the Kalmar Strait.

Its natural beauty is unparalleled, with its lush vegetation and rocky terrain creating a haven for nature lovers who come here for hiking and birdwatching opportunities.

If you don’t have a boat (or broomstick!), the best way to get here is by ferry. Local company M/S Solkust has summer sailings that give you 3.5 hours to explore the terrain.

According to ancient myth and folklore, this island was where witches liaised with the devil every Maundy Thursday. If you remove a stone from the island, you will apparently be cursed for life! So, consider that a warning.

13. Bunge Museum

Housed in a beautifully preserved 18th-century farmstead, the Bunge Museum is a quaint cultural institution that offers a fascinating glimpse into Gotland’s rich history and heritage.

This open-air museum provides an insight into how the island’s residents once lived. Visitors can explore diverse exhibitions, including displays of traditional farming practices, local craftsmanship and the island’s historical significance as a trading hub in the Baltic Sea region.

The museum’s well-preserved farmstead offers an immersive experience, giving guests a sense of what rural life was like in Gotland centuries ago.

One of the standout features of the Bunge Museum is its dedication to preserving the island’s unique dialect, folklore and cultural traditions. These efforts ensure that these aspects of Gotland’s heritage are celebrated and do not die out.

12. St. Nicolai Ruin

One of the most enduring landmarks on Gotland Island is the St. Nicolai Ruin. This medieval church ruin is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture – dating back to the early 13th century.

The church has been a prominent place of worship for centuries and has played a vital role in the spiritual life of Gotland’s residents. Unfortunately, much of it was damaged during conflicts between the 16th century and World War II and fell into disrepair. Today, the St. Nicolai Ruin showcases the haunting beauty of its Gothic architecture with its intricate stone carvings and towering archways, providing a poignant reminder of the island’s historical significance.

The historic church is still operational, often serving as a venue for weddings, christenings, cultural events and concerts.

11. Lummelunda Cave

If you are into fascinating geological formations, head to Lummelunda Cave – a stunning natural wonder that takes visitors on a fascinating subterranean journey.

One of the longest cavities in Sweden, this limestone cave is renowned for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites. To see them, you can go on a guided tour that winds through narrow passageways, revealing a surreal underground landscape illuminated by soft, eerie lighting.

The cave’s enchanting formations have been sculpted by water over thousands of years, creating breathtaking natural sculptures. You can marvel at massive columns, delicate crystal formations and the awe-inspiring Hall of Draperies, which features shimmering, curtain-like shapes hanging from the cave ceiling.

When open, a visit to Lummelunda Cave provides a unique opportunity to explore the hidden depths of Gotland and appreciate the mysterious beauty of the underground world.

10. Langhammars Sea Stack Field

Dubbed the ‘Swedish Easter Island’, Langhammars Sea Stack Field is another mesmerizing coastal geological wonder worth checking out.

This extraordinary natural site is renowned for its unique sea stacks – striking rock formations created by the relentless forces of wind and water.

It is a place of otherworldly beauty and natural diversity, creating a dramatic and photogenic landscape that attracts photographers and those interested in geology.

Visitors can explore this rocky wonderland by wandering through the labyrinthine formations and marveling at the shapes, colors, and textures of the rocks. (Try to avoid the temptation of touching them).

The area surrounding Langhammars Sea Stack Field is known for its rich flora and fauna, making it a haven for birdwatching and nature walks.

9. Botanical Garden, Visby

Serene, scenic and spectacular, exploring the Botanical Garden is one of the most relaxing things to do in Gotland.

Located in Strandgatan, the gardens opened in the 1850s as a living museum of greenery. It comprises several themed gardens, including rock, herb and alpine gardens – all meticulously curated to showcase the island’s unique flora.

Strolling along the meandering paths, you’ll discover aromatic herbs, vibrant flowers and a captivating collection of trees and shrubs. The garden is also home to several species of birds and butterflies.

Overall, the tranquil ambiance of the gardens makes it the perfect spot for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or to appreciate the island’s botanical diversity. If you need a change of pace from sightseeing, this place provides a delightful opportunity to take one.

8. Blue Lagoon

If the weather is warm enough and you fancy a swim, one of the best places to do this is at the Bla Lagunen, aka the Blue Lagoon.

You’ll find the lagoon over at the Bästeträsk Nature Reserve, in a former limestone quarry now filled with water. Although it might be a bit cold for some people, if you visit in the height of summer, you can enjoy a refreshing swim. One of the best times to do this is at sunset when the vibrant hues of dusk give the area an ethereal quality.

Aside from swimming in it, you can take a leisurely walk around the lagoon’s perimeter or enjoy a nice picnic beside it.

7. St. Karin Cathedral Ruins

In its heyday, the St. Karin Cathedral dominated the Gotland skyline. It was a grand structure, initially constructed in the 13th century, that showcased Gothic architecture and intricate stonework.

Unfortunately, it fell into disrepair over the centuries, and now only its ruins remain. Notwithstanding, the cathedral’s impressive arches, towering walls, and remnants of its former grandeur continue to attract visitors – offering a glimpse into Gotland’s rich religious heritage.

The church’s remnants are a haunting and beautiful reminder of Gotland’s historical significance, and visiting them allows travelers to connect with the island’s past. Today, it hosts occasional music performances, while in winter, an artificial ice rink is constructed within its stone walls, providing a dramatic place to skate.

6. Högklint Nature Reserve

If you have an adventurous spirit, make a point of visiting Högklint Nature Reserve, just 5km to the south of Visby.

The reserve is known for its rugged limestone cliffs that rise dramatically from the Baltic Sea, providing sensational panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. On top of Högklint, the highest cliff in Gotland, you can partake in a 50-meter rappel.

Alternatively, if you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, hiking trails wind through the coastal terrain, allowing visitors to explore the area’s pristine beauty, including sinkholes and caves.

Högklint is also rich in biodiversity, with various plant species thriving in this coastal environment, including rare and beautiful orchids. Birdwatchers should also appreciate the opportunity to spot a variety of seabirds and raptors.

5. St. Mary’s Cathedral

Visby Cathedral, formerly called Visby St. Mary’s Cathedral, is a magnificent religious landmark in Gotland.

Built in the 12th century by German traders, it is the only surviving medieval church in Gotland today. As an exemplary example of Gothic architecture, it features towering spires, intricate stonework, and impressive stained glass windows.

For years, it served as the principal place of worship on the island during the medieval era, highlighting Gotland’s significance as a bustling trading hub in the Baltic region.

The cathedral’s interior is captivating, featuring a beautifully crafted altarpiece and various medieval frescoes. It remains a place of worship and an important cultural heritage site, which also houses a museum that showcases religious artifacts and historical relics.

4. Gotland Museum

Founded in 1875, the Gotland Museum is a cultural institution that offers a captivating journey through the island’s rich history, archaeology, and heritage.

The museum’s collections span various topics, including archaeology, art, cultural history, and natural history, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in the island’s evolution.

Visitors can see silver hoards from the Viking Age, the famous Stone Age hedgehog girl and medieval armor used in the 1361 Danish invasion. They can also observe church sculptures, medieval manuscripts and picture stones they won’t see anywhere else. These stones feature intricate carvings that tell stories of the island’s past.

Additionally, the Gotland Museum boasts a natural history section showcasing the island’s beautiful, diverse and rare flora and fauna.

3. Bergman Center

If you are a fan of Ingmar Bergman, you’ll want to check out the Bergman Center. This fabulous cultural institution resides on the island of Fårö as a dedication to the life and work of one of cinema’s greatest legends.

Providing a comprehensive and immersive experience for fans of the filmmaker, visitors can explore exhibitions that showcase Bergman’s films, scripts, personal memorabilia, and the island’s influence on his work.

The location itself, Fårö, was a significant setting for several of Bergman’s films, and the Bergman Center allows visitors to explore the island’s landscapes that shaped his cinematic vision.

Additionally, the center’s library and archive are valuable resources for scholars and cinephiles interested in the filmmaker’s legacy.

2. Visby City Wall

The Visby City Wall is a remarkable medieval fortification that encircles the town of Visby. This exceptionally well-preserved limestone city wall was constructed in the 13th century and stretched approximately 3.4 kilometers.

Today, it is a vivid testament to Gotland’s historical significance as a thriving Hanseatic trading port, still forming a protective barrier around the town.

The wall features numerous towers and gates, each with its own unique architectural characteristics, such as the iconic Visby Cathedral and Love Gate.

Tourists can explore the city wall’s battlements, climb its towers, and drink in spectacular panoramic views of the town and the Baltic Sea.

Try to visit at sunset, when the sky colours provide an extra dimension to your experience.

1. Walk around Visby’s Old Town

Undoubtedly, the main attraction in Gotland is the beautiful old town of Visby.

This incredibly well-preserved town features a warren of cobblestone streets and winding alleys where a new point of interest captures your attention at every turn.

Charming 12th-century buildings, medieval churches, and ancient city walls surround you, all warranting attention. The narrow lanes are lined with quaint houses adorned with colorful roses and picturesque gardens. While the aforementioned ringed wall encircling it creates an enchanting atmosphere.

Visby’s Old Town is also home to numerous historic landmarks, including St. Mary’s Cathedral, Almedalen Park and the Gotland Museum. So, it is worth making it your first port of call on the island when sightseeing.

You can also explore the fascinating history of the Hanseatic League and Gotland’s trading past while enjoying the town’s unique, romantic ambiance.

Where To Stay in Gotland

For most tourists, Visby, the island’s capital, represents the best place to stay. It provides an excellent base for exploring its cobblestone streets and city walls and indulging in the local cuisine.

Within Visby, the Kalk Hotel is a standout choice, nestled right in the heart of the old town. This charming boutique hotel offers 21 rooms uniquely decorated with Gotlandic limestone detailing and comfortable beds. They all provide tremendous views of the sea, city and the stunning Almedalen Park.

Alternatively, consider staying at the Hotel Breda Blick , which comprises a couple of quaint, century-old houses opposite the DBW’s Botanical Garden. Rooms are well appointed, and guests receive a complimentary buffet breakfast, which they can enjoy on a terrace. They also are a 5-minute walk from the Strandgärdet bus stop and the Visby City Wall.

If you prefer a quieter, more picturesque setting, the suburb of Ljugarn on the southeastern coast of Gotland is a delightful choice. Here, you can enjoy the serene countryside and beautiful beaches, and you are near natural wonders like Folhammar and Lummelunda Caves.

How to Get There

Overall, Gotland is a reasonably easy place to get to.

The most common way to do so is by one of the ferry services that operate regularly from the mainland cities of Nynäshamn, Oskarshamn and Västervik. Typically, the journey takes a few hours, and several companies can take you there.

If you prefer flying, Gotland has its own airport, Visby Airport (VBY), which offers flights from various cities in Sweden, especially in summer when tourism is at its peak. You can fly directly to the island from Stockholm, Gothenburg , or other major cities.

If you don’t have access to a car in Sweden, buses run from all over the country to the ferry terminal.

Best Time to Visit Gotland

From mid-June to mid-August is when most Swedes visit the wild isle, hotels and campsites are at their fullest and a lively vibe takes over everywhere. With temperatures averaging 18 to 21°C (64 to 70°F), you can sunbathe and swim in the sea before enjoying its exciting party scene later in the evening.

In August, its well-preserved medieval town Visby hosts exhilarating jousting competitions, sword fights and jester shows as part of the Medieval Week in Gotland. Stockholmsveckan – a week of wild parties – also attracts lots of people in July.

Outside of peak season, the number of holidaymakers drops considerably, though both May and September can still be nice months to visit. Much quieter and cheaper, they average 14 to 16°C (57 to 61°F) with swimming still possible in autumn. Many restaurants and cafes might have reduced opening hours before shutting completely in winter when Gotland is windy and cold and not much goes on.

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Why you should visit Gotland, Sweden’s holiday island

It’s summer and that means many Swedes will head off to the country’s largest island and one of its most popular holiday destinations, the island of Gotland in the Batic Sea.

South of Stockholm, between Sweden and Lativa, it’s a pretty place with sandy beaches, rural scenery and a lively vibe in summer, when it attracts young Swedes from all over the country on holiday.

Is Gotland worth visiting?

Yes, it most certainly is. Swedes flock here in the summer – and for good reason. Its main settlement is the medieval UNESCO-protected town of Visby, with its fascinating Viking-era history, and some great cafés and restaurants.

The rest of the island has plenty to explore too, from underground caves to sandy beaches, pretty countryside and forests to freshwater lagoons for swimming.

What does Gotland mean?

Gotland means literally Homeland of the Goths, who settled here and in several neighbouring islands as far back as the Stone Age.

The island became a major trading centre in the sixth century under the Vikings, then became wealthier still in the twelth century when Visby became one of the most important citites of the Hanseatic League.

How big is Gotland?

At 180km long and 52km wide, Gotland is Sweden’s largest island.

It’s pretty flat, so a great way to explore it is by bike. Once out of Visby, there are plenty of small winding rural roads and tracks that are perfect for cycling – and if you’re feeling particularly energetic, you can tackle the Gotslandleden, a 500km cycle path that circumnavigates the entire island from Fårö in the north to the southern tip.

What should I visit in Gotland?

The picturesque town of Visby is one of Scandinavia’s best-preserved medieval settlements, with a warren of cobbled alleyways, timbered buildings and pastel cottages.

It’s well worth doing the 3.5km walk round the well-preserved Ringmuren, the thirteenth-century towns walls and ramparts that surround the town centre.

And to really get an idea of the island’s wealth in Viking times, drop in to the Gotlands Fornsal Museum , and marvel at the world’s largest hoard of Viking silver, found in a field in Gotland in 1999.

More natural highlights include the vast Lummelundagrottan cave, with its stalactites and stalagmites; the limestone rock stacks of Långhammars, off the island of Fårö at Gotland’s northern tip. Also worth trying is Den Blå Lagunen (the Blue Lagoon), a former stone quarry, which offers a lovely lake with crystal clear water for swimming.

How many days do I need in Gotland?

You can easily see Gotland’s sights in three days – one day for Visby; one for the caves and the northern island of Fårö; and one to explore the south of island.

But, part of the joy of visiting Gotland is to take things slowly, meander around the country lanes by bike, chill out on the beaches and stroll through orchards and woods – so if you can spare a week, you’ll really appreciate the relaxed vibe of the island.

What is the best time to visit Gotland?

Summer, of course, has the best weather and the warmest water for swimming, but it’s also the busiest time of the year.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the influx of young Swedes gives the island a youthful, buzzing vibe and makes it a fun place to hang out.

You may want to avoid week 29 (late July) though, known as “Stockholm Week”, when Visby is overrun by wealthy kids from the capital who party hard all week.

The beach clubs Kallis and the Tofta Resort are the epicentre of the action, with rich kids overspending and even pouring champagne onto the floor (yes, really).

The second week of August is busy too, when Medieval Week brings music, street stalls, dancing, jousting, fire-juggling, processions and plenty of dressing up in Medieval clothing to the island.

If you’d rather see the island at a quieter time, May and September can still see decent weather and are altogether more peaceful; accommodation is cheaper then too.

How do I get to Gotland?

There are two ways of getting to Gotland: by plane or by ferry. It’s a 30–40 minute flight from Stockholm to the island’s airport, 4km south of Visby: both SAS and Norwegian fly the route.

However, most people arrive by ferry, which docks in the centre of Visby and is operated year-round by  Destination Gotland .

There are two ferry routes, both of which take 3–3hr 30min: one leaves from Nynäshamn, south of Stockholm, and one from Oskarshamn, in Småland on the east coast.

Where can I stay on Gotland?

There are plenty of accommodation options on Gotland, from converted manors in the country to beachside cabins and town-centre hostels.

Camping is hugely popular – on the outskirts of Visby, but right by the beach, the Visby Stranby campsite has glamorous glamping tents, sea-view cabins and cottages to rent, plus grassy pitches for tents and camper vans.

Or try the Liste Gård guest house , a converted barn in the middle of the countryside surrounded by beautiful gardens with a huge hot tub and bikes to rent.

If you want to be in the heart of the action, the Boende Visby has comfortable apartments with their own cooking facilities above a restaurant on a cobbled street in the old town.

Alternatively, you might find it cheaper to book a package ( paketresa ) with Destination Gotland , which includes accommodation (from camping to cottages or luxury hotels) plus ferry.

See also: The best Swedish islands: our top 12 Camping in Sweden: the ultimate guide The best places to visit in Sweden

Iceland in summer: is it worth it?

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Thanks to increasingly reliable long-term forecasts from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute yr.no and its Swedish counterpart smhi.se, we sometimes go on spontaneous trips in Sweden if the weather reports are good. I once tried that at the end of October when the season was over. I booked a flight to Gotland on Monday, departed on Wednesday and came back on Sunday. I didn’t regret it.

My first day in Visby, the biggest town on Gotland, was indeed as splendid as the weather reports had promised. I enjoyed great views of the Medieval and Hanseatic centre of Visby, with blue skies in the background and a very calm sea. It was mild and almost windless, quite unusual for this time of the year – perfect conditions for my first encounter with the island in the Baltic Sea.

You need a car to get around the island

The tourist information in Visby recommended me to rent a car for my tour. Otherwise it would be almost impossible to visit far-off places like the little island of Fårö in the north or the peninsular Storsudret in the south. Fortunately, there are two inexpensive car rentals in Visby’s ferry port that rent out used cars for 350 – 450 SEK per day. Mine was an older Ford Focus. It took me around the island safely and without any problems. I drove 650 km in four days.

Resorts and campsites

Gotland is extremely popular with Swedish tourists in the two months from mid-June to mid-August. There are numerous large holiday resorts and campsites along Gotland’s 800 km long coastline, and they are all packed during the peak season.

Foreign tourists also like to come early and late in the season – in May and in autumn. However, if you come outside of the peak season you have to make do with limited opening hours of cafés and restaurants. I didn’t find that a problem. I bought some baguettes and cold cuts from the local grocery store instead and then had an ad-hoc picnic along Gotland’s endless coastline.

Some of the resorts and campsites rent out holiday homes all-year round while they close all other business operations: no camping, no restaurant, no shop. So if you rent a holiday home on Gotland off-season, you have to rely on self-catering. Some local cafés and restaurants might open on a Friday or Saturday night but you cannot count on that. Despite these limitations tourists do come to Gotland’s holiday areas outside of the peak season. I met some visitors from Holland, Poland and Germany who went for long walks on fine sandy beaches.

The Hanseatic Town of Visby is a World Heritage site. Visby, of course, is an all-year-round destination. Here you find a wide range of hotels, cafés, restaurants, shops, and museums regardless of the time of the year.

Time to talk

When I visited Gotland – at the end of October and beginning of November – it was quieter on the island, and people had more time to talk. I met a very friendly couple in Klintehamn , south of Visby. They were from the Shetlands originally. Now they run a cosy shop, gallery, and café in an old warehouse, which has been renovated with care, skill and taste. A very lovely place, indeed: Klintegården Butik & Galleri.

In Lickershamn north of Visby I met a very pleasant and humorous fisherman. He runs the small fish shop and smokery in the harbour. He and his dog seem to love it there. In the summer, the small harbour welcomes yachts from all around Northern Europe.

Unfortunately, a few of these yachts run aground on a reef near the harbour entrance when they try to take a shortcut.

The fisherman keeps track of them on a blackboard that he has nailed to his fishing hut. Over a cup of coffee he told me that the scoreboard is as frequently photographed as the impressive “raukar” (rocks, stacks) near the harbour.

gotland.com/om-region-gotland/in-english/

  Hotels on Gotland

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If you plan on staying in Visby, you can go directly to  Hotels, hostels, B&Bs in Visby

I recommend the Best Western Solhem Hotel , which is close to Visby’s city wall. The hotel has a generous breakfast, and large and comfortable rooms. I stayed there during my tour.

  Sightseeing tours in Visby and on Gotland

Book now: The best Gotland tours, activities and tickets

Visby with Visby Cathedral

Visby city wall

View from Högklint south of Visby

Along the National Road 140, between Västergarn and Klintehamn

Near Djupvik south of Klintehamn

Fårö Lighthouse in the north of Gotland

The “raukar” of Langhammars on the island of Fårö, North-Gotland

Hoburgen on the other end of Gotland, the peninsular Storsudret in South-Gotland

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Tales of good times on GOTLAND are rife. Wherever you are in Sweden, one mention of this ancient Baltic island 90km from the mainland will elicit a typical Swedish sigh, followed by an anecdote about what a great place it is. You’ll hear that the short summer season is an exciting time to visit; that the place is hot, fun and lively. These claims are largely true: the island has a distinctly youthful feel, with young, mobile Stockholmers deserting the capital in summer for a boisterous time on its beaches. The flower-power era still makes its presence felt with a smattering of elderly VW camper vans lurching off the ferries, but shiny Volvos outnumber them fifty to one. During summer, the bars, restaurants and campsites are packed, the streets swarm with revellers and the sands are awash with bodies. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea: to avoid the hectic summer altogether, travel in late May or September when, depending on your level of bravado, you might still manage to swim in the waters around the island. To experience the setting at its most frenetic, come in August during Medieval Week , when people put a huge effort into dressing the part.

Ingmar Bergman

Gotland’s best beaches, medieval week, brief history.

Visby , Gotland’s capital, has always been the scene of frenetic activity of some kind. Its temperate climate and position attracted the Vikings as early as the sixth century, and the lucrative trade routes they opened, from here through to Byzantium and western Asia, guaranteed the island its prosperity. With the ending of Viking domination, a “golden age” followed, with Gotland’s inhabitants maintaining trading posts abroad and signing treaties as equals with European and Asian leaders. However by the late twelfth century, their autonomy had been undermined by the growing power of the Hanseatic League . Under its influence, Visby became one of the great cities of medieval Europe, as important as London or Paris, famed for its wealth and strategic power. A contemporary ballad had it that “The Gotlanders weigh their gold with twenty-pound weights. The pigs eat out of silver troughs and the women spin with golden distaffs.”

Gotland today

Today, all the revelry which keeps Visby buzzing from late June to the end of August takes place against the spectacular backdrop of its medieval architecture; two hundred or so Hanseatic warehouses are dotted among stone and wooden houses, the whole lot nestled within its ancient walls.

There is a real charm to the rest of Gotland – rolling green countryside, forest-lined roads, fine beaches and small fishing villages. Everywhere the rural skyline is dominated by churches , the remnants of medieval settlements destroyed in the Danish invasion. Nowhere else in Scandinavia holds such a concentration of medieval churches, and 93 of them are still in use, displaying a unique Baltic Gothic style and providing the most permanent reminder of Gotland’s ancient wealth. Churches aside, however, very few people bother to explore the island, perhaps because of Visby’s magnetic pull; consequently, the main roads around Gotland are pleasingly free of traffic and minor roads positively deserted – cycling is a joy. As you travel, keep an eye out for the waymarkers erected in the 1780s to indicate the distance from Wisby (the old spelling of the town’s name), calculated in Swedish miles – one of which is equivalent to 10km.

From the mid-1960s until his death in 2007, Sweden’s best-known film director and screenwriter, Ingmar Bergman lived for much of the time on the island of Fårö, off northernmost Gotland. He was born in Uppsala in 1918, the son of a Lutheran pastor. The combination of his harsh upbringing, his interest in the religious art of old churches and the works of August Strindberg inspired Bergman to constantly consider the spiritual and psychological conflicts of life in his films. The results – he made forty feature films between 1946 and 1983 – are certainly dark, and for many, deeply distressing and/or depressing.

Bergman made his first breakthrough at the Cannes Film Festival in 1944, winning the Grand Prix for his film Hets (Persecution) , based on his school life. Among his best-known movies are The Seventh Seal (1957), starring Max von Sydow, and Wild Strawberries (also 1957). The two most prevalent themes in his films were marriage and the motives for marital infidelity, and the divide between sanity and madness. One of his finest films, Fanny and Alexander (1982), portrays bourgeois life in Scandinavia at the turn of the twentieth century; it’s actually based on the lives of his own maternal grandparents and is the last major film he made. Bergman married five times, divorcing all but the last of his wives, who died in 1995.

The lively and charming town of LJUGARN makes a good base for Sjaustrehammaren , Gotland’s best beach, and is the nearest thing the island has to a resort. You can get here from Roma by heading straight down Route 143 for around 30km. Ljugarn is famous for its raukar – tall limestone stacks rising up from the sea. From the main street, it’s only 100m to the town beach . Alternatively, a delightful cycle or stroll down Strandvägen follows the coastline northeast through woods and clearings carpeted in blåelden (viper’s bugloss), the electric-blue flowers for which the area is known. The raukar along the route stand like ancient hunched men, their feet lapped by the waves.

Gotland is renowned throughout Sweden for its fine sandy beaches, The coast between Sjaustrehammaren and Ljugarn on the east coast, backed by pine forest, is the best beach on the entire island, a vast, unsullied stretch of golden sand; the southern section in front of Mullvalds strandskog forest and nature reserve is popular with naturists . Get here on bus #41 to Gammelgarn from where it’s a fifteen-minute cycle ride along the road towards Ljugarn, and then follow one of the narrow forest tracks which lead off down left to the shore.

The best of the rest are detailed below.

is a 5km cycle ride north of Visby and popular with families who appreciate the gently sloping sands which make paddling particularly easy and safe for kids.

Tofta strand

(take bus #10 south from Visby) is also suited to families with children, since the water is relatively shallow and warm.

Sundersandsviken

on Fårö is a perfectly formed sandy bay; take bus #20 from Visby to the ferry at Fårösund, then a taxi to the beach itself; book on t 0498 20 20 00.

in the far south is surrounded by wild, unspoilt countryside and limestone raukar ; take bus #11 from Visby.

VISBY is a city made for wandering and lingering over coffees and slices of cake. Whether climbing the ramparts of the surrounding walls, or meandering up and down the warren of cobbled, sloping streets, there’s plenty to tease the eye. Strolling around the twisting streets and atmospheric walls is not something that palls quickly, but if you need a focus, aim for Norra Murgatan , above the cathedral, once one of Visby’s quietest areas. The end of the street nearest Norderport enjoys the best view of the walls and city rooftops.

Visby is much older than its medieval trappings suggest: its name comes from vi , “the sacred place”, and by , “the settlement”, a derivation that reflects its status as a Stone Age sacrificial site. After the Gotlanders had founded their trading houses in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, the Hansa or Hanseatic League was created, comprising a group of towns that formed a federation to assert their interests and protect their seaborne commerce. Following the foundation of Lübeck in the 1150s, German merchants began to expand into the eastern Baltic area in order to gain access to the coveted Russian market. A trading agreement between Gotlanders and the League in 1161 gave the islanders the right to trade freely throughout the whole Saxon area, while Germans were able to settle in Visby, which became the League’s principal centre and the place where all lines of Baltic trade met. As Visby metamorphosed from Gotlandic village to international city, it was the Germans who led the way in form and architecture, building warehouses up to six storeys high with hoists facing the street, still apparent today.

In 1350, the Black Death swept through Gotland, creating ghost towns of whole parishes and leaving more than eight thousand people dead. Eleven years later, during the power struggle between Denmark and Sweden, the Danish king Valdemar III took Gotland by force and advanced on Visby. The burghers and traders of the city, well aware of the wealth here, shut the gates and sat through the slaughter which was taking place outside, only surrendering when it was over. Hostilities and piracy were the hallmarks of the following two centuries. In 1525, an army from Lübeck stormed the much-weakened Visby, torching the northern parts of the town. With the arrival of the Reformation and the weakness of the local economy, the churches could no longer be maintained, and Visby’s era of greatness clanged to a close.

During the second week of August, Visby becomes the backdrop for a boisterous re-enactment of the conquest of the island by the Danes in 1361. Medieval Week ( w medeltidsveckan.se ) sees music in the streets, medieval food on sale in the restaurants (no potatoes – they hadn’t yet been brought to Europe) and on the Sunday a procession re-enacting Valdemar’s triumphant entry through Söderport to Storatorget. Here, people in the role of burghers are stripped of their wealth, and the procession then moves on to the Maiden’s Tower. Locals and visitors alike really get into the spirit of this festival, with a good fifty percent of people dressed up and on the streets. There are weekly jousting tournaments throughout July and early August.

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Stay connected, the 15 best things to do in gotland, sweden.

 Gotland, Sweden’s Captivating Gems

Gotland is Sweden’s largest island, located in the Baltic Sea just off the east coast. This beautiful island is filled with stunning beaches, ancient sites, captivating museums, delicious food, and so much more. If you’re planning a trip to Gotland, you’ll want to make the most of your time there. Here are the 15 best things to do in Gotland to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.

Explore Visby’s Enchanting Old Town

Visby is Gotland’s main city and home to one of the best preserved medieval walled cities in Europe. This enchanting old town is surrounded by nearly 3.5 km of thick defensive walls built in the 13th century. Take a leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets and browse the charming shops, cafes, and restaurants housed inside picturesque buildings. Don’t miss sights like the majestic Visby Cathedral and Gotlands Museum , which offers an in-depth look at the island’s history. Walk along the walls for sweeping views of red tiled rooftops and the Baltic Sea beyond. Visby’s magical old town is easily one of the top things to do in Gotland.

Relax on Gotland’s Spectacular Beaches

Gotland is absolutely blessed with stunning beaches . One of the best beaches, and a top attraction on the island, is Tofta Strand on the eastern coast. This 5 km long sandy beach boasts incredibly clear blue waters and smooth sand dunes. The vibrant summer sunsets here are spectacular. For more seclusion, head to the remote and pristine Vamlingbo Beach on the far southern tip. Other excellent beaches include child-friendly Sudersand Beach , lively Faro Beach near Visby, and peaceful Langstrand Beach . With over 100 miles of coastline, you’re spoiled for choice for amazing places to soak up the sun in Gotland!

Marvel at the Mysterious Megalithic Sites

One of Gotland’s most intriguing sights are the numerous ancient megalithic sites scattered across the island. The most famous of these is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gotland Stoneships , sometimes called the “Stonehenge of Sweden”. Massive ship-like formations of stacked limestone slabs create a surreal seascape landscape. Another incredible site is Gettlinge Gravfält , an ancient Viking burial ground with over 350 graves dating back 1,400 years. For more mysterious stones, visit Havdhem Vikingarve and the stone ship formation in Eskelhem. Discovering Gotland’s ancient megalithic wonders is a must for history buffs.

Tour Stylish Manor Houses & Gardens

In addition to ancient sites, Gotland has some spectacular manor houses and gardens that are fascinating to explore. Near Visby, stop by the photogenic Gunnebo House & Gardens , which includes an elegant 18th century manor, lush botanical gardens, and unique puppet theater. Further south, Suderbys offers an imposing manor home and lush gardens. Meanwhile, Hallshuk Manor features an historic windmill and gorgeous gardens with over 500 plant species. A trip to Gotland wouldn’t be complete without admiring the splendid architecture and horticulture of these stately homes and gardens.

Cycle and Hike Through Gotland’s Gorgeous Countryside

With so much beauty spread across the island, one of the best ways to fully experience Gotland is by bike or foot. There are over 1,600 km of marked cycling routes that connect villages, churches, beaches and ancient sites. Popular routes include cycling from Visby south along the coastline and the trail through scenic Fårösund . For peaceful hiking surrounded by nature, head to Gotland National Park and walk among the cliffs, forests and fields. Endless outdoor adventures await across Gotland’s expansive countryside from cycling to hiking.

Indulge in Delicious Local Seafood

Thanks to the bountiful Baltic Sea just off its shores, Gotland is a seafood lover’s paradise . Be sure to try classics like buttery Baltic herring , smoked and cured salmon, mussels and succulent langoustines (small lobsters). In Visby, stop by Feskekôrka fish market to sample exquisite seafood prepared in creative ways. For a romantic meal, book a table at coveted seafood restaurant Smakbyn . Or for a cozy harborfront setting, try Gutekällaren in Slite. With delectable fish and shellfish, a seafood feast is a must during your Gotland getaway.

Learn the History at Gotland Museum

To fully appreciate Gotland’s deep roots, spend some time at the excellent Gotland Museum in Visby. This first-rate museum provides a comprehensive overview of the island’s history and culture dating back over 7,000 years. Fascinating exhibits spotlight the Viking era, medieval Visby, traditional life and trades on the island, religious history, art and artifacts. Don’t miss the Golden Hoard of over 1,700 gold, silver and bronze objects from the Viking Age. An ideal rainy day option, the Gotland Museum immerses you in this island’s compelling past.

Shop for Antiques & Handicrafts

Combining history with shopping, scouring for antiques and traditional handicrafts makes for an engaging activity during your island visit. Charming stores like Very Vintage Visby are filled with antique Gotlandic furniture, glassware, and homewares. Check out unique ceramics, art and woodcrafts from local artisans at creative boutiques like Art Factory Visby . For authentic handicrafts, visit Hemslöjden Köpmansmagasinet featuring handmade textiles, jewelry, baskets and more crafted using traditional techniques. Gotland offers such memorable local shopping opportunities.

Explore Mystical Grottos & Caves

Gotland boasts some fascinating caves and grottos along its rocky coastline. Near the village of Lummelunda is the massive Lummelunda Cave , the largest limestone cave in Sweden spanning over 200 meters. Guided tours take you through dramatic chambers with stalactites and stalagmites. Along the northern coast lies the otherworldly Grejsudden cavern , accessible at low tide. Smaller sea grottos like Djupvik grottor make for memorable island explorations. Gotland’s magnificent caves showcase the power of nature and geology.

Go Seal Watching Along the Shores

Gotland’s shores and islets provide the perfect habitat for adorable native seals . Take a boat cruise from Kappelshamn, Fårösund or Visby to spot these charming sea creatures sunbathing on rocks or playfully swimming. The scenic islands of Stora Karlsö and Little Karlsö off the west coast are home to large seal colonies. For the best sights from shore, head to Langhammars nature reserve or the Visby Länsmansholmen breakwater. An exciting seal watching adventure is one of the most memorable things to do during a Gotland vacation.

Savor Gotlandic Cuisine

Be sure to taste Gotland’s fabulous local cuisine during your visit. Unique island specialties to try include saffron pancakes , salted lamb , smoked cheeses, and räkmacka – an open-faced shrimp sandwich. For authentic home-cooked meals, book a table at cozy restaurants like Linn Broberg’s Krog in Vall and Solberga Gästgiveri outside Visby. Sample farm fresh cuisine at Bunge Gårdsmat , an organic farm with a cafe. Of course you can always grab traditional pastries like saffransbullar (saffron buns) and kanebullar (cardamom cinnamon rolls) at any local bakery for a quick snack. Gotland’s scrumptious local food is a highlight.

Take a Road Trip Around the Island

One of the best ways to fully experience Gotland is to embark on a scenic driving road trip around the island . This lets you encounter first-hand the diverse landscapes, pretty fishing villages, towering medieval churches, and captivating sites. Must-visit stops include picture-perfect Fårö island in the north, the windswept Hoburgen cliffs, the island of Gotska Sandön , and the southern coastal gem town of Visby . With so much beauty packed into this small island, a Gotland road trip adventure promises fantastic sights and memories.

Revel in the Summer Night Markets & Events

Gotland comes alive in the summer months with vibrant night markets and cultural events across the island. Every Wednesday and Saturday in peak season, Visby hosts a bustling night market in the main square overlooked by the cathedral, filled with handicrafts, food and entertainment. Midsummer celebrations, music festivals, historical reenactments, and craft fairs are also popular. Don’t miss the raucous Medieval Week festival every August. Gotland really shines during these energetic summer events.

Take a Day Trip to Fårö Island

Just north of Gotland lies the small, tranquil island of Fårö , accessible via ferry from Fårösund. Here you’ll find gorgeous sandy beaches, unique geological rock formations, walking trails along pine forests, and the starkly beautiful Fårö lighthouse . Fårö is also home to iconic director Ingmar Bergman’s house that is now a museum. For an idyllic escape, spend a day exploring Fårö’s natural beauty and sites. This serene island getaway is a perfect day trip from Gotland.

Relax at a Spa Resort Hotel

After days of island adventures, unwind by booking a stay at one of Gotland’s fabulous spa resort hotels . Top luxury options include the elegant Wisby Hotel which boasts a decadent spa with indoor and outdoor pools, and the boutique St. Clemens Hotel featuring a spa with soothing hot tubs overlooking the bay. For a countryside setting, escape to Bunge Gård manor hotel and their pampering spa. Gotland’s relaxing spa hotels provide the ultimate island break.

Go Golfing on Championship Courses

Calling all golf lovers! Gotland is home to over a dozen excellent golf courses on the island and Fårö. Top choices include the scenic seaside links at Visby Golfklubb , the stunning parkland course at Gotland GK , and laidback Bunge Golf Course . Many courses stay open through September, so pack your clubs. With dramatic seascapes and forests as your fairway backdrop, tee time on Gotland is a special experience.

Travel Tips for Visiting Gotland

Now that you’re excited to visit amazing Gotland, here are some helpful trip planning tips:

• The best time to visit Gotland is  May through September  when sights, activities and the night markets are in full swing. Late spring and early fall offer mild weather.
• Fly or ferry to Visby  – there are direct flights from Stockholm and ferries from Oskarshamn and Västervik on mainland Sweden. Rent a car for exploring.
• Old Visby town, Fårö, and points along the coast get crowded in peak summer. Visit  shoulder season  or head inland for more solitude.
• Pack layers as weather can be cool and changeable, even in summer. A  sweater or light jacket  is recommended.
• Get the  Gotland Pass  for free or discounted admission to top museums and attractions. It often pays for itself on a multi-day visit.
• Gotland is very  bike friendly  with extensive cycling routes. Rent bikes in Visby or bring your own via ferry.
• The island has many gorgeous  beaches , but the water stays cool year round. Best for sunbathing and strolls versus swimming.
• English is widely spoken in hotels, shops and restaurants but it helps to know some  basic Swedish phrases .

With its captivating blend of natural beauty, ancient history, culture, food and outdoor adventures, Gotland is an incredible destination. Use this guide to help plan your own unforgettable trip exploring the very best of enchanting Gotland, Sweden!

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Foreign buyers eye up Sweden’s secluded island sanctuaries

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Zoe Dare Hall

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

From his waterfront house on Lidingö, an affluent island that lies a short commute by road, tram or ferry from central Stockholm, entrepreneur Konrad Bergström describes the expansive views over the archipelago — the sunrises and sunsets, lush green summers and icy winters. “It’s a constant reminder of the beauty of nature in all its forms,” says Bergström, founder of electric boat manufacturer X Shore and tech giant Zound Industries (now Marshall Group).

Bergström bought his house for $1mn in 2010, spent a further few million redesigning it to his tastes, “with no straight lines — the architecture flows with the landscape”, he says, and now estimates it is worth at least twice his investment. “But to me it’s worth much more than money. It’s a sanctuary where I retreat to recharge and revitalise,” says Bergström, who also owns a secluded retreat, Chateau Mountainztream in the Tänndalen ski area, which sleeps 25. He rents it out from SKr15,000 ($1,372) a night.

For many Swedes, the love of remote wilderness is a fundamental part of their lifestyle. There is a word for it, Allemansrätt, an unwritten law that gives Swedes the right to roam freely — providing it’s responsibly — in nature. “It’s part of the mentality we all grow up with. There are no private beaches or forests. We all share it,” says Fredrik Eklund, the founder of ESNY estate agency in Stockholm.

And with some 267,000 islands at their disposal — ranging from tiny, uninhabited rocky outcrops to the largest island, Gotland, which spans more than 3,000 sq km and has around 60,000 inhabitants — there are plenty of places to find a secluded paradise.

There is greater competition for the most sought-after island homes, however — or indeed entire islands — due to rising demand from foreign buyers. Knight Frank calculates that foreign ownership of second homes in Sweden — excluding among Danes, Norwegians and Germans, whose relative proximity means they have always been keen investors — rose by 6.3 per cent in 2022 compared with before the pandemic.

“Sweden always used to be a bit of a blind spot on the map for foreign buyers. It was either work or a spouse that brought them here. But that is changing,” says Niklas Berntzon, co-founding partner at ESNY. “We are seeing more foreign money coming in from the US and Europe, and also from China. They go far up north for clean air.”

The “plummeting krona” has helped to whet foreigners’ appetite in Sweden, adds Berntzon. At its lowest, in mid-2023, the krona had lost about 20 per cent of its value against the euro and dollar since late 2021.

While cities are now faring better, across Sweden house prices fell by an average of 6.3 per cent last year, according to Statistics Sweden. They currently sit 13 per cent below their Q2 2022 peak. Holiday homes  are down 4.7 per cent in the past year, with an average price of SKr2.183mn ($199,550).

Rising mortgage costs — the average mortgage rate was 4.05 per cent as of January — have also deterred many domestic buyers, providing an opportunity for foreign buyers, particularly those with cash, says Johan Linde, head of international residential at Croisette estate agency, a Knight Frank affiliate.

Investment opportunity isn’t the whole story, though. The desire among global buyers to seek out remote sanctuaries is a further draw for the country ranked by US News as having the best quality of life in the world. “There’s a new perception of luxury as being away from it all and away from the uncertainty, and that’s drawing foreign money to Swedish real estate,” says Eklund.

Foreign house-hunters want Sweden’s “trophies”, he adds. “They are buying the most exclusive property on the islands costing $5mn-plus. They want to hunt elk and moose, fire up their sauna with pine wood so that it smells good, and they want a very Swedish-looking house on the outside — the classic red wood cottage with white corners — but modern interiors.”

Then their tastes diverge; they either want a private island within easy reach of Stockholm, he says, “or they will pay good money for a place that doesn’t have electricity or where you have to walk over ice to reach it because it’s frozen in winter. They love the remoteness.”

Many of the best island properties rarely come on the market, points out Linde, “as they are passed down through the generations”. But when private islands do come up for sale, they aren’t always as prohibitively priced as foreign buyers might expect. Myrholmen, a tiny 0.1-acre outcrop in south-eastern Sweden, two hours by car from Stockholm, comes with four basic huts and a rowing boat included in its €180,000 asking price.

Due to its proximity to the capital, the Stockholm archipelago, on the Baltic Sea, is generally pricier than its west coast equivalent, the Gothenburg archipelago. “It’s like the Hamptons,” says Berntzon of the capital’s island playgrounds, and he paints a Gatsby-like picture of the lifestyle on offer — sailing regattas and restaurants in Sandhamn, “where you can just drop in by helicopter for a drink”, golf on Fågelbrostigen, whose golf course is owned by H&M’s billionaire founder Stefan Persson. “It’s just 45 minutes from Stockholm and it’s quite cheap to buy your golf condo here and socialise with the right crowd.”

Alternatively, there’s the warmer, windier, rockier Gothenburg archipelago, whose draws include Vrångö island, with a year-round population of 380 that regularly swells with weekending and holidaying Gothenburgers. A 150 sq m to 200 sq m house, depending on its condition and location, costs around SKr5mn-SKr7.5mn.

“Transport is subsidised, so getting here [via public transport] from central Gothenburg costs only SKr35 and takes about 60-70 minutes,” says Hakan Karlsten, who owns Kajkanten, a harbour-front hotel. “All you hear is boats, gulls and some locals chatting. The city with its traffic and noise seems so far away,” he says. “We have a rich community life and spend a lot of time with each other. No one needs to be alone, and everyone helps each other, even if we are not best friends.”

Though Vrångö sees plenty of international tourists all year round, few foreigners buy holiday homes there, says Karlsten. “We are constantly trying to attract more people to move here full-time, not just for summer, so we can keep our little island and its businesses alive,” he says.

Besides its archipelagos, Sweden also has its Riviera, its southernmost coastline that takes in a sweep of picturesque fishing villages such as Åhus, Vitemölla and Kivik. “They were once poor communities and are now among the most desirable places to own a holiday home — mostly among city people from Stockholm,” says Eva Hansen Lindstrom, 60, an art director who, with her husband Kristian, 67, made their holiday home in the rural village of Vranarp, 8.5km from the picturesque coastal village of Simrishamn, their permanent residence after the pandemic. They rent out one of their properties on Airbnb and have a small vineyard, “mostly for pleasure”, she adds.

The cold, wet winters can be a challenge — “Our farm is from 1856 and the wind blows right through it,” says Lindstrom — but the beauty of the countryside and nearby deserted white sand beaches more than make up for it, she says.

Nature is fundamental to the Swedish way of life. Now foreign buyers are starting to latch on.

At a glance

There are no restrictions on foreign ownership in Sweden. Non-resident buyers pay 1.5 per cent purchase costs (if cash buyer) and 3.5 per cent if using finance. There is no inheritance tax or wealth tax in Sweden.

Swedish estate agents must have a two-year university qualification so they can handle the entire house-buying process, including conveyancing.

The Greater Stockholm average, based on sale prices, is SKr6.9mn and in Gothenburg it’s SKr5.492mn (in April 2024).

Prices fell by 6.3 per cent in 2023 (11.24 per cent when adjusted for inflation) — the biggest decrease since 1993 and a stark contrast to year-on-year increases of nearly 16 per cent in 2021 and 10.3 per cent in 2020, according to Statistics Sweden.

The greatest number of foreign-owned holiday homes can be found in Småland and the islands — a total of 9,580 units, which accounts for 25 per cent of all homes in that region (Statistics Sweden).

Norwegians and Germans account for the largest number of foreign-owned holiday homes in Sweden at 32.5 per cent and 28 per cent. Danish owners account for 26 per cent (Statistics Sweden). 

On the market

Cottage, Jogersö-Bergö, SKr4.45mn

A 77 sq m cottage in Jogersö-Bergö, part of the Oxelösund archipelago 120km south of Stockholm. Built in the 1950s, the traditional timber property comes with two other small, simple residential buildings. For sale with Croisette , an affiliate of Knight Frank.

House, Lisö, SKr27mn

A lakeside house designed by Swedish architect Hans Asplund in the mid-20th century and later extended. It’s on the southern tip of the Lisö pensinsula, about 50km south of Stockholm, and comes with a separate three-bedroom cabin. Available through Skeppsholmen Sotheby’s International Realty .

House, Särön, €6.4mn

A 287 sq m house with a private jetty on Särön island, about 20 minutes from Gothenburg on the west coast. The property was built in 1909 and completely renovated in 2016, with facilities including an indoor pool and sauna. On the market with ESNY .

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