Rooftop view of the old town in Visby, Sweden
STRAIGHT FROM A STORYBOOK

Cruise to Visby, Sweden

A small town on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, Visby was a popular trading spot during the Viking Age. Today, it's Sweden's sunniest vacation destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the 3.5 km Ringmuren (Ring Wall), built in the 13th Century, and see its 50 towers and surrounding moats. Snap shots of the idyllic red rose-covered cottages, the ruined Gothic churches and the 13th-century Saint Maria Cathedral. If would like to know more about the island's history, don't miss the excellent Gotland Museum. Cruise to Visby and head 20 kilometers south to the Tofta Viking Village, a Viking-era settlement reconstructed around authentic ancient monuments.
National Language Swedish
Currency Accepted Swedish Krona (SEK)

Things To Do in Visby

The towers of the defensive walls in Visby, Sweden

Walk the Walled City

The towers of the defensive walls in Visby, Sweden

The towers of the defensive walls in Visby, Sweden

Walk the Walled City

Walk along the awe-inspiring medieval Visby Ring Wall, a 3.5 kilometer fortification constructed in the 13th century. This World Heritage site has numerous gates, such as the round-arched Love gate, and more than 50 towers surrounded by moats. It's the best-preserved city wall in Northern Europe, and within the walls lie several ancient stone houses and churches.

An open air ethnographic museum in Sweden

Viking Treasure

An open air ethnographic museum in Sweden

An open air ethnographic museum in Sweden

Viking Treasure

Pay a visit to Gotlands Museum to get a sense of the region's history. Highlights include the Spillings Hoard, the world's largest Viking silver treasure, several medieval wooden sculptures, 8th-century picture stones and human skeletons from chambered tombs dating back to the Stone Age.

Old ruins of a building in Visby, Sweden
Old ruins of a building in Visby, Sweden

Road to Ruins

Don't miss the impressive medieval ruins of the St. Karin church on Stora Torget. It was founded by Franciscans in 1233, and its memorable ruins feature distinctive high arches. Today, it's often used for performances, and in the winter, children skate on an ice rink set up inside its walls.

A bowl of fish soup with potatoes in a tomato paste in Sweden
A bowl of fish soup with potatoes in a tomato paste in Sweden

Local Cuisine

The majority of cafes and restaurants are located around the main square, Stora Torget. Cruise to Visby and make sure to try the delicious traditional saffranspankaka, a saffron-based pancake topped with berries and cream. In one of the seafood restaurants have some fisksoppa (fish stew), fried Baltic herring and turbot, Gotland's national fish.

A variety of colorful miniature horse souvenirs
A variety of colorful miniature horse souvenirs

Shopping

Gotland is known for its many artists — browse the many studios and galleries in Stora Torget. You'll find pottery, glass work and products made of wool, leather and textiles. The museum shop at Gotlands Museum also sells wood handicrafts, jewelry and glass work. Keep an eye out for painted horse figurines, a distinctive Swedish souvenir during your Visby cruise .

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 Cycling on Gotland's flat countryside is very popular and there are several bicycle renting spots.
2 The Tourist Office is located in the Donnerska huset, Donners plats 1.

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