Visby

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.
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 organization 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.
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".

Climate

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.

Tourist office

• Gotlands Turistbyrå

  phone: +46 498-20 17 00
  address: Donnerska Huset, Donners Plats 1

By plane

• Visby AirportThere are flights all year to Visby from Stockholm (Stockholm-Bromma Airport and Stockholm-Arlanda Airport), Gothenburg, Ängelholm and Nyköping. During the summer you can usually fly to various destinations such as Oslo, Hamburg, Riga, Helsinki and Örebro.

By boat

Visby port is located in the south-western part of central Visby. From the Swedish mainland, Destination Gotland runs ferries from Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn to Visby. You can bring your car. In the summer some Baltic Sea cruises also include Visby.

Visby Marina

There is a lively marina in Visby centre.

• Visby Marina

  phone: +46 498-215-190

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.

The inner city (Old Town), which is located within the city walls, is small enough to be covered by foot. The rest of the city is easy to get around by bike and has plenty of good bike paths.

By foot

Visby is best enjoyed by foot, especially the Old Town, located within the city wall.

By bicycle

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 city center.

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.

• Taxi Gotland

  phone: +46 498-200 200

• Taxi Kurir Gotland

  phone: +46 498-50 000

• Din Taxi Gotland

  phone: +46 498-20 70 70

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. Tours take about 30 minutes and tickets typically cost 65 kr/person.

Note that many of the town's attractions are only open during the summer months, usually until Aug 30th.

Old Town

• City wallBuilt 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 GardensEnter through the "Door of Love" to this picturesque garden of trees and ruins.

• KlintenOnce 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

  address: Södra Slottsgränd 4
  A major fortress built in the early 15th century. It was demolished by Danish forces in 1679 in when it became clear that Gotland would fall into Swedish hands.

• Visby Cathedral

  address: Västra Kyrkogatan
  Built in the early 13th century.

Church ruins in the Old Town

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. Clemens ruins

  address: Smedjegatan 3

• St. Gerturde ruins

  address: S:ta Gertruds gränd 6

• St. Hans & St. Per ruinsThe ruins of two connected churches

• St.Katarina ruins

  address: Stora Torget 2

• St. Nicolaus ruins

  address: Smedjegatan 19

• St. Olof ruins

Museums

• Gotlands Museum

  phone: +46 498 29 27 00
  address: Strandgatan 14
  Museum of local history (Fornsalen), plus a science museum for children (Fenomenalen).

• Gotlands Konstmuseum

  phone: +46 498 29 27 00
  address: S:t Hansgatan 21
  An art museum, mostly exhibiting contemporary art but also some applied art and design. They also offer a child-friendly Creative Art Workshop.

• Fenomenalen Science Centre

  phone: +46 498-26 34 71
  address: Skeppsbron 4-6
  A children oriented theme park teaching natural sciences, technology and mathematics.

• Kotteland

  phone: +46 498-29 96 96
  address: Langs väg 2
  A children's play land with ball pools, inflatables, trampolines, slides and laser tag.

• Kneippbyn

  address: Kneippbyn 11
  A summer resort village containing a waterpark and an amusementpark with some 40 attractions, including the original "Villa Villekulla"-building from the "Pippi Longstocking" movies.

• Selma City Spa

  phone: +46 498-25 75 69
  address: Strandgatan 6
  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. 2018 is the 35th anniversary. Visby is crowded during this week, and venues and connections are heavily booked.

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.

Stores

• Akantus

  phone: +46 498-21 28 88
  address: S:t Hansplan
  Sells locally made handicrafts and antiques.

• Antikvariat Drotten

  phone: +46 498-21 38 30
  address: S:t Hansgatan 29
  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

  phone: +46 70-615 88 85
  address: Strandgatan 32
  A jewelry store selling locally made wares, many of which are created from fossils.

• Gute Art & Design

  phone: +46 498-24 82 30
  address: Hästgatan 10
  Sells locally produced furniture and carpentry.

• Visby Glasblåseri

  phone: +46 498-24 78 50
  address: Mellangatan 56
  A glass studio selling hand made art glass and glassware.

• Ödins Garveri

  phone: +46 498-21 00 54
  address: Tage Cervinsgata 3
  A tannery store specializing in products from the national symbol of Gotland - the lamb.

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

• Bakfickan

  phone: +46 498-271807
  address: Stora Torget 1
  Seafood.

• Bolaget

  phone: +46 498-215080
  address: Stora Torget 6
  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

  phone: +46 498 - 21 66 55
  address: Södra kyrkogatan 10
  Traditional Swedish cuisine and bar menu classics. Open every night with a great "living room atmosphere".

• Isola Bella

  phone: +46 498-21 87 87
  address: Södra Kyrkogatan 20
  An Italian restaurant.

• Kapitelhusgården

  phone: +46 498-24 76 37
  address: S:t Drottensgatan 8
  Serves medieval cuisine in a medieval setting.

• Köpmannen II

  phone: +46 498-27 18 51
  address: Wallérs Plats 7
  Tasty pasta.

• Strykjärnet Visby Crêperie & Logi

  phone: +46 498-28 46 22
  address: Wallérs Plats 3
  Nice crêperie with world music on the stereo.

• Surfers

  phone: +46 498 - 21 18 00
  address: Södra kyrkogatan 1
  Sichuan cuisine, with several smaller tapas-like dishes. It is also a great place to lounge and enjoy a few drinks.

Gotlandsdricke is a local type of beer. It is no longer legal to sell, 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 & Kaffe

A classical tea store offering some 100 different blends of tea and coffee in their store, 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.

Pubs

• Bageriet

  phone: +46 498-21 28 04
  address: Stora Torget 7
  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

  phone: +46 498-21 56 00
  address: St Hansgatan 51
  Traditional British pub.

• Munkkällaren

  phone: +46 498-27 14 00
  address: Sankt Hansgatan 40
  They also have club nights.

• Nunnan

  phone: +46 498-21 28 94
  address: Stora Torget 9
  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.

Cafés

• Fiket Österport

  phone: +46 498-21 73 46
  address: Österväg 2
  A cozy café.

• Glassmagasinet

  phone: +46 498-27 84 55
  address: Skeppsbron 12
  The largest ice cream parlour in Sweden with over 300 flavors.

• Hedbergs Bok & Musikkafé

  phone: +46 498-27 65 00
  address: Södra Kyrkogatan 4B
  Hedberg's Book & Music café is a cozy cafe which often hosts events such as poetry nights or jazz concerts.

• Josbaren Visby

  address: Hästgatan 4
  A smoothie and juice bar.

• Siesta Konditori & Café

  phone: +46 498-21 07 15
  address: Österväg 5
  A typical Swedish bakery-cafe with fresh made cakes, sandwiches and beverages. In the summer you can enjoy your coffee in the backyard of the cafe as well, just watch out for the ubiquitous jackdaws that will grab a piece of any unattended food and drink.

• Clarion Hotel Wisby

  phone: +46 498-25 75 00
  address: Strandgatan 6

• Donners Hotell

  phone: +46 498-25 98 90
  address: Donners Plats 6

• Kneippbyn Resort

  phone: +46 498-29 61 50
  address: Kneippbyn 15
  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.

• Mullbärsgårdens Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +46 70-5134107
  address: Strandgatan 27

• Hotell Stenugnen

  phone: +46 498-21 02 11
  address: Korsgatan 4

• Hotell Villa Borgen

  phone: +46 498-20 33 00
  address: Adelsgatan 9-11
  Nice rooms, breakfast and location. Good Wi-Fi.

• Visby Fängelse Vandrarhem

  phone: +46 498-20 60 50
  address: Skeppsbron 1
  A former prison turned into a hostel.

• Visby Strandby & Norderstrand

  phone: +46 498-21 21 57
  address: Snäckgärdsvägen 32

• Almedalsbiblioteket

  address: Cramérgatan 5
  Free Wi-Fi at the public library.

• Café Amalia

  address: Hästgatan 3
  Free Wi-Fi for the cafe's customers.

• Tidsfördriv

  address: Hästgatan 12
  Free Wi-Fi for the cafe's customers.

• Ferries connect Visby with Oskarshamn on the coast of Småland.
• The bigger cities Stockholm and Uppsala are reachable from here without too much effort.
• Visit various small villages and other interesting places here on the Gotland island.

• Fårö, is a smaller island just north of Gotland, known for its barren climate.
• Karlsöarna, is the second oldest natural reserve in the world, famous for its rich birdlife.