Högstadium visby
Located on the island of Gotland, in the Baltic Sea, this fairy-tale town is a national treasure.
Visby boasts several historic churches as well, including the Sankta Maria Cathedral built at the end of the 12th century. Visby also has a well-preserved 3.
Visby Cathedral Sankta Maria - Visby domkyrkoförsamling
The wall encircles the centre of Visby and was initially built for protection against both foreign enemies and Swedish assailants from the countryside. Kneippbyn Resort, Gotland. Along the streets of Visby are more than buildings and homes dating back to somewhere between the 12th and 14th centuries. The beloved Pippi Longstocking movies were filmed along the narrow streets of Visby and the original Villa Villerkulla can be found just outside the town, at Kneippbyn Resort.
Another address, appreciated by Pippi fans and Instagrammers alike, is Fiskargränd. The picturesque alley with its cobblestones and winding roses is probably the most photographed street in Visby today. If you wish to explore Visby in the footsteps of Pippi Longstocking even further, the local tourist office provides free maps listing all Pippi locations in town. With its natural beauty and ancient history, Gotland is a mystical and inspiring place to live that attracts many artists.
Their handicrafts are sold in the local Visby shops. Gotland is particularly known for its wonderful ceramics and woollen items.
Visby – a Swedish fairytale town on the island of Gotland
The grey, wool lambskins from local sheep, are warm and decorate many Scandinavian homes. In addition to its long history and fascinating ruins, Visby is also known for its gardens, particularly the profusion of roses that bloom in the sunny summer months. There is a bathing jetty by the beach walk in central Visby, and four beaches within just five kilometres. If you feel like going a little further afield, head for the popular Tofta Beach, located 20 kilometres south of Visby.
Although Gotland is the largest island in Sweden, the distances are short and the landscape mostly flat, making Visby a good starting point for day trips by bike.
Hanseatic City of Visby
A hike to Högklint, seven kilometres south of Visby, will give you not only magnificent views over the town but also a treat through Södra Hällarna nature reserve with steep cliffs and caves, an ivy forest and rocky beaches. For more hiking, biking and bathing tips around the island, visit our Gotland destination page. While Visby is at its liveliest in the spring and summer months, there is plenty to do at any time of the year, not least visiting its many excellent restaurants, bars and cosy cafés.
The lime-rich soil of Gotland and a favourable climate contribute to plenty of fresh, local produce. If you happen to be in Visby in the early spring, asparagus will be on the menu in all forms. Smoked salmon, flounder and herring are also popular thanks to the strong local fishing traditions. You might want to wash the food down with beers like Wisby Pils and Sleepy Bulldog from the local Gotlands Bryggeri — one of many breweries on the island.
Gotlands Bryggeri was founded in and has since then brewed some of the most beloved craft beers in Sweden. Värdshuset Lindgården, Visby. For traditional Swedish dishes and local specialities like Gotlandic lamb, make a reservation at Värdshuset Lindgården. Their kitchen follows the farming calendar and serves up seasonal and local produce. After dinner, move upstairs to the Gin Room, where a large selection of Gotlandic, Swedish and international gin and tonic varieties are on the menu.
Freshly caught seafood is another Gotlandic speciality, best enjoyed at Bakfickan. This small and genuine restaurant has been serving fried herring and fish soup for over 25 years.
Sankta Maria
Come for lunch or dinner but be early, during the busy summer weeks they only run drop-ins. Visit our Gotland destination page for more breweries and top restaurant tips outside of Visby. Most visitors come to Visby during the bustling summer months when the waters are warm and the island is in full bloom. However, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are equally beautiful, just without the crowds.