All About Visby
Visby is the largest city on Gotland, Sweden’s largest island. Located on the central west coastline, Visby is the island’s capital city, which lies 90km from the mainland. While proof of settlement in the region goes back to the Stone Age, Visby truly prospered as a city between the 12th and 14th centuries as a trading port of the Hanseatic League. Preserved in its Medieval splendor ever since, it is no surprise that the charming city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.
Visby derives its name from the Old Norse word Vis, meaning ‘place of sacrifices’, and by, meaning ‘village’. However, present-day locals and travelers often call it the ‘City of Roses and Ruins’ for its ancient disposition and natural beauty. An all-year destination, Visby is particularly popular among Scandinavian tourists who visit the island in summer. At the same time, with increased cruise tourism and better ferry connectivity, more international tourists are starting to discover the many charms of Visby every year.
Routes and Ferries to Visby
Gotland being an island, the most obvious and best way to reach Visby is by boat. Ferries arrive on the island from various destinations such as Nynäshamn, Oskarshamn, Västervik, Rostock, and Riga. The sailing time from Nynäshamn, near Stockholm, to Visby is just over three hours. Although there are four sailings daily, ferry tickets to Visby on this route are much in demand in summer. On the other hand, boats from Oskarshamn and Västervik to Visby take under three hours to complete their journeys. Ferry tickets to Visby are available through Ferryscanner, where you can also get the latest schedules.
The only other alternative to reach Visby is by air. Operational since 1942, Visby Airport is the only commercial airstrip in Gotland, situated 3.5km from the center. It primarily caters to flights from Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. However, during the warmer months, seasonal flights arrive here from Helsinki and Mallorca. Interestingly, the island’s main railway track, at one time, would run through the airport’s runway but was removed in 1960. From Visby Airport, it takes 10 minutes by bus or taxi to reach the town.
Port of Visby
Visby has the busiest port on the island, as it caters to cruise liners, pleasure boats, ferries, cargo ships, and fishing vessels. The harbor’s Castle and Fishing docks are home to 118 permanent recreational boats. Additionally, the guest harbor can accommodate sailing vessels staying for a short period.
Passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Visby disembark at a separate terminal building with bathrooms, safety deposit boxes, and long-stay parking. From Visby Hamnterminal, it takes 15 minutes by bus and 5 minutes by taxi to reach the city center. Due to a rise in cruise traffic, since 2018 the Port of Visby can accommodate two 340-meter-long ships simultaneously. Both the cruise quay and ferry terminal at Visby Port are within walking distance from Visby’s historic old neighborhood.
Best Beaches of Visby
There is no shortage of access to the refreshing waters of the Baltic Sea from Visby. However, make way to some of the more established beaches near the city for a day full of relaxation, fun, and frolic.
Tofta Beach
Even though Tofta Beach is about 20km south of Visby, it is the most-loved seaside in the region. The north part of the sandy beach is perfect for families with its dunes, natural inland splash pools, and volleyball courts. The southern section of the strip tends to be more activity based. You’ll find more volleyball courts, water slides, pedal boat rentals, kiosks, and restaurants here.
Sandhamn Norra
A natural, clean, sandy beach further south of Tofta Beach, Sandhamn Norra is an excellent spot for a quiet day under the sun. Overlooking the islet of Lilla Karlsö, the beach has soft fine sand, a pizzeria, and a jetty that takes you into swimmable waters. Those who want to stay in the area can make the most of the next-door camping site.
Gustavsviks havsbad
A sandy coastline with a rocky seabed, Gustavsviks is a 10-minute drive from Visby center. Although the water here tends to be a little cold, and occasionally there is too much seaweed, the sea is swimmable in the summer months. The slope into the water is gentle, and a playground is nearby, making the beach ideal for families. Beachgoers wishing to discover Visby’s coastline can walk or cycle along the scenic promenade that borders the various beaches from near the town all the way to Snäck Strand.
Norderstrand
Less than 3km from the city center, Norderstrand is a beach and camping ground with plentiful amenities for a lovely day by the sea. The sandy shore with access to shallow water is clean and comes with a kiosk and two jetties. The camp has spaces for tents and motorhomes and also rents out cabins. Furthermore, the Visby Beach Club is nearby and remains active, especially during summer.
Snäck Badplats
Snäck Strand is a favorite shoreline among locals, especially families. A long sandy beach, it has all facilities like toilets, a playground, barbeque areas, indoor golf, and an ice cream kiosk. Moreover, the strip is close to several restaurants. Two concrete jetties with platforms are a unique feature of the beach and the perfect spot to sunbathe or jump into the deep. While planning a day here, take some time and visit the nearby sea stack labeled Snäck Chimp Rauk.
Things To Do Around Visby
Culture, history, adventures, and culinary treasures await tourists visiting Visby, be it for a day or a longer duration. Among Sweden’s most dynamic cities, it promises a cornucopia of excitement, excursions, and activities galore for all ages.
Walk the Ringmuren
Among the unmissable things to do in Visby is walk its 3.5 km long fortification wall surrounding the Old Town. Built during the mid-1200s, the 11-meter-high limestone wall includes 36 watch towers and three main gates, still in pretty good condition. To cover the entire distance, start from the north and head toward the south of the wall till you reach Kruttornet, a gunpowder room that dates back to 1150.
Partake in Medeltidsveckan
Week 32 of every year, typically in August, is when the entire town of Visby celebrates Medeltidsvecken (Medieval Week). Celebrating the city’s colorful past, the event consists of numerous happenings around the island, especially in the capital. Visitors in Visby during this time can stay in a Medieval-themed campsite, watch grand jousting fights, and take photos with locals who dress up in traditional costumes. Moreover, there are food markets, artisanal products on sale, music, and much revelry all around. During Medieval Week, the organizers recreate the Battle of Wisby on the town’s outskirts every three years.
Explore Visby Old Town
The Old Town of Visby is one of its primary highlights, luring visitors with its panoramic quaintness. While wandering around this maze of cobblestone streets, expect to come across medieval romanesque churches, the Visby Cathedral, centuries-old merchant houses, and the ruin of St Clement Church and St Nicholas Church. A famous photo stop in the Old Town is Fiskargränd. This narrow street near the Botanical Garden has houses covered in hundreds of roses, the reason why Visby is sometimes known as the ‘City of Roses’.
Take a Day Trip to Fårö
Fårö is the second largest Swedish island in the Baltic Sea, located a six minutes ferry ride north of Gotland. Known for its distinct rocky topography, Fårö’s sea stack fields are a natural wonder you do not want to miss. Furthermore, the island, easily covered in one day, has the impressive Fårö Museum and the idyllic Sundersand Beach with its soft sand. Fårö is also famous for being the residence of acclaimed Swedish director Ingrid Bergman. The Bergman Center is thus a must-visit for cinephiles.
Visit the Gotland Museum
Also known as the ‘Hall of Antiquities’, the Gotland Museum is among Visby’s main attractions. Located close to Visby Port, you can easily include a visit here even if you are in town for a short period. The museum displays artifacts ranging from Stone Age pictographs and medieval armor from the 1361 Danish invasion to Bronze Age jewelry and Viking Era ornaments. The art section of the museum hosts temporary exhibits of contemporary artists throughout the year. Gotland Museum further owns other buildings in the region that they have converted into smaller museums, such as Pete’s Museum Farm, Norrby’s Museum Garden, and Kattlund’s Museum Farm. Entry ticket for the Gotland Museum costs €13.75 in summer and €9.20 in winter.
Transportation Around Visby
If you’re arriving on the island with ferry tickets to Visby, the good news is that the ferry terminal is close to the Old Town, best navigated on foot. Moreover, cars are not allowed inside the city walls during summer, making the neighborhood perfect for a stroll. To explore the rest of the city, cycling is a wonderful option. You can rent bicycles from several places around town for as low as €15 per day.
Buses run across the city as well as to different locales around the island. They are a cheap and convenient mode of public transport, especially if you do not wish to rent a car. Tickets from the bus driver are purchasable by card only. Therefore, buying your bus tickets before boarding is advisable, preferably through the Gotland public transport app.
Taxis are available but are the more expensive choice and are best reserved for emergencies or fast transfers. Tourists visiting Visby for the first time can hop on one of the mini trains with audio guides that run around the city on short 30-minute routes.
User Account