An island with a character of its own
Just a short ferry crossing north of Gotland lies Fårö, an island that feels like a world of its own. The landscape is barer and more open than on Gotland, with limestone heathland, low pine forest, dry-stone walls and stone houses scattered across the flat terrain. Sea stacks stand like sculptures along the coast, and on the other side of the island long sandy beaches stretch out. It is no coincidence that the director Ingmar Bergman chose to live here – Fårö has a stillness that is hard to find anywhere else.
How to get to Fårö
The ferry between Fårösund on northern Gotland and Fårö is free and carries cars, bikes and foot passengers. The crossing is short, but in high summer there can be long queues for cars, especially in the afternoon and at weekends. A good tip is to bring a bike: cyclists and foot passengers often get on board more easily, and Fårö is well suited to two wheels thanks to quiet roads and short distances. Read more about cycling on Gotland.
The raukar at Langhammars and Digerhuvud
Fårö is best known for its raukar – limestone sea stacks shaped by the sea over thousands of years. The rauk field at Langhammars on the north coast is the most famous, with grey, weathered pillars gathered along a pebble beach. On the west side lies Digerhuvud, where the raukar are scattered along a long stretch of coast. Both are especially beautiful in morning and evening light. Learn more about how the raukar formed and where to find others in our guide to raukar on Gotland.
Beaches on Fårö
Fårö has some of the finest sandy beaches anywhere around Gotland. Sudersand on the island's east side is the best known – a long, shallow beach with fine sand that suits families. There are also smaller, quieter beaches around the island where you can find a spot to yourself even in July. The water is often clear but cool, and the wind can be fresh on the open beaches. See also our guide to beaches on Gotland.
Ingmar Bergman's Fårö
Ingmar Bergman first came to Fårö in the 1960s to shoot a film and became so attached to the island that he made it his home. He lived here until his death in 2007 and filmed several of his works in Fårö's landscape. Today the island draws film lovers from around the world, and there is a Bergman centre on the island with exhibitions and screenings. Bergman is buried at Fårö church. For anyone trying to understand his films, the landscape is a key – the beaches, the sea stacks and the stark light appear again and again.
Planning your visit
- Half a day is enough for Langhammars and a beach.
- A full day gives time for raukar, swimming and Bergman's Fårö. See our guide to a day trip to Fårö.
- Stay overnight if you want to experience the island's calm after the day visitors have left.
- Out of season services are limited – bring food and fill up the tank before the ferry.
Fårö's nature and landscape
Between the sea stacks and the beaches lies a landscape that is unique even by Gotland standards. The limestone pavements, known as alvar, are flat and sparsely vegetated, and in spring and early summer they bloom with plants that thrive in the dry, lime-rich conditions. Old dry-stone walls divide the pastures, and sheep still graze in many places. The coasts are rich in birdlife too, especially during the spring and autumn migrations – read more in our guide to birdwatching on Gotland and Fårö. Remember that much of the island is private land or pasture: close gates behind you and keep dogs on a lead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the ferry to Fårö free?A: Yes, the ferry between Fårösund and Fårö is free. In high summer there can be long queues for cars, so a bike or an early start is a good alternative.
Q: How much time do I need on Fårö?A: Half a day covers Langhammars and a beach. If you also want to see Bergman's Fårö and more rauk fields, a full day or an overnight stay is better.