Curator’s statement
Gotland is Sweden’s summer island, shaped by long days, open landscapes, and a certain barefoot charm. Visby is a walled medieval town of stone houses, rose-covered lanes, and atmospheric cobbled squares. But the island is best experienced beyond the walls as well, with quaint villages, sandy beaches, and limestone cliffs. I’ve been coming here since childhood, and now return with my family. Mornings in Visby, wandering quiet streets before the day begins. Afternoons by the water, whether on a sandy beach or cycling along the more rugged coastline. And long outdoor dinners that stretch late into the summer light, when the sun barely dips below the horizon. It’s not a place of big resorts or polished luxury, but of small hotels, thoughtful design, and a strong sense of season. A few days or a week here offers a different side of Sweden—more relaxed, more elemental, and very much shaped by summer. - Mats Ulenius at Murbeaux Voyages
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Where to stay in Gotland, Sweden
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Things to do in Gotland, Sweden
Tofta Beach, Gotland’s most social summer beach
Medieval Visby
Wander the cobbled alleys, visit the St. Karin’s church ruin, and walk on the medieval city wall of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start at sunrise or dusk to avoid the midday cruise crowds.
Gotland Museum
Located in a grand medieval warehouse in Visby, this museum brings to life the island’s Viking heritage and rich merchant history.
Gotlandic design
Skip the souvenirs and seek out authentic island craftsmanship. Explore local ateliers for the island’s famous, silky grey lambskins. Visit G.A.D in Visby for timeless furniture (shipping possible).
"Gårdsbutik" shops
Gotland is the pantry of Sweden. Spend an afternoon visiting farm shops like Sibbjäns and Lilla Bjers, or specialty destinations like Wisby Ost and the herb gardens at Krusmyntagården. Look for travel-friendly treasures to bring home, such as Gotlandic truffle products and the island’s signature Salmbär (dewberry) jam.
Fårö
Cross the strait to Fårö, the starkly beautiful island that legendary filmmaker Ingmar Bergman called home. Visit the Bergman Center, then drive to the Langhammar Nature Reserve to see the iconic Raukar (limestone sea stacks).
Fabriken Furillen
This striking lunar landscape used to be a limestone quarry and factory, but has been turned into a design hotel. A must-visit for design aficionados and a stylish place for lunch.
Museum Lars Jonsson
Housed in the beautiful 18th-century Vamlingbo Rectory, this gallery is dedicated to one of the world’s premier wildlife artists, famous for his watercolors of birds.
Körsbärsgården
Located on the southern tip of the island, this art hall and sculpture garden is a lovely stop en route through the rugged Gotlandic landscape.
Beaches at Sudersand and Tofta
For a pristine, wide-open expanse, head to Sudersand on Fårö. For a more social, vibrant atmosphere, visit Tofta Beach on the west coast.
Sunset at Högklint
For the island’s most iconic sunset, head to the Högklint cliffs just south of Visby. Bring a bottle of Swedish sparkling wine and watch the sun dip into the Baltic Sea.
Places to eat & drink in Gotland, Sweden
Farm-style dining at Sibbjäns in the south of Gotland
Bakfickan, Visby: Fresh seafood right on Visby’s main square. Nautical and casual, Bakfickan serves the best shrimp sandwich in the old town.
Bolaget, Visby: A chic bistro vibe and a great spot for cocktails and people-watching in Visby. Located in a beautiful old pharmacy on the main square.
Gula Huset, Visby: This café with a hidden rose garden has one of the best saffron pancakes inside the Visby city walls.
Lilla Bjers, Västerhejde: Dine in a stunning glass greenhouse on this elite organic farm, just ten minutes south of Visby. Green luxury.
Själsö Bageri, Själsö: An artisanal bakery perched on a cliff north of Visby. Grab a cardamom bun and head to the terrace for a panoramic view of the Baltic Sea.
Sylvis Döttrar, Fårö: A mandatory Fårö stop for their legendary saffron pancake served with local dewberry jam and whipped cream. Best visited early as they often sell out.
Krakas Krog, Katthammarsvik: A sophisticated fine-dining destination, set in a quiet rural garden. Fixed tasting menus focused on local forage and game.
Sibbjäns, Burgsvik: This circular farm hotel and restaurant has quickly gained a strong following, with farm-grown dishes served at a beautifully restored 19th-century estate.
Bruna Dörren, Ljugarn: A vibrant, kid-friendly spot with a relaxed garden, pizzas, and live music. The perfect place for the whole family to exhale after a day at the beach.
Våffelmagasinet, Ljugarn: A popular family favourite serving generous waffles with both savoury and sweet toppings in a limestone barn in Ljugarn harbor.
Need to know
Getting there: Fly from Stockholm to Visby in around 40 minutes, or take the ferry from Nynäshamn or Oskarshamn. The ferry takes around 3–3.5 hours and is practical if bringing a car.
Getting around: A car is recommended to explore Gotland properly. Visby is compact and walkable, but beaches, restaurants, and many of the island’s best stops are spread out.
Seasonality: July is peak season, with long days and a lively atmosphere. June and August are slightly calmer, while outside the summer months many places close or reduce hours.
Restaurant reservations: The most popular restaurants book up quickly in summer. Places like Krakas Krog, Sibbjäns, and Lilla Bjers should be reserved well in advance.
Fårö ferry: The car ferry to Fårö is free and runs frequently, but queues can build up in high summer. Arrive early or plan around off-peak times.
Local specialties: Look out for Gotland’s signature saffron pancake (saffranspannkaka), often served with salmbär (dewberry) jam and cream. The island is also known for local lamb and seasonal produce, including ramslök (wild garlic).
Travel Advisor
Murbeaux Voyages
Mats Ulenius
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