Gotland, Sweden - Travel Guide
Let’s talk about my favorite place Gotland! Here is my ultimate unpopular destination guide to Gotland, Sweden.
I remember the days in primary school, I mean don’t we all. As I moved up through years in school, I always wished I could have a lighter workload and the carefree nature all young kids have.
One distinct part of growing up was my imagination shown through schoolwork. Does anyone ever remember writing about or drawing your “favorite place?”
It would likely have been between the ages of 6-10 however it still leaves an impression on me now. Little 10-year-old me would be buzzing at the opportunity to be momentarily transported to where I felt was home. My favorite place was always Gotland.
I am so excited to share with you my first unpopular guide. Here is the ultimate guide to a mostly unpopular or unheard of destination: Gotland, Sweden!
Where is Gotland?
Gotland is an island off the coast of Sweden in the middle of the Baltic Sea. Many underestimate its size however, during the peak of summer this ‘little island’ gets pretty busy. On average hosting 60,000 per summer. The largest town is named Visby. Easily spotted by its timeless cobblestone streets, olden-day architecture, and a medieval city wall running around the outside of the city. Truly a place you need to see to believe!
Being a medieval city, Gotland hosts a variety of medieval churches, artifacts, Viking burials, and more. Not only a place of profound historical value but also a nature lovers paradise. Never far from the beach or the forest.
Getting to Gotland
There are a couple of ways to get to this beautiful island. One, being the most obvious and quickest would be to fly. Only a 40-minute plane ride from Stockholm, it feels as though you land before you have properly taken off!
Another option is to take the boat from Stockholm straight to the port of Visby. A slightly longer journey at 3 hours but does give you the chance to acclimatize slowly and appreciate the Baltic Sea in all its glory on the way over.
Travel to Gotland is year-round, so depending on what season you choose, you’ll always get there!
Staying on Gotland
There is one hotel I wouldn’t go past when staying on Gotland. The not unpopular, Clarion Hotel is enveloped within the Medieval wall and cobblestone streets. If you stay central in Visby everything is a quick walk away and many rooms overlook the stunning Gotland harbor.
This hotel truly encapsulates Gotland’s history and design. You’ll find the hotel doesn’t go against the grain. However, the rooms are modern, chic, and very comfortable.
We stayed in a Deluxe Double Room. This was the perfect
oasis to the madness of visiting family and touring around the island. Complete
with a spacious bathroom, living room, and spiral staircase to the lush bedroom,
we were more than able to feel relaxed.
Some of the features of rooms include:
Free Wi-Fi – (the most important amenity of course)
Room Service
TV’s and Mini Bars
Friendly staff
Restaurant, bar and seating areas
Complimentary breakfast buffet
The Clarion Spa
From that list, I would highly recommend checking out the spa! It’s called Selma City Spa. Check out some of the spa packages for purchase here (ps you may need to translate the page!!)
What to do on Gotland?
Gotland would likely be known as an ‘unpopular destination’ just by the fact that many people aren’t even aware of the existence of the little island. However, the not so “little” island hosts more than a beach and a few churches. Even though you totally must check those out too!
North Gotland
Basically growing up on the island, I’ve been all over the place and I would not miss out on seeing a bit up north. We drove through Visby towards Fårö. We made our way up to a small part of the island called Furillen. The northern parts of the land in Furillen were recently bought and turned into a nature reserve. In the past, this part of the island was known for its limestone industry. Dusty gravel roads lead you to the coast and past a pretty large quarry. Overlooking parts of the islands you can see wind turbines, mills and lots of landscape of course.
If you are to come here in summer check out the restaurant “Fabriken” for a decadent meal. All designed to be an “eco-friendly masterpiece” nestled amongst the limestone formations, quiet beaches, and quarry. In winter? Well, the restaurant will be closed but I’d recommend making your way up some of the limestone formations. The views from the top are not worth missing and it really helps to put the area into perspective.
From here you can continue up towards Fårö, perfect for summer fun or check out the Rauks. These are picturesque rock formations that resemble something out of a painting. These provide the perfect opportunity to stop for a gorgeous picture too.
Inner City Gotland
Visby
As mentioned above the city is sealed by a medieval wall and covered in cobblestones. Just walking around the wall, checking out the history and houses is an amazing day out. Further, you can check out the jaw-dropping Romanesque cathedral based in the inner city, museums, old Viking ruins, and indulge yourself in some Fika! (I’ll get to that later!)
Medieval Christmas Market – Visby
Happening at the beginning of December, don’t miss your chance to check out the cute old medieval-style stalls around the center of the city. Hosting more than things to buy, be entertained by concerts, dancing and the history of Gotland.
Shopping
There are a plethora of shopping options inside the walls of Visby! Everything from traditional Swedish, jewelry, clothing, etc!
Cafes
There are various eateries all over Visby and the rest of Gotland. You’ll find the cutest ones encased within the Visby walls.
Ett Rum For Resande Café
A 2-minute walk from the Clarion Visby, you’ll find one of the many quaint cafes nestled around the town. Not only is this café cute and worthy of taking a photo with, the food, whether cabinet or prepared truly shows off the cuisine of Sweden. Sweet and savory treats from Swedish Chocolate Balls, to chocolate ‘mud’ cake, coffee, soups, and salads.
Fiket
Fiket is another humble café built into the side of the wall at the “öster port” of the city. Once again providing all the traditional Swedish goodies, endless coffee, and a very cozy atmosphere it is a no-brainer!
South Gotland
Eksta Coast
South of Visby you will come to see the beautiful nature reserve on the coast of a town called Eksta. Enter through a sign off the main road signaling “Djupvik”. Here you can observe old fishing cottages, small homes, sheep, and the famous coast protected by the two small islands called Karlsöarna. If you are a sucker for cute photos, a bit of nature, and a bit of coastline, don’t miss this off your list!
For your information!
What is ‘Fika?’
‘Fika’ is a term the Swedish use for a gathering usually partnered with buns and coffee (usually freshly baked sweet buns or cinnamon buns).
Essentially another form of afternoon tea but can be done at any time during the day! From experience, I find that Fika is squeezed in as many times in the day as possible. Just finished breakfast? Fika. Lunch done? Fika. Just before dinner? Fika. I think you get the point from here, but don’t feel afraid of overindulging, this is really all part of the fun and experience!
Language Barrier
Don’t feel intimidated by going to a country that doesn’t perhaps speak your language, chances are if you are reading this blog post you can likely speak English! This is also a very popular language to communicate in so you won’t have to be pulling out that translator app. *phew!*
Don’t Forget!
Winter and Driving
If you rent a car ensure that you are using winter tires with lots of grips. The roads do tend to become very icy and slippery fast. As of the 1st of December every year it is the law to have winter tires fitted to your vehicle, punishable by a fine (the last thing you need when traveling)! Also, don’t forget about any changes to the side of the road you are driving on, anyone already used to driving on the right side will be absolutely fabulous, but those like me will need to take extra care with the traffic!
Candy
I had to add this in because I can honestly oath that Swedish candy is the most delicious I have ever tasted in my life. Pop over to a store in Visby’s österport named Hemmakväll. This pick and mix wonderland will surely bring your childhood dreams into a reality!
Make money through recycling
This was a game-changer for me as a child. Any bottle able to be recycled usually will have a ‘pant’ sticker placed on the back for between 1-2 SEK. Recycle these at any Coop Consum or Ica and you will get the amount dictated on the back of the bottle back in cash! Simply follow the rules at any ‘pant station’ and you’ll never forget to recycle again!
I hope you all enjoyed this guide! Feel free to leave a comment or let me know if there is anything else you would like to know about Gotland or even Sweden!
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