Depicting the medieval Swedish town of Visby is like depicting your favorite fictional setting in vivid color, texture, and detail. It’s dripping with deep blues, greens, and grays. On the horizon, red roof tiles separate the sky from the sea, and stone walls rise like strong arms protecting children from danger. Set between the road and the trees, stone churches tell stories of times gone by and a faith that continues today. I feel like I can hear poetry riding the wind. But Visby is no fiction. Visby is real.
Located on the island of Gotland off the coast of mainland Sweden, Visby is an almost otherworldly place in its charm, beauty and history. Having been rerouted from another stop on our Baltic cruise and having never heard of Visby before, we still didn’t know what to expect from this island town. After spending a magical day there, we have been dreaming of returning again ever since.
About Visby (Sweden)

Visby is UNESCO World Heritage Site Viking roots date back to the 12th century. The best-preserved fortified commercial town in Scandinavia, Visby is a living town steeped in history. Walkable streets lined with church ruins, beautiful cottages, cafes and shops make Visby an attractive destination for travelers. It was also the filming location for the movie Pippi Longstocking, which was filmed in the 1960s and 1970s, and some of the buildings still remain. In summer, visit Kneibbin Summerland to enjoy the amusement park and see Pippi Longstocking’s house from the movie.
How to visit the medieval city of Visby


Located on the island of Gotland off the coast of mainland Sweden, you have to make a conscious effort to get to Visby. But once you visit this historic trading city, you may want to stay. You can travel to Gotland in several ways. Many cruise lines offer Visby as a port of call. If so, we recommend disembarking the ship first to get the most out of your one-day visit.
You can also arrive by ferry from the mainland or by plane from nearby Stockholm or Helsinki. Bring your car with you on the Gotland ferry, or rent a car on the island for longer stays. If you plan to stay within the walls of Visby, we found that walking or cycling is sufficient.
Inside the Walls


From church ruins to cobblestone streets, the city is a delight to explore. The Botanical Garden has been home to beautiful flowers, sculptures, and walking trails for over a century. A great place to enjoy a snack or drink coffee. Be sure to explore the town both inside and outside the gates and see the impressive city walls from both sides.stop by gotland museum Browse maps of the town and browse historical artifacts.
Explore the church ruins


Climb the hill to the Visby Cathedral, consecrated in 1225 and still in operation today, to reflect on its exciting history and enjoy spectacular views of the roofs leading to the Baltic Sea below. Stroll through the town square, shop, and enjoy lunch. And visit the ruins of St. Catherine’s Church, an amazing ruin with, as you might imagine, probably the most beautiful arches you’ve ever seen.
Where to eat in Visby


There are many restaurants and cafes in town. You really can’t go wrong. We had a delicious meal at Plaza Restaurant & Bar in the city center. The food and service were excellent. If you’re feeling adventurous, find a place that serves Gotland’s classic saffron pancakes.
Afterwards, if you have room for dessert, stop by Glass Magazinette in the harbor and sample 356 ice cream and gelato flavors. It’s called Sweden’s biggest ice cream shop, and you can see why. The options seem endless and everything we tried was delicious.
Other sites on Gotland


If you’re planning a longer stay on the island, there are even more exciting places to visit outside of Visby on Gotland. Tour Rummelunda Cave and see what lies beneath the island. Or take a day trip to Faro to see its impressive sea stacks and white sand beaches.
You can head south for more natural beauty and spectacular sea views of the Baltic Sea, or you can stay in Visby and rent a bike to ride along the outside of the city walls. Dip your toes in the sea and imagine what life was like for the early traders who called this place home. If you’re staying in Scandinavia, it’s worth visiting Gotland. You can visit for a day or a week and still discover more.
Whether you stop for a day on a Baltic cruise or stay on one of the islands, there’s beauty around every corner. From hiking to ancient churches, exceptional restaurants and shopping, Visby will win your heart.