Gotland – where Viking-era history meets unique natural scenery

Anyone who’s set foot on Gotland soil would agree there’s something magical about it. This unique island off the southeast coast of Sweden has it all – natural scenery, remarkable history and unique local flavours.

Wander around the cobbled streets of Visby – the main town on the island’s east coast – and it’s as though you’ve been transported to medieval times. The quaintness of the residential streets of Visby, with their idyllic cottages and characteristic abundance of sweet-smelling roses, contribute to the town’s unique charm. However, there’s also much to discover beyond the city’s borders.

Known as a foodie hotspot, Gotland is benefiting from the wonderful local produce available on the island – not least freshly caught seafood – and it has a significant craft brewery scene too.

It’s well worth a visit any time of year – every season has its unique charm – but the island comes alive particularly during summer when temperatures hover around the 20°C mark, and the waters are at their most bathing-friendly. Even if swimming is not on the agenda, Gotland’s distinctive coastline has much to offer. The sea stacks – or ‘raukar’ as they’re called in Swedish – found on the rocky east coast are an almost otherworldly sight to behold.

Discover Gotland’s cultural heritage

In 1995, Visby entered the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and for good reason – Visby is the best-preserved fortified trading town in northern Europe. Between the 12th and 14th centuries, it was the main centre of the Hanseatic League in the Baltic.

Visby’s historic townscape features a high number of significant architectural buildings and structures dating back to the 13th century. Wrapping around the centuries-old centre, 'ringmuren' (The Visby City Wall) – complete with towers and gates – was built between 1250 and 1288 and stretches across 3.5 kilometres.

Visit our Visby destination page for more travel tips.

For Viking enthusiasts, Gotland is something extra. The island is dotted with burial grounds from the Viking Era, such as a 15-hectare site in Stenkyrka with some 1,000 graves. The Gotland Museum’s Fornsalen in Visby boasts Viking Age silver hoards and at Stavgard Vikingagård, a reconstructed Viking village, you can experience a day in the life of a Viking.

If you’re into modern culture, make sure to stop by Körsbärsgården (The Cherry Garden) in Storsudret. This award-winning centre for art and architecture includes a contemporary art hall, a sculpture park and a café that has been a cultural hotspot for decades.

As you travel through the island, you’ll most likely come across handwritten signs along the roads saying “Loppis”. Gotland is full of flea markets and for the bargain-hungry, there are plenty of opportunities to scout around for pre-loved furniture, clothing and trinkets.

Explore the natural wonders of Gotland

Gotland has amazing natural scenery and more than 100 nature reserves. Whether you’re into enchanting ivy forests, sandy beaches or barren sea stack fields, this island has something for everyone.

Sea stacks or ‘raukar’ as they’re called in Swedish, are limestone monoliths created by natural erosion during the last Ice Age. They are a common sight on the island, and the most famous ones have been given names. If you’re opting for a sea stack safari, make sure to tick off Lergravsporten and Hoburgsgubben, or head to Fårö where even more impressive sea stacks fields await.

Since Gotland is mostly flat, it is a cyclist’s dream destination. The Eksta coast is a popular biking option with much to offer. Set within an idyllic nature reserve, this coastal stretch runs across the western side of the island, from the fishing village of Djupvik to Hammarudden.

Hiking is a popular outdoor activity on Gotland, too. Östkustenleden is a 78-kilometre-long hiking trail through eight parishes and eight nature reserves from Anga to Närsholm, while the 30-kilometre-long Klintkustleden stretches between Björkume and Hallshuk with cliffs, wetlands and old fishing villages along the way. It’s also possible to do a pilgrimage from Roma Kungsträdgård to Dalhem – a 7-kilometre-long pilgrim trail accessible year-round. Read more about outdoor activities on gotland.com.

Should you long for a refreshing swim or a relaxing day of sunbathing, the options are many – from water-filled limestone quarries to inland lakes and mile-long beaches. In general, the northwest coast consists of rocky beaches and the southeast coast of sandy beaches. For families with small children, there are plenty of shallow beaches to choose from – Tofta, Nisseviken and Sudersand to name a few. Or do as the locals and set off on a bike tour or road trip to find your own hidden gem.

3 other islands to visit when on Gotland

Fårö

No trip to Gotland is complete without a visit to Fårö. Located just northeast of the main island, you'll reach this characterful destination with a free 6-minute ferry ride from Fårösund. Fårö is formed entirely from limestone rock and is the site of some impressive 'raukar' (limestone sea stacks). Though it has a distinctively rugged beauty in parts, it also boasts sandy beaches, fields and meadows. It's easy to see why world-famous Swedish director Ingmar Bergman fell in love with this island, where he spent much of his life from the 1960s until his death in 2007.

Stora Karlsö

A 30-minute boat ride southwest from Klintehamn, Stora Karlsö and its smaller neighbouring island Lilla Karlsö, are known for their rich flora and fauna. During the summer months, you can watch newborn guillemot chicks jump from Stora Karlsö's characteristic steep cliffs on their first flight. The island is composed of fossilised coral reefs surrounded by limestone and has more than 20 caves. In short, a birdwatcher's paradise and the second oldest nature reserve in the world.

Gotska Sandön

Gotska Sandön National Park is the most isolated island in the Baltic Sea, located some 40 kilometres north of Fårö. It's reachable by boat from Fårösund on northern Gotland and Nynäshamn on mainland Sweden between May and September. The island is uninhabited and consists of mile-long sandy beaches and deep pine forests, constantly reshaped by the wind and the waves. Natural beauty at its purest.

The unique flavours of Gotland’s food and beverage

Gotland’s food scene is an innovative mix of tradition and sustainability. The island's privileged history as a trading post has seen it develop a fondness for ingredients from faraway lands – saffron being one example. ‘Saffranspannkaka’ (saffron pancake, based on rice) served with whipped cream and jam made from dewberry – a blackberry relative also known as 'salmbär' – is a must-try Gotlandic classic.

Due to its strong fishing traditions, seafood of all kinds is naturally key, while meat-eaters should take the opportunity to try the local lamb. The rearing of sheep dates back to the Viking era, and the meat is known for its texture and flavour. Lamb meat (and wool) are the quintessential Gotland products, and the island’s flag even features a sheep front and centre.

'Ramslök' (wild garlic) and asparagus – white, green and purple – thrive on Gotland and so does truffle. The kind you’ll find here is unique to the island. Simply called Gotlandic truffle (black Bourgogne truffle), this regional delicacy has its dedicated festival, held annually in November. During this weekend-long event, you’ll get to immerse yourself in the world of truffles. Enjoy a well-balanced medley of activities, from truffle markets and events such as truffle hunts to workshops and seminars held by experts in the field. A wide range of participating restaurants offers the opportunity to try truffles cooked in a variety of ways – from casual affairs to fine dining options.

As for drinks, the local 'Gotlandsdricka' – a smoky-sweet, juniper-flavoured traditional ale – has been made on the island for centuries. Locally brewed beer of other types is never out of reach. Gotlands Bryggeri is a well-established brewery offering up a long list of beer varieties across the island’s bars and restaurants. You’ll also find plenty of micro-breweries – look out for Barlingbo, Hop Shed Brewery and Snausarve Gårdsbryggeri, to name a few. Also worth mentioning are the flavoured spirits from Boge Bränneri and the gin of Gotland Spirits and Hellström. If you prefer wines, book a guided tour around Långmyre Vineri’s vineyard where you also get to taste some of their frequently sold-out wines.

Gotland’s top restaurants

Among Gotland’s many great restaurants, make sure to visit Lilla Bjers, situated about 7 kilometres south of Visby. They serve up vegetables exclusively harvested from the restaurant’s organic farm, while meat and dairy are sourced via small-scale producers on the island. The menu interprets the classic flavours of Gotland – like truffles and saffron – in innovative ways. Lilla Bjers was named Best Organic Restaurant in the European Organic Awards 2022.

Krakas Krog is another eminent option, located in east Gotland’s Kräklingbo. Dishes are cooked with seasonal, local produce and meats sourced from nearby farmers and the restaurant’s garden. They also serve fine local wines, and non-alcoholic beverages including Krakas’ apple must (a flavourful, unfiltered apple juice). This renowned restaurant is featured in the prestigious Michelin Guide.

At Katthammarsviks Rökeri on the east coast, you can create your own plate of piping fresh delicacies from the sea. This family-owned smokehouse, complete with a restaurant and shop, offers freshly caught seafood year-round.

Krusmyntagården, just north of Visby, is a popular restaurant in an idyllic setting overlooking the sea. Stroll through the herb garden and buy your favourite spices to take home. In the neighbourhood is also Salthamn, attracting visitors with their wild dining concept and cooking classes.

For food and drink tips in Visby, visit our Visby destination page.

Attempting to summarise Gotland is not an easy feat – it’s truly an island that must be experienced first-hand with all it has to offer.