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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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Visby Walking Tour

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Explore the charming Hanseatic city of Visby, nestled on Sweden’s Gotland Island. With its well-preserved medieval Old Town, stunning architecture, and rich history dating back to Viking times, Visby offers a delightful experience. This 2-hour walking tour will take you on a journey through Visby’s highlights, from the picturesque Almedalen Port to the historic Saint Mary Cathedral.

Tour Highlights:

• Almedalen Port: Admire the scenic views from the old Hanseatic port.
• Strandgatan Street: Stroll along the charming streets of Visby’s Old Town.
• Kruttornet (The Powder Tower): Explore the oldest building in Visby.
• Botanical Gardens: Find tranquility amidst the lush greenery.
• Saint Mary Cathedral (Visby Domkyrka): Visit the 13th-century church of German merchants.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours Price: Starting from 30 EUR What is Included?:

• Guided walking tour of Visby’s Old Town
• Expert local guide

Immerse yourself in the medieval beauty and rich history of Visby on this 2-hour walking tour. Explore Almedalen Port, wander along charming streets, visit historic landmarks, and discover the essence of this enchanting Hanseatic city. Prices start from 30 EUR.

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We are using local bus-companies with well experienced bus-drivers. The coaches are modern, comfortable and with air-condition. We have authorized guides in multiple languages, for example English, Finish, German, and Swedish.

Visby walking tour

Shore excursion from port of visby, sweden.

• Duration 2h
• Activity level low

Hike among the gorgeous National Park Mountains and sleep at the top

• Duration 3 days
• Activity level Medium
• Includes Equipment, Drinks, Accommodations, Food

What you'll do

Our  Shorexc  guide will meet you at the  Port of Visby  where we start our guided  walking tour by city of Visby .

Visby is the capital of the island of Gotland, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Scandinavia and is known for its fascinating historical beauty.

A charming as a small and modern town, with abundant parks, gardens and flowers will welcome us. Its history reflects its Viking past, a thriving medieval period and the growth of the powerful Hanseatic League, although today Visby is also known as the city of roses and ruins.

Because of its unique cultural value​​, Visby was declared in 1995 by UNESCO as World Heritage. Since the late nineteenth century, the ruins of Visby have been protected as a historical monument. The wall surrounding the city measures 3.4 km and has 44 watchtowers.

Our  tour  will take us to the old Hanseatic port, now known as Almedalen Park, where you can enjoy a  spectacular view of the city .

The tour continues along  Strandgatan , where we see some of the wineries of two medieval waters.

Next stop will be at the  Kruttornet, "the Powder Tower",  which is the oldest building preserved in Visby. 

After strolling up some narrow alleys we will reach the  Botanical Gardens . 

Passing some of the many ruins through its narrow medieval streets, we will visit the  Cathedral of St Mary , the church of the German merchants.

We will then return to the  Port of Visby  so you can re-join your ship for onward passage to your next port of call.

• DURATION: 2 HOURS

NO SUPPLEMENTS

• St Mary's Cathedral: Free admission

OBSERVATIONS:

• Easy / Panoramic / Cultural Level
• Comfortable shoes required.
• This excursion is not suitable for people with reduced mobility, people who require the use of wheelchairs or who travel with baby carriages, due to the irregularity of the terrain.

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The Best of Visby Walking Tour

• 2 hours (approx.)
• Mobile ticket
• Offered in: English and 1 more

Explore our promoted experiences

• A fun, low-impact tour for history buffs
• Great for first-time visitors of Visby
• Pass by DBW's Botanical Garden, featuring century-old trees
• Learn about the 12th-century St. Karin Cathedral ruins

What's Included

• Local Professional Guide

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point.

Main entrance

What To Expect

Additional info.

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Near public transportation
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Learn more about cancellations.

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Product code: 201002P14

From US$240.68

Price varies by group size

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Reserve Now and Pay Later - Secure your spot while staying flexible

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Self-guided Sightseeing Tour #1 in Visby, Sweden

Guided sightseeing tours.

Book guided sightseeing tours and activities in Visby.

Experience Visby in Sweden in a whole new way with our self-guided sightseeing tour. This site not only offers you practical information and insider tips, but also a rich variety of activities and sights you shouldn't miss. Whether you love art and culture, want to explore historical sites or simply want to experience the vibrant atmosphere of a lively city - you'll find everything you need for your personal adventure here.

Sight 1: Sankt Hans och Sankt Pers kyrkoruiner

St. Hans and St. Per are two interconnected church ruins in Visby, Gotland. The churches now standing were built in the 13th century and were dedicated to John the Evangelist and Peter the Apostle respectively.

Wikipedia: Sankt Hans och Sankt Pers kyrkoruiner (SV)

Sight 2: Gotland art museum

Gotland Art Museum is an art museum on Sankt Hansgatan in Visby. Gotland Art Museum was opened in 1988 with Jan Brunius as director of Gotland's first elementary school building from 1847. The museum is part of the Gotland Museum. The museum's own art collection consists mainly of paintings and crafts related to Gotland from the early 1800s to the present.

Wikipedia: Gotlands konstmuseum (SV)

Sight 3: Packhusplan

Packhusplan, is a square in Visby's inner city and was once the center of the city.

Wikipedia: Packhusplan (SV)

Sight 4: Sankta Katarina ruin

St. Catherine's Church Ruin, also known as St. Karin's Church Ruin, is a church building in Visby diocese. It was originally built by the Franciscan Order of Visby Convent founded in 1233. St. Catherine had many patron saints: St. Catherine of Alexandria, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Francis, St. Louis, St. Clara, and St. Anthony.

Wikipedia: Sankta Katarina kyrkoruin, Visby (SV)

Sight 5: Sankt Lars kyrkoruin

Saint Lars Church ruin is located in the central part of Visby on the island of Gotland, Sweden.

Wikipedia: Saint Lars church ruin, Visby (EN)

Sight 6: Drottens kyrkoruin

Drottens kyrkoruin is the common name for the ruins of St. Trinity or the Trinity Church in Visby diocese on Gotland.

Wikipedia: Drottens kyrkoruin, Visby (SV)

Sight 7: Sankta Maria domkyrka

Visby Cathedral, formally Visby Saint Mary's Cathedral, is a cathedral within the Church of Sweden, seat of the Bishop of Visby. It lies in the centre of Visby, the main town on the Swedish island Gotland. It was built as the church of the German traders in the city during the 13th century. The first church was probably a wooden church, which was later replaced by a stone building. Originally built as a basilica, it was successively expanded and rebuilt during the Middle Ages. At the end of this period it had been transformed to a hall church, which it still is. In 1361, Gotland and the church became part of Denmark. Following the Reformation, it was the only medieval church in the city left in use, and in 1572 raised to the status of cathedral. Since 1645 Gotland and the cathedral have been part of Sweden. A major renovation was carried out in 1899–1903 under the guidance of architect Axel Haig.

Wikipedia: Visby Cathedral (EN)

Sight 8: Sankt Nicolai kyrkoruin

Sankt Nicolai kyrkoruin is a church building (ruin) in Visby diocese. The church has had several different stages of construction, and the first church on the site was built around 1215–1220 and was named after the patron saint of seafarers, St. Nicholas.

Wikipedia: Sankt Nicolai kyrkoruin, Visby (SV)

Disclaimer Please be aware of your surroundings and do not enter private property. We are not liable for any damages that occur during the tours.

GPX-Download For navigation apps and GPS devices you can download the tour as a GPX file .

Gotland Cykeluthyrning

The visby train, don't miss a guided tour with the visby train this summer.

Want more out of your stay in Visby? Then take a trip with Visbytåget in collaboration with Gotland’s Museeum! The train takes you on a fantastic historical journey around the Visby ring wall. The trip takes about 25 minutes.

We do daily tours 10:30 am – 5:30 pm between periods Week 25-33. The train departs about 2 times an hour from the inner harbour.

• 25 minutes roud trip
• The quickest way to see Visby
• Starting and stopping at Visby Gästhamn
• Interesting for both adults and children

3-13 years. Children under the age of 3 is charged no fee.

For you who’s a bit bigger.

Tickets are bought on site by the train, on the booking website or at the bicycle rental in Visby.

Book the Visby Train

Do you need to transport your wedding guests, or quickly move your employees from the conference to the booked dinner? Book the train and we will make sure that your guests arrive quickly and easily to where you need to be.

The train has a capacity of 54 people and has a wheelchair ramp with room for one wheelchair. Rain curtains are available on all sides in case of inclement weather.

Food and drinks are fine to bring with you as long as you take care of any waste after the tour is over. For an extra festive and personal experience, we recommend that you make your own Spotify playlist that we play during the journey).

You can also call us, or send an email. We’ll reply as soon as we can.

• +46 498-21 41 33
• [email protected]

More information

Contact details.

Gotlands Cykeluthyrning AB

Opening hours

Our staffed opening hours: 1/5-14/5: Mon-Fri 09.00-12.00, Sat 9-10 15/5-4/6: All days 09.00-15.00 5/6 - 18/6: All days 09:00 - 16:00 19/6-20/8: All days 09.00-18.00 (23/6-25/6: 09.00-15.00) 21/8-17/9: All days 09.00-15.00 22/9-: Limited opening hours (email for info)

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Visby, Sweden

You are here, about visby, why go on a tour of visby.

One of the coziest corners of Sweden, inspiring Visby, is a true honeypot for the lovers of medieval culture and heritage. Being the capital of the largest island in the Baltic Sea, Gotland, the town attracts with its homelike vibe and unique past, including the Viking background coupled with the influence of the German trading league, the evidence of which still defines the image of the island.

Undoubtedly, the most significant thing about the town is that despite its small scale, Visby keeps lots of interesting sights and museums that have particular relevance for both historians and travelers. So it is not strange at all that it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Among the most iconic landmarks for your Visby trip is the well-preserved Visby Town Wall with 44 towers, dating back to the 13th century and encircling almost the entire old town.

Apart from the massive fortification wall, the hub boasts an impressive Visby Cathedral, the only medieval church left untouched since the 12th century.

Moreover, Visby is a great place to imagine yourself a real archeologist striving to reveal the secrets of the town by exploring the ancient ruins of 17 churches (fifteen inside the Town Wall and two outside).

In case you get tired while making meaningful historic discoveries, you may take a breather and spend some time just wandering around the cobbled streets among tiny charming houses, winding down to the Market Square (called Stortorg )and absorbing the exceptional atmosphere of the lovely town at its best. What else is needed for a nice journey?

Top 3 Things to Do in Visby

• Admire the unique atmosphere of Gotland's ancient capital
• Explore well-preserved medieval structures of Visby
• Taste Swedish cuisine on the main square, Stora Torget

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Visby is Scandinavia's best-preserved medieval town. It's also one of Sweden's most photogenic destinations, its tangle of cobbled lanes, pastel cottages and colourful wildflowers seemingly pulled from the pages of a well-worn storybook. With hauntingly beautiful ruined Gothic churches and mostly intact 12th-century ramparts, it's a place where history is written large.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Visby Sankta Maria Domkyrka

Visby's church ruins contrast with the stoic and utterly awe-inspiring Sankta Maria kyrka. Built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries and heavily…

Gotlands Museum

Gotlands Museum is one of the mightiest regional museums in Sweden. While highlights include amazing 8th-century, pre-Viking picture stones, human…

St Karins Kyrka

One of the most stunning of Visby's medieval churches, it's often used for performances. In winter, local children skate on an artificial ice rink within…

The northern gate of Visby's city wall is a good entry point if you're short on time. Follow the wall in a southwesterly direction until you find the…

Konstmuseet

The Konstmuseet has a small permanent collection that primarily focuses on Gotland-inspired, 19th- and 20th-century art. More exciting are the temporary…

Södra Hällarna

Formerly a military station, the southern cliffs are a wonderful spot to gaze out over the Baltic towards the mainland, or look back at the walled city…

St Nicolai Kyrka

The once magnificant St Nicolai Kyrka, now in ruins, was built in 1230 by Dominican monks.

Fenomenalen

Appropriate for Gotland, Visby's quaint and informative science museum focuses more on the origins of science through hands-on historical artifacts and…

Latest stories from Visby

Mar 30, 2017 • 5 min read

Steal away to the Baltic Sea island of Gotland, off Sweden’s southeastern shores, and you'll soon discover why it's a much-loved getaway for the Swedes…

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Tourist’s guide to Visby – a city of ruins and roses in Sweden

Sweden is located not only on the mainland, but partially on the islands. The leading position in relation to tourism is occupied by the island of Gotland, located in the Baltic Sea, 100 km east of the mainland. The city of Visby is the administrative center of the island of Gotland, the entire area of ​​which is linen with the same name.

The area of ​​Visby slightly exceeds 12 km², and the population as of December 2017 totals more than 24,000 people.

Related entries:

• Tourist’s guide to Jonkoping, an active city in Sweden
• Tourist’s guide to Karlstad – a small town by the largest lake in Sweden
• Tourist’s guide to Umea, student town in northern Sweden
• Tourist’s guide to Lund, a small forest town in Sweden

The most interesting sights of Visby

Visby, the most preserved medieval city in Sweden and Scandinavia, is recognized as a World Heritage Site and is protected by UNESCO.

Paved with cobblestone neat streets, fabulous houses made of wood and stone, an infinite number of ancient ruins and many roses in the ubiquitous flower beds – this can be described as Visby, which is sometimes called the city of roses and ruins.

Flows of tourists come here to see the most interesting sights, considered the pride of all of Sweden. The main city of the island of Gotland has quite a few interesting places, but several of them are included in the list of the most significant.

The first attraction is the fortress wall, built in the XIII century. It surrounds almost the entire old center, so it turns out the city in the city.

This ancient wall was perfectly preserved, and now you can still see its former greatness. The length of the structure is 3.5 km, and its structure includes 44 watchtowers up to 20 m high. If you look at the wall from the sea side, you can see the Powder Tower that has grown into the ground, and from the north side – the Maiden Tower with grass sprouted among the stones. An old legend tells that in the Maiden’s Tower the daughter of the city jeweler was walled up alive, betraying her fellow countrymen because of her love for the King of Denmark, Voldemar IV.

Some towers have viewing platforms from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the island of Gotland and the city of Visby.

The second attraction on the list of Visby is the Cathedral of St. Mary. This magnificent building is located at Vastra Kyrkogatan.

The building of the cathedral was rebuilt many times, therefore, its architecture contains elements from different eras: a 17th-century ebony chair, a 13th-century marble baptismal font, and an exterior decoration of the 19th century. The cathedral is striking with beautiful domes made of smoked black wood.

The Church of St. Mary is a truly unique attraction in Sweden. This is the only active church in Visby and the only active medieval church on the island of Gotland. Organ concerts are often held here, the choir performs.

Entrance to the cathedral is free; photographing is allowed inside.

Behind the cathedral there is a staircase leading to the hill – you can climb it and admire the breathtaking view of the sea, the red roofs of houses, the city wall. This is also a great opportunity to take original photos of Visby, especially a photo of the cathedral against the sea.

A small compact botanical park is located in the old part of the city of Visby, near the promenade. The park is bounded on two sides by a fortified wall, it has several entrances and exits, and the address is as follows : Tranhusgatan 21, Visby, Sweden.

The founder of the garden is Karl Linney, who has a monument here. In fact, this monument in itself is a unique attraction of Visby: it is made of a whole elm trunk and looks very original and unusual.

In the garden there are many plants from all the continents of our planet – both simpler and exotic. Tulip tree, magnolia, mulberry, Chilean araucaria, numerous varieties of roses harmoniously coexist here.

Visby Botanical Garden is a great place for walks and picnics. Old stone benches and tables are installed here, there is a Chinese gazebo, and there are also lawns where you can lie down.

The park offers a beautiful view of the castle towers, and on its territory there is another attraction – the romantic ruins of the church, entwined with ivy!

Entrance to the park is free , you can visit it any day until 22:00 hours.

The next attraction of Visby is one of the best museums in Sweden (according to the Swedes themselves), the Gotlands Museum. In Visby, it is located at Strandgatan 14.

Here are silver and gold treasures from found Viking treasures, runestones of the 5th-11th centuries, mummies, products of East German tribes, ancient Roman coins, evidence of a large-scale battle near Visby, paintings by the artist Ellen Ruusval von Hallville, household items of the inhabitants of Gotland.

You can see all these expositions on any day of the week from 10:00 to 18:00.

Ticket price: for adults 400 kr, family – 500 kr.

For more information about all the information about the museum and the exhibits presented in it, visit www.gotlandsmuseum.se/en/.

Another attraction, known not only in Visby, but throughout Switzerland, is located at Lummelundsbruk, Visby, Sweden.

A visit to the cave is possible only with a guide. Admission for adults costs 150 CZK, for children from 4 to 12 years old – 75 CZK.

Before the tour begins directly through the cave, visitors are shown a film about the history of its discovery.

Stalactites hanging from the ceiling are absent, but the sound of the water of underground rivers is perfectly audible and springs beating from under the stones are visible. It will be especially interesting to visit this attraction for those who have not yet seen more impressive underground passages and grottoes.

Excursions are carried out according to the following schedule:

• Friday from 10:00 to 14:00;
• from Saturday to Thursday – from 10:00 to 16:00.

By the way, the temperature inside the cave is +8 ° C, and the duration of the excursion is about 30 minutes. That is, in order not to dream only about how to get out to the sun as soon as possible, it is advisable to take a warm sweater with you.

Visby: possible accommodation

Sweden is the most expensive country in Europe, and the prices on resort islands are even higher. With accommodation on the island of Gotland, in particular, in Visby, there will be no difficulties – there are a rather large number of offers, but in the summer it is impossible to find housing for less than 100 €.

In general, for the money you can only settle in a double room of the hostel. For example, Uncle Joe’s and Visby Logi & Vandrarhem Hästgatan are popular among booking.com users.

For 120 € you can rent a campsite outside the city, for example, Visby Strandby – there can accommodate 6 adults. At the 4 * Best Western Strand Hotel, which occupies a UNESCO World Heritage building, you can rent a double room for 160 – 180 €. For the day at the aparthotel you have to pay from 175 € – this price is requested at Volontärgatans Lägenhetshotell, located 1.5 km from the main square of Visby.

How to get to Visby

It is best to get to Visby from Stockholm – the distance of 200 km existing between these cities can be covered by ferry or plane.

From the capital of Sweden to Visby there are 10-20 flights per day, and you can fly from Arlanda and Bromma airports. The flight lasts 45 minutes.

The flight schedule is constantly changing, and some truckers serve this direction only in the summer season.

Ticket prices start at 70 €, but such numbers are very rare. As a rule, you have to pay 90-100 € for a flight.

There are several ports from which ferries go to Gotland, rich in many attractions. But the port closest to the capital of Sweden, from which the ferry to Visby departs, is Nynashamn.

Ferries in this direction go 2-4 times a day, travel time is 3 hours 20 minutes. The schedule needs to be found out before the trip, as it often changes. It should also be borne in mind that there are ferries that exclusively transport passengers with a car and vice versa – only pedestrian passengers. You can find out this information at www.destinationgotland.se/.

It is also possible to buy tickets on the same site, and in the summer season this must be done in advance. Travel from the capital of Sweden to the island of Gotland to the city of Visby will cost 10-40 € – the price depends on the chosen place (in the cabin or in the common room). For children, students and senior citizens discounts are provided.

Nynashamn is located 57 km from the capital of Sweden, and from there it can be reached by train or bus. The train and bus station in Stockholm are located nearby. Both the bus and the train stop near the pier. Travel time is almost the same – 1 hour. Even the cost of tickets is comparable – about 20-25 €. So you can choose a transport, focusing only on personal preferences.

Buses from Stockholm leave from Cityterminalen and arrive directly to the pier at the port of Nynashamn. There are about 5 flights a day, in time you can come with a margin to any ferry. The timetable can be found at www.flygbussarna.se/en.

You can buy a bus ticket at the ticket office of the bus station.

Trains from the Central Railway Station of the capital of Sweden go to Nynashamn from 5:00 to 24:00 with a frequency of 30 minutes. Tickets can be bought in advance on the railway website www.sj.se/ or right at the station in the terminal.

Visby Weather Conditions

The city of Visby, however, like all of Gotland, is located in a zone of temperate marine climate. In summer, the air warms up to a temperature of +25 ° C, in winter – up to +7 ° C. As for precipitation, it falls about 500 mm per year (this is mainly rain and fog).

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The Visby train & Hop On – Hop Off Bus

Sightseeing with train and bus in visby.

• Unique sightseeing ticket in Visby
• Ticket to the Visby train
• Unlimited travel with Hop On – Hop Off busse

About this tour

Discover Visby with this unique combination ticket. The best sightseeing experiences with Hop On – Hop Off bus and ticket to the Visby train.

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More information

Please note - this combination ticket is not avaible for booking 2023. Book a Hop On-Hop Off bus ticket here . 

----- A unique combination ticket suitable for the entire family! The ticket includes one trip with the Visby train and unlimited travel with the Hop On – Hop Off bus (choose between a 24 and 72 hour pass). The train gives you a guided tour around the city’s ancient walls and the bus will take you to popular destinations with a guided your. Discount when you purchase your ticket online. At the bottom of this page you can also find timetable, map and more information.

Guided tour with the Visby Train

The Visby Train will take you on a guided tour through the city’s history. It will take you through the narrow lanes and around the city wall – a 25 minute tour that is suitable for all ages. The train departs twice every hour from the harbour.

Sightseeing with Hop On – Hop Off bus

Discover Visby with the Hop On – Hop Off bus – unlimited travel for 24 or 72 hours. The bus takes you to popular destinations and attractions such as family resort Kneippbyn, the Lummelunda Caves and Gustavsvik beach. The whole tour takes toughly an hour and consists of 10 stops. The tour is guided in Swedish, English and German.

Pick up at the cruise terminal

Are you coming to Visby by cruise ship? Our Hop On-Hop Off buses are always on-site just outside the terminal, ready to show you and your company Visby. Visit and see the sights at your own pace – get on and off the bus as many times as you like. All our Hop On-Hop Off buses pass through the cruise terminal as long as the ship is in port.

Read more about the  things to do in Visby.

Hop On – Hop Off bus tour

The entire Hop On-Hop Off bus tour – all stops. Click on the pennants for information about the bus stops.

Hamnplan In the heart of Visby, right next to the guest harbour, you can find Hamnplan which has plenty of restaurants, cafés and shops. Address: Hamnplan, 621 57 Visby

Visby Ferry terminal Terminal for Destination Gotland’s ferry line between Visby and Nynäshamn. In the terminal you can find luggage storage. Address: Färjeleden 14, 621 58  Visby

Cruise ship docks Mooring for larger cruise ships. Address: Färjeleden 20, 621 58  Visby

Kneippbyn Kneippbyn is a resort filled with experiences for all ages. Here you can find a water park, adventure golf, high ropes outdoor activities, trampoline park and several types of accommodation, like Gotland’s only 5-star camping site. Address: Kneippbyn 15, 622 61  Visby

BUS STOP 5 & 10

Visby bus station From here buses depart to destinations all over Gotland. Address: Östra Byrummet, 621 45  Visby

BUS STOP 6 & 9

Österport One of the three large gates in the Visby City Wall that leads to the picturesque city centre. Address: Södra Murgatan 53, 621 57  Visby

Snäck camping Snäck Camping and Bath is a holiday resort. It's a popular destination for anyone who wants to enjoy sun and swimming at Snäck Beach. There are also playgrounds, a children's pool, and the SNACK restaurant available there. Address: Lummelundsväg 151, 621 41 Visby

Norderport Norderport is one of the oldest towers, as well as one of the three large gates, in the Visby City Wall. Within close walking distance you can find the Visby Botanical Garden that was built in 1855. Today it’s a popular and tranquil garden. In the southern part you can find the S:t Olof church ruin that dates back to 1102. Address: Odalgatan 9, 621 55  Visby

Complete bus tour: Approx 60 minutes

We reserve the right to take alternative routes in the event of technical problems or roads being closed. Tickets are non-refundable.

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