Visby is located on the picturesque island of Gotland, Sweden. It is another European city, like Tallinn, Estonia, that has well preserved city walls, cobblestone streets, and well preserved ruins from the Middle Ages. Less than 25,000 people live on the island of Gotland.
Visby, Sweden
Visby is a popular vacation destination for Scandinavians during the summer and receives thousands of tourists every year.
Visby has an oceanic climate which renders the summers cooler and the winters milder than mainland Sweden. It is also sunnier than most of Sweden.
The City Wall is 2.1 miles long and encircles the town center. Construction likely began around the year 1300. Once used to protect the town from invaders, now it’s beautiful to stroll along the ramparts. There are remnants of the town’s past, including watchtowers and fortified gates. Once a thriving trade hub, it’s wealth is reflected in its impressive Gothic architecture that still stands today.
Visby Cathedral, formally called St. Mary’s Cathedral, was consecrated in 1225. Originally a wooden church, it was eventually replaced with stone. It is the only medieval church in Visby that is still in use. It was not originally built as a cathedral, but as a church for the German traders who visited Visby during the 13th century.
There are a number of church ruins including St. Nicholas Church. Visby has been called the “City of Ruins” due to its numerous Gothic church remains.
The Botanical Garden is a peaceful oasis filled with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. Cared for by the association DBW (De Badande Wännerna = the bathing friends), it has been situated here since 1855.
A more rustic church on Gotland.
Stone burial ships in Gnisvärd date back between 1100 and 400 BC. The boat-shaped stone monuments were used as burial spots. The person would be cremated and their bones ground up. The remains were placed in a stone urn and buried inside the stone ship. This helped the dead facilitate the journey to the afterlife.
Gnisvard is a small fishing village on Gotland that dates back to the Viking Age. Herring were the main fish caught, but cod and flounder were also popular.
The small cottages can only be occupied while fishing and not lived in year-round.
To celebrate the summer solstice, the Swedes use the Scandinavian Midsummer holiday maypole tradition that weaves greenery around a pole.
