If you visit only one museum on Gotland, make it Gotlands Museum, also known as Fornsalen, in the heart of Visby. It is home to the Spillings Hoard — the largest Viking Age silver hoard ever discovered anywhere in the world. For history lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Gotland's extraordinary past, this is an unmissable stop.
What Is the Spillings Hoard?
The Spillings Hoard is a breathtaking collection of Viking Age silver treasure unearthed in 1999 near Othem, in the northern part of Gotland. The hoard weighs more than 60 kilograms, making it the largest Viking silver hoard ever found — a record that stands to this day. It includes thousands of silver coins, arm rings, and ingots, offering a remarkable window into the wealth and trading networks of the Viking world.
Gotland was a major hub of Viking Age commerce, sitting at the crossroads of Baltic Sea trade routes. Finds like the Spillings Hoard are a testament to the island's historical significance far beyond its size. The sheer scale of the treasure — hidden underground for around a thousand years before its discovery — is difficult to fully appreciate until you see it in person.
Visiting Gotlands Museum in Visby
Gotlands Museum is located in Visby, the island's main town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. The museum's collection goes well beyond the Spillings Hoard, covering Gotland's history from prehistoric times through the medieval period and beyond. Exhibits include picture stones, medieval art, and artefacts that bring to life the island's long and layered past.
The museum is well suited to visitors of all ages. Allow at least a couple of hours to do it justice — longer if you want to explore the full collection thoughtfully. The Spillings Hoard itself is displayed in a way that highlights both its scale and its individual components, so take your time with it.
- Location: Central Visby, within easy walking distance of the medieval city wall and the old town streets
- Collection highlights: The Spillings Hoard, Viking Age silver, Gotlandic picture stones, medieval church art
- Recommended visit length: Two hours or more
- Tip: Check current opening hours and admission prices directly with the museum before your visit, as these can vary by season
Making the Most of Your Time in Visby
Gotlands Museum sits comfortably alongside everything else Visby has to offer. After your visit, you can walk the 3.5-kilometre medieval city wall — built mainly in the 13th century and still largely intact — or explore the cobblestone lanes of the old town. The Visby Botanical Garden, which dates back to the 1830s, is free to enter and a pleasant place to rest. Visby Cathedral, consecrated around 1225, is also close by.
If you are visiting in August, the city hosts Medieval Week (Medeltidsveckan), when the streets fill with costumed visitors, markets, jousting, and theatre — making the historical atmosphere of the museum feel even more alive in context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where exactly is Gotlands Museum located?A: Gotlands Museum, also called Fornsalen, is in central Visby on Gotland. Visby is the island's main town, situated on its west coast, and the museum is easily reachable on foot from the old town and the medieval city wall.
Q: Is the Spillings Hoard really the largest Viking silver hoard ever found?A: Yes. Discovered in 1999 near Othem in northern Gotland, the Spillings Hoard weighs more than 60 kilograms and is confirmed as the largest Viking Age silver hoard ever found anywhere in the world.