Looking for things to do in Gotland? This idyllic island, located about 90km off the mainland in the Baltic Sea, is Sweden’s top summer getaway. With sandy beaches, charming fishing villages, and scenic countryside, Gotland offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Each summer, Swedes flock here in holiday mode, giving the usually tranquil island a lively, party-ready atmosphere.
But whatever time of year you choose to visit, there’s plenty of things to see and do here. From the medieval capital Visby to the sea stacks of Fårö and the farm shops. Moreover, the gastronomic restaurants and craft breweries dotted around the island are not to miss.
So if you’re thinking of a visit to this scenic island in Sweden, read on to find out the best things to do in Gotland.
Wander the cobbled streets and ramparts of Visby
The capital of Gotland and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Visby is a pretty medieval walled town. Its streets and ramparts are perfect for browsing around.
Founded by the Vikings originally, Visby has a rich and fascinating history. If interested, this one hour hop-on hop-off bus is perfect for first time visitors. It will take you to top attractions such as Visby City wall, Kneippbyn Resort and the “Snäckschimpansen,” the closest sea stack to Visby. You’ll learn the full story behind the city from its heyday as one of Europe’s wealthiest and influential cities to the present day.
Feast at the farm shops
Gotland is known for its excellent quality local produce. There are plenty of farm shops on the island that make and sell their own produce. From cheese and eggs to organic vegetables, from artisan bakers to chocolate-makers.
General shops such as Paula’s Vegetable near När sell local everyday produce. Or check out specialists, for example Mästerby Honung near Tofta make their own honey. Överstekvarn Chili grows its own chilies and makes them into sauces, dressing and oils.
Chill out at Gotland’s amazing beaches
Gotland has no shortage of pretty sandy beaches. Particularly in summer, the water is warm enough for a dip.
The long sandy beach at Sjaustrehammaren on the east coast is a wild stretch backed by pine trees. There’s a naturist section at its southern end – maybe you got a taste of feeling liberated at the Swedish saunas and you want more! On the other hand, Tofta beach on the west coast is a shallow bay that’s good for children.
Visit Visby’s Viking Treasury
More than two thirds of haul of Sweden’s Viking silver coins have been found in Gotland. They also found Roman silver and gold, Bronze Age jewellery plus treasures from Visby’s days as an important trading port.
Check out the treasury at Visby’s Gotland’s Museum to see some of these amazing finds.
Get crafty on Gotland
Gotland is popular with artists and craftspeople. Therefore, many of whom have set up their own workshops and craft centres on island.
The Cherry Garden has been an artists’ hang-out for years. You’ll find art workshops, galleries, sculpture park and fab garden café.
Beautifully knitted products made from local lambswool are a speciality on Gotland. Check out Ansarve Farm just outside Visby, which sells cosy lambswool jumpers and scarves plus lambskin boots, gloves and rugs.
Take the ferry to Fårö
It’s just a ten-minute ride on a free ferry to the island of Fårö, on Gotland’s northeastern coast.
The island was home to Swedish film director Ingmar Began for many years. In fact, film fans can visit Fårö’s Bergman museum here.
Fårö is also where you’ll find one of Gotland’s prettiest beaches. For example, visit the Sundersandviken, and the impressive Laghammars sea stacks (see below).
Explore the limestone cave at Lummelundagrotten
Stretching back some 4.5 km, the Lummelundagrotten is one of Sweden’s longest caves. You can explore its watery caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites on foot or in small boats.
Above ground, the Lummelunda nature reserve is a pretty area for walking, cycling and picnicking.
See the famous sea stacks in Gotland
Gotland is known for its amazing sea stacks (or rauker), huge limestone columns and arches that are the remains of ancient reefs.
Once beneath the sea, they now dot the shoreline of Gotland. The most dramatic examples are the Jungfruklint on the west coast, Gotland’s highest rauker, and the Langhammars on Fårö.
Eat local delicacies from Gotland
Gotland has a great foodie scene, with many restaurants and cafes creating innovative dishes. Think local ingredients that are sustainably and ethically produced.
Check out the fine-dining Krakas Krog or the Lilla Bjers farm restaurant, where most of the ingredients are grown on the on-site farm, and you can dine in a greenhouse.
In summer Bruna Dörrens on the beach is the place to hang-out, with its casual party vibe, Caribbean bar and potato restaurant – yes, really! Who knew the humble potato could be so tasty?
Explore Gotland by bike
Although Gotland is Sweden’s largest island, it’s fairly flat with few hills and plenty of small quiet country roads. So, cycling is a great way to get around. Gotlands Cykeluthyrning in Visby rents out bikes from around 140 SEK a day, and also organises guided cycle tours of the island. During summer, the opening times vary. But, you can return bikes even when the hire center is closed.
Go green in Gotland
Check out Sunderbyn Eco Village. It’s a sustainable community that aims for minimal environmental impact and has its own organic farm. Have a look on their Instagram to see if they are organising anything while you’re there, for example a flax to linen workshop or join their annual ReGreen summer camp.
Have a beer at a Gotland brewery
Gotland has more breweries per head of population than anywhere else in Sweden. So, it’s a great place to visit a craft brewery and sample some of the local brews.
The Hop Shed Brewery near Visby is a cool place to sample its own home brews plus a selection from other Gotland microbreweries.
Plenty of things to do in Gotland – from medieval towns to coastal adventures
In short, Gotland, Sweden’s largest island, offers a blend of historical charm and natural beauty. Explore the medieval town of Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its cobbled streets and ancient ramparts. Beyond the town, discover sandy beaches, dramatic sea stacks on Fårö, local farm shops, and craft breweries that showcase the island’s vibrant culture.
Have you been to Gotland? Share your favourite spots or suggest more things to do in the comments below!
See also:
The Stockholm archipelago: the best islands to visit
The best places to visit on Sweden’s west coast
The best lakes in Sweden
Discover more from Tourthenordic
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.