Visby.
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Overview

Visby is one of the most remarkable towns in the Nordic countries, with 24,000 inhabitants. It is on the west coast of Sweden's largest island Gotland in the Baltic Sea. Visby is known for its city wall, its cathedral and many church ruins. In 1995, the old city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Understand

Visby is on the western shore of Gotland, and is the only city on the island. The old city centre is encircled by a medieval city wall. The old city has an oblong shape along the shore, measuring some 2 km in length and half a km in breadth. It is often called "the city of roses and ruins": roses thrive on the limestone island, and the city is filled with medieval ruins.

During the Swedish summer school break (from mid-June to mid-Aug) Visby is busy and most establishments are open daily. It is one of the best party cities in Sweden in the summer. Many Visby residents leave during these hectic months and let their apartments to visitors. During the rest of the year, the atmosphere is quite different and difficult for tourists as many restaurants, shops, etc. reduce their days and hours of operation. Some establishments will be completely closed, only operating for 2 months in the summer.

As the Pippi Longstocking movies were shot in Visby, and the original Villa Villekulla can be visited in Kneippbyn in the city outskirts, it is a great destination for Astrid Lindgren tourism. The city was also the model for the fictional setting of the Japanese movie "Kiki's Delivery Service".

History Around 900 AD, Visby became a hub for trading in the Baltic Sea, and it eventually became a member of the Hanseatic League. During the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries the city prospered, and several churches as well as a major defensive wall were constructed. Visby's long period of decline began in 1361, when the Danish king Valdemar IV conquered Gotland and held Visby for ransom, threatening to pillage the city if he did not get three beer barrels filled with gold and silver. In the latter part of the 14th century, Visby became a nest of a pirate organisation called "The Victual Brothers". The Danes regained control over the island in 1409 and construction of the major fortification Wisborg started two years later. In 1525 the city was burnt by occupying Hanseatic troops. Much of the city was never re-built after this, and many of Visby's ruins stem from this event. In the 17th century, Gotland became a part of Sweden rather than Denmark. In order to prevent Wisborg from falling into Swedish hands, the castle was destroyed by Danish troops. In the latter part of the 19th century the city started growing due to industrialization and an emerging tourist industry, and eventually came to develop beyond the old city walls.

Visby has an oceanic climate, with cooler summers and milder winters compared to most of mainland Sweden. Nevertheless, the climate is strongly influenced by continental air flows. Precipitation is relatively constant throughout the year, and fairly low for an oceanic climate.

Get in

By boat From the Swedish mainland, Destination Gotland runs ferries from Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn to Visby. You can bring your car. Hansa Destinations operates a weekly ferry from Rostock. In the summer some Baltic Sea cruises also include Visby.

There is a lively marina in Visby centre.

Visby is some 35 nautical miles from Öland or the Swedish coast, some 60 from the Stockholm archipelago (Landsort), so a full day of sailing. There is little shelter except from the mainland and Gotland itself. The coast of Gotland is exposed, with only some harbours.

The port of Visby is tight and busy in the summer. Check the ferry timetables, listen on VHF 16, and adjust arrival and departure accordingly. Be alert and apply good seamanship.

The 250 berths are distributed between the inner harbour, the north breakwater and the fishing harbour to the right of the entrance. There is often a boat meeting visitors to assist in finding a berth. There are quays also for big vessels. A few berths can be booked, but mostly you just show up and will find or be showed a berth. At the big events, check the situation beforehand.

Get around

On foot The inner town, within the city walls, is small enough to be covered by foot.

By bicycle Outside the walls it is easy to get around by bike and there are plenty of good bike paths.

During the summer there are usually plenty of bike rentals, but they can be expensive; if you're staying for a longer period, purchasing a used bike might be a cheaper option.

By bus There are several bus lines going out to the rest of the island, check the timetable before heading out though.

By car During the summer, cars are not allowed within the city walls. There are parking options free of charge, though a small parking fee is usually required in the centre.

By taxi Like the rest of Sweden, taxis can be expensive, and are best for short trips when you are unable to get around otherwise.

By sightseeing train There are a few sightseeing "trains" – practically a couple of trailers with seats and roofs pulled by a vehicle making tours around the old town with an audio guide playing through the speakers.

See

Many of the town's attractions are only open during the summer months, usually until 30 August.

City wall. Built during the 13th and 14th centuries, Visby's city wall stretches almost 3.5 km and stands 11 m high. Today, 36 towers and three main gates remain.

DBW's Botanical Gardens. Enter through the "Door of Love" to this picturesque garden of trees and ruins.

Klinten. Once the workers' quarter and now a popular spot to take in the view over the lower town, Klinten is an attractive maze of small, rose-covered homes.

Visborg Castle Ruins. A major fortress built in the early 15th century. It was demolished by Danish forces in 1679 when it became clear that Gotland would fall into Swedish hands.

Visby Cathedral. Built in the early 13th century.

Gotlands Museum. Museum of local history (Fornsalen), plus a science museum for children (Fenomenalen).

Gotlands Konstmuseum. A former art museum, now used as a gallery space with various temporary exhibits.

Visby once had many more churches, but most of them were destroyed in a major fire in 1525. Today the ruins of these remain as attractions:

St. Hans and St. Per ruins. The ruins of two connected churches

St Lars ruins. There is a path across the upper levels via staircases on both sides of the church.

Do

Fenomenalen Science Centre. A children oriented theme park teaching natural sciences, technology and mathematics.

Kotteland. A children's play land with ball pools, inflatables, trampolines, slides and laser tag.

Kneippbyn. A summer resort village containing a water park and an amusement park with some 40 attractions, including the original "Villa Villekulla"-building from the "Pippi Longstocking" movies.

Selma City Spa. A spa and massage centre.

Annual events Almedalsveckan, (The politicians' week) takes place in the Almedalen park in Visby, first week of July. All political parties and organizations meet for debates and seminars, most of it open to the public; mostly in Swedish, but some in English. Big media coverage. Stockholm week, (Stockholmsveckan) is a week of clubbing and partying in mid July when Visby is filled with youths, many of which come from the Swedish capital Stockholm. Medieval Week (Medeltidsveckan), a large feast during a whole week in the beginning of August every year. Visitors dress in medieval clothes while visiting the medieval market or the jousting tournament. The feast is concentrated to Visby, but arrangements are held on all of Gotland. 2028 is the 45th anniversary. Visby is crowded during this week, and venues and connections are heavily booked.

Buy

There are only three ATMs in the old town and port area: one at Donners Plats just as you come up from the water front, one on Adelsgatan, and one on Stora Torget. The one on Stora Torget in the wall of the small grocery store with the hand-painted text saying "Uttagsautomat" is a minor sight in itself. Along the Östercentrum there are several others.

Most shops close at 17:00 on weekdays, 15:00 on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays.

Main shopping areas Adelsgatan This is the major shopping street, and by far the most touristy. Don't be discouraged though, it has plenty of interesting shops selling small trinkets and local handicraft. If you venture off this street you'll get to see the beautiful alleys and the smaller streets, which are less crowded, and there are smaller shops hidden here and there. Hästgatan Sankt Hans Quarter (Sankt Hansgatan) - some clothes and design shops Östercentrum (exit the old city through the Österport gate) Modern pedestrian shopping district with most of the usual European retail outlets, as well as banks, pharmacies, and fast food joints. In this area you can find Systembolaget to buy some good local beer, and records shop to buy home some nice Swedish music.

Akantus. Sells locally made handicrafts and antiques.

Antikvariat Drotten. A cosy second hand book shop with a stock of some 40,000 books. While most books are in Swedish there is also a considerable English language section.

Gotlandssmycken. A jewelry store selling locally made wares, many of which are created from fossils.

Gute Art & Design. Sells locally produced furniture and carpentry.

Visby Glasblåseri. A glass studio selling hand made art glass and glassware.

Ödins Garveri. A tannery store specializing in products from the national symbol of Gotland - the lamb.

Eat

There are countless restaurants in Visby, especially during the summer, though the best cooked food is usually served at the year-round-establishments.

Bolaget. At the sunniest place of the main square you find Bolaget. Try the great French food, or have a steak from the barbeque. Or, just enjoy a drink in the sun.

Gamla Masters. Traditional Swedish cuisine and bar menu classics. Open every night with a great "living room atmosphere".

Kapitelhusgården. Serves medieval cuisine in a medieval setting.

Strykjärnet Visby Crêperie & Logi. Nice crêperie with world music on the stereo.

Surfers. Sichuan cuisine, with several smaller tapas-like dishes. It is also a great place to lounge and enjoy a few drinks.

Drink

Gotlandsdricke is a local type of beer. It is no longer legal to sell (as the alcohol content isn't standardised across batches), but it's still legal to make it yourself, so if you ask around you might be able to find someone who makes it. Back in the day, every farm had their own recipe. Saffranspannkaka is a local form of dessert pastry, or fika. It is made from rice, milk, egg, almonds and saffron, and is usually served with whipped cream and dewberry jam.

Kränku Te och Kaffe. A classical tea store offering some 100 different blends of tea and coffee, out of which some 30 are their own produces. They also sell mugs, kettles, and other tea related products. Kränku's own blends of tea can also be found in many grocery stores around the island.

Bageriet. A day-time tapasbar and a night-time pub. During summer it has a nice outdoor seating area on the main square. As it is one of few Visby pubs which stay open throughout the year it is a favorite among locals. They are located next to Nunnan and have the same owner, but attract a younger clientele.

Black sheep arms. Traditional British pub.

Munkkällaren. They also have club nights.

Nunnan. A restaurant and pub which offer Greek and Gutnish cuisine. They have a nice outdoor seating area on the main square and often hosts live music concerts. They are located next to Bageriet and have the same owner, but attract a more mature clientele.

Glassmagasinet. The largest ice cream parlour in Sweden with over 300 flavors. Also sells coffee and cannoli.

Josbaren Visby. A smoothie and juice bar.

Siesta Konditori & Café. A typical Swedish bakery-café with fresh made cakes, sandwiches and beverages. In the summer you can enjoy your coffee in the backyard of the café as well, just watch out for the ubiquitous jackdaws that will grab a piece of any unattended food and drink.

Sleep

Kneippbyn Resort. A resort village containing a B&B, hotel, camping sites and cabins. The area is 150 m from the shore and also has a "Summer & Waterland" theme park.

Hotell Villa Borgen. Nice rooms, breakfast and location. Good Wi-Fi.

Visby Fängelse Vandrarhem. A former prison turned into a hostel.

If you come to Visby late by ferry and are on a bike, it's probably easiest to wild-camp somewhere south of the city.