Gotland Island: Medieval and Magical
Maybe it is because it is an island and thus not so easily reached, or maybe it is simply that it is not well advertised; however, no vacation to Sweden is complete without a visit to the magical Gotland Island. This island has a very unique history – still today containing a unique dialect of the Swedish language influenced by its history – and thus offers visitors a completely different experience than the rest of the country.
Inhabited since prehistoric times, Gotland is most famous for its capital, Visby, known for being part of the Hanseatic League. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Visby is claimed by many to be the best-preserved medieval town in Scandinavia. Its small cobble-stoned roads, countless church ruins, and quaint shops and restaurants are truly a charm and worth visiting. Of course, one can also not forget its virtually intact city walls! restaurants are truly a charm and worth visiting. Of course, one can also not forget its virtually intact city walls! The rest of Gotland is certainly no less entertaining; there are over 92 medieval churches; one can visit the ship-shaped grave rumoured to be that of the first inhabitant of the island, Tjelvar (from 5,000-6,000 years ago); the ruins of the 1100s Roman monastery; and the unique “raukar” rock formations only to be found on the island; among many other sights. In addition, Gotland boasts some of the best beaches in the country and also offers great activities for children, such as the Boda Borg activity park.
The ferries to Gotland depart from Nynäshamn, less than an hour away from the heart of Stockholm, and the ferry ride itself takes only approximately three hours. It is a comfortable ride, and the ferry drops you off right in the heart of Visby, so exploration can begin immediately.
We highly recommend visiting Gotland as part of one of our self-drive tours, as gives you the best opportunity to explore all the unique sights the island has to offer. For those looking to linger in this tranquil setting, we offer a special Gotland self-drive package, where one gets to stay in a self-catering cabin for a week while exploring this unique island – truly a treasure in the Baltic.
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