Visby

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Visby, Sweden

Sodra Kyrkogatan, Visby, Arild Vagen @ Wikimedia

Visby is a small historic village on the island of Gotland, which belongs to Sweden. Here are the top 10 things to see and do in Visby:

1. Visby City Wall
The Visby City Wall, or Ringmuren, is a medieval fortification, encircling the town. Built in the 13th century, the wall originally featured 44 towers, many of which are still standing today. The wall was constructed during the period when the town was a prosperous member of the Hanseatic League. Walking along the city wall offers views of Visby’s rooftops and the Baltic Sea. The Visby City Wall is one of the best-preserved medieval city walls in Europe.

2. St. Mary’s Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral dating back to the late 12th century. The church was originally built by German merchants. The cathedral’s exterior has a three-towered facade, stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings. The interior is equally impressive. As the only remaining medieval church in Visby still in use, it serves as a vital link to the town’s religious and cultural heritage.

3. Almedalen Park
Almedalen Park is a green space located near the Visby harbor. Once a medieval harbor itself, the area has been transformed into lush lawns, walking paths, and benches. The park is especially popular during the annual Almedalen Week, a major political event in Sweden, but it’s a great spot at any time of year.

4. Gotlands Museum
The Gotlands Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Gotland and Visby from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum’s collection includes Viking-era treasures, medieval weapons and a significant number of runestones. One of the museum’s highlights is the “Bildstenar,” or picture stones, which are unique to Gotland and depict scenes of mythology and daily life. Visiting the museum provides a deep understanding of the island’s rich history and the people who have called it home over the centuries.

5. Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden in Visby is a green haven filled with a wide variety of plants, trees and flowers from around the world. Established in the 19th century, the garden also incorporates ruins of medieval structures within its grounds. Visitors can wander through rose gardens, admire ancient oaks, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Visby Harbor, Werner Wilmes @ Wikimedia

6. Ruins of St. Nicolai Church
The ruins of St. Nicolai Church are one of Visby’s most striking sites. This 13th-century church, originally built by Dominican friars, was once one of the largest in Visby. Today, only the skeletal remains of its stone arches and walls stand, creating a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for concerts and theatrical performances. The open-air nature of the ruins, combined with their Gothic architecture, offers a unique setting that captures the essence of Visby’s medieval past. Spend time at the cafes and shops on the Great Square adjoining the ruins.

7. Visby Medieval Week
Visby Medieval Week, or Medeltidsveckan, is an annual celebration that brings the town’s medieval history to life. Held every August, this festival includes historical reenactments, markets and entertainment. Participants dress in period costumes. The town’s streets are transformed with stalls selling medieval crafts, food and drink, while jousting tournaments, archery contests and theatrical performances provide entertainment. Visby Medieval Week is a fantastic opportunity to experience Visby as it might have been in the Middle Ages.

8. Högklint Nature Reserve
Just south of Visby lies the Högklint Nature Reserve, a coastal area known for its dramatic cliffs and views of the Baltic Sea. The reserve offers several hiking trails that wind through forests and along the cliff edges, providing opportunities to explore the natural beauty of Gotland. Högklint is also a great spot for photography, especially at sunset.

9. Visby’s Medieval Streets
Wandering through Visby’s medieval streets is like stepping back in time. The narrow, cobblestone lanes are lined with well-preserved buildings that date back to the town’s heyday as a Hanseatic trading center. One of the most popular streets is the old fish market, which is now a narrow residential lane lined with red roses. Visitors will be amazed by the large number of medieval church ruins in this small village. Enjoy one of the many gelato shops, which contrast medieval history with modern day tourism.

10. Faro Island
Located just north of Gotland, Faro Island is a short ferry ride from Visby. The island is famous for its unique limestone rock formations, which have been shaped by wind and water over millennia. Faro’s landscapes are a mix of rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and rolling meadows, providing a picturesque setting for hiking, biking, and exploring. The island was also the home of renowned filmmaker Ingmar Bergman and fans can visit locations featured in his films.

Visby and its surrounding areas offer a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it one of the most unique and rewarding destinations in Sweden.

More Things to See and Do in Visby

Ruins In the Old Town: Saint Olof, St. Nicolai, St Gertrud, St Drotten, St Lars, St Karin, St Peters, Visborgs Castle

Near the Old Town: Kneippbyn Resort & Pippi Longstocking Amusement Park

Other Sites on Gotland Island: Lummelunda Cave, Gotland Historic Train, Roma Abbey Ruin, Blue Lagoon, Faro Lighthouse

Try: Saffranspannkaka (saffron rice-porridge pancake), cardamom buns, cinnamon buns, Glassmagasinet Gelato, pickled herring, smoked salmon, smoked oysters, smoked fish roe, smoked fish-fin

Buy: Ceramics, woolen clothing, Kränku Tea & Coffee, Butik Esther & Inez colorful Gotland clothing designs

Best Time to Visit Visby

The summer months of June, July and August are traditionally the best time to visit Visby. The excessive heat in southern Europe is bringing a surge in tourism to Scandinavia, so the fringe season in May and September is becoming increasingly more popular for visitors.

Getting to Visby Old Town

Cruise Ship or Ferry: Cruise Ships and Ferries dock less than a mile from the city walls of Visby, so it’s an easy walk for tourists. Destination Gotland operates regular ferry service between Visby and the Swedish towns of Oskarshamn or Nynäshamn. Hansa Destinations has suspended operations, so ferry service to Rostock, Germany is no longer available.

The island of Gotland has no rail service. No major airlines offer flights to Gotland, but there is a small local airport near the town of Visby.

Getting Around Visby and Gotland Island

Transit: The town of Visby is very small with many pedestrian-only streets, so you won’t find or need transit in town. The island of Gotland operates bus service, but tourists will find that routes operate on an infrequent schedule that won’t be very useful. A rental car will be a better bet for areas outside of Visby.

Currency, Electrical Adapters, Visa Requirements

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