Gotland · the island right now

What to do on Gotland — right now

Guides and tips for visitors to Gotland, from Visby's medieval walls to Fårö's raukar and long sandy beaches.

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Visby now

Gotland in a nutshell

Good to know
UNESCO

Visby — World Heritage since 1995

Visby's medieval old town with its city wall and church ruins is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Size

Sweden's largest island

Gotland is Sweden's largest island, located in the Baltic Sea south of Åland.

City wall

3.5 km medieval wall

Visby's city wall was built mainly in the 13th century and is one of the best-preserved medieval city walls in Europe.

Churches

92 medieval churches

Gotland has 92 churches from the 12th–15th centuries — more than any area of equivalent size in the Nordic countries.

Ferry

Destination Gotland

Ferries depart from Nynäshamn (south of Stockholm) and Oskarshamn. Always book ahead in summer.

Food

Saffron pancake

Gotland's signature dish is saffranspannkaka — a thick saffron pancake served with dewberry jam and whipped cream.

Raukar

Limestone sea stacks

Raukar are sculptural limestone formations along the coast — most famous on Fårö and at Langhammars.

Currency

Swedish kronor

Sweden uses SEK. Cards are accepted everywhere, but bring some cash for local markets.

Latest from the editors

Islands & Day Trips

Fårö Island Guide: Beaches, Raukar and Ingmar Bergman

Discover Fårö, a wild island north of Gotland with dramatic limestone sea stacks, sandy beaches and a connection to Ingmar Bergman.

activities

Cycling on Gotland: Routes, Tips and What to Expect

Cycling on Gotland is one of the best ways to explore Sweden's largest island. Discover routes, practical tips and what to pack for your bike tour.

Visby Attractions

The Spillings Hoard at Gotlands Museum: A Viking Treasure Worth Visiting

Discover the Spillings Hoard at Gotlands Museum in Visby — the largest Viking silver hoard ever found, weighing over 60 kg. Plan your visit here.

food

Saffron Pancake on Gotland: The Island's Most Beloved Traditional Food

Discover the saffron pancake, Gotland's iconic traditional dish, plus local food tips to make the most of eating on the island.

travel-guide

Gotland in Summer: What to See and Do on Sweden's Favourite Island

Planning a trip to Gotland in summer? Discover medieval Visby, dramatic raukar coastlines, sandy beaches and local saffron pancakes on Sweden's largest island.

beaches

Best Beaches on Gotland: Sun, Sand and Sea Stacks

Discover the best beaches on Gotland, from Fårö's wild sandy shores to the island's 800 km coastline. Plan your perfect Baltic swimming trip here.

Practical info

Before you go
Ferry

Destination Gotland

Book the ferry between Nynäshamn or Oskarshamn and Visby. Essential to book ahead in summer.

Flight

Visby Airport

Domestic flights from Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö to Visby Airport.

Tourism

Visit Gotland

Official tourism site with events, maps and tips about the whole island.

Medieval Week

Medieval Week (week 32)

Visby's major summer event with markets, jousting and theatre in August.

Spring on Gotland

Spring on Gotland

May is one of the best times to visit Gotland — flowers bloom, roses begin climbing the old house walls in Visby and the crowds haven't arrived yet. Perfect for cycling and peaceful walks along the city wall.

Destination Gotland ferries get busy from Easter — book early.

Summer — Gotland at its best

July and Medieval Week in August are peak season. Beaches fill up, Visby comes alive and the raukar fields on Fårö draw visitors from across the Nordic countries. Book ferry and accommodation early.

Summer is peak season — book Destination Gotland ferries well in advance, especially for July and Medieval Week.

Autumn — mushrooms, peace and golden light

September and October are Gotland's best-kept secret. Forests fill with mushrooms, the light is spectacular and the island is almost back to itself after the summer season.

Some restaurants and activities have shorter hours after peak season — check before you go.

Winter — quiet and beautiful

Gotland in winter is a different experience — the empty cobblestone streets of Visby have a special atmosphere, temperatures are mild compared to the mainland, and a handful of restaurants and cafés stay open.

Ferries run year-round but less frequently in winter. Check Destination Gotland's timetable.
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