Visit Gotland EN

YOUR GUIDE BY DESTINATION GOTL AND

Tasteful impressions and locally sourced food

Outdoors & Nature Tingle your adventure taste buds

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WELCOME

Welcome aboard!

Maybe you are regular weekly commuter or maybe it’s your first trip to Gotland. Regardless, I would like to welcome you aboard one of Europe’s most contemporary seafaring experiences.

My name is Marcus Risberg and I am CEO of Destination Gotland.

Having grown up on an island, I know just how important it is to have good connections to and from the mainland. That’s why I feel such enormous pride in what we do at Destination Gotland to make your journey comfortable, pleasant and safe. Our ferries, M/S Visby and M/S Gotland were designed for the best possible environmental performance. In addition, we make a point of having efficient crossings so you can arrive quickly, on time and at less expense to the environment.

We also do our best to cut down on all emissions from our crossings, from fuel to food and other waste.

My crew and I wish you a pleasant journey with us at Destination Gotland!

Marcus Risberg CEO of Destination Gotland

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Cover picture Cover photo from Langhammars, Fårö.

Photographed by Olof Segerberg.

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4 Welcome to Gotland 6 Top 10 things to see and do on Gotland 10 Travel to Sweden and Gotland 12 The Horizon Series 14 Walking and cycling routes 16 Camp sites on Gotland 20 Outdoors & Nature 30 4 unique golf experiences 32 Young explorers 34 7 delightful places to check in at 36 The shifts of nature

39 Time travel in the present 43 Visby – the Hanseatic city 49 Treasure, art and history 52 Tasteful impressions 54 Locally sourced food 56 Other delicious impressions onboard 58 Art & Culture 60 Enjoy nature 61 Shopping and restaurants in Visby 66 Find your oasis

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WELCOME

Welcome to Gotland The Baltic Sea’s largest island, Gotland is characterised by first-class dining experiences, millennial history, outstanding nature and beautiful beaches. Gotland appeals to anyone longing to discover something new, to find themselves or to just breathe freely.

NATURE

Agriculture is widespread and many restaurants serve locally produced ingredients, refined to world class quality. The island's culinary adventures range from cultural grains and lamb farms to local breweries and distilleries that offer thirst-quenching beverages, with or without alcohol.

CULTURE

With its own creation myth, its medieval churches and ancient remains, the whole island is a fascinating attraction.

The Hanseatic League City and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Visby is vibrant with cosy alleys, eateries and shopping.

Travelling to Gotland is like travelling back in time, but at the same time ending up in the wonderful range of experiences of contemporary times.

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WELCOME

Along the island's 800 km of coast there are deserted pebble beaches, roads through lush forests, steep cliffs, popular sandy beaches and small harbours and fishing hamlets. The sea’s constant presence makes it possible to ride out on horseback from the east at sunrise and enjoy a sunset picnic in the west on the same day.

Encompassed by the coasts are flowering meadows, green forests and enigmatic rocky outcrops. On Gotland, you are never far from an adventure in nature.

CUISINE

Top

things to see and do on Gotland

THE BOTANICAL GARDEN TOP 10

Inside Visby City Wall, just a stone's throw from the beach promenade, you will find the Botanical Garden. Here, you will find many plants that are uncommon in Sweden – including tulip, empress and handkerchief trees.

BEACHES ON THE ISLAND

The Gotland coastal landscape offers all kinds of beach hangouts.

Whether you are looking to relax on a soft and fine-grained sandy beach, swim from one of the island's piers or enjoy throngs of people, you will find the right beach for you.

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VISBY CITY CENTRE

Along the cobbled streets of Visby city centre you find yourself in the middle of the city's history as you wander among church ruins and stepped gable buildings. Visby is also a vibrant city with a large selection of cafés, restaurants and shopping.

Flip to page 43 for more information on Visby city centre.

There is a lot to enjoy on Gotland and a road trip is a great way to explore local craft shops, culinary flavours and experiences in nature.

Take the opportunity to stop at one of the island's restaurants, for example at Katthammarsviks Rökeri or the restaurant at Djupvik Hotel.

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TOP 10

ROAD TRIP ON GOTLAND

RAUK SAFARI ON FÅRÖ

TOP 10

North-east of Gotland lies Fårö, a place where rauks tower out of the sea and on land at Digerhuvud, Langhammars and in Gamle Hamn.

Go on a rauk safari and explore famous rauk formations, such as Kaffekannan and Langhammarsgubben.

HIKE ALONG THE COAST

On Gotland, you are never far from a coastal hike. There are many roads, trails and paths that take you along the sea or inward towards land, past natural areas and medieval churches.

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SELF-PICKING BY SEASON

Freshly picked sunflowers on your kitchen table in your summer cottage... The island’s farmland landscape offers a wide range of flowers, berries and vegetables for self-picking. Many farms also have shops at which they sell freshly harvested produce that is in season.

VISBY CITY WALL

Visby City Wall was built in the second half of the 13th century and is considered northern Europe's oldest preserved city wall. If you walk the 3.4 kilometres around the wall, you will discover the wedged slingstone in Sankt Göransporten and the “double face" in Söderport.

TOP 10

FORNSALEN

(The Historical Museum) On Strandgatan in Visby city centre you can visit Gotlands Fornsal – the island's oldest cultural history museum. Here you can view historical objects such as Gotland's picture stones and the Spillings Hoard. The museum's knowledgeable guides will walk you through Gotland's history. For the youngest visitors, there is the children's exhibition Skepp & Skoj (Ship Ahoy).

THE EKSTAKUSTEN NATURE RESERVE

In the nature reserve along the Eksta coast you can hike on smooth pebbles among coniferous trees shaped by the harsh wind.

Along the coast you pass sights such as Kronvald's fishing hamlet and the coastal artillery's old bunkers. There are also views of the islands Stora and Lilla Karlsö. The coast also offers colourful sunsets.

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Travel to Sweden and Gotland TRAVEL TO GOTLAND

Ever since the Stone Age, shipping has connected Gotland with the mainland and the rest of the world. It flourished during the Viking and Middle Ages and Visby was a popular trading town in the Baltic Sea region.

In 1865, when Ångfartygsbolaget Gotland started up winter traffic to the mainland, a journey took around 13 hours (compared to just over three hours nowadays). Prior to that, passenger traffic was run using paddle steamers that could not handle ice. Rederiet, which is the world's oldest passenger shipping company, became Rederi AB Gotland, of which, Destination Gotland is a subsidiary.

There are currently two commercial ways to get to Gotland, by ferry or plane.

FERRIES

Between the mainland ports of Oskarshamn and Nynäshamn, traffic to Visby is daily. The crossings take just over three hours. There are various seating options aboard the ships as well as cafés and restaurants. Naturally, pets are welcome on board the ship's pet decks and compartments.

FLIGHTS

Visby Airport is 3.5 kilometres from Visby city centre. There are daily flights between Visby and Stockholm as well as to other destinations. For up-to-date travel information, see: swedavia.com/visby.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS For visiting Sweden and Gotland, you need to follow the entry rules that apply for your nationality. EU citizens need a valid national identity card or passport to travel to Sweden from another Schengen-EU country.

More information about entry rules can be found here: visitsweden.com TIME Sweden and Gotland are on Central European time, one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +1).

Throughout the country, daylight savings time is still implemented. Summer time starts on the last weekend in March and the clock is set ahead one hour. In the last weekend in October, the clock is set back one hour for winter time. There are a number of mnemonic tricks for remembering this, one being “Spring forward, fall back”.

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FINLAND

NORWAY ARLANDA BROMMA

STOCKHOLM

NYNÄSHAMN

SWEDEN

VISBY GÖTEBORG

OSKARSHAMN

FERRIES

There are daily connections between Visby/Gotland and the mainland. Ferries go from Visby Harbour to Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn.

DENMARK

FLIGHTS

MALMÖ

You can also fly to Gotland. For up-to-date travel information, see: swedavia.com

GERMANY

PHONE AND WIFI The number to call in an emergency is 112.

Sweden's country code is +46.

On Gotland, the phone number of those who still have a landline starts with (0)498.

Most people nowadays have mobile phone numbers and there are several operators in the country.

WiFi is widespread and easy to connect to. On some parts of Gotland, mobile phone and WiFi coverage can be spotty.

LANGUAGE Swedish is the official language of Sweden. There are severel recognised national languages in the country and many dialects. Gotland is home to a local dialect called Gotländska. It originates from Gutamål derived from Old Gutniska. Some Gotlanders can speak it, but it is difficult for most other Swedes to understand them.

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SEASONS There are four seasons in Sweden. Gotland belongs to the part of the country that has mild winters and warm summers compared to many other parts of the country.

December – February. Winter in Gotland does not generally see much snow, though occasionally enough falls that children can go sledding on the moat adjacent to the Visby City Wall. In winter, the sun rises late and goes down early, allowing for beautiful starry skies and the occasional sighting of the Northern Lights on the island.

March – May. Spring on Gotland is characterised by the return of daylight and with it, blooming flowers and chirping birds. Still, chilly winds can sweep across the island. It is said that before the warmth of spring can be trusted, the island needs to see seven low pressure systems since the first starling appeared back on the island.

June – August. Summer on the island is the time of spectacular flora and foliage. Most visitors come to swim and visit the beaches found around the island.

The average daytime temperature is between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius and Gotland is usually among the top “sun-drenched” destinations in Sweden, boasting many hours of sunshine in the summer.

September – November. The autumn in Gotland is ideal for those who like to be out in nature, hike, cycle or take a late summer dip in the warmed-up waters of the Baltic Sea. There are local festivals celebrating the harvest, and later in the autumn, the island’s “black gold” is celebrated during Gotland truffle month and the truffle festival.

TRAVEL TO GOTLAND

CURRENCY AND PAYMENT In Sweden, the currency is Swedish kronor (1 krona = 100 öre), through cash is rarely used in Sweden nowadays. In Sweden, it has long been said that CARD IS KING, not CASH as in many other countries.

Many shops and eateries are “cash-free" and will not accept cash. In fact, most banks in Sweden are also “cash-free", but there are still a few ATM machines in major cities, often charging an additional fee. In order for you to be able to pay or withdraw cash with your credit card, you need a card with a chip and PIN. Older magnetic strip cards will not work. To pay in Sweden, credit and debit cards are mainly used. Traveller's cheques and other checks are often difficult to both pay with and redeem. Swedish citizens also have the opportunity to pay with the Swish app, a payment app in which most Swedish banks collaborate.

GOTLAND HORIZON

The Horizon Series Large scale investment to reduce emissions from shipping

For several years, we have been working to reduce emissions from shipping, and to further develop traffic services to and from Gotland. We call our goal Destination Zero – with the aim of ensuring Gotland services are climate neutral by 2045.

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“We are proud to present an entirely novel vessel concept for reducing emissions to zero.

With Gotland Horizon we are contributing to the sustainability goals of Gotland and sea-faring.”

Håkan Johansson, CEO Rederi AB Gotland

Fossil fuel free

Both ships will be fossil fuel free. The solution chosen is based on a multi-fuel technology where one, or a combination of several liquid or gaseous fuels, are used. In short, fossil fuel free and future-proof.

Our principal focus right now is on hydrogen that can be liquified and used directly as a fuel. When hydrogen is combusted in a gas turbine, this creates steam that, in its turn, can also drive a steam turbine. This gas and steam turbine combination has enabled us to create a highly efficient driveline, the key to ensuring the technology will be attractive enough for shipping.

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Hydrogen gas consists of two hydrogen atoms. When hydrogen comes in contact with oxygen, a great deal of energy is liberated. The residual product on combustion is ordinary water. With the Horizon series, this water will be emitted from the funnels in the form of steam.

Climate neutral traffic by 2045

Our future scenario envisages us having three Horizon series vessels in service. The aim is for these vessels to be powered by hydrogen, but combining this with other fossil free fuels, such as biogas, is another possibility we are also considering.

Irrespective of which fuel or fuels we choose, we need to invest in expanding infrastructure in our local area together with other energy companies, to increase production of electricity and secure access to fossil free fuels.

Gotland has an excellent strategic location when it comes to expanding energy production, where both solar and wind power offer great potential. This can make Gotland a leading energy hub in northern Europe.

Read more about our investments in the shipping of the future at: www.gotlandsbolaget.se/destination-zero

GOTLAND HORIZON

The Horizon Series consists of two highspeed freight and passenger ships that are at the development stage. The first vessel in the series, the Gotland Horizon, is a large 1,900 passenger capacity ferry. As with current services, the ship will be able to complete the stretch between Gotland and the mainland in just over three hours. A catamaran, the Gotland Horizon X, is the second vessel in the series with a top speed of 35 knots that will further reduce the crossing time to Gotland.

The Gotland Horizon X will have a capacity of up to 1,650 passengers and a crossing time of under three hours. This will bring Gotland even closer to the mainland and help make the island even more accessible and attractive.

KOMOOT

Walking and cycling routes 14

Explore Gotland close to nature on winding walking trails and beautiful cycling routes. Passing through this uniquely rugged landscape, rauk areas, coastal strips and past historic sights.

With Komoot, you can follow a ready planned route or get help planning your own.

Let your outdoor adventure begin!

KOMOOT

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camp sites on Gotland CAMP SITES ON GOTLAND

– beautifully situated and close to the sea Gotland’s barren landscape unfolds in front of your eyes. As you steer your recreational vehicle along the winding roads, you cannot help but experience a sense of freedom. You find a place to park and make yourself at home for the night. Everything feels so calm and peaceful.

Travelling by Recreational Vehicle (RV) or with a caravan to Gotland is a fantastic way to experience all the pearls, gems and other favourite places on the island. The shifting landscapes, where barren plains give way to leafy forests, make you feel as though you are on a round the world trip on a small island.

With your bed for the night already sorted, all that remains is to find the right location – and there are plenty of sites to choose from.

Let your particular interests guide you in the right direction.

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Nissevikens stugby

Lojsta

 BBQ point  Restaurant  Showers

 BBQ point  Outdoor WCs  Bathing point

Nissevikens stugby in south west Gotland is a cabin site that also has a small number of RV and caravan pitches. It is a very calm and peaceful location, close to the sea and beach in a scenic and welcoming setting.

Lojsta camp site is the ideal location to explore the medieval fortification ruins at Lojsta. This beautiful setting is close to a lake and associated swimming jetty in the middle of Gotland.

CAMP SITES ON GOTLAND

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Fide

Gardestugan

 Restaurant  Activities for kids  WC

 Exercise trails  Sauna  WC

Gardestugan is an outdoor leisure centre with overnight pitches perfect for lovers of the great outdoors. The area is ringed by woods and has both exercise and walking trails to explore.

CAMP SITES ON GOTLAND

At Fide Äventyrsby & Camping there is plenty of space to run around and play, climb, and have fun. Followed by a cooling dip in the unique seawater pool. The site includes both camping and vehicle pitches.

About Campit Gotland

Campit Gotland has created campit.se, a website specifically for visitors coming to Gotland with an RV or caravan. The smart map function helps you find camp sites and other pitch locations all round the island, plus what services they offer. At campit.se you can also find instructive information about the rules and regulations that apply when camping with a vehicle.

Find out more by scanning the QR code.

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Katthammarsvik

Judiths Naturställplats

(RVs only)

Enjoy a delicious meal at Katthammarsvik smokery and then let the sound of the sea gently rock you to sleep in one of the overnight pitches at the restaurant. The RV spaces are marked in the car park.

(RVs only)

Judiths Naturställplats in Gothem in east Gotland is a calm and peaceful site for RVs. Please note there are no facilities, however.

The pitches are close to nature along the edge of meadows, with views over farmland.

 Restaurant  Close to the sea  Pets welcome

 Remote  Close to nature  Pets welcome

Visby harbour

 Central  Restaurant  Disabled access

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Off-roading ban

Motorised vehicles are prohibited by law from driving off-road in Sweden. The absence of signs showing driving is prohibited does not mean the ban does not apply. The ban on motorised vehicles in nature was introduced to prevent damage to land and vegetation, and to avoid disturbing wildlife and people.

CAMP SITES ON GOTLAND

Stay in the lower part of Visby's city centre, a stone's throw from the city wall. Here you will find an extensive range of restaurants and shopping as well as proximity to the sea and bathing area.

Outdoors & Nature OUTDOORS & NATURE

The Gotland nature and delightful coastal climate will tingle your adventure taste buds. You will be spoiled for choice of what to do and see. Enjoy the great outdoors. On Gotland, outdoor living is even more beautiful and on occasion even more challenging.

Dramatic cycling routes in Södra Hällarna nature reserve.

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Södra Hällarna, south of Visby, offers spectacular views and challenges for cyclists.

OUTDOORS & NATURE

CYCLING IN A DRAMATIC SETTING. Cycle with the wind in your face or at your back along the 800 km coastline, or meander along twisting country roads through whispering woods, among rustling forests, and shimmering fields. If you are looking for adrenaline rushes, there are demanding mountain bike trails and courses in tough terrain. If you prefer an electric bike, level ground and no more than a ride to the nearest pub or beach, that works too. When all said and done, Gotland is a cycling island, and has been for a very long time.

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OUTDOORS & NATURE

Equestrian pursuits are popular on Gotland.

Fågelskådning PARADISE FOR HORSES – and riders.

Gotland is said to have more horses per square kilometre than any other part of Sweden.

Whether you would like a full-day trek along the coast or across heathland, or are content to pat a Gotland Russ Pony, you will never be far from equestrian delights on our island.

Welcome to the island of horses.

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OU &U NT AT E R N A TTDUORO R&S O DUOR O

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OUTDOORS & NATURE

Keep in shape. Go for a long hike or a short walk.

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Walk or jog.

Up hill and down dale, on cobblestones and sand.

DELIGHTFUL JOGS. Jog up hill and down dale, along a sandy beach as dawn breaks, or engage in a proper workout along a jogging circuit. Not many places can rival Gotland when it comes to spectacular views when jogging.

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OUTDOORS & NATURE

HIKING ON GOTLAND. Lace up your hiking boots and tackle the coastal trail or pilgrims’ trail, or simply stroll along the medieval cobblestone streets. Is your idea of fun, a demanding all-day hike, or a stroll along the beach with your shoes in hand?

Beautiful Gotland offers everything you could wish for.

OUTDOORS & NATURE

BIRDWATCHING. Gotland is a birdwatching paradise for both breeding pairs and migratory species passing through. Set your alarm early and with binoculars to hand, you can experience the magical morning light and enjoy some spectacular birdwatching.

Stora and Lilla Karlsö are two small islands a short boat ride from Gotland, that are also unmissable for dedicated birdwatchers.

FLY FISHING. Gotland's long coastline is popular with fly fishers looking to catch silver sea trout, especially in spring and autumn.

There are also plenty of other fish to try your luck catching.

Fågelskådning

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Sea eagle or sea trout?

Gotland has both.

OU &U NT AT E R N A TTDUORO R&S O DUOR O

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OUTDOORS & NATURE

Best surfing in Sweden, experts say.

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OUTDOORS & NATURE

KITE, WIND, AND WAVE SURFING. Fresh winds, challenging waves and swells.

All types of surfing are a major reason why more and more people are visiting Gotland – and even settling here. Around the island, wet and dry suits are becoming de rigeur.

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GOLF

unique golf experiences Links courses, woodland courses, with the scent of junipers and challenging winds. On Gotland, there are golf courses for all standards – with facilities that offer much more than golf alone.

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Slite Golf Club – An attractive and inspiring atmosphere The fastest greens on Gotland. Close to the Gotland archipelago in Slite, this course boasts a glorious setting, where each hole has its own unique nature. With plenty of water and challenging greens, the 18-hole course makes for a stimulating round. Here you will find probably the fastest greens on Gotland. Whether you are a scratch golfer or near beginner, Slite Golf Club offers something for all levels. The club house is also famed for its welcoming atmosphere. There is also a restaurant and pitches for camper vans here.

När Golf Club – Where nature is part of the experience Golf the Gotland way. Playing golf in När aims to be a reflection of Gotland. The juniper bushes are part of the course which is sympathetically designed in keeping with the nature here. You are reminded of the local nature of the island everywhere you look.

Whatever your golf handicap, the course will give you something in return. The varying nature of the course will keep you on your toes. There is more to many of the holes than meets the eye, so you need to think carefully how to approach each hole. There is also an updated practice area, a cottage complex, golf shop and restaurant. Here you can count on a delightful time in a peaceful environment, accessible and sustainable for everyone.

Visby Golf Club – High quality links course Internationally acclaimed and much appreciated for its coastal location. The course offers plenty of variation, with a different finish at each hole, the greenest of greens and the welcoming atmosphere in the clubhouse, all contribute to the overall experience. The weather and wind provide a genuine challenge over the 27 holes. And it’s not only the golf experience that is of a very high quality.

The superb restaurant, 20 metres from the sea, driving range and practice areas with putting greens and fairways, add up to that little bit extra. Excellent conference facilities and walking trails. The fully equipped shop stocks the very latest in golf apparel and clubs.

There is so much more to golf on Gotland than simply playing golf. You will find very green greens, fresh winds, a long season, all surrounded by blissful nature up close, that takes the experience to an entirely new level. The magical light on Gotland is hard to beat. The various characteristics and degrees of difficulty of the courses make golf on Gotland both a challenge and a pleasure. In addition to the golf courses above, there are also several pay and play courses.

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GOLF

Gumbalde Resort – Beautiful moments in a genuine farm setting Delightful golf in an idyllic Gotland setting. At Gumbalde, their motto is people should have an enjoyable time both on and off the golf course. The 18-hole course here has been completely renovated by renowned Swedish golfer and course architect, Pierre Fulke. All in an idyllic Gotland setting. The golf course offers a variety of high quality holes, that are both challenging and enjoyable. Golf lessons for all levels can be booked. In addition to golf, the resort includes a manor house hotel, padel courts, and excellent dining in beautiful rural surroundings.

YOUNG EXPLORERS

Young explorers KNEIPPBYN

Kneippbyn boasts activities on the water and on land!

Visit Villa Villekulla and meet Pippi Longstocking at Sommarland. Vattenland calls on the brave to throw themselves down exhilarating water slides and for the wee ones to come play in the kiddie pools.

Services: Various eateries, accommodations, shops, mini-mart and free buses to and from Visby.

Website: kneippbyn.se/in-english/

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LUMMELUNDA CAVE

Go on a tour that takes you back 400 million years in time. Here, you can explore the Hall of the Mountain King, stalactites and fossils. The Lummelunda caves are an experience for young and old alike.

Services: Various restaurants and cafés and a shop.

Website (in Swedish): lummelundagrottan.se

Eskelhem is home to Gotland Zoo, a place where children can enjoy pony rides and a walk among alpacas, miniature horses and sheep. The zoo is also home to camels, kangaroos and two water buffaloes going by the names of Mats and Bosse.

Services: Café during peak season and on the weekends during the off-peak season.

Website (in Swedish): gotlandsdjurpark.se

FENOMENALEN SCIENCE CENTER

At Fenomenalen in Visby, children can delve into natural science and technology! Here, curiosity is allowed to reign freely in exploring technological and scientific inventions.

Services: Shop.

Website (in Swedish): gotland.se/fenomenalen

Take your children on a ride from the time of their great grandparents – on a steam train. Get a feel for Gotland's rail history and experience authentic station environments in Dalhem, Tule, Roma Kungsgård and Roma.

Services: Museum, shop and café.

Website (in Swedish): gotlandstaget.se

DRAKJOHAN

In Gotland's Kovik, you will find Drakjohan’s shop of kites, wind catchers and much more. It is a highly colourful shop with many unusual products. Drakjohan also organises courses for those interested in building their own kites.

Website (in Swedish): drakjohan.se

BERGMAN CENTRE CREATIVE WORKSHOP

The Creative Workshop at Bergman Centre is a place for children and young people to explore their artistic expression, whether it's taking the stage, dipping their brush in paint or creating a film. There is also a puppet theatre for children to put on their own hand-puppet productions.

Services: Restaurant/café.

Website: bergmancenter.se/in-english-2/

Express your playfulness at one of the many playgrounds on the island – there are about 40 on Gotland.

Climb, swing and balance at Hästarnas Dal close to Östercentrum in Visby or at Almedalen’s playground.

When in southern Gotland, you will find Tottes Täppu, a rustic playground next to Bottarve museum.

BUNGE MUSEUM

The Bunge Museum guides the whole family through historical environments, from the landed farmer’s farmstead to the crofter’s humble abode. In the Children’s Shop, business is done the old way, and playful souls can try their hand at Gotland games.

Services: Food and beverage cottage, shop.

Website (in Swedish): bungemuseet.se

NATURUM VAMLINGBO

See Gotland rise from the sea, test the bird jukebox or play the bush-cricket organ. Naturum has a lot to offer in teaching you of Gotland’s nature and history.

Services: Café.

Website: naturumgotland.se

STAVGARD VIKING VILLAGE

In Burs parish, you will find Stavgard Viking Village – an area with remains from the Iron Age. For example, the largest long house in the Nordics that reputedly belonged to the mythical hero Beowulf. Stavgard also offers courses and guided tours for the whole family.

Website (in Swedish): stavgard.se

GANGVIDE FARM

Gangvide Farm offers camping and many other activities. Here, your children can be close to small animals such as rabbits, ducks and hens – which can also be rented! You can also paddle a canoe in Närsån river or take a ride on the farm’s ponies.

Services: Café.

Website: gangvidefarm.se/en/

TRAMPOLINE PARK IN FÅRÖSUND

In this old military area, you can enjoy indoor trampolines. Here, anyone, young and old, can jump and learn to flip and land.

Website (in Swedish): snowcamp.bokadirekt.se

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YOUNG EXPLORERS

THE GOTLAND TRAIN

PLAYGROUNDS

Foto: Malin Vinblad

GOTLAND ZOO

delightful places to check in at

DELIGHTFUL PLACES

From sweet dreams of the country to a modern limestone paradise.

Photo: Lukas Nyberg

STRANDAKAR

SURFLOGIET

You will find paradise at Surflogiet in the shade of centuries-old dwarf pines on the west side of Gotland. With lapping waves as your alarm clock and the beach just outside your tent, Surflogiet is a place for being in the now and getting close to nature. You will enjoy a good night's sleep on a Hästens bed before a day of riding the waves on your surfboard. Later, you can enjoy a delicious, ecological meal with locally produced beverages at the bar, with the island's most beautiful view. surflogiet.se

STELOR

A Gotland farmhouse environment that sets the tone for a more relaxed stay on Gotland. You are guaranteed a rural welcome by free range hens before you step inside this tastefully styled hotel. The restaurant menu is based on seasonal produce sourced from Gotland farms. stelor.se

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Experience countryside luxury at the Strandakar hotel and restaurant. The design hotel is located in south-east Gotland and has twelve modern rooms with their own outdoor terrace and generous bathroom.

In the courtyard, herbs are growing and beehives are producing honey. In his restaurant, head chef Andreas uses produce from the island. In the large, quiet garden there is a plethora of orchids and birds as well as graves from the Bronze and Iron Ages. strandakar.se

VISBY BÖRS

FÅRÖSUND FÄSTNING

Accommodation with rustic splendour. This historic building offers a unique and back to nature living experience, not least the sight of sheep grazing on the roof. Prima Gård, Risungs Gård, and several nature reserves can be found in the surrounding countryside. farosundsfastning.com

GRÅ GÅSEN

VILLA ALMA

This boutique hotel in the heart of Almedalen boasts the best location in Visby. Every room is unique and newly renovated with breathtaking views of the sea and sunsets. The breakfast served in the dining room is rightly renowned, and in the summer, its restaurant Almas offers Asian cuisine prepared by renowned chefs. villaalma.se

Grå Gåsen is a cosy and stylish boutique hotel with a delightful garden.

In summer, you can relax by the pool, or spend time in a wood-fired hot tub and sauna. The hotel is located on Storsudret in the south of Gotland, and is a rural hub with a good range of restaurants and vibrant culture. gragasen.se

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DELIGHTFUL PLACES

Four-star Visby Börs hotel is the oldest hotel in the inner city as well as the youngest. In this packhouse, dating back to the 13th century, you can stay in elegant, yet sober rooms. Or, you could also stay in one of the eight turn-of-the-century rooms in the style of the 19th century. The interior design of each of the hotel rooms has been carefully selected to capture the history of the building. Mornings at Visby Börs offer a beautifully laid out, delicious breakfast buffet to start your day off. visbybors.se

THE SHIFTS OF NATURE

The shifts of nature IF YOU LIKE RAUKS (SEA STACKS)

There are rauks elsewhere in the world, but Gotland is known to have some of the most magnificent. The fact that they have formed in this particular location is because Gotland bedrock consists of hard reef limestone. The sea sanded away softer parts leaving behind stacks of different shapes – that is, rauks.

Digerhuvud – Not only Sweden's largest rauk field, but also likely the most famous.

The 3.5-kilometre long rauk field found on Fårö consists of hundreds of rauks of all kinds of sizes and shapes. There are special barbecue areas and a lovely setting to enjoy the sunset.

Lergrav – There are famous rauks such as the “Lergrav Gate” and the “Madonna and Child” up on the hill above little Lergrav's fishing village. A small yet popular rauk field to visit on the way to or from the island of Furillen. It is not uncommon to find sheep grazing around the stacks.

The Maiden in Lickerhamn – Up on the cliff, overlooking Lickershamn's fishing village, harbour and beach, stands Gotland's tallest rauk, the “Maiden”. She stands at the cliff edge close to fifteen meters above sea level and is, herself, eleven metres tall.

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Folhammar – North of Ljugarn, you will find the stately, accessible rauk area – about 500 metres worth, with some rauks stretching up to six metres. If you look closely, you will see the rauks are covered in fossils. There are also nice areas for barbecuing here.

Holmhällar – Nature reserve and one-kilometre long rauk area in Vamlingbo parish on southern Gotland. Here, the rauks stand tight together and look out over the island of Heligholmen and the ever-changing sea.

IF YOU ENJOY MEADOWS, FORESTS AND GOTLAND PONIES

Ekebysänget/Salmbärshagen – Large knotty oaks, wild-growing dewberries, bats and woodpeckers.

Allkvie änge – You will find this gem eight kilometres east of Visby. There is a 1.6-kilometre nature path that traverses this meadow. Nature, cultural history and beautiful surroundings, all in one.

Bosarve deciduous forest – This area has been in use since the Stone Age. Nowadays, you will find the splendour of flowers, birds and many ancient remains such as the Bronze Age cairns and the remains of Iron Age farms in Solsänget.

Ullahau – On north-east Fårö, there is a queer sand forest. Pine trees grow on a giant sand dune and the area is known for the predatory antlions found here. They dig small sand pits where they pull down and overpower ants and insects.

IF YOU LIKE ISLANDS

There are a number of islands you can visit around Gotland. The largest of them is Fårö, which is naturally a must if you are interested in Ingmar Bergman, sun-drenched beaches and rauks. But there are several more gems to discover.

Gotska Sandön – Sweden’s most isolated island, approximately 40 kilometres north of Fårö. National park boasting shifting sand, ancient pine forests and a large population of grey seals.

According to legend, the island was once known as a hangout for pirates. The visiting season starts at the end of May and runs until the beginning of September.

Stora and Lilla Karlsö – Unexploited islands with limestone plains, orchids, steep cliffs tumbling into the sea and a rich bird fauna where guillemots and razorbills breed. There are a great number of caves on Stora Karlsö, including the Stora förvar where the remains of Stone Age people have been found. Here, you can dine and find accommodations.

Lilla Karlsö lacks services but its beautiful surroundings draw you in. Here you will find

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Did you know that...

...there are inland lakes on Gotland. They are called “fens”. Some are small, fissure lakes such as the fens of Lojsta and Etelhem, or the popular Sigvalde swimming lake. Most of the fens are shallow with a light-coloured limestone bottom. Bästeträsk in the north is the largest of the lakes, followed by the popular swimming hole Tingstäde Träsk. Fårö is home to a number of minor, shallow fens, some of which are rich in bird life.

THE SHIFTS OF NATURE

Not all trees that grow on Gotland have needles, there are also many lovely deciduous forests to hike through. There are remarkable sand forests with knotty pine trees and a place where you can find wild Gotland ponies. Ängen, as the landscaped meadows of flowers and deciduous trees are called, are environments that are home to many species, partly because they have been used as pastures. Plants, birds, insects and other animals thrive on the island.

Lojsta heath – The forest of wild horses.

Here, you will find a herd of Gotland ponies – Sweden’s oldest domestic breed of horses.

There are about 50 mares and their foals that live freely in the area though they are herded a couple of times a year. If you want to ensure that you get a glimpse of these small cuties, we recommend a guided tour.

IF YOU LIKE SEA CLIFFS AND ANCIENT CASTLES

The magnificent sea cliffs have a barren and inscrutable feel. The view from these high points is often breath-taking on what is otherwise a flat island. These are great places to visit if you want to get a panorama view or just want to experience the insignificance of man.

Hall-Hangvar – With 15 kilometres of rocky coastline, open rocky outcrops and Gotland-swept pine trees, you can take a long and gruelling walk.

THE SHIFTS OF NATURE

horned, free-roaming Gotland sheep grazing among the grave sites and ship settings. Östergarnsholm – Outside Herrvik on eastern Gotland you will find this uninhabited, isolated island with four lighthouses. An ancient prehistoric castle attests that people once used the island. Here you can go tour boating, at least in the summer.

Enholmen – In the small Slite archipelago you will find Enholmen, ten minutes by boat from Slite. The price includes a guided tour of Karlsvärd Fortress and the eastern abatis, the donjon. You can also walk around the small island, which once housed Sweden's first cholera hospital.

Furillen – Alternatively spelled “Furilden” is nowadays connected by road. The limestone industry was up and running on the site until the 1970s. Well into the 1990s Furillen was a military protection area. There is no longer any military activity here. Nor is there any industry, just traces of it as nature has slowly taken over the landscape again. This special environment is often used in photography and films and between abandoned limestone quarries and slag heaps, an old factory building has become a designer hotel. In the northern part of Furillen, there is a nature reserve with beautiful beach meadows, popular with birdwatchers.

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Brucebo – In Brucebo you can take in the views from the cliff edge or make your way down to bird-rich beach meadows and a cliff face with several enrapturing caves. Up on the cliff itself, the typical Gotland pine trees grow close together, often gnarled and lowgrown in the windswept landscape.

Högklint – Just south of Visby is one of the most popular outlooks on Gotland. At 48 metres above sea level, the view is heavenly.

Here, the residents of Gotland and visitors often gather to take in the beautiful light of the sunset. Many weddings have been immortalised here, with the sea as their backdrop.

There are several foot paths around Högklint, such as the one to Ynge fishing hamlet.

Torsburgen – When the Ice Age ended, the area rose up like a plateau with falling sides.

During the Iron Age and Viking Age, people used the hillfort to build an impregnable stronghold – the largest prehistoric defence in the Nordic region. A substantial fire ravaged the area in 1992 and changed the surroundings, but many species of insects, plants and fungi actually benefited from the new environment.

Grogarnsberget – Steeps with collapsed rocks and a winding road along the coast frame Grogarnsberget. Though it only 30 metres to the highest point, the view is extraordinary. At the tip of the hill, referred to as Grogarnshuvud, there is an old bunker and the remains of an ancient Viking fortress.

When visiting Gotland, you will find yourself on a journey through time.

Since the Stone Age, people have resided and made their livings, made their marks and left eternal traces on the island. When you visit ruins or a stone setting from the Bronze Age, you are standing exactly where people once lived their lives and exercised influence over the future.

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TIME TRAVEL IN THE PRESENT

Time travel in the present

TIME TRAVEL IN THE PRESENT

Photo: Bildvision

MIDDLE AGES (1 050 – 1 500)

International trade was booming and shipping was on the rise. In the 12th century, the Viking port of Visby is the island's commercial metropolis. A lot of foreign merchants move in.

The Hanseatic League – a trade confederation between merchants in the Baltic Sea region – and low taxes make Gotlanders rich.

This meant, among other things, that it was possible to build magnificent merchant houses in Visby and that the farms in the countryside were stately.

At the end of the 13th century, Visby residents built the city wall to shut out the farmers. The divisions between city and country lead to a civil war on Gotland in 1288.

During the period 1200 – 1350, most churches were also built. Every parish needed to have a stately church.

In 1350, the plague, or "black death" ravaged Gotland. A third of the island's population perished and eleven years later Danish King Valdemar Atterdag conquered Gotland in a bloody battle.

Danes, Teutonic Order Knights and Nordic Union kings alternated through positions of power. Visborg Castle was founded by Danes in the 15th century. Denmark handed Gotland over to Sweden with the Peace of Brömsebro in 1645. Then the Danish military returned once again. They destroyed Visborg Castle before leaving the island in 1679.

Facts from: Gotlands Museum Fornsalen, and Region Gotland.

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THE 18TH CENTURY TO TODAY

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TIME TRAVEL IN THE PRESENT

Much of what characterises Gotland today, with tourism and travel in focus, has its roots in what was happening in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of the island's resplendent buildings from that time are still around.

Travel to and from the island has long been of importance. Did you know that steamboats traversed the Baltic carrying travellers longing for Gotland as early as in the 19th century? And that during the Second World War, casualties were shipped here to receive care at what was the most modern hospital at the time?

The 18th century saw an upswing in trade and commerce, resulting in a rise in construction. The number of homes in Visby doubled.

They were built of stone to reduce the risk of fire and to preserve the forest. Many of the old packhouses were refurbished.

In around 1785, Visby had more than 5,000 residents and was the fifth largest city in Sweden.

In 1808, during the Finnish War, Russia occupied the island, but the Swedes came to the rescue and took it back.

During the 19th century, Gotlanders began to care for and preserve their ruins, including the wall surrounding Visby. And Visby became one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire country.

During the Crimean War in 1853, a great number of British sailors became afflicted with cholera and were buried at the English cholera cemetery on Fårö.

At the end of the 19th century, Visby became a shipping port for increased industrialisation. All rail lines that were built had Roma as their starting point.

Until the end of the 19th century, fishing was a common way to supplement income obtained through agriculture, which is seen in the fact that many small fishing villages were built. With the increase of commercial fishing in the 20th century, a great number of buildings in the villages were abandoned.

In the late 19th century, Gotland was a budding tourist destination for the well-todo. Ljugarn was Gotland’s first seaside resort.

The first commercial steamboat traffic from Visby to the mainland was started in 1866 by Ångfartygsbolaget Gotland, later Rederi AB Gotland.

In 1878, the first passenger trains traversed the stretch between Visby and Hemse. Eventually, Burgsvik in the south and Lärbro in the north were included.

TIME TRAVEL IN THE PRESENT

In the mid-1900s, a limestone quarry was established in Slite and a sugar mill in Roma.

Loads and loads of limestone and sugar beets were transported by rail.

During both World Wars, the military had a very strong presence on Gotland. Significant parts of Gotland were therefore closed to foreign tourists during the entire century and a couple of years into the 21st.

Between the years of 1939 and 1946, Lärbro war hospital was the most modern hospital in all of Sweden. Here, refugees, capitulated soldiers and concentration camp victims from the horrors of the Second World War were cared for. The war hospital was later converted into a penal institution.

In 1944, the Hansa Catastrophe occurred when the Gotland passenger boat SS Hansa was hit by a Russian torpedo and sank.

Eighty-four of the eighty-six people on board perished in what was the greatest seafaring catastrophe in Sweden since the 17th century.

During the 1950s and 60s, many of the smaller limestone quarries were shut down.

Large-scale operations were the new thing.

Some of the discontinued quarries are now popular swimming holes.

In 1968, Almedalen Week was instituted when then Prime Minister Olof Palme held a speech from a lorry flatbed near Almedalen.

The year 1991 saw the first time that all Swedish political party leaders participated in what is now a traditional event.

Visby was named a World Heritage City in 1995.

In 2003, the new high-speed ferries from Visby to Oskarshamn and Nynäshamn became operational.

In 2019, Destination Gotland started using new, LNG-powered vessels, which have great environmental benefits. LNG stands for Liquefied Natural Gas. At the end of the 19th century, a journey over the Baltic in the steam ships of the time took 13 hours. Today, the same journey takes about three hours in comfortable high-speed ferries. Lucky for those of us who love to travel to Gotland!

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Visby

THE HANSEATIC CITY Attractions Restaurants and cafés Shopping Accommodations Service

The best-preserved Mediaeval city in Scandinavia spoils its residents and visitors with beautiful sea views, cosy cobblestone alleys and stately floral splendours amongst old buildings and ruins. The city is perfect for meandering through with a new experience around every corner. Here are a few tips, though the city offers many more lovely spots for you to discover on your own.

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Popular photo-worthy views and motifs KÄRLEKSPORTEN Harness romance at the Kärleksporten “Love Gate”. This round-arched passageway, facing a scene of fiery sunsets off the beach promenade, is a motif worth immortalising.

ALMEDALEN Mediaeval harbour and beloved city park. The lush greenery of Almedalen is in the foreground of the sea wall and the silhouette of the city of Visby.

THE CLIFF ABOVE THE CATHEDRAL The view at the cliff overlooking St. Maria Cathedral is a panorama of Visby city centre. The sea is the backdrop of the city's many church ruins and mediaeval buildings.

KRÖNET A lovely view of Visby city spreads out from the viewpoint of Krönet.

The terracotta roof tiles are in contrast with the sea and horizon.

FISKARGRÄND This long, narrow alley is one of Visby’s most photographed.

Cobblestones meet red roses and, in the background, one of the towers of the St. Mary Cathedral makes an appearance.

The Botanical Gardens

VÅRDKLOCKEGATAN Along Vårdklockegatan, you can capture a panorama view of the southern part of Visby city centre. This viewpoint displays the city's architecture from above.

Top 3 sights St. Mary's Cathedral The City Wall

St. Maria Cathedral

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The Botanical Gardens

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3

The City Wall

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5

6

9

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1. THE HARBOUR 2. ALMEDALEN

For more tips:

3. STRANDGATAN

4. St. HANSGATAN

5. DONNERS PLATS 6. HÄSTGATAN

7. STORA TORGET 8. ADELSGATAN

9. ÖSTERCENTRUM

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1

The Harbour

ATTRACTIONS Fenomenalen, Try your hand at being a scientist for a day. Children can test technology inventions and scientific discoveries here. Perfect on rainy days and for curious kids.

RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS Mels, hamburger restaurant that serves burgers and milkshakes the American way and is filled with retro kitsch from the 1950s.

Glassmagasinet, Sweden’s largest ice cream bar offering over 200 flavours of ice cream and sorbet!

Trossen, summer restaurant with salads and barbecue dishes on the menu.

Joda, popular year-round restaurant. Known for its nachos. Sunny outdoor seating, roomy bar, courtyard and events venue for hire.

Ocean house, restaurant in the inner harbour. Österdahls brygga, fish and shellfish restaurant whose owner is also the chef. Located on “Holmen”, outside the small vessel harbour with a view of Visby.

Kallis, well-known night and beach club with after beach parties, summer café and restaurant. Kallis is renowned throughout Europe for its guest DJs and summer parties.

Strands veranda, with a panorama view of the sea and sunset, they offer food and drink in the summer.

ACCOMMODATIONS Visby jail, built in 1857, also known as Sjumastarn and is now a hostel with accommodations in cabins or cells. The restaurant next to it is open during the summer.

Hotell Stenugnen, a small hotel in a familiar setting.

SERVICES Gotland’s bike rentals, large assortment of hybrid, mountain and other types of bikes. Popular packages including a trailer and camping gear.

The Visby train, offers a 25-minute historical trip around Visby’s city wall.

Visby guest harbour, appreciated blue-flag-ranked guest harbour with service and reception, electricity, showers, kitchen, laundry facilities, etc.

2 Almedalen

3 Strandgatan

ATTRACTIONS Almedalen, formerly Visby's harbour in mediaeval times, is currently a green park with a playground and outdoor stage where politicians make their Almedalen Week speeches.

Kruttornet, is the city wall’s oldest tower, erected in the 12th century as a defence tower, a donjon, for protecting the old harbour. It has been a jail and a place for storing gunpowder (krut), which is where the name comes from. Open during the summer.

RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS Restaurant Alma’s, restaurant with evening service, housed in the Villa Alma hotel in the middle of Almedalen, serving Asian cuisine.

Danskens Café, a pleasant café with open-faced sandwiches, soup, classic Danish desserts and home-made biscuits to go with coffee.

SHOPPING Ödins garveri, in an old ‘bulhus’ building, a type of architecture specific to Gotland, you will find this tannery selling Gotland lambskin and all sorts of leather. A privately owned studio that also takes special orders.

ACCOMMODATIONS Villa Alma, personally decorated boutique hotel with a view of the water and city. South-facing terrace and its own restaurant.

SERVICES Sockenbastu sauna, at Kallis, you can enjoy a sauna and dip in the sea, year round. Next to it, there is a long pier and a small sandy beach, not to mention a kiosk that is open during the summer.

Wisby Strand, the city's largest conference facility with a congress hall for 1,000 guests, a restaurant kitchen and meeting rooms.

Almedalsbiblioteket library, inspiring library and meeting place with café, newspapers and a view of Almedalen. Large collection of Gotland literature.

ATTRACTIONS Gotlands museum Fornsalen, here, Gotland’s entire history and natural and cultural heritage are collected. Picture stones, church art and a great treasure trove of Viking and Mediaeval finds. At the children’s and family exhibition Skepp & Skoj (Ship Ahoy), everyone can pretend to be a Viking, sail and tie knots.

The Gamla Apoteket pharmacy stepped gable building, mediaeval packhouse built during the 13th century, now known as Sweden’s oldest rental building.

RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS Lulu poké & sushi bar, their menu boasts a melding of Asian and South American flavours. Cosy restaurant in the basement of an old mediaeval packhouse.

Volare, theme restaurant with wine as its focal point. Substantial wine list and hors-d’oeuvres. Wine courses and tastings, and the restaurant's very own wine quiz for those wanting to test their knowledge.

Lindgården, classic Gotland restaurant with seasonal menu. Gin bar with a great assortment and outdoor serving in the courtyard where mullberry and walnut trees are growing.

Brödernas, restaurant and sports bar specialising in burgers. Outdoor under-roof seating with heaters prolongs the feel of summer.

LeMur, a pizzeria with a large inner courtyard.

Amici Belli, an outdoor Italian restaurant overlooking the Almedalen sea wall. Pizza and pasta are on the menu.

Matsalen med Takbaren, this classic hotel restaurant has a modern kitchen that follows the seasons.

It also boasts a roof-top bar with a view of the city and sea.

Fornsalen café & mat, serves lunch, coffee and pastries and fresh-baked goods. Open year round.

SHOPPING Gotlandssmycken, jewellery produced from fossils and silver from Gotland. The hand-milled fossils were found on Gotland.

Skoboden, a shoe shop next to Kruttornet.

ACCOMMODATIONS Visby börs, 4-star hotel housed in a mediaeval packhouse. Sleep like royalty under a canopy in the century suites of the hotel, time-appropriate interiors.

Kalk hotel, boutique hotel with details in Gotland limestone.

Strand hotel, a cosy hotel that is part of Best Western. Relaxation centre with indoor pool and sauna.

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ATTRACTIONS Gotlands bryggeri brewery, in this place 20 years ago, Wisby Klosteröl beer made its debut. Since then, many highly appreciated brews have come from their copper boilers. Brewery tours with beer tasting.

Drotten and St. Lars, the two, side-by-side, mediaeval sister churches along St. Hansgatan are now exciting ruins after having been abandoned during the reformation. Open June–October.

RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS Black Sheep Arms, an English pub with musical entertainment every weekend. British menu and large assortment of beers. Beer garden in the back.

Vår Fru, sour dough waffles, natural wines and cocktails, served in a lush courtyard. The Ateljén restaurant is a newcomer with room for twelve guests.

Ett rum för resande, breakfast, lunch and coffee with Italian flavours, by Zadok, who makes his own pasta and serves freshly baked goods every day.

Rosas Café och restaurang, a small and personable café in one of Visby's charming back gardens.

SHOPPING Antikvariat Drotten antiquities, a wealth of books, fantasy, Gotlandica, postcards, comic books, film posters and so much more for those who prefer paper to devices.

Linarve, hand-picked, select brands and suppliers for women seeking personalised attire, jewellery and shoes made of natural materials.

Gotlands strumpfabrik, artfully made socks from a barn in Boge. The shop also carries clothing and accessories, all locally produced from natural materials.

Franchells, exclusive interior design and designer objects. Things you won’t find anywhere else.

Design and crafts, offers a wide assortment of quality yarns and knitting accessories. Pewter crafts, fittings and furnishings.

Lewin creation, clothing and furnishings in Lewin’s own design. Many wool and leather creations.

VaiVai, cycle store.

Annika Gustafsson jewellery, jeweller with her own collection inspired by the island’s nature.

Yllet inredning, yarn from Gotland wool, mohair and various others. Indoor and outdoor furniture, textiles, mats and toys in natural materials.

Ester och Inez, slow fashion, sustainable fashion and ecological clothing.

Akantus, a smart mix of new and vintage in the interior design shop where Gotland antiques are combined with Tove Adman's designer products.

Manti Manti, repurposes salvaged and recycled materials into décor and collector’s items. Collaborates with local artists and craftsmen.

A-K Wiberg Design, in-house design and production of Gotland sheepskin garments. Leather for interior design, knitted and hand-selected crafts. Also, genuine Panama hats.

5 Donners Plats ATTRACTIONS Burmeisterska huset house, saddle notched house erected by German merchant Hans Burmeister in the mid 1600s. The house is known for its beautiful interior paintings on the bottom floor and in the upstairs hall.

RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS The social bar and bistro, a concept bar and bistro in the Clarion Hotel where Marcus Samuelsson invites you to enjoy a touch of Manhattan. Cocktails and Gotland truffles, asparagus and wild garlic are part of the mix.

Donners restaurang, food inspired by the Mediterranean.

Strandhäxan, restaurant and bar in the middle of the square.

SHOPPING Kvinnfolki, crafts and present shop as well as delicacies from Gotland’s craftswomen. Open year round.

ACCOMMODATIONS Clarion Wisby hotel, modern first-class hotel in buildings from the 13th century and onward. Winter garden, spa with pool in mediaeval environment.

Donners hotell, Best Western hotel with modern rooms and suites.

SERVICES Turistbyrå, tourist information on all of Gotland, tickets to events, bus cards, books and maps. Open year round.

Avis car rentals, rent a car and see all of Gotland, from the Old Man of Hoburg in the south to Fårö in the north.

Photo: Henrik Löwenhamn

4 St. Hansgatan

6 Hästgatan

RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS Italienaren, locally produced ingredients and imported organic delicacies served in Medieval surroundings.

Vinäger, al fresco restaurant with food from the Spanish island groups.

St. Hans café, garden café in the St. Hans Church ruins. Breakfast and coffee with home-made pastries and baked goods. Lunch menu by season.

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H10 bar & café, breakfast, extensive lunch menu, home-made pastries, lovely atmosphere, located in a small shopping centre.

Underbar, a little piece of Lebanon, except in Visby.

The menu includes around 30 dishes where you can experience a taste of Lebanese cuisine.

Creperiet, serves French galettes and crepes with local toppings. Located in the Strykjärnshuset building on Wallers Plats and has a very special facade.

Kasai, modern Japanese dinner club on three floors: Terrace at the top, restaurant in the middle, and nightclub downstairs.

Jessens saluhall & bar, delicatessen and restaurant with products from Gotland and southern Europe.

Lunch service – the Saluhall fish soup is renowned.

Shawarma bar, Lebanese restaurant. Shawarma (a type of kebab) and falafel are on the menu.

Bistro Borgen, restaurant serving lunch and, in the evenings, offering music, billiards, darts, shuffle board and other entertainment.

SHOPPING Kränku te & kaffe, here, you will find teas, coffees and sweets in bulk sold over the counter the old-fashioned way. Over 100 types of tea and 40 of their own tea blends. Chocolate, presents and porcelain section.

H10 market, a small shopping centre with fashion, interior design, lifestyle and second-hand shops.

Makalös & tidsfördriv, personalised interior decorating shop carrying select manufacturers and suppliers.

STUK, stands for Gotland Artists, Craftspersons & Designers. The shop and gallery here present clothing, arts and crafts produced by its members.

Wisby ost, Gotland's largest cheese shop with highclass cheeses, deli meats and local produce. Organises cheese & wine tastings.

La Vie, lifestyle shop with interior design, crafts, jewellery, clothing, textiles, Gotland spices and foods and Gotland designer products.

Dick guld & silver, jeweller and workshop. Hand-made jewellery and collections.

Irisdals blomsterhandel, flower shop with history.

Since the 1930s and very knowledgeable of all things green. Supplies weddings, events, decorations and funerals.

Klockia, watch shop with a great assortment of fashion watches. Also home to certified watchmakers.

Skuggspel, here, game enthusiasts will find everything they need. Board, card and action figure games, collectibles, Sci-Fi and fantasy books and Japanese sweets.

ACCOMMODATIONS Hotell Repet hotel, decorated in gentle greys and the rich blues of the sea. A number of top-floor studios and penthouses. A roof terrace for all guests.

SERVICES Biostaden Borgen, ultra-modern cinema with six theatres showing current films year round.

7 Stora Torget ATTRACTIONS St. Katarina ruin, also called St. Karin. Was originally built by the Franciscan Order (mendicant monks) as a cloister church for the Visby convent founded in 1233.

St. Maria cathedral, Visby cathedral and parish church for the Visby cathedral parish. During the Middle Ages, the church was also referred to as “The Church of Our Lady” and was originally built as a guest church for German merchants.

RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS Surfers, kitschy restaurant and bar with food inspired by the Sichuan area in south-east China. Lots of small dishes for sharing.

Café Amalia, serves breakfast and lunch. Always home-made and healthy, with the opportunity to sit outside.

Backyard, retro restaurant serving international food and with a large range of beers.

Warfsholms bageri, classic Gotland bakery, open year round. Uses Gotland flour from Labans Mill.

Gamla masters, block restaurant with the slogan "Like home, but better", meaning nice, normal, everyday interior design.

Mille lire, a tiny piece of Rome with its brick oven and crunchy pizza crusts.

Bolaget, the sunniest outdoor restaurant on the square, bar, including wine, French inspired menu.

Torgkrogen, restaurant serving classic and modern dishes from Swedish and Italian cuisine.

Bakfickan, small fish and shellfish restaurant with great love for the sea, fish and shellfish. Delicatessen where you can purchase goods to take home.

Gotlato, ice cream and coffee bar.

Kärlek, café, bar and restaurant.

Nunnan, in mediaeval surroundings, Vasilis serves Greek, Swedish and continental foods. Often featuring live music and mingling.

Bageriet mat och bar, simple, country food by season. A lot of vegetables and local produce on the menu.

Isola bella, canteen in a vault from the Middle Ages.

Serves pizza. Lunch and dinner, and brunch on the weekends.

Brooklyn burgers, all burgers are done medium-well and are served with freshly baked buns from Brödboden. Classic starters, sides and desserts.

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Munkkällaren, popular dining and entertainment.

Outdoor seating on the roof and square, several roof terraces with music-themed bars. Cuisine in a Middle Age environment.

Plaza Restaurang & Bar, outdoor restaurant on the square with a cocktail bar, overlooking St. Karin's church ruins.

Tocar madera, Spanish tapas restaurant with flavours from the Mediterranean.

Eden tapas & bar, in a historical protected building with paintings from the 18th century, small dishes and tapas from all over the world are served.

SHOPPING Karamellboden, a sweets shop in the true spirit of Pippi Longstocking covered in sweets from floor to ceiling.

Verkstan, lifestyle shop with clothing, interior design and spices.

Idyllien, sells textiles, interior design, bathroom products and fragrances and is a charity company that donates some if its profits to sick children.

Jordnära, own production of Gotland designer clothing in organic natural materials as well as other select brands.

SERVICES ICA nära Torgkassen, inner-city grocery shop.

8 Adelsgatan RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS Adelita taqueria & tequila, Mexican with tacos for lunch and dinner. Salsa evenings where you can dance your heart away and sip cold Margaritas.

Brygghuset, beer pub with simple dishes and over 100 kinds of beer, many from local breweries.

Events with quizzes and live music.

Baksidan, this restaurant housed in a building dating from the 18th Century, serves dishes with the focus on Gotland produce. The menu includes both vegan and vegetarian options along with meat and seafood dishes.

Meza, serving Lebanese cuisine. Meza, small dishes and pizza. Outdoor seating during the summer.

Julia´s Café & Bar, a real salad bar with a large variety of greens and toppings. Wraps and healthy drinks.

Baked Pizza, serves delicious pizza slices. Outdoor seating.

Brorsan, Korean culinary delight with bibimbap and dumplings on the menu.

Bad wolf bbq, meat restaurant with American-Mexican feeling. Menu featuring spareribs, burritos and quesadillas. Outdoor seating.

Baren, bar and restaurant serving simple bar food.

Outdoor seating.

Wisby hof, wall-to-wall with the city wall, this restaurant serves Austrian cuisine with heady beer taps, wienerschnitzel and apfelstudel. Outdoor seating during the summer.

Brödboden Södertorg, cake shop and café with sandwiches and a well-stocked bread shelf. Outdoor seating both in front and back.

Mirells, café with vegan pastries, also serving breakfast and lunch.

Krönet by Visby, boasting perhaps the most enchanting views in Visby, this restaurant serves tapas with Italian, French and Spanish flavours.

SHOPPING

By Carima, lifestyle shop with clothing, shoes, jewellery, interior design and outdoor furniture. Café cart with baked goods.

Branting, own confident collection of women's clothing for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Kokeriet, they make and sell polkagrisar (striped candy sticks) here.

Lin Living, a broad range of linen products, both to wear and style your home with.

Golvforum, “the tiny tile store where the sky is the limit”.

Wisby Fashion & Bags, a broad range of bags, travel bags, wallets, gloves.

Munkvalvet, a shop with the focus on arts, crafts, design and toys.

Wisby Vintage & Design, This lifestyle shop in the middle of Adelsgatan is for people who love antiques and sustainable, beautiful interiors. Both Swedish and French vintage and design.

Fröjel retro & art, with passion for interior design and art. A well-stocked shop with Scandinavian designs from the 1940s to the 1970s.

Wisby ur & guld, large assortment of well-known gem, jewellery and watch brands.

Mojo independent store, trendy clothing for men and women. Many brands to try and choose from.

Julia Hultgren, fashion for both men and women.

Select clothing brands.

Malmgrens, large assortment of trendy women's clothing, swimsuits and underwear.

Picco, baby, children’s and maternity clothing for everyday or special occasions.

Wessman & Pettersson bokhandel book shop, knowledgeable staff guide you among books, office supplies and magazines.

Friendhs, is a company owned by a brother and sister who have hand-selected men's and women’s clothing brands.

Synsam, large selection of glasses, contact lenses and sunglasses. Optician and vision tests.

Ansarve farm, A well-stocked farm shop in Södertorg, in the heart of Visby. Handicrafts, souvenirs, furs and sheepskins from the farm in Stenkumla.

ACCOMMODATIONS Hotel Villa Borgen, a peiceful hotel with a cosy back-yard.

9 Östercentrum RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS Fiket, coffee and pastries, soup and salad lunch, grilled sandwiches and salads. Outdoor seating along the city wall.

Indian corner, Indian restaurant featuring everything from papadum to paneer, at different heat levels.

Brödboden Öster, pastries, cakes, sandwiches and a large selection of breads, plus a coffee bar. Outdoor tables at the back.

Ching Chong, a lunch buffet with salads, sushi and Asian dishes.

Espresso House, a café with a wide choice of sandwiches and salads.

Max, hamburger restaurant with drive-through.

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Siesta conditori & café, meeting place on Öster with pastries, sandwiches and coffee.

Lilla Fide, Italian-inspired cuisine.

McDonalds, hamburger restaurant.

SHOPPING Clas Ohlson, retail chain selling electronic accessories, hardware, household items and sports gear.

Normal, skincare products, makeup, confectionery, cleansers and much more. Åhléns, department store with a great assortment of shoes, toys, makeup, clothing, furniture and interior design.

H&M, retail chain with trendy clothes, swimwear, accessories and shoes.

Rituals, specialised in cosmetics and fragrances.

Hälsokraft, carefully selected range of products within natural and organic skincare, dietary supplements, fitness supplements, plant-based medical products and healthy foods.

Din sko, large assortment of shoes, featuring a number of different brands.

Carlings, focused on young fashion and new trends.

Lots of jeans.

Flying Tiger Copenhagen, sells toys and gifts.

Tells Optik, shop with a wide assortment of eyeglasses, contact lenses and sunglasses from many renowned brands.

Life, healthy food, dietary supplements and natural skincare products.

MQ, clothing chain carrying many brands in-store.

Dressman, men's clothing chain.

Lindex, clothing chain for women, children and babies.

Kappahl, clothing chain for men, women and children of all ages.

Cubus, clothing chain for men, women and children of all ages.

Elsas blommor, florists.

Hima, oriental food store.

SERVICES Taxi, Östercentrum taxi station where you can always find an available car.

Apotek Liljan, open every day, 9 am to 7 pm.

Systembolag, Visby's alcoholic beverage shop.

Coop Öster, grocery store with cheese, sandwich meats, meat and fish sold over the counter.

Pressbyrån, sweets, magazines, lottery tickets. Open every day of the week.

Visby hyrcykel, various bike models, mopeds and bike gear such as trailers, child seats and camping gear.

Police, headquarter.

Nordic Wellness, gym.

Treasure, art, and history GOTLANDS MUSEUM

EXPERIENCE GOTLAND THEN AND NOW Gotland Museum not only tells the story of the island’s history, it also plays a key role in contemporary life here.

Fascinating city walks, inspiring exhibitions, fun activities for children and invitations to explore the world of art are just some of the things you can engage in.

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GOTLANDS MUSEUM

Popular city walks in Visby

Gotland Museum guided city walks in Visby start in April. If you would like to find out more about some of the walks named below, click on the calendar at gotlandsmuseum.se.

Ring wall, roses, and ruins Join a walk with one of Gotland Museum's knowledgeable guides to learn more about the city and island, including exciting tales from varies eras in the history of Visby.

The city inside the wall Visby is a magical city, where medieval buildings, church ruins and towers along the city wall can be seen in all directions. Gotland Museum is the key to the World Heritage city of Visby. This walk takes you inside locked doors and unveils the many secrets hidden within the buildings.

Walks along Visby City Wall The wall that rings Visby is synonymous with the city. The views from the wall and amazing silhouette are a real experience in itself. The wall itself has both a thrilling and horrifying past. Conflict between the city and governing assembly of Gotland led to a bloody civil war

in 1288. Walk the tour where the guides present a spine-chilling story about the history of the castle that was blown up, about the Gunpowder Tower and the oldest part of the wall, about the prison tower Kajsarn and the Rogue's House at Norderport.

Journeys of discovery and exhibitions at Fornsalen

Fornsalen is located in the centre of the World Heritage city of Visby. It contains all kinds of things to do and see for all ages. You can take a closer look at Gotland’s unique picture stones and the world's largest horde of Viking Age silver, Spillingsskatten, which was detected in a field in 1999. Here you will also find fascinating graves and objects from the Stone Age to the Viking Age, church art and an extensive medieval exhibition.

At Fornsalen, you can also delve deep into Gotland's prehistoric past, when the island was no more than a coral reef south of the equator, containing fossils dating back 430 million years. In the exhibition, you can learn all about fossils that are still found on the island's shores today.

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Opening hours and more info

The old hall, museum shop and café – May to September: 10.00-18.00.

October to April: 11.0016.00. The museum offers free entry for under 20s and museum members. gotlandsmuseum.se

Children's favourite – "Ship Ahoy":

"Ship Ahoy" is the Gotland Museum children’s exhibition at Fornsalen. Here you can sail boats, dress up as Vikings and learn how to tie knots. It also has a space for play and learning for both young and old. Children and adults can play together and at the same time learn what the sea has meant and still means to Gotland. Transport, fishing, trade, tourism, plus how Gotlanders have always headed out to other countries and cultures and engaged in exchanges of various kinds.

A delightful mix of learning and play.

Art from several eras

Art life – now and then Gotland Art Museum features an Art Life exhibition that provides insights into art life on Gotland both today and in the past.

Contemporary art and older art are exhibited here, with everything from paintings and drawing to sculpture and videos. Art Life revolves around the museum art collection and also looks at issues related to collecting art as such.

Visit an outdoor museum and enjoy a coffee

In summer, the outdoor museums shown below are open. They are owned by Gotland's Fornvänner (Archaeological Society) and are perfect destinations for a day out for the whole family.

Norrbys – perfect for families with children Norrby Outdoor Museum in Väte presents life on Gotland in the 1930s - 1940s. It was originally a farm and home to three siblings who lived here from the early 20th Century until the farm was bequeathed to Gotland Museum. The outdoor museum is very child-friendly with tours and a garden café, where you can eat delicious sandwiches, saffron pancakes and home-baked Danish pastries. You can also explore an authentic merchant cabin with a counter and period goods dating from the 1930s.

Coffee time among the roses – Petes in Hablingbo Petes is a popular visitor destination beautifully situated along the coast in Hablingbo.

Gotland's first female pharmacist, Ada Block, lived here when it was a typical Gotland farm.

The lovely grounds have a magnificent display of roses including several older varieties.

There is also a café and a restaurant here, with a glazed-in area overlooking the sea.

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GOTLANDS MUSEUM

If you are an art lover, there are plenty of ways to nourish your soul. Gotland Art Museum is a combined exhibition, art collection, and place to meet.

Tasteful impressions TASTEFUL IMRESSIONS

All year round you can find exciting flavours amongst the island's many restaurants and farm shops. As autumn nears, discover everything from Gotland truffles and whisky to a harvest festival.

Gotland is a culinary center all year round. And there are many who claim that it is particularly in the autumn and spring that you can experience the best flavours on the island. After the heat of August starts to fade and the stillness that follows the hectic summer months begins to approach, the season of colourful taste sensations begins.

Not only does Gotland have a high-quality selection of off-season restaurants, but it is also during the autumn that the colourful harvest festival takes place and the truffles begin to ripen for harvesting. There is something special about sitting down in the warmth of one of the island’s many inviting restaurants while the autumn winds howl outside the door, don’t you think?

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When the spring sun and heat slowly begin to return, restaurants and farm shops once again begin to feature early produce, the flavours of which are influenced by “Terroir” – the interplay of climate and soil conditions, which are so special on the island. Perhaps it will inspire you too cook something new, or perhaps you will let chefs do the honour of displaying their craft in the shifting environment that defines the limestone paradise in the middle of the Baltic.

Annual truffle festival

TASTEFUL IMRESSIONS

For those interested in learning more about Gotland’s black gold and tasting truffle combinations, there is a reason to travel that you should book into your calendar. Yearly in November, the annual truffle festival will take place. Here, the Gotland truffle will take centre stage. In addition to seminars, markets and ceremonies dedicated to the theme of truffles, many of the island’s chefs will find inspiration during this weekend in November. They will offer their interpretations of truffle-themed after work events and truffle menus at their restaurants.

Read more and make your reservations at gotlandstryffelfestival.se

Photo: Suderbyns ekoby

Colourful harvest festival

In September, it is once again time for the annual folk festival applauding the fragrances, flavours and traditions of Gotland. During the first weekend in September every year, the island’s harvest period will be celebrated. This is the perfect time to get familiar with the entire chain of earth to table and to get to know those behind food production and the island’s culinary offerings. As the festival is particularly keen on welcoming children and youths, it offers many opportunities to meet live animals and learn more through activities and exhibitions.

Read more about the event at gotlandsskordefestival.se

Långmyre Vineri

Gotland meets Italy here on the south coast of the island. Långmyre Vineri is a vineyard that has been harvesting grapes from 26,000 vines since 2018. To adapt to the Nordic climate, crosses between wild and traditional types of grapes were grafted onto rootstocks in northern Italy and then planted here. The vineyard has five types of grapes, two blue and three green. Långmyre Vineri is a KRAV-certified vineyard that offers both tours of the grounds and short courses in winemaking. The short courses also include tastings of wines from the vineyard.

Read more about Långmyre Vineri and its wines at langmyrevineri.com

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Locally sourced food

TASTEFUL IMRESSIONS

The restaurants on Destination Gotland ferries serve many dishes based on locally sourced ingredients. The shops onboard include food products and other delights from the island.

Travelling by Destination Gotland ferry gives you the feeling of already being on Gotland, and a foretaste of everything good about the island. During the crossing, you can eat and drink and get a taste and flavour of all the delightful foods and other products you will encounter. The shops stock souvenirs, sweets, chocolates and other delights from Gotland producers. Naturally, this is no coincidence.

Just like our Destination Gotland ferries, local Gotland enterprises are a key part of Gotland society. All these enterprises do their bit to ensure the island thrives and develops. Together, the Gotland enterprise sector strives to nurture and boost the local community.

Gotland food philosophy onboard

The local food culture on the island is very much about making the best use of the local raw materials that are available. The Desti-

nation Gotland food philosophy includes serving high quality, delicious food onboard, mostly also locally sourced. You can also sample many Gotland foods and products during the crossing. You will be spoilt for choice and tastes. For example, you can eat eggs from Gotlandsägg, gherkins from Gutö Delikatesser, potatoes from Stora Tollby and burgers made from Gotland beef. Or a climate-smart, plant-based Växtchark burger.

A very tasty alternative to beef

Växtchark is based in a former sugar mill in Roma. The company makes plant-based sausages and burgers. They are made from KRAV-labelled quinoa and Gotland lentils instead of meat. And the benefits? Well, they are both good for your health and climate-friendly.

Check out their plant-based burgers in the restaurant onboard.

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The Gotland experience extends far beyond the island.

TASTEFUL IMRESSIONS

Gotland potatoes are served at the annual banquet after the Nobel Prize Ceremony

Gotland's climate and soil with a high lime content are perfect for growing potatoes.

Stora Tollby farm in Fole specialises in different kinds of potatoes and other tasty crops, such as asparagus, corn, root vegetables, onions and beans.

Stora Tollby potatoes are also served at the Nobel banquet. The very same potatoes that are served onboard in Destination Gotland restaurants.

Award-winning gherkins to go with meatballs

Gutö Delikatesser has won both gold and silver medals in the Swedish food awards for its gherkins. If you order meatballs onboard a Destination Gotland ship, they always come with a side dish of gherkins as a tasty accompaniment.

And, of course, there are plenty of other food products to choose from in our restaurants, cafés and shops onboard. To drink with your food, why not try a Halfvede apple must, or any of several brewed on Gotland beers? In short, there is something to appeal to pretty much everyone. Locally sourced food.

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Wherever possible, Destination Gotland ferries serve food made from locally sourced ingredients. What’s more, all meat comes from Swedish farms, wild fish and shellfish are MSC-labelled and the fresh salmon is ASC-labelled.

TASTEFUL IMRESSIONS

Other delicious impressions onboard Visit the shop onboard and buy something from Gotland for yourself or friends and family. Such as sweets and chocolates, jewellery, scents, and souvenirs.

Plenty of wonderful made in Gotland gifts. We present some examples of what you can find below.

Kränku tea Gotland blend/Limestone dreams

Gutö Gherkins/tomato chutney/pickled onions/Scented hand sanitiser

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Ljusmakeriet Candles in different colours

More examples Sjaustrukocken: Herbs/ mustard/oils/vinegar/ confectionery/risotto

Tryffel of Sweden: Truffle salt/truffle oil/honey with truffles in whisky Widegrens gård: Carrot preserve

Hejde knäcke: Crispbread

Wallins praliner: Chocolate pralines and toffees

STUK Mugs/bowls/plates/ egg cups

Gotlandsgårdens praliner: Chocolate pralines/ chocolate cakes Gotlandica honung: Honey

Gutebollen: Biscuits, saffron and cardamom

Gotlandschips: Sea salt/ sour cream and wild garlic truffle & Parmesan crisps

Martallen: Glass table mats

Idyllien Soap/lotion/scented sticks/scented candles

Immenco: Truffle pralines/ toffee/maps/puzzles Krusmyntagården Herbs/bbq sauces

Wisby Ur & Guld: Necklaces/bracelets/earrings Horizon: Magazine

Gotland media: Gotlands allehanda/Gotlands tidningar

Pettersson&Munthe AB: Sparkling tea Gotland crispbread: Seeded crispbread, flatbread crisps

Överstekvarn Chili Oils/pesto/dressing/mustard/ chutney/sauces/jams/preserves

GuteGlass Different flavours of ice cream

Gustaf & Linnéa Lip balm/marigold salve/ foot balm/beeswax cloth

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TASTEFUL IMRESSIONS

Gute rosteri: Gotland roast/Visby roast coffee

A R T & C U LT U R E

Art & Culture WITH STRONG VOICES AND SWEET NOTES

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Five outdoor venues for music and shows: Romateatern/Roma Kungsgård Amphitheatre at Närsakar Kultudralen Hide Limestone Quarry Kallis, after beach deluxe

Don't miss the island's cultural oases:

Körsbärsgården – A meeting place for art, architecture and literature at Storsudret. Sculpture park, art gallery, various installations and exhibitions.

Länsteatern – The island's only permanent professional theatre and dance venue that puts on its own productions and has guest appearances around the island, all year round.

Medieval Week – Theatre, music, shows, markets, tournaments – all in historical packaging. A week in August that attracts visitors from around the globe.

More information about cultural events on Gotland: visitgotland.se Tickets on destinationgotland.se

A R T & C U LT U R E

Swedish celebrities such as Astrid Lindgren's beloved character Pippi Longstocking and director Ingmar Bergman have contributed to the culture that reflects Gotland's multifaceted environments. Beaches, limestone quarries and Visby's charming, cobbled alleys have been the backdrop of many films and TV shows.

At times, it feels as if the whole island is a scene for different kinds of cultural expressions. Many esteemed Swedish crime writers use Gotland as the stage for their murders and eerie happenings. Thankfully, real life on the island is safe but don't be surprised if you happen to end up in the middle of a film shoot during your visit.

If you hear sweet notes emanating from a ruin, it could be a concert. Many stages are outdoors or located in barns with ambience, such as Stelor or Gåsemora. If you are longing to spend time with Othello, King Lear or Macbeth, they and many other Shakespeare characters can usually be found at Roma Kungsgård in the summer.

There are cultural expressions worth discovering around the island – small galleries, studios and art workshops. Keep an eye out for signs that say “Öppet” (open), stop by and allow yourself to explore. Who knows what treasures you will find in the cultural community of Gotland?

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ENJOY NATURE

THE FOUNDATION OF EVERYTHING

ENJOY NATURE

The nature of Gotland is extraordinary with its pebble and sandy beaches, lush meadows, famous sea stacks, looming cliffs, harsh limestone plains, pine forests, bird-rich wetlands and so much more. Man's grazing livestock have also been shaping the landscape for thousands of years. Thanks to the climate and its location in the Baltic Sea, Gotland boasts flora and fauna that is found nowhere else in the world.

Gotland’s bedrock is over 400 million years old and consists of e.g., limestone and sandstone. Embedded in the bedrock are plants, corals and animals that are older than the dinosaurs. But today, they are simply fossils.

People have been good about preserving the Gotland landscape through the ages so that even we can enjoy it today. If we continue to show consideration, even coming generations will be able to partake in its beauty.

Three tips for your visit to Gotland:

1. Take pictures – not fossils

On the beaches of Gotland, you can often find stones containing the fossilised remains of plants and animals that were found on the island during the Silurian period. Fossils show us how environments and organisms looked millions of years ago. You are not allowed to take home fossils from your visit. Photos, on the other hand, are free for the taking and for sharing with friends.

2. Create memories – not cairns

Stones may be hard, but they are also fragile.

Many of Gotland’s unique environments attract visitors – the sea stack areas and our lovely stone beaches, to name a few. There are nature reserves in which moving stones is prohibited such as at the popular Langhammars on Fårö.

On certain beaches, you are not prohibited from raising cairns, but please take them down before you leave. Formations made of heavy stones can injure children and animals if they tumble at an inopportune time. And it’s likely that the area's next visitors would like to find the same, untouched, wild beach as you found.

3. Enjoy the roads – don’t drive in nature

Our winding roads, flowering roadsides and beautiful stretches offer a wealth of experiences. Enjoy the ride and consider your surroundings. It is not permitted to drive cars or other motor vehicles off-road. Stay on the roads and park in the designated parking areas. By doing so, you help preserve the land, foliage, outdoor and animal life, agriculture and forestry.

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RIGHT OF PUBLIC ACCESS IN BRIEF

In Sweden and in Gotland we enjoy the right of public access which welcomes everyone to nature. But this freedom also carries with it the responsibility to leave things undisturbed. You are responsible for nature and animal life and for being considerate towards landowners and other visitors.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION Don’t take anything home with you other than pictures and impressions. Leave nothing behind but gentle footprints. Enjoy your stay.

Everyone on Gotland is part of someone else's experience – please show consideration.

Shopping & restaurants in Visby Explore Visby city centre: Shops and restaurants not to be missed.

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S H O P P I N G A N D R E S TA U R A N T S I N V I S B Y

WISBY OST A delicatessen in the very heart of Visby city centre.

We will be delighted to share our extensive experience in helping you discover the very best cheeses, cured meats and other delicacies you will ever have tasted from our amazing range of products from Gotland and the whole of Europe. You will feel as though they were heaven sent.

Wallérs plats 4 wisbyost.se

SYSTRARNA MALMGRENS Clothes store with personal service where you can find an outfit for every occasion. Womenswear for all ages and styles. Large range of swimwear and lingerie. Open all year round since 1927.

Adelsgatan 8 systrarnamalmgrens.se

WISBY UR & GULD The popular jewellery range “Öjn'' By Lennartsdotter includes bracelets, necklaces, earrings in recycled gold and silver. You will find the entire collection in Wisby Ur & Guld, a shop and family business at Adelsgatan 32.

Adelsgatan 32 wugo.se

KASAI

Japanese bbq tradition, sushi and creative interpretations of Japanese cuisine in a wonderful setting that is open all year in the heart of Visby. Enjoy delicious food and drinks on our large roof terrace with views over the sea and the Visby rooftop skyline.

Hästgatan 17 kasai.se

Själsö bageri is a summer dream with an artisan bakery just outside Visby. We serve bread, buttery rolls baked in a brick oven, and mighty sandwiches.

Enjoy views of the sea and Själsö harbour from our delightful veranda and garden. See you for coffee and cake.

Själsövägen 10 sjalsobageri.se

S:T HANS CAFÉ S:t Hans Café is located in the centre of Visby with a large leafy garden next to the 13th Century wall. Enjoy delicious cakes and pastries, freshly brewed coffee or lunch surrounded by beautiful flowers. Or a thirst quenching beer or other soft drinks on hot days. See you there.

S:t Hansplan 2 sthansvisby.se

S H O P P I N G A N D R E S TA U R A N T S I N V I S B Y

SJÄLSÖ BAGERI

KRÄNKU TE & KAFFE Tea blenders, coffee and confectionery shop.

Kränku is a second generation family business with over 40 of their own tea blends. They also stock hundreds of Gotland delicacies and a large range of ceramic and metal tea caddies, plus tea and coffee accessories.

S H O P P I N G A N D R E S TA U R A N T S I N V I S B Y

S:t Hansplan 4 kraenku.se

GOTLANDS STRUMPFABRIK A woolworking factory in Boge parish. Traditional and modern machinery used by skilled hands transforms soft and gentle wool into garments, socks and accessories for men, women and children. “Much more than simply socks.”

They have three of their own shops on the island. In Burgsvik, Boge and Visby.

S:t Hansgatan 34 gotlandsstrumpfabrik.se

BISTRO BORGEN Food, Drinks & Games

Combine dinner with a fun activity. Bistro Borgen, just inside the East Gate, is perfect for family, friends, or work colleagues. You can play shuffleboard, pool, darts and other games here. A popular karaoke venue on Fridays and Saturdays.

Södra Murgatan 53 bistroborgen.se

S H O P P I N G A N D R E S TA U R A N T S I N V I S B Y

STUK Art & Design

An arts and crafts cooperative in a new guise, where you can find the very best of Gotland arts, crafts and design.

We focus on high quality and sustainable production.

Wallérs plats 5 stukgotland.se

ANNIKA GUSTAVSSON

FORNSALEN – MUSEUM SHOP

A goldsmith who captures the untouched nature on Gotland and creates wearable memories for life in recycled gold, silver and oxidised silver. The forge in this Medieval building is an experience in itself, where engagement and wedding rings are made.

A treasure trove for all ages. Fornsalen museum shop is full of designed in Gotland arts and crafts for the home, historic jewellery, toys, books and much more.

Open daily. They also have an online store.

S:t Hansgatan 26 annikagustavsson.se

Strandgatan 14 gotlandsmuseum.se

Find your oasis – VISIT A NATURAL RESERVE ON GOTLAND Welcome to Sweden’s limestone “Hawaii”. There are 154 natural reserves around the island. Each has its own particular characteristics and environment. You can find rare orchids, ancient fortresses and hike along cliff-lined coasts. There are lakes full of birds, barren beaches and limestone conifer forests. But most of all, there are ample opportunities to take a deep breath of fresh air.

Some reserves have toilets, parking close by and a high degree of accessibility. Others are more difficult to reach and require planning before your visit. Still others may contain bird protection areas and may thus be closed during parts of the year.

Please see the following website (under Besöksmål – in Swedish): lansstyrelsen.se/gotland In Sweden we enjoy the right of public access which welcomes everyone to nature. But this freedom also carries with it the responsibility to leave things undisturbed.

For more information on the right of public access (in Swedish), see: visitsweden.com Please keep in mind that other rules may apply in the nature reserves in addition to the right of public access.

5 TIPS FOR FINDING YOUR OASIS: • The power of knowledge. The more you read up on how things work in the nature reserves, the more time and energy you can spend enjoying the visit itself.

• Dress for weather and wind. Proper, comfortable shoes will make your visit more enjoyable, as will clothing that is suited to outdoor climates – remember that the weather can change rapidly.

• Food and snacks. Bring some sustenance with you. For some reason, nothing tastes quite as good as a picnic outdoors. Because there may be a lack of shops and restaurants, it may be a necessity for longer excursions.

• Toilet paper and bags. Nature inevitably calls, so it is good to have toilet paper on hand and bags to put it in, so nothing gets left behind in nature.

• Get out and enjoy. Naturally, it's nice to have your phone with you to find your way or to call for help.

However, we recommend that you allow yourself to disconnect.

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Hällholmen Jungfrun Gamla hamn Lergravsviken Digerhuvud Langhammars Husken S:t Olofsholm Malms-Kyllaj Lörgeudd Hideviken Stora Karlsö Husrygg Västra märgelgraven Snåltorp Lilla Karlsö Danbo Kallgatburg Skalahauar Ullahau Hall-Hangvar Ekstakusten Sandviken Högklint Brucebo Vaktbackar Grötlingboholme Storsund Folhammar Rone ytterholme Mulde Grausne källmyr Allkvie änge Alvena lindaräng Bosarve naturskog Träskmyr och Vasteån Grodde Laus holmar Sandarve kulle Mallgård källmyr Klosteränge Muskmyr Hörsne prästänge Närsholmen Salvorev-Kopparstenarna Lummelundagrottan Västergarns utholme Klinteklinten Kronholmen Hajdes storhage Torsburgen

66

52 Paviken 53 Bergbetningen 54 Björkume 55 Uppstaig 56 Vitärtskällan 57 Käldänge 58 Millumträsk 59 Hoburgsmyr 60 Filehajdar 61 Tiselhagen 62 Krakvät 63 Sävvät 64 Galgberget 65 Verkegards 66 Hägsarve kärräng 67 Mojner 68 Ålarve 69 Storholmen 70 Västlands 71 Bästeträsk 72 Bräntings haid 73 Russvätar 74 Hässle backe 75 Ollajvs 76 Haugajnar 77 Salmbärshagen 78 Jusarve skog 79 Pankar 80 Smågårde naturskog 81 Lindhammarsmyr 82 Mallgårds haid 83 Bluttmo-Gildarshagen 84 Grodvät 85 Botes källmyr 86 Kvie källmyr 87 Forsviden 88 Ölbäck 89 Östergarnsberget 90 Källinghagen 91 Marpes 92 Gräne 93 Blautmörskogen 94 Bungenäs 95 Lilla Mörby 96 Stenstugu skog 97 Grogarnsberget 98 Gothem Suderbys 99 Hajdkvie skog 100 Horsan 101 Alstäde Skog 102 Holmhällar

103 Själsöån 104 Rongärde 105 Bosarve lövskog 106 Törrvesklint 107 Langmyrskog 108 Dagghagen 109 Sajgs 110 Guffride 111 Sigdes 112 Ryssnäs 113 Herrgårdsklint 114 Furilden 115 Sigfride 116 Ireån 117 Lundar 118 Bruten 119 Bäcks 120 Södra hällarna 121 Mölnermyr 122 Bräntings 123 Mullvalds strandskog 124 Hambrar 125 Bojsvätar 126 Helges hage 127 Fide lövskog 128 Storhagen 129 Vivesholm 130 Nors 131 Slite Skärgård 132 Fjälängar 133 Burggathagen 134 Maldes 135 Bälsalvret 136 Kistänge 137 Siglajvs 138 Träskvidar 139 Snögrinde 140 Lindeberget 141 Hinser 142 Västerhuse 143 Sojdmyr 144 Smaulmyrar 145 Gerum prästänge 146 Hajdhagen 147 Bojsvätar södra 148 Hajdhagskogen 149 Hejnum Hällar 150 Hejnum Kallgate 151 Fonnsänget 152 Västers myr 153 Stora Vede 154 Gotlandskusten

45 6

5 3

FÅ R Ö

20

19

91 65

71 21

154

106

116

2 32

36

146

77 92

54

58

87

1

103 25 53 64

VISBY

120

24

128

61

112 94

137 69

138

131

8

67

141 78 28 143 98

18 149 150

41

80

47

49

151

KLINTEHAMN 129

31 126

16 12

96

119

52

132 82 110

104

139 99

144

50

85 86 101 40 145

22

124

81

105

39

140

35

134

57

76

68 62 63 66

136 79

27 30

127 BURGSVIK

70

13 26

42

90

73

17

117 102

67

123

29 75

LJUGARN

38

44

68

55

51 113

111 HEMSE

14

107

11 109

48 125 147 152

93

34 43

83 115 122 130

114

9 10

ROMA

15

4 7

SLITE

135 133

88 33 153

121

148 118 108

84 60

95

FÅRÖSUND

72

59

LÄRBRO

TINGSTÄDE

46

37 100 56

142

97 89 23

74

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