Visby is a town on the Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. It's known for its well-preserved town wall, a medieval fortification incorporating defensive towers. The town's many churches include the grand, centuries-old St. Mary's Cathedral and the medieval ruins of St. Nicolai and St. Karin. The main square, Stora Torget, has cobblestone streets lined with cafes and restaurants.
June to August:
Peak season with warm weather, long days, and festivals like Medieval Week
Ideal for walking the town walls, beach outings, and open-air cafés
May & September:
Milder, fewer tourists, still great for sightseeing and outdoor walks
October to April:
Off-season with fewer services and chilly weather, but beautiful in a quiet, cozy way
Visby Airport (VBY) – direct flights from Stockholm (Arlanda or Bromma), Gothenburg, and Malmö
~10 minutes by taxi or bus to city center
Ferries from Nynäshamn or Oskarshamn (mainland Sweden)
Run by Destination Gotland (3–4 hours)
13th-century stone wall encircling the old town with towers and gates
One of Europe’s best-preserved medieval city walls
Impressive Gothic cathedral, still in use since the 12th century
Numerous church ruins, like St. Nicolai and St. Karin, offer atmospheric glimpses into the past
Lush garden known for its roses, exotic plants, and quiet atmosphere
Peaceful green area by the sea, perfect for sunsets and picnics
Walk the full city wall and explore its towers
Rent a bike to explore Gotland’s coastline and countryside
Visit Gotlands Museum to learn about Viking and medieval history
Attend Medieval Week (early August) — with costumes, jousting, and markets
Enjoy the local art scene in galleries and craft shops
Relax at Tofta Beach (20–30 minutes away) for sunbathing and swimming
Clarion Hotel Wisby – historic hotel with spa and excellent location
Donners Hotell – upscale and centrally located
Hotell St. Clemens – charming and sustainable hotel with garden views
Villa Borgen – boutique hotel in the old town
Visby Gustavsvik – apartment-style lodgings near the water
Visby Vandrarhem – budget hostel option close to the center
Lamb (Gotland is known for it)
Saffron pancakes with cream and jam
Fresh seafood, especially Baltic herring and smoked fish
Bakfickan – small seafood restaurant with a big reputation
Surfers – modern Chinese with a Swedish twist (great cocktails too)
Bolaget – French/Swedish brasserie on the main square
Ett Rum För Resande – intimate fine dining spot with local ingredients
Visby blends Viking, medieval, and islander traditions
Locals value sustainability, artisanal craft, and natural beauty
The island hosts many events, like Almedalen Week (political forum) and Gotland Truffle Festival
A strong creative community in design, ceramics, and storytelling
Slower pace of life, but summer brings it alive with energy and color