There’s a magical island, hidden around 90 kilometers away from fascinating Sweden. The Swedes know this ancient Baltic island to be a unique and mesmerizing place. However, it is still not over-marketed among travel destinations, making it a perfect place for avoiding overcrowding. Still, more than 700,000 people flock annually to this magical island to witness its beautiful attractions and marvelous scenic views. This island is Gotland and is inhabited by 60,000 residents.
Moreover, Gotland is just a 45-minute flight away from Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, and it can also be reached through a flight from Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city. The latter flight needs one hour to complete. Here’s what to know for spending the perfect vacation in the hidden gem island, Gotland.
This Is The Best Time To Visit Gotland And What To See In This Magical Island
Gotland turns particularly hot, lively, and fun during the short summer season. Most visitors of the island flock from Stockholm, and the majority of those are young Swedes who head to Gotland during the summer season to have some chill time on the island’s marvelous beaches. Moreover, during summer, Gotland’s restaurants, bars, and campsites become fully packed.
However, to avoid these crowds, people are advised to visit the island by the end of May or during September, when it’s possible to swim in the island’s waters. Still, many would prefer to visit in August to attend Medieval Week, which takes place during the second week of the month. This is when the streets of Gotland become filled with music, people will be dressed up, and there will be medieval food sold in the island’s restaurants. This event takes place in Gotland’s capital, Visby. This beautiful town boasts fantastic medieval architecture and many warehouses dotted among wooden and stone houses. In other regions in Gotland, people enjoy rolling green countryside, fine beaches, forest-lined roads, and small fishing villages.
- Information: Gotland is home to many medieval churches, with the island being the place with the most significant number of medieval churches in Scandinavia. Moreover, 93 of those churches are still in use, featuring a unique Baltic Gothic style.
- Recommended: Roads in Gotland are traffic-free, and this is why people can cycle freely and conveniently while exploring the island.
Those Beaches Are The Most Beautiful To Visit For A Summer Escape In Gotland
Fine sandy beaches are the trademark of Gotland, and there’s one beach that everyone visiting the island must head to for a refreshing swim. That is the one located on the east coast between Sjaustrehammaren and Ljugarn. A pine forest backs this beach. It boasts an unsullied stretch of golden sand and attracts the most visitors in Gotland during the summer season. Moreover, the Mullvalds Strandskog forest and nature reserve is located to the southern side of the beach and is popular with naturists.
- How to get there: To reach the beach between Sjaustrehammaren and Ljugarn, people must take bus number 41 to Gammelgarn and then reach the beach by cycling for around fifteen minutes to Ljugarn. People must next follow a narrow forest track to reach the shore.
Another beautiful beach worth visiting in Gotland is Snäck, located north of Gotland’s capital Visby. People are expected to ride for around 5 kilometers from the island’s capital to reach the beach of Snäck. Moreover, the latter boasts sloping sands where kids can paddle safely and efficiently. This is why families frequent Snäck.
Tofta Strand is another beach in Gotland, perfect for kids and families since the water is warm and shallow. People can reach Tofta Strand by taking bus number 10 from Visby.
A perfectly formed sandy bay in Gotland is Sundersandsviken, located on Fårö. This one can be reached by taking bus number 20 from Visby to the ferry at Fårösund. From the latter location, people must take a taxi to Sundersandsviken. They should book it on telephone number 0498 20 20 00.
Holmhällar beach is also a must-visit in Gotland. It’s a unique place surrounded by unspoiled wild countryside. It can be reached by taking bus number 11 from Visby.
Here’s Where To Stay When Visiting Gotland
There are many beautiful places to stay in Gotland, whether in the city center or the countryside. Moreover, people can enjoy camping on the island for attractive rates while experiencing the beautiful natural views in Gotland. It is possible to book a stay in coastal campsites and other areas in Gotland.
Hotell Slottsbacken in Visby is a perfect place to stay in the center of Gotland. It is located in a remodeled medieval house on the island and features luxurious rooms.
- Cost: One night for two in a small double room at Hotell Slottsbacken costs $193.