Scan Magazine
|
Special Theme
|
Hidden Gems and Weekend Getaways in Sweden, 2024
Photo: Nancy Coste
Celebrating the Medieval Week in magical Visby Every year, Visby is host to the Medieval Week, Sweden’s largest historical festival. This year’s theme is medieval horses and will bring plenty of four-legged fun, plus medieval markets, live music and jousting, heaps of culinary treats, and much more. By Malin Norman
During one week in August, Visby is packed with musicians, jesters, knights, craftsmen and some 50,000 curious visitors. They all come to take part in the Medieval Week, which is Sweden’s largest historical festival. During eight fun-filled days, the past is brought to life. Visby was the main centre of the Hanseatic League from the 12th to the 14th century. The former Viking site is the best-preserved fortified trade city in northern Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since 1984, the Medieval Week is a joyful celebration of this unique heritage, 60 | Issue 167 |
June 2024
Photo: Therese Hübner
with activities taking place around town, in museums and churches, on streets and in parks, and even in the old ruins. “What’s special about the Medieval Week is the atmosphere,” says Simone Duvander, producer and communications manager. “You’re sent back in time with all the experiences that’s on offer. The activities and events during the week are rooted in a love for Visby’s and Gotland’s history, it’s fantastic to be a part of the celebrations.” Medieval horses, jousting and pipers This year’s festival theme is medieval horses. The horse was one of the most important means of transport in medieval times, and also a sign of status and wealth. In Gotland, a large number of equestrian graves and pictographs clearly depict the uses and importance of the horse. During