Pleasant beaches, intriguing rock formations, the island home of Ingmar Bergman and the beautiful medieval city of Visby makes Gotland a “must see” on your Swedish itinerary.
Jump of the ferry in Visby and feel the island atmosphere surround you with its exciting smells and sounds, a beautiful and unique natural environment and plenty of things to see and do. Around the whole island you find great swimming spots on serene beaches, and right by the ferry terminal you will see your first landmark: the walled city of Visby.
Begin your trip to Gotland by exploring old Visby. This medieval town was once an important port city for the German Hanseatic League, whose heritage can still be seen in the town today. Climb one of the many towers in the 3.6 km (2.2 miles) city wall or visit one of the many quaint churches.
During Medieval Week, which is held here every summer you can watch jousting tournaments and browse a large medieval market. The many sweet little shops that sell local crafts and produce are open all year round and make Visby a unique shopping destination.
Kneippbyn Themepark and Waterland, a short drive from Visby, will delight the younger crowd with its many thrilling rides and water slides. The long, shallow beaches Ljungarn and Tofta are perfect spots for sunbathing and swimming with the family, and don’t miss the charming cafés dotted all over the island where you can sample local delicacies, like saffron pancakes with blue raspberry jam.
Southern Gotland is the greenest part of the island, and it is here you find the famous stack Hoburgsgubben. A stack is a rock formation created by abrasion by water, which over time erodes the land so that only hard cores of limestone remain in steep vertical columns.
The small island of Faro, which is a short ferry ride across the sound, boasts hundreds of intriguing stacks. Faro is also famous for being the home of the Swedish film maker Ingmar Bergman who also shot several of his films here.
Get to Gotland with a ferry from Nynashamn or Oskarshamn on the Swedish mainland, or fly to the domestic airport just outside Visby from Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmo.
