Best of Gotland: Medieval Ruins, Turquoise Lagoons & Train Rides
Welcome to Gotland — a sun-drenched slice of Swedish paradise floating in the heart of the Baltic Sea. With its rugged coastline, medieval towns, mystical caves, and a seriously quirky vibe, Gotland is one of those places that feels straight out of a Nordic fairytale. Whether you’re a history buff, beach lover, pancake enthusiast, or someone who just wants a taste of the good life — Gotland’s got you covered.
Here’s a hand-picked list of the top 10 things to do on Gotland — from the famous to the unexpected.
1. Visby: The City of Roses and Ruins
Visby is Gotland’s medieval masterpiece—a charming coastal town where ancient stone walls surround winding cobbled streets, crumbling church ruins, and blooming gardens. Once a powerful Hanseatic trading hub, today it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s as romantic as it is historically rich.
What’s Special: The 13th-century Ring Wall wraps around the city like a medieval time capsule. Add to that the ruins of St. Karin’s Church and the summer roses in bloom—it’s pure historical eye candy.
Must Do: Climb up to the North Tower of the city wall for a panoramic view of Visby’s red rooftops and the sparkling Baltic Sea.
Local Tip: Come during Medieval Week in August to see Visby transformed into a 14th-century wonderland.
2. Lummelunda Cave: Gotland's Underground Wonder
Just outside Visby lies Lummelunda Cave (Lummelundagrottan), a vast limestone cavern first explored by three adventurous boys in the 1940s. Today, it’s one of Sweden’s longest caves and an underground fantasy world of stalactites, echo chambers, and ancient fossils.
What’s Special: It’s home to 400-million-year-old fossils and folklore about magical creatures said to dwell below.
Must Do: Take a guided tour deep into the cave system and witness the underground river still carving its way through the rock.
Local Tip: Bring a light jacket—it’s a steady 8°C (46°F) inside, even in peak summer.
3. The Blue Lagoon: Turquoise Swims in a Quarry
This isn’t Iceland! Gotland’s Blue Lagoon is a former limestone quarry filled with crystal-clear, turquoise water. It's a local summer hotspot for cliff jumping, swimming, and sunbathing on warm rocks.
What’s Special: The water is stunningly blue against white cliffs—a perfect natural swimming pool with major photo ops.
Must Do: Jump off the cliffs (carefully!) or just float around in the cool, refreshing water.
Local Tip: Arrive early or late in the day to beat the crowds—it gets packed in peak season.
4. Stora Karlsö: Gotland’s Untamed Wildlife Island
Just off Gotland’s west coast lies Stora Karlsö, a stunning limestone island and nature reserve known for its dramatic cliffs, rare birds, and untouched landscapes. It’s one of the world’s oldest nature reserves (established in 1880), and feels like a wild, open-air museum of natural history.
What’s Special: Stora Karlsö is a nesting paradise for seabirds, especially guillemots and razorbills. It’s also home to blooming orchids, ancient fossils, and jaw-dropping views of the Baltic.
Must Do: Take a guided boat tour from Klintehamn and explore the island’s hiking trails, lighthouses, and bird cliffs.
Local Tip: Visit in late spring or early summer for peak birdwatching season and wildflower blooms. Pack sturdy shoes and a windbreaker—the weather changes fast out here
5. Roma Abbey: A Serene Ruin with Stories to Tell
Roma Kloster, founded in 1163, is one of Gotland’s oldest and most beautiful ruins. Once a bustling monastery, it's now a peaceful place where history, art, and nature mingle.
What’s Special: The blend of ancient stonework and open skies makes it a dreamy summer photo spot—and there's a seasonal café and glassworks on site.
Must Do: Catch an open-air theater performance in the abbey ruins if visiting in summer.
Local Tip: Bring a picnic and enjoy the quiet fields surrounding the site—it’s a serene slice of Gotland away from the crowds.
6. Gotland Railway: A Steamy Ride Through History
The Gotlandståget Museum Railway is a nostalgic trip through Gotland’s countryside aboard a steam train. Running between Hässelby and Roma, this lovingly preserved line celebrates the island’s surprising rail heritage.
What’s Special: It’s one of the few island steam railways in Europe—and a charming nod to a time when sugar beets were king.
Must Do: Ride the train in vintage style, then explore the museum full of locomotives and rail memorabilia.
Local Tip: Only operates in summer—check the schedule and book your ticket in advance during festivals.
7. Gotland Zoo: A Farmyard with a Twist
Gotlands Djurpark isn’t your average zoo—it’s more of a cozy animal haven filled with friendly farm animals like goats, pigs, and rabbits, plus a few exotic residents like peacocks and parrots.
What’s Special: It’s hands-on and intimate, perfect for animal lovers and families looking for a gentler wildlife experience.
Must Do: Feed the goats and check out the quirky mini-barns dotted across the park.
Local Tip: Look out for seasonal events and baby animals in spring!
8. Fårö: Gotland's Wild and Windy Neighbor
Just a short ferry ride from Gotland lies Fårö, an island of stark beauty, dramatic sea stacks (raukar), and sweeping beaches. It was home to legendary filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, and the landscape feels like a black-and-white art film brought to life.
What’s Special: The raukar at Langhammar are towering limestone giants sculpted by wind and sea. One even looks like an old man’s head!
Must Do: Bike around the island and stop for fika (Swedish coffee and cake) at one of the cozy roadside cafés.
Local Tip: The Fårö ferry is free, but in summer the lines get long—go early or late in the day for a smoother trip.
9. Kutens Bensin: Rock ’n’ Roll Creperie
Once a gas station, now a crepe-and-galette haven with a junkyard twist, Kutens Bensin (Creperie Tati) is one of Gotland’s quirkiest eateries. Think delicious French food served next to rusting cars and retro signs.
What’s Special: It’s part creperie, part rockabilly time capsule, with live music nights and bonkers decor.
Must Do: Try the goat cheese and honey galette, then explore the car graveyard out back.
Local Tip: It gets packed in summer—come midweek for the best chance at a seat without a wait.
10. Medieval Week: Gotland's Time-Travel Festival
Every August, Visby becomes a stage for the past. During Medieval Week (Medeltidsveckan), the city transforms with jesters, knights, minstrels, and markets galore. It’s a full-blown immersive celebration of the 1300s, and absolutely unforgettable.
What’s Special: This isn’t just a show—locals and tourists alike dress up and live the medieval life for a week of swordplay, storytelling, and feasting.
Must Do: Attend a jousting tournament in the shadow of Visby’s walls.
Local Tip: Costumes are encouraged but not required—however, renting one makes the experience 10x more fun.
Gotland: An Island Where Legends Live and Pancakes Flip
Gotland is a place that surprises you—in the best way. From its medieval magic and ancient fossils to pancakes in the woods and quirky roadside creperies, it’s an island where the past and present play side by side. So pack light, stay curious, and get ready to explore a Swedish gem that’s full of heart and history.
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