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Place in Gotland, Sweden
Photo: Ypsilon from Finland, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Visby is one of the most remarkable towns in the Nordic countries, with 24,000 inhabitants. It is on the west coast of Sweden's largest island Gotland in the Baltic Sea. Visby is known for its city wall, its cathedral and many church ruins. In 1995, the old city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Visby stadsmur, Ringmuren
Built during the 13th and 14th centuries, Visby's city wall stretches almost 3.5 km and stands 11 m high. Today, 36 towers and three main gates remain.
Enter through the "Door of Love" to this picturesque garden of trees and ruins.
Once the workers' quarter and now a popular spot to take in the view over the lower town, Klinten is an attractive maze of small, rose-covered homes.
A major fortress built in the early 15th century. It was demolished by Danish forces in 1679 when it became clear that Gotland would fall into Swedish hands.
St. Maria church
Built in the early 13th century.
Museum of local history (Fornsalen), plus a science museum for children (Fenomenalen).
Gotland Art Museum
A former art museum, now used as a gallery space with various temporary exhibits.
The ruins of two connected churches
S:ta Karin ruin
S:t Lars ruin
There is a path across the upper levels via staircases on both sides of the church.
A children oriented theme park teaching natural sciences, technology and mathematics.
A children's play land with ball pools, inflatables, trampolines, slides and laser tag.
A summer resort village containing a water park and an amusement park with some 40 attractions, including the original "Villa Villekulla"-building from the "Pippi Longstocking" movies.
A spa and massage centre.
Seafood.
At the sunniest place of the main square you find Bolaget. Try the great French food, or have a steak from the barbeque. Or, just enjoy a drink in the sun.
Traditional Swedish cuisine and bar menu classics. Open every night with a great "living room atmosphere".
An Italian restaurant.
Serves medieval cuisine in a medieval setting.
Nice crêperie with world music on the stereo.
Sichuan cuisine, with several smaller tapas-like dishes. It is also a great place to lounge and enjoy a few drinks.
A classical tea store offering some 100 different blends of tea and coffee, out of which some 30 are their own produces. They also sell mugs, kettles, and other tea related products. Kränku's own blends of tea can also be found in many grocery stores around the island.
A day-time tapasbar and a night-time pub. During summer it has a nice outdoor seating area on the main square. As it is one of few Visby pubs which stay open throughout the year it is a favorite among locals. They are located next to Nunnan and have the same owner, but attract a younger clientele.
Traditional British pub.
They also have club nights.
A restaurant and pub which offer Greek and Gutnish cuisine. They have a nice outdoor seating area on the main square and often hosts live music concerts. They are located next to Bageriet and have the same owner, but attract a more mature clientele.
A cosy café.
The largest ice cream parlour in Sweden with over 300 flavors. Also sells coffee and cannoli. If you do wish to sample any flavors, it costs 5 kr extra.
A smoothie and juice bar.
A typical Swedish bakery-café with fresh made cakes, sandwiches and beverages. In the summer you can enjoy your coffee in the backyard of the café as well, just watch out for the ubiquitous jackdaws that will grab a piece of any unattended food and drink.
A resort village containing a B&B, hotel, camping sites and cabins. The area is 150 m from the shore and also has a "Summer & Waterland" theme park.
Nice rooms, breakfast and location. Good Wi-Fi.
A former prison turned into a hostel.
Sells locally made handicrafts and antiques.
A cosy second hand book shop with a stock of some 40,000 books. While most books are in Swedish there is also a considerable English language section.
A jewelry store selling locally made wares, many of which are created from fossils.
Sells locally produced furniture and carpentry.
A glass studio selling hand made art glass and glassware.
A tannery store specializing in products from the national symbol of Gotland - the lamb.
By boat
From the Swedish mainland, Destination Gotland runs ferries from Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn to Visby. You can bring your car. Hansa Destinations operates a weekly ferry from Rostock.
By bicycle
Outside the walls it is easy to get around by bike and there are plenty of good bike paths.
By bus
There are several bus lines going out to the rest of the island, check the timetable before heading out though.
By car
During the summer, cars are not allowed within the city walls. There are parking options free of charge, though a small parking fee is usually required in the centre.
By taxi
Like the rest of Sweden, taxis can be expensive, and are best for short trips when you are unable to get around otherwise.
By sightseeing train
There are a few sightseeing "trains" – practically a couple of trailers with seats and roofs pulled by a vehicle making tours around the old town with an audio guide playing through the speakers.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Visby · International · VBY
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