Main picture Visby ©Region Gotland

Visby

Visby is a charming authentic medieval city. Narrow lanes, medieval ruins, the cathedral, charming shops, cafés and restaurants make Visby into an attractive destination. A walk along the 3,5 km long city wall gives you a memorable experience whether in summer or in winter. The previous church of St Nicolas has now been converted into a modern concert hall without losing its medieval character. During Medeltidsveckan (the Medieval week) the Hanseatic era comes alive through, for example, historical markets, theatres, concerts and jousting. 

The calcareous soil of Gotland and the favourable climate contributes to a rich selection of fresh, local products. In spring asparagus is offered on the menu in various combinations. Truffles grows on the island and if you’re a fan, you should visit Visby and Gotland in November when the Truffle festival is arranged. The festival offers tastings, truffle hunts and lectures. Visby has something special to offer also for our younger visitors, the movies Pippi Longstocking were mostly shot in Visby and south of Visby invites Villa Villekulla you all for a visit.

Highlights

Visby town wall ©Region Gotland

Town wall

The 3,5 Km long town wall in Visby is the best-preserved town wall in northern Europe. The wall is 11-12 metres high and was built in the 13th century, the wall has 30 towers and saddle towers together with three impressive city gates. A walk along the town wall takes you about 45 minutes and is a lovely experience and also an interesting visit to our history.

St Marys cathedral, Visby ©Region Gotland

St Mary’s Cathedral

St Marys church, today was inaugurated in 1225 and was then the church of the German merchants. In St Mary’s church a chest was kept containing important trade documents. The chest had four locks and the keys were in the possession of the mayors of Lübeck, Soest, Dortmund und Visby. Today the cathedral is a wonderful place for church services and music experiences.

Church ruin Visby ©Region Gotland

Church ruins

Inside the town wall there are several church ruins, most of them built during the 12th and 13th century. They were destroyed through plunder and fires in the late medieval times. Today the ruins are popular places to visit and venues for concerts, theatres, and weddings.

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