Gotland Travel Guide: Discover Sweden’s Island Gem in the Baltic Sea

Tucked away in the heart of the Baltic Sea, Gotland is a destination like no other. With its rugged coastline, fairy-tale medieval towns, rolling farmlands, and ancient Viking history, Sweden’s largest island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
 

Just a ferry ride or short flight from mainland Sweden, Gotland is where Scandinavia’s sunniest skies meet its oldest stories. Whether you're here for a beach getaway, historical exploration, or outdoor adventure, Gotland invites you to slow down and savor its rhythm.

📍 Where is Gotland?

🗺️ Located about 90 km east of mainland Sweden in the Baltic Sea

🛫 Flights from Stockholm (approx. 40 minutes)

⛴️ Ferries from Nynäshamn, Oskarshamn, or Västervik (approx. 3 hours)

🌇 Main city: Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

🏛️ A Brief History of Gotland

Gotland’s roots stretch back over 8,000 years. It was a hub for Vikings, traders, and seafarers, and later became a wealthy Hanseatic trading town.

🪦 Over 90 ancient churches, Viking stone circles, and burial sites

🏰 Visby’s well-preserved medieval wall and ruins date back to the 13th century

📜 Mentioned in the Gutasaga, a medieval chronicle of Gotland’s history

🏙️ Visby – The Medieval Heart of Gotland

Why Visit Visby?

🏰 UNESCO World Heritage Site

🌹 Famous for its rose-lined stone walls and cobbled streets

🎭 Home of Medieval Week, held every August

🏞️ Ruins of 12th- and 13th-century churches dot the town

Highlights:

Visby Ring Wall (Ringmuren) – A 3.5 km wall encircling the old town

Almedalen Park – Once a medieval harbor, now a lush garden square

Botaniska Trädgården – A beautiful botanical garden near the sea

Gotlands Museum – Learn about Viking relics, fossils, and local folklore

🏖️ Best Beaches in Gotland

Despite its northern location, Gotland boasts some of Sweden’s best beaches:

🏝️ Sudersand Beach (Fårö)

Powdery white sand and turquoise water

Great for swimming, kayaking, and windsurfing

Family-friendly with nearby cabins and cafes

🌊 Tofta Beach

One of Gotland’s most popular summer spots

Lively beach bars and volleyball courts

Easily accessible from Visby

🌅 Ljugarn Beach

Quiet and scenic with coastal cliffs nearby

Surrounded by summer cottages and small eateries

Ideal for romantic sunsets

🌄 Natural Wonders and Outdoor Activities

🪨 Raukar – Gotland’s Iconic Sea Stacks

Limestone formations sculpted by time and waves

Best viewed at Langhammar (on Fårö) and Digerhuvud

Great spots for photography and quiet reflection

🚴 Biking and Hiking Trails

Over 800 km of marked biking routes

Trails lead through forest, farmland, coastline, and fishing villages

The Gotlandsleden Trail – A popular cycling circuit around the island

🛶 Kayaking & Watersports

Paddle along the calm Baltic coast or in hidden inlets

Rentals available in Visby, Fårö, and along major beaches

Snorkeling and diving at ancient shipwreck sites

🧭 Top Attractions Across Gotland

🗿 Fårö Island

A serene island north of Gotland, accessible by free ferry

Home of famed filmmaker Ingmar Bergman

Known for its stark landscapes, windswept beaches, and raukar

🏛️ Gammelgarn & Roma Abbey

Gammelgarn Church – One of the oldest stone churches

Roma Abbey Ruins – Gothic monastery dating back to the 12th century

Hosts summer theater performances and local art exhibitions

🐑 Lilla & Stora Karlsö Islands

Nature reserves accessible by boat

Rich in birdlife, especially puffins and guillemots

Fossils, cliffs, and hiking trails await explorers

🍽️ Local Cuisine and Dining in Gotland

Gotland's culinary scene blends rustic Swedish tradition with modern flair.

🌿 Gotlandic Flavors to Try

Saffranspannkaka – Saffron pancake with jam and whipped cream

Lamb – Gotland is famous for its free-range sheep and lamb dishes

Truffles and Mushrooms – Foraged delicacies featured in autumn menus

Seafood – Fresh herring, smoked salmon, and crayfish abound

🍷 Best Restaurants

Bakfickan (Visby) – Great for seafood with a view

Krakas Krog (Kräklingbo) – A destination for foodies, open summers

Lilla Bjers Gårdskrog – Organic farm-to-table dining outside Visby

🛍️ Shopping and Local Crafts

🧵 Handwoven textiles, sheepskin products, and ceramics

🛍️ Explore Visby’s old town boutiques for handmade gifts

🧀 Local cheese, honey, and truffle oils make perfect souvenirs

🎉 Festivals and Events

🎭 Medieval Week (Medeltidsveckan)

Held every August in Visby

Historical reenactments, jousting, medieval markets, and costumes

One of Europe’s most authentic medieval festivals

🍇 Harvest Festival (Skördefestivalen)

Late summer event celebrating Gotland’s agriculture

Food tastings, farmers’ markets, and local wine

Often includes live music and family activities

🎨 Art and Culture Events

Bergman Week – Celebrates Ingmar Bergman’s legacy on Fårö

Gallery tours, film screenings, and panel discussions

Dozens of artist-run studios and open workshops around the island

🏨 Where to Stay on Gotland

🏨 Hotels and Guesthouses

Clarion Hotel Wisby – Historic hotel in central Visby

Hotell Stelor – Boutique countryside retreat with a gourmet kitchen

Strandakar Hotel – Modern luxury near the coast

🏡 Farmstays and Cottages

Many farms offer charming accommodations in rural areas

Great way to experience local life and cuisine

🏕️ Camping and Glamping

Several campgrounds near beaches and nature reserves

Glamping tents and eco-cabins available for luxury in the wild

🚗 Getting Around Gotland

🛻 Renting a car or camper is the best way to explore the island

🚲 Cycling is popular, especially in summer

🚌 Buses connect Visby to major towns and villages

⛴️ Ferries to Fårö, Stora Karlsö, and the mainland

🧳 Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Visby

Explore the medieval wall and ruins

Visit the Gotlands Museum and enjoy seaside dining

Evening stroll through rose-covered lanes

Day 2: Fårö & Northern Gotland

Ferry to Fårö, visit raukar and Bergman Center

Relax on Sudersand Beach

Return via Lärbro Church and scenic coastal roads

Day 3: South & East Gotland

Hike cliffs at Hoburgen or explore Stora Karlsö

Discover charming villages like Ljugarn or Gammelgarn

End your trip with a local farm dinner

🌟 Why Visit Gotland?

A perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxation

Less crowded than mainland destinations, yet full of wonders

Ideal for slow travel, photography, and cultural immersion

Gotland is not just a place—it’s a mood, a moment, a memory. Its landscapes inspire peace, its history evokes curiosity, and its people welcome you with warmth. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Gotland always feels like a discovery.